Exclusive: DOH Sec. Esperanza Cabral on Sex Education and other health concerns

Department of Health Secretary Dr. Esperanza Cabral gives her opinion regarding the growing issue of implementing Sex Education in elementary and school. In a short interview with the most controversial cabinet secretary of the Arroyo administration, Dr Cabral fearlessly answers some issues concerning public health and what people love to debate now – Sex Education.

According to Dr. Cabral DOH is in a support role in terms of the implementation of Sex Education where Department of Education (DepEd) is the lead implementing of the said program is schools. Therefore, the details of the program with regard to its implementation, the curriculum, materials to be used etc. will be better directed at them (DepEd). However, if allowed, as health officials, they will help to explain the rationale behind the program and the need to implement it. 

(Photo: Department of Health Secretary Dr. Esperanza Cabral during my first interview at Bo's Coffee in Glorietta 5)

With the large influence of the Catholic Church and with the help of conservative group, the protest continues to stop the implementation of the said program. Dr. Cabral mentioned that the criticism of the program stems mostly from the wrong appreciation of what sex education really means. She also adds that they should look at the curriculum and the materials first; many have instantly condemned it as a tool that will teach our children how to have sexual intercourse. According to her that the allegations of those of who protested to stop the program is not true. “A rational and objective approach will reveal that the teaching of sexuality through age-appropriate modules, which can be tailored even for very young children, is a beneficial program.” Dr. Cabral added.

“The program (sex education) seeks to empower our children by helping them become aware of the concepts of sex and sexuality in a manner that is consistent and compatible with each stage of their development, and thus be able to better protect and appreciate their private rights, as well as make wise and intelligent decisions,” she affirms. Dr. Cabral sees it to defend children from abuse and for teenagers it will teach them to make mature decisions and avoid such problems as early and unwanted pregnancies. The empowerment and concrete benefits to society that this knowledge brings far outweigh the many vague and irrational fears being spread around by its critics.

Aside from Sex Education, I ask three more questions to Dr. Cabral which includes population control, tobacco control and disaster preparedness. According to her DOH does not have a population control program, the more appropriate term being a “reproductive health program”. “We advocate education, information and awareness on such concerns as fertility, responsible parenthood, artificial and natural family planning methods, adolescent health, women’s health and others.” answering the topic on population control.

Second, on tobacco control, Dr. Cabral says that the DOH recognizes the huge public health impact of unabated and poorly regulated tobacco consumption in the country. It is estimated that the direct and indirect costs of ill health caused by tobacco use amounts to almost P200 B a year. “That is why the DOH has stepped up its campaign to help reduce these detrimental effects despite the opposition of our very powerful tobacco industry.” Recently DOH signed an Administrative Order mandating the use of graphic health warnings on the packaging of tobacco products, a method that has proven to be effective in reducing tobacco consumption in many countries. One of the countries that implemented the said graphic health warning is Australia where according to tobacco control advocates it decreases the number of smokers compare with the usual text based warning on cigarette packs.

Lastly, now that it’s back to school and its also rainy season, Dr. Cabral mentioned that DOH is n active in advising the public to prepare for diseases prevalent during this time of year such as water-borne diseases (i.e. diarrhea), influenza, leptospirosis and dengue. We disseminate information on signs and symptoms, modes of transmission, prevention and control of these diseases. “DOH is part of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, is always ready to respond to disasters” Dr. Cabral ended. 

***

Editor's note: This is the second time that the author interviewed DOH Secretary Dr. Esperanza Cabral and he is grateful of the trust that Dr. Cabral had given him. His first interview is about Sec. Cabral's view and project related to on AIDS, Maternal Health, Child Mortality and Church which happens last March 27, 2010.

