Empowering Women: SHE Project celebrates five years of advancing SRHR and preventing GBV in Eastern Visayas

Press Release
August 29, 2024

CALBAYOG CITY – The Subnational Close-Out event for the Sexual Health and Empowerment (SHE) project was successfully held on August 27, 2024, at the Ciriaco Hotel in Calbayog City, Samar, marking the culmination of five years of transformative work in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention. The event, themed "Pasidungog," honored the achievements and contributions of local government units (LGUs), community partners, and key organizations who were instrumental in advancing these critical issues in the region.

"Pasidungog," a Visayan term meaning “to honor” or “to give recognition,” aptly captured the spirit of the gathering, which brought together representatives from municipal, provincial, and regional government agencies, as well as partners from the Department of Health (DOH), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), Oxfam, and the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP).

"The journey over the past five years has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. Today, we honor those who have tirelessly worked to improve the lives of women and girls in our communities. 'Pasidungog' is our way of saying that your contributions have not gone unnoticed," said Dr. Venus Cardenas, a member of the GTH Core Team and former Provincial GAD Focal Person of Northern Samar.

"The success we celebrate today is rooted in the dedication of our local leaders and community members. As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to prioritize SRHR and GBV prevention in our policies and programs," emphasized Hon. Felix Panganoron, Mayor of Sta. Margarita, Samar.

The SHE project, led by Oxfam and funded by GAC, aimed to improve SRHR for women and girls in six underserved and conflict-affected regions of the Philippines. Jhpiego, as a technical partner, played a pivotal role in enhancing the capacity of the public and private health sectors to provide comprehensive and gender-responsive SRHR services.

"Through the SHE project, we have seen real, positive changes in our communities. Women and girls now have better access to the information and services they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being," remarked Amihan Liza Jacobe, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer of Victoria, Northern Samar.

"With the support of SHE and its partners, our health facilities are now more equipped, and our health workers better trained to provide gender-responsive services. This has significantly improved the quality of care we can offer to our communities," stated Dr. Nestor Cailo, Municipal Health Officer of Sta. Margarita, Samar.

"The comprehensive approach of the SHE project has strengthened our health system's capacity to deliver SRHR and GBV services. This is a legacy that will benefit the people of Eastern Visayas for years to come," added Hermart Severino, AHDP/Family Planning Program Manager at the DOH Center for Health Development Eastern Visayas.

With continued dedication and the right support, health services in Eastern Visayas have truly become inclusive and gender-sensitive. With a clear roadmap ahead, stakeholders are poised to implement sustainable changes, ensuring equitable access to quality health services for all.

"As we conclude this phase of the SHE project, we remain committed to supporting the ongoing efforts to advance SRHR and prevent GBV. The partnerships we have built here in Eastern Visayas will continue to inspire and drive our work in the future," said Dr. Ingrid Magnata, Country Program Manager of Jhpiego Philippines.

Mary Joy Ducusin, Regional Coordinator and AY Specialist, also emphasized the ongoing work in gender transformation, noting, "In collaboration with DOH Eastern Visayas, Jhpiego is developing a Gender Transformation for Health (GTH) manual, which will soon be endorsed to the DOH central office. This manual will serve as a vital resource in ensuring that gender-responsive practices are integrated into all aspects of health service delivery."

The "Pasidungog" event in Calbayog City was one of several close-out events organized by SHE, with additional celebrations planned in Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, CARAGA, BARMM, and the Bicol Region, highlighting the nationwide impact of the project and the collective dedication to improving the lives of women and girls across the Philippines.

Military troops discover IHL-banned NPA landmines in E. Samar

By 802nd Infantry Brigade, 8ID PA
August 28, 2024

CAMP DOWNES, Ormoc City – Military troops discovered a collection of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL)-banned landmines belonging to the New People's Army (NPA) in the mountain village of Brgy Antipolo, Llorente, Eastern Samar on August 27, 2024.

Troops from the 78th Infantry Battalion (78IB), under the operational control of 802nd Infantry Brigade (802IBde) were tipped-off by a concerned civilian about an NPA cache of landmines.

