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Social Worker Board topnotcher from MSU: ‘No one deserves war’

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TOPNOTCHER. Paramisuli Aming from Mindanao State University in Marawi City tops the 2017 Social Workers Licensure Examination.

MANILA, Philippines – War has only one face to many Filipinos. It is about the government against the rebels, or the government against the terrorists. The nation has become too fragmented that it has forgotten about the people who unfortunately, have to live their lives in between the crossfire – even children who eventually grow up hearing gunshots at night instead of lullabies.  

This is what Paramisuli Aming, the 2017 Social Workers Licensure Exam top-notcher, believes in.

Aming hails from Tawi-Tawi in Mindanao. She moved to Marawi City in Lanao del Sur to study social work at Mindanao State University and to help her own people one day.

On Tuesday, August 2, her dream finally came true as she became a registered social worker.  

The 20-year-old has known war all her life and she understands that it doesn’t choose who it will slay next.

In her own words, “Walang pinipili ang bullet, ang bomba, whether you’re a good person or a bad person.” (Bullets and bombs don’t choose anyone, whether you’re a good person or a bad person.)

Aming said that it is just unfortunate for them to be accustomed to armed conflicts because it should never be normal. She added that people have forgotten about the social impacts of war to people.

“It is sad that it’s almost normal to us to hear gunshots. No one deserves this (war)."

She is not alone in her desire to help fellow Mindanaoans. Two other top-notchers also came from Mindanao State University. Catherine Caulawon ranked sixth while Elmer Villamucho Jr. ranked seventh. 

‘For the people’

Growing up in an island enveloped by armed conflict, Aming told Rappler that many young people like her who go to college usually choose to pursue nursing or other development courses. She is one of those whose dream is to help uplift people from Mindanao.  

“It’s for the people. It is basically helping the people in a professional way,” she said on wanting to be a registered social worker.  

According to her, seeing other social workers make an impact inspired her to do the same. Despite Filipinos being a resilient people, Aming said that victims of conflict, particularly the Marawi siege, direly need psychosocial attention from the government.

For Aming, the best way to completely help the victims is by rebuilding the homes and communities of the affected families. (READ: Duterte creates task force in charge of Marawi rehab)

“People need rebuilding and rehabilitation in their own places. They need the sense of normalcy,” Aming said. “There’s a lot of things that we should do. There’s a huge challenge to uplift these people,” she added.  

She does not only have this perspective as a social worker but as someone who experienced war herself. In fact, Aming was in Marawi the day the crisis erupted.

Escaping Marawi 

“We were happy the night before when we were in our dormitories. I was with my batchmates,” the then graduating student said.

The graduating batch of MSU was having their torch parade the night before the Maute group and the military clashed against each other. They were grateful, happy, and celebrating, without knowing that the next day would possibly be the darkest day of their lives. (READ: MSU Marawi students graduate away from home)

When the Maute group invaded the city, people in MSU started shouting “Go home! Lock your doors,” in their local language.

Aming was in panic. She ran to her cottage barefooted.

Since MSU is located in an elevated place, she said they could see establishments burning and bombs falling. Her voice started to shake during the phone interview while narrating her story.

Her roommates started to leave one by one while she went with their landlady to Balindong – a municipality 30 minutes away from the battleground. She stayed there for a night and eventually went to her sister in Cotabato.

After 8 days, Aming went to Iligan City to prepare for the board exams.

Advocating for unity 

Beyond her experience in Marawi City, she is no stranger to conflict and violence. During the election day, she event witnessed one watcher shoot another watcher. 

“May pinapatay without justice served even without investigation,” she said.  (There are people being killed without justice served and even without investigation.)

Prejudice has also been prevalent in the environment she grew up in. She narrated that she found it difficult to find a dormitory to stay in Iligan City – one of the many examples of the social impacts of armed conflicts.

“They are quick to reject us whenever they would see our head scarves.”

She said that there is a big need for the Philippines to be united but Moro people like her find it difficult to reach out because of stereotyping.

Aming added that she gets hurt whenever other Filipinos attack and blame the Muslim community of what is happening in Mindanao.

Despite going through all that she has experienced, Aming remained hopeful for her fellow Muslims and countrymen. The first thing she plans to do is give back to her people.- Rappler.com


DICT launches 4th startup challenge, urges youth to fail

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FREEDOM TO FAIL. DICT Secretary Rodolfo Salalima highlights the importance of failure for aspiring innovators. Photo courtesy of DICT

MANILA, Philippines – “It is in failing that we further innovate and thus succeed.”

These were the words of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Rodolfo Salalima in the recent launch of the Philippine Startup Challenge (PSC) on Tuesday, August 1.

“We at DICT believe in the capability of Filipinos to create innovative solutions,” added Salalima. Through the Philippine Startup Challenge, Salalima said they wanted to encourage the youth to step out of their comfort zones and use technology to create change in their communities.

According to a Forbes article, 90% of startups fail. But Salalima emphasized that even if the crazy ones with the craziest ideas are more bound to fail, “the more they fail, they will learn from them and thus succeed.”

Now on its 4th year, PSC is a national competition that encourages college students to create tech-driven solutions for society’s real life problems. It also aims to inculcate entrepreneurial spirit to young Filipinos. PSC accepts entries for both software products or applications and hardware or Internet of Things (IoT).

Inclusive innovation, training the teachers

According to DICT Undersecretary Monchito Ibrahim, this annual competition was originally conceptualized to engage students outside of Metro Manila in innovation. They also wanted to increase the pool of digital startups in the Philippines for attracting foreign funders and investors.

Unlike other well-known startup competitions in the country, DICT said they focus on involving students in the regions. Ibrahim said this is to spread awareness on the different ICT-related opportunities for the youth other than employment. In fact, they said the bulk of the winners and finalists of the competition in the previous years came from areas like Cebu, Iligan, and Bulacan.

Goldy Yancha of Ideaspace Philippines, one of the incubation partners of DICT, shared during the launch that one of the trends they noticed is that they receive better startup ideas from the provinces because it is where real-life problems are experienced, meaning problems that are other than the so-called first world problems.

”Most of the innovative solutions that come from the countryside tries to address local problems in their communities,” Yancha said.

TECH FOR GOOD. DICT believes the youth can use technology to create change. Screenshot from DICT Video

To encourage inclusive innovation, DICT will conduct a series of Lean 101 Bootcamps for teachers and professors in key locations around the Philippines.

The bootcamp will equip college teachers with skills, knowledge, and mindset for creating a digital startup. After the bootcamp, the teachers will be tasked to form and mentor student teams from their respective schools.

Here are the dates of the bootcamps: 

  • Naga City - August 4, 2017
  • Tacloban City - August 11, 2017
  • Zamboanga City - August 18, 2017
  • Manila - August 31, 2017

Startups in the countryside

The Philippine Startup Challenge, according to DICT, has been the starting ground of some emerging startups founded by youth innovators outside Metro Manila.

Emmy Delfin, DICT Program Manager, shared in her presentation startups that sprouted from their yearly project: Fresh2Ket, Sea2Go, and MilkTrack.

Fresh2Ket is a Cebu-based startup that connects farmers directly to customers, eliminating middle men and empowering farmers to sell their products at a fair price.