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Neric Acosta: A teacher and environmental advocate

April 22, Makati City – Back from his sortie in Visayas region, Bukidnon Congressman Neric Acosta shared his 30 minutes for a short yet substantial discussion regarding his platforms and plans as a senatorial candidate of Liberal Party. A teacher by profession and environmental advocate by heart, the country-side congressman he shared his four- core platforms that he called pillars; Environment, Livelihood, Justice and Peace.

Acosta is a known environmentalist at heart. He is the principal author of Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and the Ecological Management Act, where he wanted to prioritize the protection of the environment since he sees it as the source of living of the people. In his livelihood program, he wanted to tap on the concerns of jobs, livelihood, education and health where he wanted to invest on human resources by providing basic education and health care especially to the maternal and child care.

Like other candidates, Acosta was asked with five questions:

As a teacher, do you still think that there’s quality education in the Philippines?
Acosta: Absolutely none, na-dedetiriorate, nakakalungkot ang mga taong nagsasabing may improvement ang education sa ating bansa. Nakikita natin ang full deterioration ang maraming batang hindi nakakapasok at di nakakapagtapos. It is very clear that it is national emergency our education system.

How can we solve the growing population of unemployment in the country?
Acosta: The answer here is we cannot keep thinking that every Filipino youth need to go through formal education, lahat maging full college graduate. Yun ang idea, pero alam natin na hindi ito agad agarang mangyayari so ang ginagawa po natin dito like sa ibang bansa may track sila na pagkatapos ng highschool alam na nila kung saan tutungo ang mga bata ang mga estudyante kung dito bas a mas formal kung magiging doctor, engineer, etc. or pupunta sa non formal or vocational or specialize na mga fields para makapagtrabaho agad.

What is the current status of human rights in the country and how is justice implemented in the society?
Acosta: No, in fact there is justice for the rich and justice for the poor as the saying goes. At ayon nga kay Senator Noynoy ang justice sa atin ay Jus-Tiis, titiisin na lang ng mahirap na hindi nakaka access sa mga legal aide o mga abugadong hing magchacharge ng katakot takot a fees. Nakita natin na kapag may mga justices or hurado na madaling na iimpluwensyahan dahil sa loyalty nakikita natin yan ngayon.

As a candidate from Mindanao what are your plans to bring peace in your region?
Acosta: I have three basic things in my mind; 1. Disarmament, 2. Dialogue, 3. Dismantling.

As an environmental advocate how will you create and strengthen awareness on climate change?
Acosta: Mula sa Ondoy, Pepeng at maraming disasters na natamaan ang Pilipinas ito ay nagiging batayan na rin natin sa climate change na sinasabing vulnerable na tayo . I am one of the main conveners of the Philippine imperative on climate change. What does this mean that we are really going around the country saying we can talk employment, we can talk jobs, education, healthcare, etc, if we do not look what is happening at to our climate and our environment which are the foundation, which are all elements of air, water, and land and life support.

Watch the full 30 minute interview here:


Acosta is a vocal person in terms of what he believes with, specially his advocacy and maybe one of the most courageous people in connection of issues being thrown to him and their standard bearer.

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Sonia Roco: A mother and an education advocate

April 22, Quezon City – Unlike other political candidates and advocates, Sonia Roco welcomed me in her home at La Vista Subdivision like a usual family guest. She was busy cleaning her house with her family members and helpers, at the same time preparing for a sortie. We set the 20-minute interview in the library area, where the late Senator and Department of Education Secretary Raul Roco spent most of the time at home.

As a wife of a politician, Sonia became conscious with the socio-political issues in the country, who she joined projects of the association of the wives of the politicians, such as educational projects and other livelihood programs. She also went to speeches and other programs as a substitute for the late senator. Having the title “Inang Guro” (Mother Teacher), Mrs. Roco will tryagain to win a seat in senate under the Liberal Party, where the political party founded by her late husband – Aksyon Demokratiko (Democratic Action) allied itself with Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, LP’s presidential candidate.

