Category Archives: Social responsibility

Environment and Biodiversity Experts Renew Call for Stronger Measures to Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade

On World Animal Day, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has reiterated its call for the approval of two Senate bills that seek to strengthen Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.

DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau Director Datu Tungko M. Saikol said it is high time to amend the gaps in the law two decades after its implementation.

Badian, Philippines. Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

“We commend the House of Representatives for passing House Bill 9833 revising the Wildlife Act of 2001 on third and final reading and call on our good Senators to pass Senate Bills No. 2078 and 2079 to strengthen our fight against wildlife crimes. Almost 20 years after the Wildlife Act took effect, the threat of extinction of wildlife species in the Philippines is still not far behind, wreaking havoc to our biodiversity that supports our livelihood and economy,” Saikol said on Monday, October 4.

“Illegal wildlife trade, which is the second biggest threat to species survival globally, increases the risks of zoonotic diseases, or the transfer of diseases from animal to humans, leading to outbreaks,” Saikol said. “With the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is imperative to pass a strengthened wildlife conservation and protection law without delay,” he also asserted.

Tarsier. Bohol, Philippines. Photo by Julian Paolo Dayag on Unsplash

The law, once amended, will effectively deter wildlife trafficking not only in the country but also in other global destination points. “As a result, it will prevent if not eliminate the incidence, at least in the Philippines, of another infectious disease such as Covid-19, which originated in animals and caused unprecedented loss of human lives worldwide,” he also said.

SB 2078 and SB 2079 were filed by Senator Cynthia Villar and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, respectively. Both bills seek the imposition of stronger and more specific penalties. They also seek to strengthen enforcement capacity and the removal of legal loopholes exploited by illegal wildlife traders.

Apo Reef. Photo by Farhan Sharief on Unsplash

From 2010 to 2020, more than 67,500 wildlife specimens worth at least P248M were confiscated from 523 suspected law violators. At least 153 criminal complaints have been filed in court, with 29 cases resolved and 47 criminals convicted.

The Philippines is one of the world’s 17 mega-diverse countries that host two-thirds of the Earth’s biodiversity. Unfortunately, the country has become an important source, transit, and destination point for illegal wildlife trade, now the fourth largest illegal trade worldwide behind illegal drugs, arms, and human trafficking.

The value of illegal wildlife trade in the country is estimated at P50 billion yearly or $1 billion, including the market value of wildlife and its resources, their ecological role and value, damage to habitats, and loss in potential ecotourism revenues.

Providing Access to SRH Services Through the Safety Pantry

On May 28, 2021, sixteen (16) Safety Pantries have been launched simultaneously, by the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) in different locations, as part of the International Day of Action for Women’s Health.

As the Covid19 pandemic continues to affect the lives of Filipinos, FPOP recognizes that people’s access to sexual and reproductive health and rights should be unhampered. The organization aims to extend sexual and reproductive health services and commodities, and other necessities through the FPOP Safety Pantry.

On the Safety Pantry tables, vitamins, condoms, lubes, contraceptive pills, alcohol wipes, sanitary napkins, malunggay supplements (capsule), baby dresses, diapers, and pregnancy and hygiene kits are available. People can also take home biscuits, rice, vegetables, canned goods, noodles, and even face shields and masks. Services on family planning, sexual and gender-based violence prevention, HIV testing and counseling, Hepatitis B screening, implant and IUD insertion, cervical cancer screening, and pre-natal check-up are also available. Standard safety protocols against Covid-19 were observed in the Safety Pantry sites located in:

1. Barangay 32, Tondo, Manila

2. Barangay Silangan, Quezon City

3. Barangay Tandang Sora, Quezon City

4. Baguio Public Market

5. T. Alonzo Street in Baguio City

6. Barangay Panamitan, Kawit in Cavite

7. Barangay Sta. Cruz, Naga in Camarines Sur

8. Sorsogon City

9. Arakan in North Cotabato

10.Barangay Dadiangas in General Santos City

11. Barangay Maimpis in Pampanga

12. Barangay Poblacion, Alaminos in Pangasinan

13. Surigao City

14. Davao City

15. Iloilo City

16. Masbate City

Inspired by the Maginhawa Community Pantry, the items given away came from various donors who support the advocacy the organization pursues. Building on the same idea, FPOP opted to name the initiative Safety Pantry as the word “safety” connotes a message of comfort and is safe and protected against sexually transmitted infection, HIV, unintended pregnancy, and sexual and gender-based violence.

The Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) is a service-oriented organization providing sexual and reproductive health services to all Filipinos. It has 12 active organization chapters with 17 Community Health Care Clinics offering an integrated package of essential services on family planning and reproductive health.