Founded by students from Davao City, Sea2Go, on the other hand, aims to connect fisher folks with potential buyers.

MilkTrack is a mobile application made by students from Bulacan to link lactating mothers to other mothers who need breast milk for their babies.

Since 2014, Delfin said PSC already received more than 350 entries, trained 460 eligible teachers or mentors, and engaged more than 214 schools nationwide. Delfin hopes they get more entries this year.

The Philippine Startup Challenge 2017 is a product of public-private collaboration between DICT, the Philippine Software Industry Association, Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators, Ideaspace Foundation, Huawei, and Microsoft.

In the Philippine Roadmap for Digital Startups launched by DICT in 2015, they estimated that around 100 tech startups are operating in the country. However, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of young Filipinos venturing into innovation and entrepreneurship in the past two years.

The DICT aims to grow the local startup ecosystem to at least 500 Philippine startups with a cumulative valuation of USD $2 billion and 8,500 newly-created jobs by 2020. – Rappler.com

Netizens celebrate the signing of the Free Education bill into law

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MANILA, Philippines – Going against the advice of his economic managers, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, a law providing free tuition for students of 112 state universities and colleges (SUCs) on Friday, August 4.

The move came a few days after student leaders from different SUCs urged the President to sign the Free Education Bill before the August 5 deadline.

According to the Commission on Higher Education, there are 112 SUCs that will be benefiting from this law. 

Netizens celebrated the news online, pushing the "SUCs" to the top of the trending list nationwide. 

Amid the online celebration, some netizens reminded the public to stay vigilant and monitor the proper enforcement of the law. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">LIBRE NA TUITION FEE SA LAHAT NG SUCS PERO HINDI PARIN TAYO NAKASISIGURADO HABANG WALA PANG MALINAW NA IRR!</p>&mdash; Angela (@gelastweet) <a href="https://twitter.com/gelastweet/status/893305657616613376">August 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Sana hindi na panandaliang kasiyahan ang free tuition!</p>&mdash; Carly (@carlifreeta) <a href="https://twitter.com/carlifreeta/status/893303182041821184">August 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Free tuition na sa SUCs pero di pa sa UP, kaya dapat na tayong lahat kumilos at ipamudmod sa admin na &#39;gurl bigay niyo na rights namin&#39;</p>&mdash; jed #LiftMartialLaw (@jedmarcueto) <a href="https://twitter.com/jedmarcueto/status/893295737672392704">August 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Overall, the news was welcomed by students on social media.

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<a class="twitter-timeline" data-partner="tweetdeck" href="https://twitter.com/MovePH/timelines/893295486479630336">free tuition law - Curated tweets by MovePH</a> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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What are your thoughts on the signing of the law? Share your thoughts on X! – Rappler.com

 

 

WATCH: Marawi humanitarian crisis grows even as battleground narrows

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RELIEF OPERATION. In Bubong town, where about 2,700 internally displaced families seek refuge in temporary shelters, troops distribute sacks of rice and school supplies on August 3, day 73 of the Marawi crisis. Photo by Voltaire Tupaz/Rappler

MARAWI CITY, Philippines – The battle in Marawi reaches a critical point on Thursday, August 3, about two weeks after martial law in Mindanao was extended. The battleground has narrowed, but local officials and evacuees fear that the humanitarian crisis here will escalate as their resources run dry. MovePH editor Voltaire Tupaz reports from Marawi City.

Government forces are closing in on the remaining 50-70 members of the ISIS-inspired Maute group, containing the terrorists on the edge of the city near Lake Lanao. But they also see the need to prevail in another battleground.

Voltaire Tupaz, reporting:

"We’re in the middle of the beautiful and calm Lanao Lake, but further behind us is Marawi City.
You can still see smoke rising after the airstrikes this morning. Now we’re on our way to Bubong town where soldiers are going to distribute relief goods because for them, the battle here is not just to fully retake the city but to win people’s hearts."

From Marawi, we crossed the tightly guarded lake to reach the isolated town. In Bubong town, troops distributed sacks of rice and school supplies.

           Capt. Joa-Ann Petinglay, Western Mindanao Command Spokesperson:

           Nakita po kasi ng ating ng ating mga officers, ng ating mga ground commanders, ang pangangailangan na  madala po agad dito ang mga relief goods...There are about 2,700 IDP families na nandito na mga taga Marawi City. Pati rin yung mga nandito pala ay naghihirap din – yung mga residente rito – kasi yung hanapbuhay nila ay apektado rin.

           (Our officers, our ground commanders saw the need to immediately bring relief goods to this town. There are about 2,700 internally displaced families from Marawi City. Residents here are also poor because their livelihoods have also been affected by the conflict.)

19-year-old Ramonah, who has 10 siblings, is thankful her family received relief goods from the troops, but she laments that their houses in Marawi were among those destroyed by the airstrikes.

           Ramonah Serad Limgas, Internally displaced person from Marawi:

          "Mahirap po talaga ang manirahan dito lalo na’t evacuee ka. Syempre yung sa Mindanao (Marawi) dalawa ang  bahay namin at nasunog daw at natamaan ng bomba. Lalo na kaming maraming magkakapatid. Yung business  namin nawala pa. Kaya mahirap talaga."

           (It’s really difficult to live here especially if you are an evacuee. In (Marawi) we have two houses but it was burned down and hit by a bomb. I have many siblings; our business is now gone. So it’s greatly difficult.)

Ramonah asks the government to also send doctors, medicines, and drinking water for the evacuees, whose number has already reached about 360,000, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

          "Sana po, tulungan 'nyo po kami hindi lang po sa relief kundi sa mga pangangailangan ng mga bata, matatanda na may mga sakit kasi dito po, lalo na 'yung mga nakatira dito sa munisipyo, dito nag-evacuate kasi karamihan  nagkakasakit tulad ng nasabi ko kanina. 'Yung tubig dito hindi healthy."

According to local officials, two kids have already died in the evacuation center due to diarrhea. Another person died from asthma. They fear that the humanitarian crisis here will escalate as their calamity funds run dry. In this protected battle, civilians are on the losing end.

Voltaire Tupaz, Rappler, Marawi City.

Rappler.com

Evacuees in tent city to Duterte: End war in Marawi, allow us to go home

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ILIGAN CITY, Philippines – Speaking on behalf of his new neighbors in a recently opened tent city in a town near Marawi City,  Alajadj Ismael Panarigan called on President Rodrigo Duterte to end the conflict in their city. 

"Ang panawagan ko sa ating pangulo, sana matapos na ang giyera sa Marawi City para kung maari ay makabalik kami doon. Mr. President, talagang hirap kami dito sa evacuation center," Panarigan told Rappler.

(I call on our president to end the war in Marawi City so that we can return to our homes. Mr. President, living in an evacuation center is really hard.)

"Alanganin po kami rito kasi yung mga bata. Itong pinapasukan naming bahay, talagang mainit po talaga. Kailangan po namin ng baning, unan. Wala talaga kaming unan," Panarigan added.

