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https://cesie.org/media/violenza_donne.jpg Every year, National Women's Month culminates into an 18-day campaign to end violence against women, which reminds us that such a serious societal ailment requi res immediate and ongoing attention. Although the symbolic gestures of awareness campaigns are precious, a deeper engagement with the issue is necessary to move beyond rhetoric and towards tangible, meaningful change. Statistics tell a grim tale; there is a shocking prevalence of violence against women in its different forms – physical, emotional, psychological, and economic, affecting thousands of people and families. These figures represent not mere data points but the lived realities of women who have endured immense suffering and trauma. The challenge lies not simply in acknowledge having the problem's existence but in understanding its complex roots. Violence against women is not an isolated phenomenon but a manifestation of deeply ingrained societal structures and power ...

More about a very quiet president, who just happened to be the nation's sixth president. With flamboyant predecessors and flashy successors, Elpidio Quirino's was a life of quiet strength and remarkable achievements. One that deserves to be heard. Born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, in 1890, his early life hadn't been marked by any privilege. He was brought up very poor, but his brain and perseverance really shone through. He had worked enough to get an education, which eventually led him to become a law graduate from the University of the Philippines. I believe this made the foundation for his eventual successes in politics and public service. Never born in power, he worked hard to win it. Quirino was not exactly a career path to the presidency. He served in several positions, gained experience and proved himself to be a potential leader. He sat in the Philippine Assembly and in the Senate, and there was political acumen and dedication to public service. His experiences in those po...

This month of October is Indigenous Peoples Month in the Philippines. This year, it marks the 27th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA). This year's theme, "Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalana" or "Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge," emphasizes recognizing and supporting the unique cultures and wisdom of our indigenous communities. For me, this month is not only a remembering of a law but the doing of something in the continuing battle for indigenous rights and for the preservation of their rich heritage. We have to go beyond the recognition of their existence and start being an active part in moving towards a more just and equitable society. https://i0.wp.com/balikbayanmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sinulog-scaled.jpg?resize=640%2C457&ssl=1 This year's celebration hopes to push for and safeguard indigenous rights in several ways. First, it creat...

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTJAvUK4EOV2YfbeG9jt7uT6jV2ZaP9EfNMLg&s It is a world where life's rhythm is suddenly interrupted by raging typhoons, rising sea levels, and unpredictable weathers. That is a life for many Filipinos, who experience the long reach of climate change personally. The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, and it is always vulnerable to natural disasters. However, the occurrences and severity of such events have been intensified in recent years, ravaging lives and livings of Filipinos. The main culprits behind these sudden changes and gradual developments of the environment are attributed to climate change. The warmer global temperatures cause sea levels to rise thus escalating coast erosion and flooding especially in low-lying places. The Philippines, with its long coastlines and numerous islands, is particularly vulnerable to these impacts. The warming atmosphere also brings more powerful and frequent typhoons with...

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/care-kids-vommunity-protecting-children-600nw-2301756285.jpg Every October is celebrated in the Philippines as National Children's Month-to ponder on the welfare of the youngest citizenry. This year's theme, "Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines," puts attention to the pressing issue of prevalence of violence concerning children. We must not forget to remember that our children deserve a world free of harm, a world where they can thrive and reach their best. Imagine a child who is supposed to play, learn, and dream but lives in the constant fear of abuse. This is the reality of far too many Filipino children. From physical and emotional abuse to neglect and exploitation, they all suffer from different forms of violence. All these can leave deep wounds on their body and mind, affecting their development, their ability to feel safe, and their feeling of well-being. We cannot le...

 National Teachers Month is a time to celebrate the amazing people who make a difference in our lives every single day. They're not just teaching subjects; they're building confidence, inspiring dreams, and helping us discover who we are. Think about your favorite teacher. The one who made learning fun, who believed in you even when you doubted yourself. They were more than just a teacher; they were a mentor, a friend, a guide. This month, let's show our teachers how much we appreciate them. Let's share stories about the teachers who made a difference in our lives, and let's encourage others to do the same. Let's make this National Teachers Month a celebration of the human connection that makes teaching so special. Because, at the end of the day, it's not just about the curriculum; it's about the hearts and minds that teachers touch, and the future they help shape.