FPOP is one of the oldest and biggest volunteer organizations in the Philippines. It was founded on August 4, 1969, out of a merger of two organizations that pioneered the family planning movement in the Philippines. It is a member association of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).

Aside from various community activities such as the Safety Pantry, adolescent learning sessions, house-to-house outreach, and reproductive health medical missions, FPOP also provides free online consultation and other SRH services through their hotline called FPOP youRHotline. It can be reached on Facebook: www.facebook.com/yourhotline.ph or mobile number: 0998-988-8826, 8 AM to 10 PM daily.

FPOP Safety Pantry Facebook Live Links:

North Cotabato https://www.facebook.com/ranny.labiaga/videos/3908005145934432/

Cavite https://fb.watch/5M7MSUUoQp/

General Santos City https://www.facebook.com/FPOPSOCCSKSARGENChapter/videos/524482665583544/https://www.facebook.com/FPOPSOCCSKSARGENChapter/videos/2243189549195048/

Surigao
https://www.facebook.com/fpopsurigao1969/videos/1146591945812218/

Brgy. Silangan, QC
https://www.facebook.com/famplan.ph/videos/1411139825932214/

Bagong Bayani: Filipino’s guide in the new normal

Sharing this very timely info from Doc Ted Esguerra, a Covid19 survivor himself. Words to live by amidst the pandemic. Thanks, Doc.

“As we are recovering, there are ‘old ways’ which we do not bring anymore in our usual lives. We are now in the NEW NORMAL and we are to adapt to its new norms to survive. “Reopening is not back to normal. It is trying to find ways to allow people to get back out to do things they want to do, and business to do business,” said Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. “We can’t pretend the virus has gone away. The vast majority of the population is still susceptible.”

I made this mnemonic B.A.G.O.N.G. B.A.Y.A.N.I. as a guide for Filipinos how to ‘stand up’ again in the new normal times — renewed and more resilient.

Let’s all be the BAGONG BAYANI SA BAGONG BANSA PARA SA BAGONG PANAHON

B – BE FIT – Physically, physiologically, Psychologically, Spiritually
– We must realize that indeed health is wealth

A – ALWAYS IMBIBE GOD-FEARING & FAMILY-CENTERED WAY OF LIFE – Be responsible parent, husband, wife, son or daughter
– Going back to the basic unit of the society
– Moral decadence has started when we detach ourselves from the values taught to us by our parents

G – GO CLEAN, GREEN AND CONSERVATION – Support and practice proper waste disposal, clean energy, forest restoration programs, preservation of culture and the arts, conserve water and electricity
– Involvement of our country in the global campaign for climate change adaptation and low carbon usage
– Imbibe the true cultural richness of our country

O – OBSERVE THE ‘SEVEN WONDERS’ AND OTHER SAFETY PRACTICES – observe the 7 Wonders of Safety : Always wear mask, Observe Physical distancing, Washing of hands with soap and water, avoid crowded areas, observe coughing/sneezing etiquette, do not go out unless necessary, and avoid touching mouth, nose and eyes
– Developing the safety culture and enhancing the safety-security-survival (S3) psyche and practices

N – NEW LIFE, NEW HABIT, NEW TECHNOLOGY – Be prepared for any eventualities, Be flexible, Be more aware, Be learned and educated in accessing information on-line, Adapt to technological advancement suited to our national platform

G – GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH NEIGHBORS & VISITORS – Locally and Internationally. Be tolerant to diversity. Be kind to everyone

B – BE A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN – As a Voter, Tax Payer, Manager/ Employer, Worker, Student, Netizen, road user.
– Report Crime and corruption
– Video tape and report abuses,

A – ALWAYS GIVE RESPECT AND PRIORITY TO SPECIAL PEOPLE – Elderlies, PWDs, women and pregnant women, Children, Tribes People, and other marginalized members of the society

Y – YIELD TO THE RULES OF THE COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY – from simple pedestrian crossing to not participating in corruption

A – ADVOCATE AND SUPPORT OUR OWN – Produce of our own Farmers/Fishermen; support products of our craftsmen; support obras of our own artisans; support our local tourism

N – NEVER BE LAZY AND NEVER PROCRASTINATE – Early at work and leave in right time

I – INSTILL NATIONALISM – Patronize anything that is about our Country
– Deepen our understanding to the RIGHT part of history
– Change some ‘defeated’ aspects in history
– Renew reverence to flag and anthem
– Foster UNITY
– It doesn’t take much being a hero

By: DR TED ESGUERRA