(Life here is uncertain especially for the children. It's hot in our tent. We need mats and pillows. We don't have pillows)

President Rodrigo Duterte made his second visit to a military camp in Marawi City on Friday, August 4, to speak to government troops on the frontline of the fight against the ISIS-inspired Maute Group. (IN PHOTOS: Duterte returns to Marawi)

“I have to be here because I want all of you to know that…(I love you). I hope you will be able to clean up Marawi City and get rid of the terrorists,” Duterte said in his message to the troops, Malacañang said in a statement.

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The battle in Marawi reached a critical point on Thursday, August 3, about two weeks after martial law in Mindanao was extended. The battleground has shrunk, but local officials and evacuees fear that the humanitarian crisis will escalate as their resources run dry.

Tent city in Pantar

The tent city in Pantar, a town near Marawi City, is the second evacuation site where Panarigan and his wife and 7 children have sought refuge in since the crisis broke out in May.

They first stayed in Madrasa Campong in Pantar, Lanao del Norte. The Madrasa will now be converted back to classrooms for students learning Arabic lessons after the observance of the Eid’l Fitr.

The tent city will accommodate 109 families, according to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ocial worker in the evacuation site.

At least 78,466 families or 359,680 individuals have been displaced by the armed conflict in Marawi City, the DSWD said on Friday night. 

The first time Duterte visited Marawi in the middle of fighting was last July 20, after two failed attempts.

There are an estimated 80 to 100 hostages still in the hands of terrorists. – Rappler.com 

Maranao in Melbourne helps bring MSU students back to school

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TRUE MARANAO. PhD student Elin Anisha Guro started BalikMSU to bring normalcy back to the lives of students in Marawi City. Photo by David Lozada/Rappler

MELBOURNE, Australia – Elin Anisha Guro may be more than 5,500 kilometers away, but she is doing her part to bring back normalcy to the besieged city of Marawi. 

A PhD student at the University of Melbourne, Anisha started BalikMSU to encourage students displaced by conflict to go back to school and finish their education. (READ: Students walk 32 kilometers to flee Malawi City

"Balik MSU (Mindanao State University) was initiated by MSU-ans all over the world to encourage MSU students to go back to Marawi City. Together with alumni from Australia, Marawi, Manila, and Singapore, we all came together and tried to help MSU in encouraging our students not to transfer but to return," Anisha told Rappler.

The campaign started when Anisha posted in an online group about ways to help MSU students. People expressed their interest to pitch in, and the funds from alumni and friends slowly started coming.

MARAWI IS HOME. A screen grab of the post informing the selected 300 students to be ferried home to Marawi City.

With the funds they have raised so far, BalikMSU plans to ferry 300 students back to Marawi City from nearby Iligan City, and give T-shirts to the students once classes resume. 

"When we posted a callout, the answer was overwhelming. Initially, we were just planning 100 students, but when we sent out the survey, in just a few hours, registration reached 600. So you can see, students are really determined to go back to Marawi City no matter what," Anisha said. 

MSU is the 2nd largest state university in the Philippines. MSU Marawi alone has a population of around 18,000 students. Despite the ongoing armed conflict between the military and ISIS militants, the president of MSU Marawi Habib Macaayong earlier expressed the school administration’s determination to resume classes this month

The crisis in Marawi City entered its 3rd month in August. According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the conflict has displaced around 359,680 individuals or 78,466 families as of Friday, August 4.

Ground reports

A native of Marawi, Anisha said she is very much affected by the conflict, especially because her family is still in the city.

"I learned about the clash directly from my daughter. When it happened, my sister just finished visiting the jail in Marawi City as part of her job. That’s where the fighting took place. So she was right there when the first fire erupted," Anisha said.

She added: "My daughter was telling me that my sister and my niece were trapped. I was really so concerned and shocked because I couldn’t believe that it's really happening."

Anisha, the former vice chancellor for research and extension of MSU Marawi, noted that there have been reports of abuses but its difficult to get evidence because of martial law in Mindanao.

She also lamented the destruction of the city, which is known for its history. 

"The city survived periods of colonization from the Spanish to the Japanese. The city withstood. There was a time people evacuated but it never got so destroyed as it is now," she said. 

"As Marawi residents, we also think that the airstrikes are unnecessary or could have been avoided, especially to preserve our buildings. These are houses containing cultural heritage that could never be recovered," she added.

How to help

As of now, BalikMSU is waiting for the go-signal of the university administration and the military before they start ferrying students. But Anisha is hopeful that the second semester classes will resume as scheduled.  

There is much work to be done. A lot of students have expressed interest to go back to MSU Marawi but don't have resources for the travel back to the city. This is where the public can help. 

Citing the case of Paramisuli Aming, the 2017 Social Workers Licensure Exam top-notcher, Anisha said: "We believe that even though there's war, education cannot stop. Even in war, MSU-ans excel." 

She added: "This isn't the first time that the university has experienced martial law. This is actually the second time. It happened before and MSU-ans survived. I (know) we will survive this again." – Rappler.com

Those interested to help the BalikMSU project can donate through the Young Moro Professionals Network (YMPN), a partner nongovernmental organization. Filipinos in Australia may contact Anisha Guro via elin.anisha@gmail.com for monetary donations. 

David Lozada is an Australia Awards scholar taking up a Master of Development Studies degree at the University of Melbourne. Prior to his scholarship, he was a reporter covering development and a community manager for Rappler's MovePH for 4 years.

Youth-oriented films to watch over the long weekend

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MANILA, Philippines – Still wondering what to do over the upcoming long weekend on August 19-21? Why not spend it watching socially-relevant films? 

On August 16-22, the National Youth Commission (NYC) will be showing the 12 short films that made the cut for the Sine Kabataan Short Film Competition, in line with the celebration of the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (Festival of Philippine Films). 

Tackling social issues affecting the youth like HIV, bullying, and teenage pregnancy among others, NYC said the competition aims to provide a platform for aspiring young filmmakers and become a "vehicle to engage them in advocating public awareness of youth issues through their short films."

Kung hindi mismo sa’yo, maaaring ang issue na tinalakay ay kwento ng kaibigan mo, ng kamag-anak mo, o ng kapatid mo,” NYC Chairperson Aiza Seguerra said in a statement.

(If it does not directly happen to you, the issue could affect your friend, your relative, or your sibling.) 

Encouraging everyone to support the film festival, Seguerra also reiterated the importance of watching the Sine Kabataan short films that are driven by the current issues affecting the youth. 

The short films for PPP will be shown in cinemas nationwide on August 16-22.  Here are the 12 finalists:

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AKALINGWAN NANG ROSA

Directed by Max Canlas, this film tells the story of a 50-year old transwoman who lost her memories. She recollects her past with the help of her 7-year-old daughter. 

ALIPATO

A mother who longs for her daughter copes with the distance by listening to her recorded voice messages. The two are about to visit Hong Kong together until an unforeseen event occurs. This film is directed by Jao Manahan.

DELAYED SI JHEMERLYN ROSE

Directed by Don Senoc, the film tells the story of an 18-year-old college freshman, Jhemerlyn Rose. In the film, she informs her boyfriend Jogbert that her period is 5 days delayed. What follows is a series of attempts to control the situation.

