Philippines: A Battleground Against Climate Change

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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 torrential rainfall, strong winds, and devastating storm surges. These extreme weather events have become a recurring nightmare for Filipinos, disrupting the homes, infrastructure, and agricultural land across a wide rural landscape.

The impacts of these environmental changes run long and truly impact millions of Filipino lives. Many people have lost their houses and sources of living through floods and typhoons, while thousands have been compelled to migrate to safer ground, away from their established community and traditional way of life. Food security is also at stake as agricultural yields lessen due to weather disturbances and saltwater intrusion. This impact on the environment is also affecting the health conditions of Filipinos, as there is increased exposure to diseases due to air pollution and extreme heat. The country, in its own way, stands out as a graphic example of how climate change is not just an environmental issue but a humanitarian catastrophe that requires immediate action.

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A Safe Philippines for Our Children: Breaking the Cycle of Violence

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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 let our children suffer in silence. It is time to overcome the cycle of violence that haunts us and make it a Philippines where every child feels safe, loved, and protected.

This month, let's all take that commitment and be part of the solution. We must raise awareness on child protection, notice signs of abuse, and speak against anything wrong. We can help organizations tirelessly dedicated to children's protection and provide them with the resources they need. Above all, most importantly, we can build a culture of mutual respect and understanding, whereby children are heard, valued, and empowered. Together, we can build a brighter future for our children, a future where they are safe, loved, and free to dream big.

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