Resilience of filipino: adapting to a changing enivironment

 The Philippines is an archipelago country that stands at the frontline of climate change. Typhoons are intensifying and getting more furious, tides are rising, and droughts are getting protracted in this country, directly affecting the daily lives and livelihoods of Filipinos. The reports from PAGASA say the number and intensity of typhoons that hit the country have been progressively increasing over the years since the 1950s. This is an alarming trend because it only means that the Philippines is becoming a highly vulnerable country to extreme weather conditions.

 Human activities are the primary causes of these changes in the environment, which contribute to the production of greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and hasten global warming. An increase in sea level to at least 0.5 to 1 meter by 2100 as projected by the IPCC, thus risking members of coastal communities in terms of displacement, saltwater intrusion, and increased vulnerability to storm surges. 

Climate change already affects crop yield; thus, it also contributes to food insecurity, turning the previously easy challenges of farming into difficult tasks.

Despite all these, the Filipinos have shown unique resiliency in survival through generations of climatic change and adaptation through new environments by exercising innovative solutions and community-based approaches at the level of risk reduction and resilience building. Such examples include sustainable farm practices and disaster preparedness that help a filipino survive climate change. It is, however very important to recognize that climate change is a global phenomenon and requires collective efforts from governments, business houses, and citizens alike to address it at the root level and uplift communities on the frontline. Investment in renewable energy sources, reduction of emissions, and development of climate-resilient infrastructure are there in those details.

 Reference:  

-http://www.blogger.com

- Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)

- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

- Department of Agriculture (DA)

World Bank

FAO

Give voice to the voiceless

 Every National Children's Month for Filipinos is a time for reflection. This year's theme, "Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines," is one strong call to address the alarming reality about child abuse in our nation. Statistics speak strongly: a 2018 study by the Philippine Commission on Women reveals that 1 in 4 children are exposed to one or more of the following acts before their 18th birthday, which includes physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. That's a crisis crying out to be addressed by each and every one of us now.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recognized that, based on data, the most common forms of violence against children are physical abuse and neglect, and sexual abuse. These three problems appear to be related to poverty, lack of knowledge, and cultural traditions. While the DSWD labors to make support and resources available, child protection services readily become swamped either by underfunding and lack of trained professionals. An integrated multi-pronged approach is therefore required to deal with the causes of child abuse, build support systems, and provide adequate care and protection measures for victims.
 
We would wish the communities to be an active participant in child protection through empowerment. This is achieved by making families and individuals aware of abuse signs and promoting positive parenting practices that would create safe spaces for children to report abuse without fear of repercussions. Legal frameworks need to be undertaken to ensure perpetrators are kept accountable and that provide the necessary support and justice for the victims.

 The change in the heart and mind is what this is all ultimately about. Harmful societal norms have been normalized and led to children being victimized by the very hands intended to protect them. We must establish a society where scared children have voices and their rights are respected. It requires our collective consciousness to be developed, agreed upon, committed, and nurtured into a culture of empathy, respect, and protection for every child.
Another aspect of this change is the empowerment of the children themselves. They must be taught their rights and provide safe spaces where they can voice out. In addition, they should be empowered to self-advocate for their well-being in that they can advocate mental health needs using mental care, support groups, and education in self-esteem, resilience, and healthy relationships.
The challenge of child protection is complex, not insurmountable. We have the resources, the knowledge, and the collective will to create a safer Philippines for our children. Let's go beyond mere words and turn our commitments into concrete action.
 

This month, let us break the cycle of violence for a better and safer Philippines for our children. Let's learn and enlighten ourselves, the communities we live in, to the protection of a child. Let's support the professionals who spend their entire workday on the watchful care of children; let's put up a battle cry against abuse. Each raised voice and each action taken builds towards a future wherein every child will grow into becoming safe and loved and empowered.

Reference:

Http://www.blogger.com

 

- Philippine Commission on Women (PCW)

- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

-https://images.app.goo.gl/arJ9AF3psEAFdocE7

-https://images.app.goo.gl/ue4wmLSbnoeZ6UAs9