DOROTHY (A GOD’S GIFT)

Brought by a mistake in a relationship, a 19-year-old girl faces an unwanted pregnancy. When everything in her life becomes miserable, she finds herself stuck in the situation. This short film is directed by Angelique Evangelista.

FAT YOU

A fat girl named Trixie is invited to a class reunion. Bullied before because of her physical appearance, she is afraid to show up. Will she attend the reunion as she is? Or will she show up as a new Trixie? This movie is directed by Ronnel Rivera III.

HARAYA

Directed by Daniel Delgado, Haraya tells the story of Jude who seems like a typical teenage boy living a normal life. He has a small group of friends by his side all the time, and a girlfriend, Eunice, whom he is head over heels for. However, things would change when he realizes something important in his life. 

ANG KAPITBAHAY KO SA 2014

At present, people would identify friends as those they see on the screens of their monitors or phones.  This film, directed by Anya Zulueta, explores the issue of social dynamics through a screen: a window screen, and whether it ulltimately makes “interaction” mean any less. 

ANG UNANG ARAW NG PASUKAN

The film, directed by Ar-Jen Manlapig, tells the story of a 10-year-old boy from a family struggling in poverty who wakes up to what seems to be an enticing day. Having only his dreams and determination with him, he goes on his way for the first day of school. 

MAKARTUR

Makartur believes that if you study hard, you will be able to achieve your dreams. But when he meets Maginhawa, a homeless orphan who spends her days in the playground, Makartur realizes he has to help her. After all, not being able to go to school should not get in the way of getting an education. The film is directed by Brian Spencer Reyes.

PAHIMAKAS 

In this film directed by Lance E. Maravillas, a daughter writes a letter full of grief and regret. 

SHADED

Indulging in the sweetness and pleasures of life, Ivan Rosales has been living the good life. Like a day that ends, however, the idea of perfect happiness turns into an illusion. This short film is directed by Vanessa Estanol.

YA RIGHT

The film, directed by Gab Mesina, features an unusual but relatable conversation between two adolescent girls about their dreams and the family traditions that force them to confront their own realities. 

The NYC has received a total of 185 entries since  May 12, 2017, when it made a call for submissions for short film stories about youth issues, including values, child labor, youth in conflict with the law, out-of-school-youth, teenage pregnancy and mental health.

The best picture will receive P50,000 while the jury’s choice will receive P30,000. Special awardees will receive P15,000 while the rest willl receive P5,000 as consolation prizes. – Rappler.com 

Philippine Red Cross to hold benefit concert for Marawi

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MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will hold a fundraising concert called "Rebuilding Life in Marawi" for those affected by the Marawi crisis on Thursday, August 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

As of Friday, August 4, 78,466 families or 359,680 persons have been displaced by clashes between government troops and terrorists in Marawi City, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Several popular Filipino bands, singers, and celebrities will be performing for free at the concert, such as 6cyclemind, Apartel, Autotelic, Side A, South Border, Tanya Markova, Banda ni Kleggy, Callalily, Freestyle, Miles Experience, and more.

"As the crisis continues, we still need to raise money to sustain our ongoing operations in Marawi. Thus, I encourage our fellow Filipinos to shed light by helping our brothers and sisters affected by the siege. Together, let us fulfill our humanitarian mission by helping the affected individuals get back on their own feet," said Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the PRC.

The PRC has been sending aid to Marawi City since the clashes erupted on May 23. The organization has been providing food and non-food items, including hygiene and sleeping kits, access to clean water, and portalets. (READ: Groups call for donations for crisis-hit Marawi)

The PRC also set up a basic healthcare unit to provide immediate medical aid and provide blood supply to the internally displaced persons and the injured. They also mobilized to provide psychosocial support to those who have been traumatized by the crisis.

The government's Task Force Bangon Marawi, created by President Rodrigo Duterte through Administrative Order No. 3 last June 28, is the key unit in charge of Marawi City's rehabilitation and recovery.

The PRC will be helping with the recovery through its benefit concert. Tickets are at P5,350 ($106.39) for VIP patron, P3,745 ($74.48) for lower box, P1,605 ($31.92) for upper box, and P535 ($10.64) for general admission. Cash donations will be accepted onsite from 6 pm to 10 pm. – with a report from Danielle Nakpil / Rappler.com


Filipino named best debater in Asia

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WINNERS. The contingent from the Ateneo de Manila University poses for a photo after the United Asian Debating Championship. Photo courtesy of Andrei Buendia

MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino was recognized as Asia's best debater at the United Asian Debating Championship (UADC) held in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Tied for the top spot with Sajid Khandaker of Bangladesh, Andrei Buendia bested at least 219 other debaters from countries across Asia on Saturday, August 5. Buendia is a fresh MA graduate from the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU).

"I feel like this is a great way to end a career that began with so much frustration. 2017 was really the year that all the hard work paid off," Buendia said.

Mika Filoteo from ADMU was also named as the 10th best speaker of the competition. Meanwhile, a team from the National University of Singapore won the championships at UADC. 

Prestigious UADC

The UADC is the largest competition in Asia using the Asian Parliamentary (3v3) format. It is held every year and has participants from around 12 to 15 countries. Around 70 teams competed in this year's UADC from July 28 to August 5.

The last time a Filipino took home the best debater title was when Pearl Simbulan of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman won in 2012.

Buendia, 21, said debating has helped hone his communication skills and logical capacity. He started debating when he was in 3rd year high school.

"It helps me defend my answers to professors, and allows me to communicate my ideas with adequate analytical rigor," he added.

The Ateneo Debate Society was one of only two organizations to bring two teams into the open break, the phase in the competition shortlisting the top 16 teams advancing to the final series.

UP Manila, UP Diliman, UP Los Baños, University of Santo Tomas (UST), De La Salle University (DLSU), and University of Asia and the Pacific also sent teams to the international competition.

At the UADC, teams from ADMU brought home the following awards: 1st and 10th best speaker, first runner-up, and semifinalists. UP Manila, UP Diliman, UST, and DLSU were all octofinalists.

 

Debating in the PH

For Buendia, debating teams – especially those from the provinces – have yet to gain more support both from the public and the government.

"I firmly believe that the Philippine debating circuit is one of the most competitive circuits in the world... I have met debaters from Visayas and Mindanao who are so talented but have never stepped on the national stage simply because of funding," Buendia said.

To millennials who are thinking of trying their luck at debating, Buendia has a simple message: Go for it.

"More than the skills you gain, the community is also one of the most welcoming communities out there. You gain more than just medals. You also gain lifelong friends who share your love for critical thinking," he added. – Rappler.com

UP Baguio launches 'car-less Wednesday' campaign

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POLLUTED AND CONGESTED? The University of the Philippines Baguio launches a campaign to address the problems of pollution and congestion in Baguio City. All photos by Alexa Yadao

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – In an effort to address both pollution and congestion in Baguio City, the University of the Philippines (UP) Baguio launched its "car-less Wednesday" campaign last Wednesday, August 3.

According to UP Baguio Chancellor Raymundo Rovillos, the campaign's goal is two-pronged: to reduce the university's carbon footprint and to encourage people to walk or ride bicycles.

