Jansen

Violence Against Women (VAW) remains a pervasive social problem, not only in the Philippines but worldwide. Statistics reveal the alarming reality: nearly 1 in 3 women globally experience violence in their lifetime. In the Philippines, the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) found that almost 1 in 5 women have experienced emotional, physical, or sexual violence from their current or most recent partner. These numbers underscore the need for continued advocacy and action. The yearly observance of the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is an essential step in addressing this issue. Anchored in Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004, the campaign raises awareness and promotes the implementation of laws that protect women and children from abuse. The Significance of the Anti-VAWC Act The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Ac...

Elpidio Quirino, the sixth President of the Philippines, was born on November 16, 1890 , in Vigan, Ilocos Sur . Raised in humble circumstances, Quirino experienced the challenges of rural life, which shaped his determination to succeed. His father, a jail warden, and his mother, a teacher, emphasized the importance of education, inspiring him to persevere despite financial hardships. After completing his elementary education in Caoayan and high school in Vigan, he moved to Manila to pursue higher education. Working as a tutor and draftsman to support himself, he graduated with a law degree from the University of the Philippines in 1915 and passed the bar examination the same year. Quirino's political career began in 1919 when he was elected as a representative of Ilocos Sur . His dedication to the welfare of Filipinos quickly earned him recognition, and in 1925, he became a senator. As a legislator, Quirino advocated for economic reforms and social development, demonstrating his c...

Every October, the Philippines commemorates National Indigenous Peoples Month , a significant observance that highlights the heritage, rights, and contributions of indigenous communities across the nation. In 2024, this celebration is particularly meaningful as it marks the 27th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) , a law that remains pivotal in safeguarding the rights and cultural identities of indigenous peoples. The theme for this year, “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalan” (Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge), underscores the need to celebrate their wisdom and ensure their cultural survival. The observance plays a critical role in promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples by fostering awareness and appreciation among Filipinos. It showcases their rich traditions, such as dances, music, and crafts, through cultural exhibits and community-led events. These activities n...

The frequency and intensity of typhoons in the Philippines, especially those that are highlighted, makes clear the destructive nature of climate change on the environment and its role in increasing poverty. As in the case of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in 2013, it ravaged entire provinces and left thousands of people without shelter and wrecked means of making a living. In addition, rising sea levels menace coastal-based communities that make them leave their households, culture, and economic activities. Such abrupt changes tend to increase the population of the cities where most of such people settle, thereby aggravating the existing limited infrastructure and resources. To many of the Filipinos, climate change is not only environmental, it is also social and economic. On top of these extreme events, climate change impacts, particularly temperature increase and erratic rainfall, have a bearing on agriculture, which is a major sector in the Philippines. Most farmers are unable to harvest ...

The chosen theme for 2024 National Children’s Month (NCM) is centered around the campaign “Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines.” This theme rekindles the challenges that a good number of children go through by way of abuse, neglect or even exploitation. Research shows that violence towards children is likely to cause emotional, mental wise as well as physical more often than not impediments to their potential of growing up confident and useful in the society. The main objective of this theme is to give a voice to the children’s issues that are often silenced. It stresses the need to build a supportive and protective environment for children where they feel safe, cared for, and encouraged. In this thematic area the focus is on the sufficiency of legal and institutional frameworks for the children’s protection. In the Philippines, there have been laws proposed for the protection of children such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and C...

The Environment Month, which is a period set up to raise the public's consciousness of the conservation of our planet, is honored. It leads to the need for green practices, conservation of natural resources, and the fight against climate change. In this period, communities and people in general reflect together about the impact of human activities on ecosystems and take the measure of promoting actions that provide for a healthier and greener future for all. The concept of such communal responsibility insists on this and every person takes it as a means to the attainment of the continuity of the life on the Earth that he/she wishes to. I'm doing my part to protect and care for the environment by taking the following actions: I focus on being more energy efficient at home by using energy-saving appliances and turning off lights when they're not needed. This not only helps reduce our energy consumption but also lowers our utility bills and minimizes our environmental impact. ...