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph D. Bugaoan, Commanding Officer of 78IB launched a joint operation with Municipal Police Station of Llorente which led to the discovery of four IHL-banned Anti Personnel Mines, one Rifle Grenade, 22 Carbine ammunition, four (4) Handheld Radios, and other NPA belongings.

According to Bugaoan, the discovered prohibited war materiel belongs to the remnants of Apoy Platoon, Sub Regional Committee-SESAME, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

Bugaoan also said that the successful operation was made possible by the proactive measures of populace in safeguarding their community in collaboration with the former rebels belonging to the Apoy Platoon.

"I encourage all community members to continue working with the government to maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone," Bugaoan added.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Noel A. Vestuir, Commander of the 802IBde, commended the joint troops for working hand in hand in the pursuit of lasting peace in the area. He also expressed his gratitude to the populace for their cooperation and deep concern for their community, and to the former rebels for their commitment and support to the local peace engagements of the local government unit.

“On behalf of the peace-loving citizens, we are grateful to the residents of Brgy Antipolo, Llorente for their collective effort to finally end the local communist armed conflict,” Vestuir ended.

DAR fast track inspection of lots in Hilongos town

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
August 27, 2024

HILONGOS, Leyte – Another landholding in this town passed the inspection of surveyed lots which will hasten the issuance of individual land titles under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Ruben Rebato disclosed that on Tuesday, August 20 this year, an inspection team checked if monuments were complete and properly in place on lot number 9062 in Barangay Hitupdan, a mountainous village some 23 kilometers away from the town proper, after it underwent subdivision survey recently.

The inspection team, headed by geodetic engineer, Edflor Murillo, reported that the said lot, with an area of 5.8217 hectares, passed the inspection with complete monuments and are properly in place.

Murillo was assisted by two more geodetic engineers, Genia Embudo and Lilibeth Demillo, with DAR municipal office’s Senior Agrarian Reform Program Technologist (SARPT) Ranulfo Advincula.

According to Rebato, this landholding was issued earlier with a collective Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in the name of three agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

After the successful conduct of inspection, survey plan of lot 9062 will be forwarded to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the approval before individual land titles are registered at the Registry of Deeds (ROD).

World Bank-funded SPLIT project subdivides landholdings covered by collective CLOAs issued under the CARP to be replaced with individual electronically generated land titles to improve land tenure security and strengthen property rights of ARBs.

Philippine Army’s nationwide Heroes Day donation drive produces 25k blood bags

By OACPA
August 27, 2024

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Philippine Army conveyed its gratitude to the “modern-day heroes” who collectively donated around 25,000 blood bags during the PA-wide blood donation drive held across 171 sites nationwide on August 25, 2024.

The massive undertaking netted a total of 24,841 blood bags which is composed of 6,316 blood bags from active personnel donors and 18,525 blood bags from reservists and other donors.

The PA in cooperation with medical personnel from partner government and private hospitals facilitated the blood donation in majority of the sites. The PA also partnered with various Philippine Red Cross chapters in 48 sites and the Department of Health in 3 sites.

The PA-wide donation drive aims to contribute to the country’s blood reserves, sustain an ample blood supply that will address the demand for blood as a life-saving fluid for Army personnel, and ensure the need for sufficient blood reserves during large-scale force mobilization in times of emergency.

The Philippine Army leadership also thanked the donors, partner hospitals, and NGOs for participating in the successful donation drives this year. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners for their invaluable support for the successful donation drives this year. Through our collective efforts, we have helped save the lives of thousands of our countrymen,” Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido remarked.

Buenos Aires IS gets new two units one-storey, two-classroom buildings

By GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
August 24, 2024

CALBAYOG CITY – A newly completed two units of one-storey, two-classroom building are now being used by students of Buenos Aires Integrated School in the Municipality of Pagsanghan said Samar First DEO.

The said school has a total contract amount of P10.74 million in convergence with the Department of Education under the Basic Education Facilities Fund FY 2023.

Every classroom in those buildings has one (1) toilet. Moreover, every building also has their own wash area, PWD ramp with guard rails as well as painting of the structure. The four (4) classrooms will be used by Kindergarten, Grades 2, 10 and 12 students.