The well-meaning initiative is actually long overdue. 

Almost 5 years ago on December 3, 2012, the University Council had approved the Green Campus Policy.

"In an effort to further reduce its carbon footprint, the university will encourage walking and biking among its constituents as alternative means to reach the campus," the policy read. (READ: Tour on two wheels: Seeing Iloilo City's historic sights by bike)

DELAYED. The campaign is in line with UP Baguio's Green Campus Policy which was approved by the University Council almost 5 years ago.

Rovillos attributed the delay to the "hesitation and underestimation on the part of the administration."

"May resistance kasi talaga, to be honest, but I think we also underestimated. I think as it turned out when we explained naman the rationale, people cooperated. So, in fact, this should have been done a long time ago, I must admit," the UP Baguio chancellor said.

(There was really resistance, to be honest, but I think we also underestimated. As it turned out, when we explained the rationale, people cooperated. So, in fact, this should have been done a long time ago, I must admit.)

Rovillos also said the initiative has been widely supported on campus since, relative to the total population of UP Baguio, there are only a few faculty members and students who are car owners.

According to the policy, "smoke-belching vehicles will not be allowed to enter the campus and car engines should not be left idling in the campus parking area."

The ultimate goal, according to the chancellor, is to make the campus car-less all week long.

"Kaya gradual muna kasi (We want to do this gradually because) first, we have to prepare people for the long term, and while we are doing this gradually we are also looking for alternatives," Rovillos said.

The final nudge for the implementation of the campaign was an agreement among members of the Baguio, La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan, Tuba, Tublay (BLISTT) Airshed Governing Board, which oversees the implementation of the Philippine Clean Air Act. The chancellor is among the members of the board.

"One day a month 'yung kanila. Kaso tayo once a week (Theirs is once a month. Ours is once a week)," said Rovillos, referring to the board's resolution.

Senior citizens and persons with disabilities are exempted from the policy. Cars and delivery vehicles are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers and goods only in certain areas on campus. – Rappler.com

Alexa Yadao is a Rappler intern. She is studying in UP Baguio.

'Bakwit school' for Lumad children opens in UP

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BAKWIT SCHOOL. An alternative learning venue opens up for Lumad children who have set up protest camps at the University of the Philippines Diliman. All photos by Mark Saludes

MANILA, Philippines – For the Lumad children who have set up camp at the University of the Philipppines in Diliman after conflicts displaced them from Mindanao, nothing should get in the way of education. 

On Monday, August 7, they temporarily resumed classes at a "bakwit school" inside UP. 

“Our classes are temporarily held here until the President vows to protect tribal schools,” Rius Valle, spokesperson of Save Our Schools (SOS) Network, said. 

Early in July, a group of Lumads arrived in Quezon City from Mindanao. They are the first batch of Lakbayanis (traveling heroes), with the rest set to arrive in Metro Manila in September for the Lakbayan – an annual caravan of indigenous peoples, Moro, and peasants from different parts of the country.

An alternative learning venue for displaced indigenous people, the “bakwit school” first rose at evacuation camps in 2015 for those displaced by the magnitude 6.7 earthquake in Surigao del Norte.

Adopting the concept, the SOS Network set up a "bakwit school" for Lumad children in UP after at least  27 tribal schools in Mindanao were either reportedly burned or occupied by government troops. (READ: Lumad children appeal to Duterte to save their schools)

According to the Lumads, they have been accused of being members of the New People’s Army (NPA) just because they were taught to read, write, and count. (READ: 'Dear Digong': Lumad children ask Duterte to end martial law, violence)

ALTERNATIVE LEARNING VENUE. At least  27 tribal schools in Mindanao are either reportedly burned or occupied by government troops

SOS said the closure of tribal schools has affected at least 1,000 students across Mindanao. 

In Mindanao, there are 222 Lumad schools opearated by religious gorups and NGOs, serving 8,251 students. According to SOS, these schools are partners of the Department of Educaton's Indigenous People's Education Program (IPED) that aims to combat illiteracy in the indigenous communities.

Luisito Peñaloza, head teacher of the church-run Assumption Interfaith Academy Foundation in Davao City, said the pronouncement of Presidnent Rodrigo Duterte attacking the Lumads and other indigenous peoples has terrorized students. 

“I will really bomb all of them because you are operating illegally and you’re teaching children to rebel against the government,” President Rodrigo Duterte said in a press briefing after he delivered his State of the Nation Address last July 24.  

Peñaloza said that the alternative learning venue in UP is open for other students “who want to observe and integrate with the indigenous people.” 

“The purpose is also for people in the city to understand the culture and the reasons that drive these students to fight for their right to education,” he said. – Rappler.com 

UP cum laude answers call to teach Lumad students

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 VOLUNTEERISM. Chad Errol Booc with one of his students named Ryan. Photos courtesy of Chad Errol Booc

MANILA, Philippines – He could have worked in a multinational company. In fact, the 23-year-old computer science graduate has already received numerous job offers upon graduation due to the recognition his undergraduate thesis has received in international conferences. But despite these opportunities, Chad Errol Booc, chose to lead a simpler life.

But more than that, he chose to “serve the people,” as he said.

"Marami talagang tao ang underserved. Maraming tao ang hindi nakakaramdam ng social services ng ating bansa- 'yong mga taong dinidiscriminate pa din hanggang ngayon." 

(There are a lot of underserved people. There are many Filipinos who do not receive social services- people who are being discriminated up until now)

As a University of the Philippines graduate, Booc has been familiar with the motto of giving back to the Filipino people. His way of doing so is by volunteering as a Math and Science teacher at the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) in Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

ALCADEV is an alternative learning system that was established on July 19, 2004. It is designed to provide secondary education to indigenous people particularly the Manobo , Higaonon, Banwaon, Talaandig and Mamanwa in Surigao del Norte and del Sur and Agusan del Norte and del Sur.

Booc has been teaching Manobo students for almost a year now.

"Na-concretize din 'yong motto na 'serve the people' kasi sila talaga 'yong dapat nating paglingkuran." 

(The motto “serve the people” was concretized. These are the people who we should really serve)

Discovering his calling

Before the Manilakbayan in 2015, Booc did not know about the struggles the Lumad communities were facing.

"No'ng October, dumating 'yong Lakbayan tapos doon ko naintindihan kung ano talaga 'yong issue nila. Marami akong naka kwentuhan sa mga Lumad. Nalaman ko kung ano 'yong mga pinagdadaanan nila- 'yong mga pinapatay na Lumad leaders, pati teachers." 

(In October, Lakbayan came and I understood their issues from there. I was able to talk to a lot of Lumad. I found out what they were going through including the killings of Lumad leaders and teachers.)

After the 2016 Manilakbayan, Booc went to Surigao del Sur together with the community.

He said he was inspired by the free education system of the Lumad – something difficult to achieve in urban areas. The computer science graduate also became motivated to volunteer as a teacher when he found out the students needed one.

"Nakita ko rin 'yong pangangailangan nila ng mas maraming volunteer teachers. No'ng time na 'yon, nagkaroon na ng direksyon 'yong buhay ko. Nakita ko na 'yong sarili ko sa gano'ng field."