Roco focuses her campaign in three core plans: education for youth, women empowerment and economy for all. She believes that everyone is part of nation building, especially the youth. She would like to educate the youth on their rights responsible citizenship. She would also like to continue the legacy of her late husband, who was awarded as “honorary woman” after creating policies and bills that empowers women on their rights and brought back the dignity in them. And lastly, her view on economy for all is that she wanted to create the idea of equality amongst the Filipino citizens, especially in terms of jobs.

As a teacher for 25 years, Roco said that public education system in the Philippines needs help. She believes that good educators make good schools, yet educators are not properly compensated. Instead of teaching properly in schools, they end up selling things to support their low salary. She recommended revisiting their teaching skills and would aid them to improve in their fields, including their salary.

As a mother, Roco answered the question of domestic violence where majority of the women in the country faces. Roco stated that the sometimes law or the government itself cannot intervene with the personal lives of the couple, but she emphasized that there are laws governing the rights of women who faces violence. She added that domestic violence does not only involve women as victims, but also men. The only thing to stop any form of violence inside Filipino homes is to know their rights and the laws that will protect them, Roco mentioned.

Roco’sview on reproductive health was that the bill must state and define clearly on how we wanted to be applied including the health aspect, to avoid confusion in other sectors. Lastly in the topic of gender equality, Roco believed that women do the same work as men, but the latter receives lesser compensation than the former. She added that there are companies that hire men over women who are qualified to work yet these companies sees a possible issue when women get married and possible pregnancy which may affect the operations and productivity. Roco used the idea of Gender Free where companies would only focus in qualifications, and not on gender. If given a chance to become a senator, Roco would like to revisit the laws that govern the issue of gender equality and the rights of women in the society.

Watch the full 20 minute interview of Mrs. Sonia Roco:

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Risa Hontiveros as Women and Reproductive Health Advocate

April 21, Quezon City, Philippines – One of the most controversial female members of the House of the Representatives, Risa Hontiveros sits with me for a short interview about her platforms and issues connected to her race for senate under Liberal Party. Hontiveros is a representative from Akbayan Party-list and it is her second term in the position. She was invited by LP to join their senatorial slate, where she takes the lead on women and agrarian reform. She is one of the authors of the cheap medicines bill, reproductive health bill (RH Bill) and comprehensive agrarian reform program.

Hontiveros wanted to focus on the area of health, women and agriculture once she assumes a senatorial seat. She mentioned that the cheap medicines law in the country should be fully implemented. She would also like to extend the coverage of Philhealth to 100 percent, where it would give free hospitalization to the poorest members. In addition, she also planned to help women with cancer to avail of free testing, diagnosis and treatment. Lisa Maza one of her co-authors for RH Bill is part of competing party NP. When asked what were the differences between her and Maza she answered that in spite of both of them are leftist, they have fundamental differences on bills like the agrarian reform she passed. Maza was one of those who opposed it. She was not surprised seeing the group of Maza joining the opposing team.

If assumed office as senator, Hontiveros wanted to focus on four areas in her first year in senate: anti-corruption, health, women and giving voice to the powerless. On anti-corruption she mentioned that she is planning to propose raising the salaries of the public officials where it would attract the best and the brightest possible and to minimize or avoid the culture of corruption amongst the employees. On health, she wanted to do reform Philhealth; Third would be on women, giving livelihood programs to single mothers, who need financial support. Lastly, bringing the principle of the party-list system, where she is a member (Akbayan), she wanted to give voices to the minorities and brought up the concerns of women, senior citizens, people with disabilities and the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Trans-gender) group.

Like the rest of my interview Hontiveros answers 5 questions:

Question: What is the current status of maternal health in the Philippines?

Hontiveros: Dismal, we’re not going to achieve our MDG target on reducing maternal mortality.

Question: On the issue of reproductive health, the Church is saying not to support enactors of the bill. What is your opinion on this?