The school started with make-shift classrooms until the community requested to have an integrated school. This came about because there are students in the secondary level living in Barangay Buenos Aires and nearby barangays who needs to travel to another municipality just to acquire a higher level of education. Now, the school caters to 195 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 which needs more space and classrooms to house these additional students.

The additional rooms will provide conducive classroom environment and more space to accommodate more students allowing those living therein and nearby barangays to be interested to enroll and attain higher education.

DAR works double time to expedite SPLIT implementation in Hilongos

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
August 23, 2024

HILONGOS, Leyte – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) works double time by conducting simultaneously subdivision survey and inspection of surveyed lots in this town to expedite the issuance of individual land titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project.

On August 14 and 15, five survey teams were dispersed to this town. Three teams conducted subdivision surveys in 11 lots covered by collective certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs), while two teams inspected separate eight previously surveyed lots to check if monuments are properly in place.

Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Ruben Rebato disclosed that the 11 lots that were subdivided have a combined area of 63 hectares situated in the upland barangays of Agutayan, Cacao and Hitupdan.

According to him, there are 55 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in these 11 lots awaiting for their individual land titles.

Meanwhile, the inspection of the eight previously surveyed lots with an aggregate area of 45 hectares turned out successful with complete monuments properly in place. These lots are situated in Barangays Agutayan, San Isidro, Sta. Margarita and Marangog. Survey documents will then be forwarded to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the approval of survey plans.

Rebato further disclosed that he shares the credit with MARPOs Connie Siegred Ulbata, Melchora Telin and Florida Amores in accomplishing these tasks.

He also acknowledged the support of the local government unit through Mayor Manuel Villahermosa for providing a vehicle in the hauling of the monuments to the above-mentioned villages which are more than 20 kilometers away from the town proper, and a living quarter for the surveyors.

SPLIT project subdivides landholdings covered by collective CLOAs issued under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and replaces with individual electronically generated land titles to improve land tenure security and strengthen property rights of ARBs. This project is funded by the World Bank.

Further, this contributes to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), a whole-of-nation approach in addressing insurgency in the country.

CARD MRI launches Bente Productions to empower communities through film

By EDRIAN B. BANANIA
August 22, 2024

SAN PABLO CITY – To strengthen its advocacy for social development, CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) has launched Bente Productions, a media production company dedicated to creating compelling stories and relevant information through films and series.

Established on July 19, 2024, Bente Productions aims to reach more communities, raise awareness, drive conversations, and influence public discourse about poverty eradication.

The company will produce high-quality content for its stakeholders while collaborating with local talents in the creative industry such as writers, directors, actors, and other emerging professionals in the microfinance community. Bente Productions will also serve as a training platform to enhance the community’s creativity and skills, offering access to a studio equipped with film production equipment.

Named after the historic “Bente” or twenty pesos that marked the inception of CARD in 1986, Bente Production embodies innovation and empowerment.

“From the beginning, my vision has always been to uplift and inspire Filipinos. Building a media production company was one of the best steps in this journey,” said CARD MRI Founder and Chair Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip. “Through Bente Productions, we aim to capture and share the rich stories of our microfinance clients and partner organizations, highlighting their resilience and creativity. I dream that these contents will not only entertain but also create a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse talents within our communities, creating a positive ripple effect in nation-building.”

Bente Productions is the spin-off of CARD MRI Publishing House’s program SineMaya: A Community Short Film Festival that celebrates local storytelling through filmmaking. Building on this success, Bente Production aims to provide a platform for talented individuals and communities to share their stories through films.

Bente Productions is now working on a full-length feature film titled "I Remember You," which is set to premiere in cinemas this September. This film promises to captivate audiences with its heartfelt narrative and showcase the exceptional talent within the microfinance community.

Additionally, the media company is accepting film proposals for the SineMaya 2024 edition, which welcomes participation from social development organizations in East and Southeast Asia. "We believe in the power of storytelling to inspire change and support communities," said Bente Productions President Marilyn Manila. "Our goal is to showcase diverse talents and create films that connect with audiences worldwide.