(I saw their need for more volunteer teachers. During that time, my life started to have direction. I saw myself in that field.)

Booc narrated the life they have in the mountains. He said they had a simple and fulfilling life before martial law came.

VOLUNTEERISM. Chad Booc with some of his students.

The impacts of martial law

Booc thought it was going to be smooth. He said he did not feel the initial effects of martial law when it was declared. But as time went by, its horrors started creeping in.

One major change they had to experience was the checkpoints. According to him, the problem with this is that the military are asking for identification cards. Majority of indigenous people do not have one because this is an almost foreign concept to them.

“Dahil doon, natatakot na silang bumaba ng bundok.”

(Because of that (checkpoints), they became scared of going down the mountains.)

Early July, he said they started to see military men roaming around their community. On July 6, bomber planes started to fly around their area at dawn. People panicked.

"Sobrang nakakatakot. 'yong mga tao nag iiyakan,” Booc said.   

(It was so scary. People were crying.)

Because of this incident, a total of 2,000 of them evacuated to nearby areas to escape militarization in their community.

The threat of President Rodrigo Duterte bombing the Lumad schools did not help at all. Despite the Armed Forces of the Philippines saying that it was a figure of speech by the president, Booc said it will still have a major impact on Lumad communities. (READ: Military won’t bomb Lumad schools- AFP)

"Hindi siya figure of speech lang. Nangyayari kasi talaga sa kanila- siinusunog 'yong school. Pinapatay 'yong leaders. Kaya hindi malayong mangyari sa kanila." 

(That was not just a figure of speech. It really happens to them – their schools are really being burned down. Their leaders are getting killed. That is not far from happening to them.)

In 2015, an ALCADEV campus in Agusan del Sur was burned down. In the same year, ALCADEV executive director Emerico Samarca, tribal leader Dionel Campos and his cousin Aurelio SInzo, were killed in what was known to be the Lianga massacre.

Booc said that the military keeps on red-tagging the tribal leaders and volunteer teachers. But they could not find a link between them and the New People’s Army (NPA), and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), according to him.

"Pilit nilang hinahanapan ng links with the NPA, the CPP. Wala silang makita."

(They keep on looking for links with the NPA, the CPP, but they couldn’t find any.)

Booc may be courageous enough to answer the call of teaching the Manobo children in Mindanao despite the situation they are in. But like everyone else, he has his fears for his own safety. That is why he prays for nothing but peace to come and for them to go back to their normal lives – to their simple yet fulfilling lives. – Rappler.com

Rappler Talk: Meet the ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes

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MANILA, Philippines – On the occasion of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the Philippines, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) honored individuals for inspiring change in their countries and for protecting the web of life.

Below are the awardees from the 10 ASEAN countries:

  • Eyad Samhan (Brunei Darussalam), a wildlife conservationist who contributed significantly to research on flora and fauna
  • Sophea Chhin (Cambodia), a young biodiversity information specialist who sparked interest in wildlife research
  • Alex Waisimon (Indonesia), an indigenous community leader who protects Papua's forests 
  • Nitsavanh Louangkhot Pravongvienkham (Lao PDR), a business leader who promotes environment-friendly agricultural production
  • Zakri Abdul Hamid (Malaysia), an eminent scientist who makes lasting impact on biodiversity governance through his assessment of global biodiversity and ecosystem services
  • Maung Maung Kyi (Myanmar), a conservationist who promotes community participation to conserve various habitats
  • Angel Alcala (Philippines), a national scientist who champions coastal resource management
  • Leo Tan Wee Hin (Singapore), an outstanding science educator who champions biodiversity outreach and education
  • Nonn Panitvong (Thailand), a biodiversity expert and business leader who raises public awareness of biodiversity through taxonomy
  • Dang Huy Huynh (Vietnam), a senior scientist who fosters exchange of knowledge and solutions to conserve Vietnam's biodiversity

These distinguished individuals also received the Hyundai Icon for Biodiversity Award.

MovePH's Voltaire Tupaz talks to two of the ASEAN Biodiversity Heroes – Alex Waisimon (Indonesia) and Zakri Abdul Hamid (Malaysia) – as well as ACB executive director Roberto Oliva on Rappler Talk at 8 pm on Tuesday, August 8.

Join the discussion on Twitter and Facebook using the hashtag #ASEANBiodiversityHeroes. – Rappler.com

Rappler Talk: The love-hate relationship between Duterte and the Lumad

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MANILA, Philippines – As mayor of Davao City, President Rodrigo Duterte was a known champion of the Lumad in Mindanao. At the height of alleged harassment and killings of indigenous peoples during the previous administration, Duterte posed for a picture, holding a white paper with the text, "STOP LUMAD KILLINGS." 

However, his tone seemed to have shifted as president, especially in a press conference after his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 24.

"Bobombahan ko 'yan. Isali ko 'yang mga istraktura ninyo. I will use the Armed Forces, the Philippine Air Force. Talagang bobombahan ko 'yung mga…lahat ng ano ninyo. Because you are operating illegally and you are teaching the children to rebel against government," threatened Duterte. (I will bomb them. I'll include your structures. I will use the Armed Forces, the Philippine Air Force. I'll really bomb all your structures.) 

The military may have clarified that it will not take as policy Duterte's threat, but the statement has alarmed indigenous peoples and human rights advocates. (READ: Military won't bomb Lumad schools – AFP)

Has Duterte turned his back on the Lumad? How do indigenous peoples view the statements and policies of the President concerning them?

On Wednesday afternoon, August 9, International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, MovePH's Voltaire Tupaz talks to a Lumad elder and a student to discuss their plight under the Duterte administration.

Catch the interview here or via Facebook Live on Rappler's page. – Rappler.com

INFOGRAPHIC: Who are the Lumad?

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MANILA, Philippines – The Lumad are the largest indigenous group in the Philippines. The word “Lumad” is a Visayan term which means “born of the earth.”

The Philippines is composed of 14 to17 million indigenous peoples (IPs) belonging to 110 ethno-linguistic groups, according to a study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

 

Majority of them are in Mindanao (61%), while 33% are concentrated in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Other indigenous groups are located in the Visayas region. 

In 1997, the “Indigenous Peoples Rights Act” (IPRA) was enacted to protect the rights of the IPs and their ancestral domains. 

Despite being protected by the law, IPs suffer from poverty and numerous human rights violations.

 

They suffer from discrimination and are considered as one of the poorest minority groups in the world. They do not have access to adequate and appropriate forms of social services like education and health.

According to the United Nations State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the Philippines is one of the countries that facilitated large-scale mining by foreign corporations and other destructive projects, displacing many Lumad communities from their ancestral lands.

 

Other violations on their human rights include the destruction and burning down of schools, areal bombings, and use of school facilities for military operations.

Know more about the Lumad on Rappler Talk on Wednesday night, August 9, International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. MovePH's Voltaire Tupaz will talk to a Lumad elder and a student to discuss their plight under the Duterte administration (WATCH: Rappler Talk: The love-hate relationship between Duterte and the Lumad). –  with a report from Danielle Nakpil/Rappler.com

 


Coping vs adapting: How Aetas face climate change threats

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 AFFECTED. According to Nanay Cristy, the Aetas in Zambales are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change in farming communities. All photos courtesy of Bea Orante  

MANILA, Philippines – For Cristy Balintay, an Aeta leader from Botolan town, Zambales, dealing with the effects of climate change  and disasters is a matter of survival.

