NOTHING can be completely done without them. Differently abled persons have an important part and could greatly contribute to the community, if only we learn to be more sensitive and respectful of their capabilities. Beyond being the object of pity, they have far more shown the ability to create and contribute to the community. Their […]
Taking the High Road
IN what came in as a surprise, the Social Weather Station (SWS) survey released on Wednesday this week, showed that 51 percent of the 1,500 adult respondents agreed that drug tests be made mandatory for Grade 4 students and older pupils. Grade 4 students are usually 10 years old. “Much too young,” if the Philippine […]
Digital Parenting and Divide
“No screentime!” the kasambahay of our two-year-old neighbor screeched early morning Wednesday, awakening me from a deep slumber. It was followed by a brief discussion between the other adults in the household, the parents of the child, who supported the no screentime mode advice. The kasambahay would later explain to the wailing child that this […]
Making technology work for Peace
I am not a techie, as I consider myself a perpetual learner in utilizing technology and its different platforms in development research and communication. Technology is a force multiplier where anyone can easily access information to assist them in making decisions and access relevant information and resources from other stakeholders. It can foster greater understanding […]
Of Decency and Humiliation
Believe survivors. Lean towards supporting those who come out and report cases of abuse and harassment despite the stigma of shame, denial, and fear of the consequences that surround them—in their workplace, family environment and in the larger community which inhibit survivors to report and speak up. Sexual harassment always thrives in a culture where […]
Making Things Count
IN his third State of the Nations Address (SONA), President Rodrigo Roa Duterte raised an important pronouncement regarding the protection of the environment and the policy of the government to prohibit open pit mining. “Do not destroy the environment or compromise our resources. Repair what you have mismanaged. Try to change management radically because this […]
TJ Approach on HR Violations
In recent years, transitional justice has emerged as an approach to not only address human rights violations but to also respond to the grievances on the ground. It comprises the “full range of processes and mechanisms associated with a society’s attempt to come to terms with a legacy of large-scale past abuses, in order to […]
Step forward
If sabotaging the peace process was part of the plan in the SAF operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao then those behind it have almost succeeded. On January 25, 2015, government officials sent its commandos on an uncoordinated and special mission in the town of Mamasapano to serve an arrest warrant to an international terrorist, resulting to […]
Conflicting Interests
The thing is, Rappler Inc. and Rappler Holdings Corp. is an online news website managed and operated with an investment from a foreign company. Does this justify the need to arbitrarily close it down, even when it is not only accused of being critical of the government but also of violating the provision of the […]
Beyond grief
It was a bittersweet parting for the year. In the aftermath of typhoon Vinta, an estimated 57,000 evacuees in Mindanao, including 18,500 families in the 25 barangays of Davao City were displaced. It left 123 dead and 160 missing in Visayas and Mindanao. Less than 24 hours and while the local government of Davao, including volunteers […]
Whose Interest?
Breastfeeding may be the single most important intervention that can save the lives both of mothers and infants. It can drastically reduce stunting, prevent child deaths and could be the most important investment that the government can make. But it is also a politically charged issue. Not only because males continue to ogle at women […]
Revolutionary Government?
What is there to be afraid of RevGov? “I’d go to RevGov only if the ship of state is about to sink…maybe I’d be forced. That is a very extreme measure,” President Rodrigo Duterte said. Putting up a revolutionary government at this time was like looking for a headache, he added. Malacanang, on Monday, […]
Pablo, Five Years After
Karla, 8 years old and resident of Barangay Andap, Compostela Valley recalls the early dawn of December 4 when their family and neighbours have to run away from rushing waters and rocks. “Gigukod gyud mi sa tubig ug bato pero nisalig mi nga tabangan sa Ginoo mao nga niabot mi diri,” she said. “Gunit-gunit gyud mi […]