2 NPA top leaders surrender in Eastern Samar

By 802nd Infantry Brigade, 8ID PA
August 21, 2024

CAMP DOWNES, Ormoc City – Two high-ranking leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered themselves to the military troops in Barangay Nato, Taft, Eastern Samar on August 20, 2024.

A certain Rolando Romanca alias Arman/Bal/Ader/Mayo, the Commanding Officer of the Apoy Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee SESAME, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) voluntarily surrendered to the joint troops of the 52nd Infantry Battalion (52IB) and 78th Infantry Battalion (78IB) under the Operational control of the 802nd Infantry Brigade (802IBde). He brought along with him a certain Jovy Mendez alias Petra/Peter, his Medical Staff. Their surrender was made possible through the Local Government Unit-led Localized Peace Engagement (LPE) and Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families or the FReE Families program of the 802IBde.

Romanca said that they were highly demoralized by the death of their leaders Joel Gaurino alias Duran and Martin Colima alias Moki in the encounters in the first and recent quarters this year. They already lost motivation and the will to continue which led them to decide with the help of their families to surrender and live a normal life.

In a follow-up operation, with the help of Romanca yesterday, the military troops discovered several armed caches including two M16 rifles, 11 magazines, 317 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, hand grenades, subversive documents, and other personal belongings.

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Bugaoan, Commander of 78IB said that the successful negotiation on the surrender of these former NPAs was attributed to the intensified peace and security operations, constant visitation, and engagement with the families and relatives of the remaining NPA members of the Apoy Platoon. The help and cooperation of the local government units and former members of the platoon also played a vital role in this achievement.

“With the surrender of Romanca and Mendez, the Apoy Platoon has only 11 remaining NPA members,” Bugaoan announced. He further added that the series of surrenders is a result of the demoralization due to the death of their leaders as well as the successive surrender of their remaining comrades. Moreover, the significant contribution of the Project "APOY" which stands for “Advocating Programs that Promote Reconciliation and Optimizing Gains Yielding to Peace” played a vital role in further encouraging their comrades to give up the armed struggle. Project Apoy is composed of all surrendered NPA members of Apoy Platoon organized to become key allies of the government in advocating peace and reconciliation.

Brigadier General Noel A. Vestuir, the Brigade Commander of 802IBde commended the troops for their determined efforts in connecting with the families of the remaining NPA members. He also expressed his gratitude to the families of the remaining members of Apoy Platoon and their former comrades who organized themselves to support the government in advocating the achievement of sustainable peace in the provinces of Samar and Eastern Samar. He continuously calls out for the others to do the same and be reunited with their loved ones to live peacefully in their community.

"To the remaining members of Apoy platoon, I once again urge you to embrace the path of peace before it is too late. Your leaders are already killed and surrendered which can make you run out of direction and certainly, you have been demoralized by these successive losses. Our relentless peace and security efforts will continue until every last one of you has embraced a peaceful resolution," Vestuir said.

EVRPC continues to diminish, Communist Terrorist Group leaders surrender in EV

By DPAO, 8ID PA
August 20, 2024

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – In a significant development towards peace, two high-ranking leaders of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Eastern Visayas have voluntarily surrendered to the authorities.

Alias Leo/Omer/Lovely, the former Squad Leader of Squad 2, Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU), and alias Mael, the former finance officer of P2, Front Committee 15 (Dismantled), both from Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Arctic of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), surrendered to the 20th Infantry Battalion (20IB) at Brgy. Dapdap, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on August 17, 2024.

Additionally, on August 16, 2024, alias Abner, a former member of Batakang Organisasyon sa Partido (BOP) and a resident of Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar, withdrew their support from the Communist Terrorist Group at 19th Infantry "Commando" Battalion (19IB) in Brgy. Opong, Catubig, Northern Samar.

Lt.Col. Richard Villaflor, Commanding Officer of the 20IB, stated that the surrender of these leaders is attributed to the focused military operations of the 20IB and the local peace engagement operation of the 803rd Infantry "Peacemakers" Brigade, Philippine Army.

“Due to the continuous implementation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), actively supported by Local Government Units, stakeholders, and Local Chief Executives in the area, the significant weakening of the CTG and their mass support is evident,” Lt. Col. Villaflor highlighted.