Balintay's family was forced to evacuate their village and resettle in the coastal lowlands after the eruption of Mt Pinatubo in 1991. They now live in Barangay San Miguel along with other Aeta families.

Making a living as farmers, the community noticed how their environment has gradually changed, particularly after ropical Storm Ondoy (Ketsana) struck in 2009.

For example, rain became scarce and the soil too dry for crops to grow. (READ: Simple life is a sustainable life for Aeta community

Vulnerable to climate change 

Disasters have affected the livelihoods of the Aetas. The farming income of the indigenous peoples has become highly seasonal and vulnerable to typhoons, prolonged drought, and excessive rains.

Balintay and her children, for instance, left their livestock to drown as they braved floodwaters during Ondoy. (READ: The disaster risk reduction genius of the indigenous

For them to survive, the Balintay family, like others in their community,  looked for temporary or part-time work in Botolan and nearby towns. Men worked in other families’ farms, while women turned to doing domestic work for other households.

NEW NORM. In Zambales, communities notice that rain became scarce while the soil became too dry for crops to grow.

Fortunately, the Aeta communities are not alone in facing this problem. 

The ability of indigenous groups to adapt to climate change has become a rallying point for groups in the Philippines and around the world.

Paragraph 135 of the decision adopting the Paris Agreement “recognizes the need to strengthen knowledge, technologies, practices and efforts of local communities and Indigenous Peoples related to addressing and responding to climate change, and establishes a platform for the exchange of experiences and sharing of best practices on mitigation and adaptation in a holistic and integrated manner.”

Finding the balance

In an effort to address the issue, the Zambales local government unit designed and implemented programs and strategies to transform the community's coping capacity into a more long-term adaptive capacity in terms of disaster preparedness and climate change.

As part of their participation in the “Strengthening the Capacities of Philippine Local Governments in Disaster Risk Reduction” (SCPLG-DRR) project, they also identified the indigenous population’s adaptation as a main concern.

SCPLG-DRR, an initiative funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), aims to empower high risk, low capacity local governments to implement their chosen projects.

Resilience a mindset and discipline 

Silvestre Barrameda Jr, head of the Local Government Academy’s (LGA) Institutional Partnership Unit, said that "beyond a concept, resilience is a mindset and a discipline whose time has come."

The project has several components including field visits, climate and disaster risk assessment training to improve their disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation plans, and technical assistance for the communities. 

"The function of governance is therefore to support local communities to prepare, adapt and transform from the effects of hazards. Shared accountability, co-ownership and innovation will be critical in all our efforts to uplift the lives of the Filipinos especially those who are most at risk,” he added.

Adapting to change 

Despite these challenges, the Balintay family has no intention of returning to Pinatubo. Aside from her hope for her children to finish their education, the family has already adapted to the town life. 

Mas gusto na namin dito. Kapag nagkasakit mga anak namin, may libreng gamot at ospital. Sa Baitan ang layo namin,”she said.

(We prefer to stay here. When our children get sick, we have access to free medicine and hospitals. Baitan is a remote area. )

By working as a community and with the intervention of the local government and like-minded groups, Balintay is optimistic that her people will be able to cope up with the new norm posed by the impacts of climate change. – Rappler.com 

Anjela Era is the senior project officer for the National Disaster Preparedness Plan, and area coordinator for the province of Zambales for the project "Strengthening the Capacities of Philippine Local Governments on Disaster Risk Reduction."

Bea Orante is a project officer for the Local Government Academy, handling communications for the agency.

 

Angkas bikers crowdsource donations for passenger's medical bills

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MANILA, Philippines – Around 200 motorcycle riders and passengers of ride-sharing app Angkas gathered at the Quirino Grandstand last July 30 for a shared purpose: to gather donations for passenger Alejandro Cajano who ended up in a coma after figuring in a crash. 

Cajano was on his way to Makati on July 15 when the motorcycle he booked through Angkas figured in a vehicular crash. The incident left him in critical condition. His hospitalization bills are now estimated at over P1 million. (READ: Angkas passenger in coma after crash: Who's liable?)

While Angkas is also providing financial assistance, the ride-hailing service's bikers themselves organized their own efforts.

Sympathizing with Cajano and his family, Angkas bikers organized the meetup through a Facebook group chat. The group was able to gather P25,000 from those who attended as well as those who sent in their donations online. 

This is not the first time the rider groups worked together to assist one of their own. 

Luisito Castillo, an Angkas rider, says there are numerous group chats and Facebook groups for the motorcycle riding community which serve as a support system for fellow riders. 

These group chats are always active, with daily updates on traffic-free routes as well as calls for rescue during emergency situations.

Not just a community of riders

The effort of Angkas bikers to help Cajano is just a glimpse of how tight-knit the biking community is.

According to Jon Guarin, one of the leaders of Team Riders, their community is more a family than just a gathering of fellow riders.

They constantly organize events and gatherings to strengthen their bond. Castillo shares that there is not even a month that there was no event for riders. 

These events also include disaster response efforts, outreach activities for the homeless, fallen soldiers, and several other advocacies.

OUTREACH. Riding communities are not only known for being united in responding to emergencies. Photo from Luisito Castillo

The community of riders recognizes the importance of strengthening their bond as they continue to face challenges on the road every day. According to the World Health Organization, 23% of the 1.25 million road crash related deaths every year involves motorcycles.

Experiencing the same vulnerable environment makes understanding and supporting each other easier. 

They also face other problems, such as a ban on motorcycle helmets imposed by some cities due to security issues. While this may ease local officials' concerns on motorcycle-riding criminals, it can also leave riders vulnerable to injuries.

"In order to slowly change the stereotype against us, we want to set a good example and let everyone know that we can do good things not only for our fellow riders but to anyone who needs help," Castillo said in Filipino. 

Driven by their similar passion to ride, they took it upon themselves to help each other as one community. Riders like Castillo and Guarin believe that their love for riding and the convenience it brings them are big factors why the biking community has a strong connection. 

The internet and social media even made connecting with each other easier. One of the Facebook groups organized by the riders, named R.A.C.E.R. (Riders Anti-Crime & Emergency Response), has reached up to 57,000 members. 

This simple Facebook group has become a daily safe space for them to ask and extend help especially during road crashes or crime-related emergencies. The group's page is constantly filled with pictures, videos, and information that the riders encounter daily on the road. 

SUPPORT SYSTEM. The group is filled with posts asking for help or sharing updates. Screenshot from R.A.C.E.R. Facebook Group

Castillo said that he used to ride out before just to look for people to rescue. Now, it became easier to locate and help people through Facebook groups and chat groups. 

During an emergency situation, a few riders need only to start a group chat, and within a few minutes, more members will join in, ready to help.

"Kailangan lang po talaga na may magsimula para maipakita sa marami na pwedeng makatulong ang kahit sino. Yung maliit na pagtulong, pag pinagsama-sama ay lumalaki rin," Castillo said. 