Hontiveros: Naniniwala pa rin ako na sa araw ng halalan, makikinig ang mga botante sa kanilang mga konsensya, yung free will na tinuturo ng mga Obispo na handog ng Maylikha sa atin. (I believe that on the day of election that the voters will listen to the conscience with the free will that the bishops is teaching)

Question: What is your reaction when Ampatuan included you on the list of the senators that their family will be supporting?
Hontiveros: Before my opinion, my feeling was horrified someone texted me, a radio reporter telling this news, I’m sure that it was planted by the “Villarroyo.” (opposing political party).

Question: What are the committees in senate would you like to join?

Hontiveros: I will be asking health and agrarian reform.

Question: How will you perform as a senator if the president and vice president in your party didn’t win?

Hontiveros: I will be sad; I see them as second chance for the country. I will just continue my work and implement my principles since I became an activist in high school.

Everything lights up when she was ask on how was she as a mother, she smilingly says that she is a hands-on mother of four. Her eldest is 17 and youngest is 6. Like other mothers, she is a total supporter of her children where she actively participate school activities like the parent-teachers association. She considers rest days as family days. Hontiveros is not expecting that her children would join politics soon. Hontiveros sees her political party as a big family and she ended the discussion telling that she is happy and she would not trade anything in the world from the things that she experiencing with them.

Watch the complete interview below:

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Dr. Martin Bautista on Healthcare and Proper Budget Alignment

April 15, Quezon City – After Juan Flavier and Loi Ejercito, another doctor by profession will be joining the senatorial race for the 2010 Election on May 10. Dr. Martin Bautista, a former member of Ang Kapatiran party, joins Liberal Party headed by presidential candidate Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. He is hoping to bring resolution on the current status of health care in the Philippines along with the proper budget distribution.

Bautista welcomed me in their house at New Manila in Quezon City and have a 20 minute conversation that covered his plans in properly aligning the national budget, improving healthcare and educational system and projects for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). However, when asked what his major contribution was if he assumes position in the senate, he proudly answered that he would want to focus on the proper alignment of the national budget with five reasons as reflected in his position in the ballot:

1. He would like to slash 90% of the budget in infrastructure projects and distribute it to health care, education and salary of the teachers, public health workers (doctors and nurses), police and soldiers.
2. After investing to health care and education along with the salary, it would make the future generations competitive. Through this, it would make Filipinos stay in the country and serve their fellow Filipinos.
3. Professionalize the ranks of the teachers, police, health care workers and others to make them focus with their work given with right compensation.
4. The commitment to show our determination to produce the new generation of Filipinos by investing with healthcare and education.
5. He also saw infrastructure projects sometimes source of corruption in the country. Where other politicians can easily get funds for themselves from it.

As for Bautista, there were five topics that were raised and he needed to answer either to comment, yes, no or abstain.

1. Reproductive Health Bill

Bautista: I am for reproductive health bill. As I said more importance, well not more important, but as important for human life is respect for human dignity.

2. Department of Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral

Bautista: She is an excellent physician. I think she is doing great in her job.

3. Condom/AIDS/HIV

Bautista: HIV/AIDS is an epidemic our country cannot afford. Maba-bankrupt tayo niyan (It will lead us to bankrupt). Condoms will at least prevent a major outbreak, maybe 80-85%, 80% is better than zero percent. Condom will help to prevent the spread of the virus.

4. Church not supporting the candidates who are in RH Bill

Bautista: I think that is very short sighted. Unang una wag po tayong magmamalinis, wag po natin akalain na hindi pwedeng mag isip ang mga Filipino. Hindi lang ang mga pari and Obispo ang pwedeng mag isip. (Let’s not be self righteous and see Filipinos not thinking. Priests and bishops are not the only people who think. It is important that we should enlighten). It is our responsibility to make our citizen enlighten, give them the freedom to choose.