From July 1, 2022, to August 9, 2024, a total of 94 CTG members were neutralized, 16 of them were high-value individuals and 14 key leaders have either surrendered, been apprehended, or were killed in the ongoing military operations of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) throughout Eastern Visayas. They were also able to recover 148 high and low-powered firearms and seized 90 anti-personnel mines (APM).

MGen. Camilo Z. Ligayo, Commander of the 8ID, said that these developments underscore the relentless efforts and commitment of the military and government to restore peace and security in the region.
“This demonstrates that the CTGs in the region are now leaderless and powerless. They continue to weaken and disintegrate as your Philippine Army persistently pursues them, ensuring that no one is left to bring violence to our communities,” Maj. Gen. Ligayo stressed.

“I urge the remaining NPA members, especially those who are still hesitant, to surrender now and lay down your arms. The government is ready to help you start a new life,” he added.

Protection works built in La Paz CIS

By GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
August 20, 2024

CALBAYOG CITY – La Paz Communal Irrigation System in the municipality of San Jorge, Samar has a newly-erected protection works completed August 19 funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) FY 2024.

The said structure has been finished two months prior to its expiry date. It has a length of 35.5 meters and a height that varies from four (4) to five (5) meters.

The La Paz CIS is used in Brgy. La Paz as the water source for the surrounding agricultural lands. This serves as the catch basin of water coming from mountains in nearby areas. In that sense, the built structure aims to protect the adjoining properties in cases where water in the dam might overflow interfering with economic use of lands. Moreover, this will also prevent soil erosion at the edge and can help redirect water to areas where it’s needed.

Save the Children PH urges Senate to swiftly pass Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill

Press Release
August 19, 2024

QUEZON CITY – Save the Children Philippines is urgently calling on the Senate to pass the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill without delay, addressing the escalating crisis of teenage pregnancies in the country, particularly among children aged 15 and below.

Every day, more than 500 adolescents in the Philippines become mothers, a stark and troubling reality that includes girls as young as 10 years old. Save the Children Philippines, the leading independent children's organization in the country, warns that these alarming numbers are not just statistics – they represent the stolen childhoods of countless young girls.

The country has witnessed a disturbing 35% increase in live births among the 15-and-under age group from 2021 to 2022. These pregnancies trap thousands of young Filipino girls in a relentless cycle of poverty, discrimination, and lost opportunities. Forced to abandon their education and assume the heavy responsibilities of parenthood, these girls are being robbed of their futures.

"These figures tell a heartbreaking story of young lives derailed by circumstances beyond their control. Girls as young as 10 are being thrust into the role of mothers, while still children themselves," said Wilma Banaga, Child Protection Advisor at Save the Children Philippines.

As the Philippines commemorates the 34th anniversary of its ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child this August, Save the Children underscores that the passage of the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill is not just necessary – it is a moral imperative for the Philippine government to uphold the rights of every Filipino child.

"Fear of discrimination and stigma forces many young people to hide their pregnancies, cutting them off from vital health services and support," said Sydney, a youth advocate.

"It is crucial that adolescents are educated about their sexual and reproductive health and rights and have access to quality services that enable them to make informed choices. No young person should be forced to sacrifice their future because of an unintended pregnancy. We urgently call on lawmakers to prioritize the passage of the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill to ensure every young Filipino can realize their full potential."

The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill is scheduled for interpellation in the Senate on August 19 and is awaiting approval on its second reading. It has already passed the third reading in the House of Representatives.

"Adolescent pregnancies are often the result of coercion and imbalanced power dynamics between young girls and older men. Passing this bill is essential – not only to educate and empower our youth but also to protect them from exploitation and ensure they have the support needed to reclaim their childhoods and build a brighter future," Banaga added.

Save the Children Philippines joins the nation in urging the Philippine government to expedite the passage of this critical bill, paving the way for a safer, more equitable, and promising future – for and with children.

PhilSys and CRVS awareness forum for local civil registrars and staff held in Baybay City

By PSA-8
August 16, 2024

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA RSSO 8) spearheaded the conduct of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) and Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Awareness Forum for Local Civil Registrars (LCRs) in Eastern Visayas. The event took place at the Conference Hall of the New Baybay City Hall in Baybay City, Leyte on 06 August 2024.