(All it takes is just one member to initiate action, to show others that anyone can help. A small amount of help gathered together will eventually accumulate.) – Rappler.com

Jollibee apologizes to 'genderqueer' for discrimination at main office

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MANILA, Philippines – After netizens slammed Jollibee Food Corp (JFC) for allegedly discriminating a member of lesbians, gay, transgender, and bisexual (LGBT) community, Thursday, August 10, the food corporation issued a public apology.

"JFC does not in any way tolerate any disrespect , discrimination, harassment, violation, or intimidation of any person , consistent with our company policy on diversity and inclusion,” it said in a statement.

JFC added that it has reached out to Bunny Cadag "to personally extend our apologies."

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In a lengthy Facebook post that went viral, Cadag complained that after working as an outsourced transcriber for a day at the main office of Jollibee, he was told that the company is not yet ready to accept transgender people to its workplace and that it held Catholic beliefs. Cadag identifies as "genderqueer" or neither masculine nor feminine. 

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Cadag's online post generated more than 6,000 reactions and at least 2,300 shares as of posting.

Rights group Karapatan secretary general Tinay Palabay posted on Facebook: "I stand with Bunny. No to discrimination."

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But another Facebook user said: “Discrimination has no place in civil society, but Jollibee has rules that should (be followed).”

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The controversy, according to JFC, taught them "to further heighten awareness and understanding" of their policy on "diversity and inclusion" across the organization. – Rappler.com

In tweets: Where magnitude 6.3 earthquake was felt in Luzon

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MANILA, Philippines – A magnitude 6.3  earthquake struck parts of Luzon at 1:28 pm on Friday, August 11. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the epicenter was located in Lian, Batangas.

On Twitter, residents of Metro Manila and nearby provinces reported feeling the tremor. As of posting, hashtags #earthquake, #LindolPH, Batangas, Luzon, and magnitude 6.3 are among the trending topics in the Philippines.

Netizens also posted photos of people evacuating office and school buildings following the earthquake. 

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<a class="twitter-timeline" data-partner="tweetdeck" href="http://go.rappler.com/https://twitter.com/MovePH/timelines/895883109605888006">Earthquake Aug 11 - Curated tweets by MovePH</a> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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Powered by the bayanihan spirit, Agos mobilizes different sectors of society and transforms ordinary citizens into movers who are helping build a more resilient nation. Discover Agos by clicking any of the quick links below:

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How to protect farmers from disasters, climate risk

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READY FOR DISASTERS. Cebuana Lhuillier, with the support of the Insurance Commission, Climate Change Commission, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), holds a forum on August 9, 2017, in Makati City to discuss ways to foster disaster resilience among micro, small, and medium enterprises, farmers, and fisherfolk. Photo courtesy of Cebuana Lhuillier

MANILA, Philippines – What is a ready culture in agriculture?

This is the question that speakers tried to answer during the 2017 Ready Disaster Resilience Forum held in Makati City on Wednesday, August 9.

The forum aimed to discuss ways to foster disaster resilience in sectors most vulnerable to calamities – micro, small, and medium enterprises; high-risk and marginalized communities; and farmers and fisherfolk.

It was convened by Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Insurance with the support of the Insurance Commission, the Climate Change Commission, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a Germany-based provider of international cooperation services for sustainable development and international education work.

"When it comes to natural disasters, even events like climate change and El Niño, the most affected sector is always agriculture. The most vulnerable are the small-scale farmers and fishers, so sometimes when we look at this, like in Tacloban, how many were affected, after this shock...the farmers and fishers have lost agriculture assets or fishing gear and cannot catch up with their activities," said Jose Luis Fernandez, representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in the Philippines.

In previous years, according to Fernandez, the total damage and losses from natural disasters were estimated by the Philippine government at $3.8 billion, with further estimated damage of more than 6 million hectares of crops.

There is a need to strengthen resilience of communities regularly exposed to national disasters and to build capacities of local government units in order to build back better, said Fernandez.

"With proper risk management, agriculture insurance is viable in the Philippines," said Norman Cajucom, senior vice president of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), who encouraged private insurance providers to engage in agriculture insurance, and to expand it for the protection of farmers.

"PCIC is willing to share its expertise and information to the private sector so there can be a healthy, successful public-private partnership," said Cajucom.

Adaptation, risk mitigation

As of 2017, there are some 10.033 million agriculture workers, representing 23% of the labor force, reported Jimmy Loro, senior adviser for micro agriculture insurance of Deutsche Gesellschaftfür Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Around 32% of the land area (9.671 million hectares) is used in agriculture, with 14.478%, some 1.4 million hectares, used for rice.

To help them, Loro said, "It should be a combination of two things: adaptation and risk mitigation." Farmers should be trained to adapt, and to use varieties that are flood resistant, alongside adaptation in areas, such as the strengthening of flood canals to prevent inundation.

Loro encouraged further measures, such as direct linkages in providing loans with crop insurance, and that crop insurance should be open to all stakeholders involved in the value chain.

"If we have a product that we can sell to market based on weather index, and let it be sold to all stakeholders in the agriculture value chain, I think we can diversify and spread the risk so that risk is not concentrated in some areas."

This is a view supported by Jean Henri Lhuillier, president and CEO of the PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies, who said, in the closing remarks: "We are a country whose food security depends on many of our farmers and fisherfolks, and with an economy greatly benefitting from the growing MSME sector. With so much at stake, it is only right that we extend as much help as we can."

"Our goal is to empower farmers, fisherfolks, micro and small enterprises, those in high-risk communities, people with disabilities, and the marginally poor," Lhuillier said.

"Currently, these communities lack the information, protection, and the know-how when it comes to disaster preparedness. Our challenge, following today's sessions, is to be able to come up with concrete measures and programs that will serve as a catalyst in empowering these communities to be protected and disaster-resilient. Our end-goal is for each and every Filipino to be able to prepare for, respond to and recover from disaster and calamities," the company CEO added.

Microinsurance: easy accessibility, affordability

Jonathan Batangan, vice president and group head of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions, said that "28% of the Filipino population have microinsurance, approximately 28 million."

 PROTECTED FROM RISK. Jeffrey Perez of Phivolcs and Jonathan Batangan of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions discuss how to improve individual and community resiliency. Photo by Lou Gepuela/Rappler   

"Nationwide, we have more than 4,000 partners and branches, which makes it really very accessible to avail of insurance coverage," noted Batangan. All that is needed is for anyone interested to go to their nearest Cebuana Lhuillier branch with a valid identification card.

"That's it! No need for medical exam. If you're from 7 to 70 years old you can buy our Alagang Cebuana for 40 pesos, 10 pesos a month for four months. It has life, it has non-life. Even if your house burns, you’ll be covered," said Batangan. "These are the benefits of microinsurance: the practicability, the affordability, and the value proposition. We can promote this to the grassroots level."

An online platform, protectnow.ph, will soon be introduced, as well as an app called Micropinoy, available for download on android devices, as well as for iOS users. There is also an existing partnership with telecommunications providers to promote mobile microinsurance, where through a simple text message, coverage is available for just P10. – Rappler.com

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