5. What is the current status of the public/government hospital in the country

Bautista: Halos wala (almost nothing). Like I said we only put 249 pesos per Filipino. Ang kinakailangan natin sa bayan natin ay mas marami sana ang baranggay health clinics (We need to have more baranggay health clinics in our country). Ang pinag uusapan natin na kailangan sa bayan natin ay malinis na tubig, bakuna, (Our country needs is clean water and vaccination) can you imagine that it is that primitive. It is important for us to focus on prevention and not on tertiary care.

Bautista is also known as “Dr. Balikbayan,” a 47 year-old physician who returned to the country after working as a doctor in the United States and tries to extend his service to his fellow Filipino by running to the public office. He answered issues without hesitation, especially sensitive topics. He sees politics as a public service and sacrifice and not the usual work/job as others interpreted it.

Watch the 20 minute interview of Dr. Martin Bautista below:

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Alex Lacson on labor, education and graft and corruptions

April 14, Quezon City – I had a chance to interview with Liberal Party senatorial candidate Alex “Pinoy” Lacson and asked him concerning his plans in case he would win as a senator, and opinions on serious matters concerning the country.

Lacson is the author of “12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country.
“ The book became a bestseller, and according to him, it created a big impact to himself as a candidate for senator. He gained attribution from those who read it. The book contained things that Filipinos missed of doing/fulfilling. It includes paying taxes, buying local products, following traffic rules and regulations and waste management. Lacson mentioned that it may be simple but it creates dent if everyone is doing it.

He is one of the LP senatorial-candidates that are new in the field of politics, mostly with no names and lacks with popularity. Unlike others who re-runs for the same or higher position. According to Lacson, Noynoy and Mar selected new faces to join the race to initiate changes, giving chance to those who has capability to serve the country and share their ideas and learning to them. According to him, the selection process included balancing the numbers of popular and usual candidates that are running for higher positions and adding new faces that are used with the social activities.

From the platform of the LP, Lacson choose three key areas: education, employment and fighting graft and corruption. He emphasized education and employment--If ever that he assumes a senatorial seat, he would wantto be part of the education and labor committee. Lacson believes the importance of both education and employment and the government should prioritize it.

There were five topics that I’ve raised during the discussion where he can answer yes, no, no comment and can be supported with a sentence or two:

Question 1: Will justice be served in the case of the Ampatuans and Magindanao Massacre this year?

Lacson: No.

Question 2: Do you agree with the reproductive health bill?

Lacson: Not in its present form. There are certain provisions there that violate the basic right of a man on freedom of choice.

Question 3: Do you agree with Church interfering with the State?

Lacson: On the moral issues tama lang yun (it is right), tama lang na pansinin ng simbahan ang mali na ginagawa ng gobyerno (it is right that the church point out the wrong things that the government is doing)

Question 4: After the poll automation and seeing that there were lots of anomaly in the process do you think that the new government should investigate the COMELEC?

Lacson: Tama lang, dapat lang, (Yes, it should be done) as possible kapag nanalo si Noynoy at Mar at nanalo ang senatorial line up (as possible if Noynoy and Mar wins along with the senatorial line up of LP)

Question 5: Do you agree with Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo running for congressional seat in Pampanga?

Lacson: Hindi, bigyan naman natin yung iba, tama na. Masyado nang mahaba ang nine years niya bilang president. Nagawa na niya lahat ng kaya niyang gawin as president. 9 years so bigyan naman natin ng pagkakataon ang mga bata, yung mga bagong henerasyon. (No, she should give chance to others. Nine years as president is enough and she should give chance to the new generation.)

Lacson hails from the Province of Negros Occidental. He graduated law in University of the Philippines in Diliman in 1996. He has also taken post graduate studies in Harvard Law Scool, in the United States in 2002 and Haggai Leadership Institute in Singapore in 2007. Lacson runs for senator under Liberal Party, where Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III runs as president and Manuel “Mar” Roxas II as vice president.