PSA RSSO 8 Regional Director (RD) Wilma A. Perante warmly welcomed all participants from the different provinces in the region, who were also officers and members of the Regional Association of Civil Registrars (RACIR). She then thanked the delegates from the PSA Headquarters who graced the occasion: OIC-Deputy National Statistician (OIC-DNS), Mr. Fred Sollesta of PhilSys Registry Office (PRO); Project Development Officer III, Rianne Aybil Penaredondo of the PhilSys Advocacy Unit; and Rhys Jason V. Manapat of the Social Protection Use Case Division. RD Perante shared that originally, the plan was only to conduct a PhilSys Awareness Forum; however, they also took the opportunity to include the CRVS to give updates to all LCRs.

OIC-DNS Sollesta, in his message, informed the group that he was very glad to be present and assured them that vital information would be imparted, as well as to address questions about both PhilSys and CRVS. Meanwhile, Ms. Penanredondo presented the salient features of R.A. 11055 (the Philippine Identification Act) and the issuance and acceptance of the Digital National ID, and its live demonstration. She then reminded all LCRs that the Digital National ID is now downloadable through national-id.gov.ph, and like other forms of National ID, it should be accepted in all government and private transactions. Lastly, Mr. Manapat discussed the National ID Authentication Services, National ID Check, and National ID eVerify. He presented the details of the online and offline options, showcasing the use and navigation of the National ID Check through, https://everify.gov.ph/check.

In the afternoon session, Ms. Rose A. Ballera, OIC Chief Adinistrative Officer of PSA RSSO 8, discussed feedback response and the examination of fake civil registry documents, as well as BREN linking, and the online appointment system. RD Perante then presented two (2) more topics: Memorandum Circular No. 2024-17, "Additional Guidelines for Delayed Registration of Births: Concepts and Guidelines," and Memorandum Circular 202-12A, "Piecemeal/Advance Copy of the Civil Registry Documents through Electronic Endorsement." Finally, an open forum was also conducted at the end of the session.

Children’s art highlights climate crisis for World Humanitarian Day

By Save the Children PH
August 16, 2024

QUEZON CITY – In celebration of World Humanitarian Day 2024, Save the Children Philippines is launching an art exhibition that creatively spotlights the impacts of climate change from the perspective and voices of children from August 14 to 20, 2024 at B Hotel, Quezon City.

“This exhibition is a powerful testament to the resilience of children in the face of climate crisis,” said Faisah Ali, Save the Children Philippines’ Humanitarian Manager. “Their artworks serve as a call to action for stronger climate resilience measures and the prioritization of children's needs in humanitarian responses.”

The event underscores the importance of climate and disaster resilience, especially among children who are most vulnerable and affected by emergencies.

Republic Act 10821 or the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act, mandates the creation and implementation of the Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children (CEPC) to safeguard the rights and well-being of children, including pregnant and lactating mothers, before, during, and after emergencies. Despite the law being in place for several years, many local government units have yet to fully adopt and operationalize their respective CEPCs.

“Children are the most vulnerable during disasters. They face increased risks of physical harm, emotional distress, and exploitation. We call on the LGUs to adopt and implement the CEPC as a crucial tool to protect children and ensure their immediate needs are met while also building their resilience for future emergencies,” said George Oliver De La Rama, Director of Advocacy, Campaigns, Communications, and Media of Save the Children Philippines.

Alexa, 17, a child rights advocate, shared: "Priority should be given to children who are most in need, especially during times of emergencies. I worry about what will happen to children with disabilities, those who are homeless, and those living on the streets.

Government responses should be long-term, and most importantly should include children in the planning process since we are the most affected by disasters. We should be considered as potential part of the solution. When we are empowered and know what to do before, during, and after a disaster, we feel more assured that we will be safe."

Save the Children Philippines also recognizes the vital role of the private sector in supporting and amplifying humanitarian initiatives. The partnership with B Hotel, Quezon City, exemplifies how businesses can make meaningful impact by providing resources and platforms that elevate key children’s issues and amplify children’s voices. This collaboration is a testament to the power of collective action in driving awareness and fostering meaningful change.