Watch the full interview of Alex Lacson below:

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DOH Sec. Cabral on AIDS, Maternal Health, Child Mortality and Church

March 13, Makati City – During the Mulat Pinoy Kapihan series of Philippine Center for Population and Development (PCPD) and the Probe Foundation in Bo’s Coffee in Glorietta 5, Makati City on the topic of population and health, the controversial Department of Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral answered questions concerning HIV/AIDS, maternal health issue and child mortality and her debate with the Catholic Church.

Watch the full video of my interview with DOH Sec. Cabral.

Sec Cabral is a brilliant woman who's in my opinion a champion of women and health care in DOH and know how to stand if it is needed despite of conflict of belief and faith.

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Globe Tattoo Broadband fits to anybody's lifestyle

More than 2 years na tong blog ko and its important para sa akin na everytime may mga news or events na important kailangan ma-update at ma-share ko agad sa blog ko especially if it concerns my advocacies. Usually sa mga events dala ko ang notebook (laptop) para if may urgent ma-upload ko agad, pero hindi naman lagi may free wifi or available wifi sa place where I can connect ako and update my blog like the Balangay send off last June na kailangan ko pang umuwi muna para lang makapag-blog.

Important sa akin ang urgent updates especially that ako yung matanong sa mga events where I ask the organizers after the event and ask additional information where I don't just rely with press releases alone. That's where I find Globe Tattoo Broadband handy where it doesn't need any complicated configuration, plug and play lang ang Globe Tattoo Broadband modem and you just need to run the software and you can connect to the net as fast as from 384 Kbps to 2mbps 3G or WCDMA connection.

Aside from the fast internet connection you can choose from per KB or per TIME based internet connection. Per KB connection caters to those who just update blog, check emails, read specific updates that will not require much time on the cybreworld. Per KB charging cost only 15 cents per KB that you consumed in surfing the net, to activate this service just text Bytes to 1111. While per TIME connection lets you surf the internet for 5 pesos per 15 minute surfing, it gives you additional time to stay in the cyberworld after checking emails or done updating your blog, to activate this option just text TIME to 1111, but for new users TIME based is default configuration. To check the status of your internet connection text STATUS to 1111.


And what's hip aside from blogging and social networking is that your plug it comes in different designs, breaking away from the common black and white modem. You have that chance to express yourself with the Globe Tattoo Broadband New Skins, you can be as zen as Cyan Tribe or as expressive and rocker as Black Dragon. Right now Globe Tattoo Broadband launches its promo where you can submit you plug it designs at the Globe Tattoo Broadband Gallery and the chooses designs can win as much as 5, 000 pesos, isn't cool?

Globe Broadband Tattoo is now sold for 895 pesos until October 31 and you can choose from 9 designs aside from the GI Joe limited collection. Globe Tattoo Broadband is powered by Globe Tattoo Prepaid Sim, a sim that you can use for call, text and wireless broadband connection. To those people on the go like me and most of the time needs to connect to the internet grab Globe Tattoo Broadband.

Show some school pride with SMART BRO'S UAAP & NCAA dongles

Can't get enough with UAAP and NCAA fever? Smart Bro offers limited design of dongles that will show your love to your dearest Alma Mater. Dahil simula sa B Free event ng SMART Telecommunication sa Megatent sa Ortigas last September 19 ay officially nang pinakilala ng SMART Bro ang limited edition nila ng University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) at National Collegiate Athletes Association (NCAA) dongles with up to 5.8mbps broadband connection.

You can now growl like the University of Santo Tomas Tigers, roar like the San Beda Lions, or even soar like the Adamson University Falcons. All dongles are designed respectively by the schools itself para siguradong pasok sa mga students and mga alumni. All dongles are sold on respective schools.

According to Annie Nava, Head of Sales for SMART Telecommunication she mention that they only produce 10,000 dongles and it with the school administration if they would like to produce additional dongles to the needs of their consumers. Part ito ng advocacies ko na magkaroon ng broadband or internet connection where you want it and where you need it ito ang ang mensahe ni Nava noong nagkaroon ng chance makausap siya. Nakikita niya ang hirap ng mga students na kung saan they skip meals just to afford the use of internet on computer shows, but with Smart Bro that for as low as 10 pesos you can surf for 30 minutes with the HSPA technology and the fastest wireless broadband that is up to 5.8
mbps.

Nava mentions that they will work on other schools for the production of additional personalize USBs. And she assures na marami pang events ang SMART sa mga loyal subscribers nila kaya keep posted for more.

UAAP schools are Adamson University, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, National University, University of the East, University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines. College of St. Benilde Collage (CSB), Jose Rizal University, Collegio de San de Letran, Mapua College, San Beda Collage, San Sebastian College, Philippine Christian University (which is on leave for the this season), Arellano University, Angeles University Foundation in Pampanga, Emilio Aguinaldo College and University of Perpetual Help for NCAA.

Rafael Lopa and Cesar Buenaventura shares future plans for the Benigno S. Aquino Jr Foundation

Last August 14 at the special screening of The Last Journey of Ninoy at the Rockwell Cinema at Power Plant Mall, nagkaroon tayo ng maikling conversation with Rafael Lopa the Executive Director of Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Foundation (BSAF) kasama si Cesar Buenaventura ang President ng BSAF para kamustahin ang mga future plans nila sa foundation at paano nila matutulungan ang ating mga kababayan.

Ang isa sa mga ginagawa ng foundation ngayon ay mag-create ng awareness sa mga kabataan ngayon kung sino si Ninoy Aquino, mula sa docu-drama nilang ipinalabas sa tulong ng Unitel Production, inilunsad din nila ang Ako si Ninoy the Musical at ang isang taon na nilang campaign na ang I Am Ninoy na inilunsad nila noong August 21, 2008. Ang main goal nila sa project na ito ay makita ng mga kabataan ang kahalagahan ni Ninoy sa bansa at ang makita nila ang katangian ni Ninoy sa kanilang mga sarili.

Bukod sa scholarship na inilunsad ng foundation simula noong 1986, pinag aaralan ng ng BSAF kung paano gagawin ang implementation ng Micro Finance para sa mga kababaihan lalo na sa mga ina na siyang naging pangunahing advocacy ng yumaong dating Presidente Corazon Aquino. Ang main goal ng project na ito ay para makatulong sa pagresolve ng kahirapan na dinadanas ng mga kababayan natin sa panahong ito. Ngayon ay nakahold muna ang scholarship para sa mga bagong batch ng BSAF para mabigyan ng budget ng micro financing na kung saan ay nakikipag usap na ang BSAF sa mga micro-finance institution that will help them sa livelihood program.

Bukod sa I Am Ninoy (iamninoy.com) website na siyang nagre-reach out sa mga kabataan sa pamamagitan ng mga activities mula sa shirt campaign hanggang sa community involvement na ngayon na kung saan ay part ang I Am Ninoy Runner Project where the funds na makukuha nila rito ay ipantutulong sa 57-75 Movement, isang private sector that leads the initiative to reverse the education crisis through focused interventions and school-community action. Nariyan na rin ang PinoyMe Foundation (PinoyMe.com) ito ay isang social investmentbank for microfinance institutions (MFIs) na tutulong para magkapuhunan ng mga small entrepreneur kagaya ng isang maybahay para matulungan niya ang kanyang sarili at ang kanyang pamilya.

Narito ang kumpletong panayam ko kina Rafael Lopa at Cesar Buenaventura ng Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Foundation.

Leah Navarro talks about Black & White Movement

Last August 19, nagkaroon ako ng chance makausap ang isa sa mga convenor ng Black & White Movement na si Leah Navarro, kaugnay sa kanilang ika-apat na taon bilang grupo pinili kong iupload ang bahagi ng napag usapan namin mula sa aking ika-apat na podcast na ilalabas ko next week. Narito ang aking panayam kay Ms. Leah Navarro: