Human Security Asserts Health and Education
The Commission on Human Security in the 2000 United Nations Millennium Summit emphasizes the importance of adequate health services and access to education opportunities. “Human security” in its broadest sense, emphasizes the need to focus on the people. It has broadened the framework of the concerns for development involving not only violent territorial or terrorist-induced conflicts but also the issue of deprivation itself. “Human security” now encompasses issues on “extreme impoverishment, pollution, ill health, illiteracy, and other maladies.” Thus, when viewed from this approach, health and education have become necessities for the over-all development of a person (Commission on Human Security. 2003. Human Security Now. New York: UNHCR.)

Uplifting Women’s Health Enables Better Quality of Life
In connection with the concerns of this paper, health and education have a profound impact on women. Health and education are particularly important to women  because the capability and condition of women determine the quality of her own life, the quality of life of her child, and to a great extent, the well-being of her entire family.

Furthermore, the bill also addresses crucial aspects of severe entitlements deprivation, which requires a critical evaluation of the availability, accessibility, security, acceptability, and quality of certain goods and services. In the case of the Reproductive Health Bill, these goods and services refer to the provisions for access to health care services and the full range of family planning methods (Sections 6, 7,9, 10, 11) and the mandatory age-appropriate reproductive health education (Section 12).

Demographic surveys show that at least two million married women of reproductive age are in favor of family planning, but are unable to do so due to lack of information and access to affordable quality services. In the table below, the desired or wanted fertility rate is less than the actual fertility rate, especially in the lowest socioeconomic sector of the country. The reason is that there are a few options for them to control or maneuver their lives because they lack information and access. (National Statistics Office. 2004. National Demographic and Health Survey 2009. Metro Manila: NSO.)

Therefore, there is indeed a need to impart the knowledge and information to the greater majority of the Filipinos, which a good reproductive health policy can help provide. A good reproductive health policy can also be beneficial on the socioeconomic premise because it can help reduce poverty in the Philippines.

Social Services, the Philippine State and Civil Society
Poverty, indeed, has several dimensions. The provision of the Reproductive Health Care Bill can help address some of these problems. It recognizes the importance of labor power for the development of the country, which is why it gives primacy to the importance of adequate health care services to ensure the birth of healthy children as well as responsible parenting and access to education for the members of the population.

However, we recognize the reality of Philippine politics, where indeed corruption is prevalent, thereby becoming a hindrance to the provision of these basic social services. To depict this reality more clearly, Paul Hutchcroft describes the Philippine political system as a “patrimonial oligarchic state” wherein he asserts that a “dominant social force has an economic base largely independent of the state apparatus, but the state nonetheless plays a central role in the process of wealth accumulation.” Because of this, a relationship arises where the official and private spheres overlap and the powerful oligarchic elites are able to extract privileges from the state apparatus because of the weak bureaucracy (Hutchcroft, Paul. 1991. “Oligarchs and Cronies in the Philippine State: The Politics of Patrominial Plunder.” World Politics 43 (3): 414-450.). Thus, it can be said that penetrating the Philippine political system will not be sufficient to achieve long-term reforms.

Initiatives to change the system should no longer just be confined within the state apparatus but also beyond it. Simultaneous, “top-down” and “bottom-up” initiatives are needed: where the latter requires the “emergence of concrete pressures from below.” In this case, strengthening civil society and the Local Government Units (LGUs) can be taken as an initial step to this goal of political reforms.

The emergence of an equipped and capable civil society can be a means to fight systematic corruption in the government. Civil society can also help counterbalance the power of the state. The bill recognizes the role of civil society in addressing issue as is stated in Section 18 (support of private and non-government health care service providers). Similarly, the emergence of strong LGUs in the country is one of the notable effects of the phenomenon. However, the changes that are happening in the different scenarios of the LGUs are insufficient in its self because they are still constrained by the national problems of inadequate resource distribution. Thus, the Reproductive Health Care Bill is a crucial means where reforms from the “top” are deemed relevant and simultaneous reforms from “below” can also happen. This can be done with the Bill’s provision on empowering the LGU as they collaborate with the National Government for the realization of its policies in the local setting (Sections 9, 13, 14, 15).

Development for All
The Reproductive Health Care Bill, contrary to its many criticisms, can greatly help solve the daunting problem of poverty in the country. It is by no means the only solution to the needed reforms today for the problem is far more complex. But we recognize that it can help solve critical aspects of deprivation in the country like poor maternal health care, empowerment of the LGUs, and greater provision for education and health services which can ultimately help empower and protect the people not only in their immediate needs but also in the over-all development of the country. With this as our basic premise, we support the passage of House Bill 5043 on the aforementioned grounds.

In order to move forward, we recognize the need to create public demand for reproductive health services, to refocus efforts to local governments, and to create venues to find compromise that the different groups can agree on. Lastly, we call for a more comprehensive and open discussion of those for and against the bill to talk about its implications on the lives of the Filipinos as we endeavor to realize our common quest for a people-centered development where no one is left behind.

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:43:00 01/26/2009

Filed Under: Obama Articles, US politics, Youth

Many things about the remarkable campaign that made Barack Obama the first black president of the United States have been noted and commented upon, but an aspect that is particularly relevant to the Philippine political situation is the role played by the youth vote.

Obama himself spoke about this at the Youth Ball, one of 10 official balls held on the night of his inauguration. He thanked the legions of young Americans who worked to make sure that he became the 44th president of the United States. He said:

“I’ve been looking forward to this ball for quite some time because, when you look at the history of this campaign, what started out as an improbable journey when nobody gave us a chance was carried forward, was inspired by, was energized by young people all across America.

“I can’t tell you how many people have come to us and said, ‘I was kind of skeptical, but then my daughter—she wouldn’t budge. She told me I needed to vote for Obama.’ Suddenly I saw my son and he was out volunteering and getting involved like never before.’ And so a new generation inspired a previous generation and that’s how change happens in America.

“It doesn’t just happen in the election and campaign. It has happened in service all across America. As this is broadcast all around the world we know that young people everywhere are in the process of imagining something different than what has come before us: Where there is war they imagine peace. Where there is hunger they imagine people being able to feed themselves. Where there is bigotry they imagine togetherness. The future will be in your hands if you are able to sustain the kind of energy and focus you showed on this campaign.”

There have been many attempts to reform electoral politics in the Philippines but they have all fizzled out and failed. Various organizations have been formed and various movements have been started; prominent, progressive-thinking people have led these campaigns but they have failed to break the stranglehold of traditional politics on elections in the country. One big reason for this, perhaps, is the failure of these movements and organizations to harness the energy and idealism of the millions of young Filipinos.

In the United States, Obama, a former community organizer, saw the potential of the youth, harnessed them in his campaign, and thus made history and became the first black president of the country. Can’t we make a similar thing happen in the Philippines?

The old generation is already set in its ways; it will be very hard to change old habits and ways of thinking. The old political dynasties and families will continue to try to keep their political hold on the life of the nation so that they can continue to promote their selfish personal and familial interests.

The potential of the youth for change, and particularly for political and social change, has largely been untapped. Henrietta de Villa, chair of the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), recently said the movement expected an increase of two million youth voters added to the estimated nine million who participated in the 2007 elections. She said that with young voters numbering 11 million, they could be a formidable bloc in 2010. About 13 million supposedly voted for Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the 2004 presidential election. “If you have 10 million votes, you already have a base,” De Villa noted. “It would be difficult for your opponents to catch up.”

If a candidate gets the majority of the youth vote, he or she can win the presidency, De Villa said. “I’m telling the youth that they can install a president in Malacañang, if they vote responsibly and they vote as a group. In the United States, they were the swing vote. They really made a difference.”

But the work of the youth should not be limited to voting. They can conduct a voter education program, and, we hope, they can change the ways of thinking of some old voters. It will be a case of the young teaching and leading the old into new pathways that would improve the politics of the country. Many of them can campaign for progressive candidates who have the welfare of the nation at heart. All of them can vote for candidates who will bring about change in the Philippines.

Obama and his legions of young supporters showed that it could be done in America. Can’t we do the same in the Philippines?

Know what development track to pursue!
WHAT NOW?: A TALK ON MINORING AND TRACKING
January 28, 2009, 4:30-6pm
Berch105

Guest speakers:
Dr. Alma Salvador (Chair, Political Science Department)
Dr. Fernando Zialcita (Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology)
PLUS Students minoring in Development Management to talk about minoring

And to cap off the week…
OBAMA-RAMA
Kapihan Session on Barack Obama and “Change We Can Believe In”

January 30, 2009, 4:30-6pm
CTC103

CELEBRATE DEVELOPMENT
GO THE DSTANCE
SEE YOU ALL THERE!! )

Obama campaigned on the message of “Change,” a change that every American could believe in, a change that resonated with so many American voters most especially those aged between 18 to 29 years old. In CNN’s analysis, one of the major factors for Obama’s victory was his charismatic appeal to young voters. This appeal along with his very inspiring words would rally millions of young and previously apathetic American voters to register and take part in the elections.

Obama also showed the world a new way of campaigning, earning hundreds of millions of dollars not by getting big donations from businessmen but by appealing to ordinary people to donate small amounts of $5 to $10 to his campaign. More importantly, Obama’s campaign team was a master of using the power of the Internet and social networking sites such as Twitter, My Space and Facebook thereby being able to relate to the more the younger, tech-savvy generation.

He ended his speech with the words Yes We Can and he showed the world that despite having not enough financial resources or political clout compared to Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator John McCain when he launched his bid for the Presidency more than 2 years ago, he was able to win decisively because he was able to rally ordinary people to his cause.

Indeed, change has come to America and Filipinos can learn much from the experience of Barack Obama since as we draw near to our own Presidential elections in 2010, will we have to content ourselves again with choosing from the same faces or worse, choosing between the lesser evil among the candidates? I hope not.

I look forward to the day that we can also find a true Filipino leader that will also inspire millions of Filipinos to rally for change, a change that millions of Filipinos have been longing for and a change that will hopefully, put an end to the growing poverty cycle that majority of Filipinos have to face each day.

Many Filipinos have begun to lose hope in finding that leader but I think that we have our own little Obamas in our country today such as the likes of Ramon Magsaysay Awardees Mayor Jesse Robredo of Naga City and Gov. Grace Padaca of Isabela, Gov. Eddie Panlilio of Pampanga, Mayor Sonia Lorenzo of San Isidro, Nueva Ecija and Gov. Teddy Baguilat, Jr. of Ifugao.

These local government leaders have defied the odds in their respective areas to win against well-entrenched political dynasties and at the same time, deliver proper basic services to their constituents. Being with them in our group which is aptly named Kaya Natin!, we go around to different colleges and universities to share their stories of hope and change towards inspiring more Filipinos to work for good governance and electing effective and ethical leaders for our country.

Obama was not entirely correct when he said it is only in the United States of America where someone can defy the odds and win, our own Kaya Natin! leaders have shown that Filipinos can also say, “Yes We Can! Kaya Natin!”

For more information about Kaya Natin!, you can contact Kai Pastores at kayanatin@yahoo.com or at (02) 426-5657.

Harvey S. Keh is Director for Youth Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship at the Ateneo de Manila University-School of Government. He is also part of Kaya Natin!

Happiness perhaps lies in a sense of destiny and the knowledge that one’s existence is inextricably intertwined with something great. Or perhaps, happiness is found in the way we enjoy our life’s journey and not exactly the way we end it. While we all wish that we end on the best note we could ever imagine, the truth is, we do not know how it will be. In the restlessness of my spirit, I found joy in sharing my life and its blessings by being a social entrepreneur. I decided to teach the subject at the Ateneo School of Government. In addition to finance and leadership, I studied Social Entrepreneurship while trying to earn my graduate degree in Harvard under Prof. Gordon Bloom. I met people who shared my own passion. And the thought of solving social problems brought hope to my almost cynical mind. Together with Steve Koon of China and other classmates in Harvard, we founded AvantChange, Ltd. with a vision of promoting social entrepreneurship in Asia to catalyze the formation of critical mass of social entrepreneurs in the region for training, incubation and collaboration. This critical mass of changemakers shall address the diverse and complex social problems in the region. While we were setting up AvantChange, Dean Tony La Vina and Harvey Keh of Ateneo, two people of boundless energy and compassion, were setting up the social entrepreneurship and leadership center in Ateneo. Destiny brought us together when Harvey sought Harvard’s help in putting up the program and Prof. Bloom referred him to AvantChange. A partnership was born. The social entrepreneur’s business is solving social problems. His aim is to change the world to transform it into a more humane place to live. Among others, he has courage to face the challenges of injustice, poverty, oppression, disease and lack of healthcare, environmental degradation. He looks at social problems as opportunities to do good. Muhammad Yunus is the best example of this when he revolutionized the banking industry with his Grameen Bank model. My class is a revelation to me. I see people of all ages and diverse backgrounds come together with such positive expectations to create change. Having an activist background, I observed that people clamoring for change oftentimes do so with fiery rage that eventually consumed them.

Social entrepreneurship is different. It promotes change in an inclusive manner. Its driving force is not a dogma or political ideology. Rather, it is fueled by the hope and dreams for better life in every human being within a nurturing world. In this world we aim to bridge the divide between profit and welfare, between business and philanthropy. We strike the difference between helping as against promoting dependency. We seek to uplift human dignity and self-realization instead of incentivizing poverty. We involve all sectors, organizations and individuals to address the enormity of social ills.

We recognize that it would take everyone to make the world better. Our bedrock is ethics. Our tool is innovation. Our mantra is human dignity and compassion. Our work is towards sustainability. It is in our culture to help others. Filipinos are known for our loving care and the warmth of our friendship. We have an abundance of generous people. Our youth are full of energy and hope while our elders are mindful of a lasting legacy that they should leave. In my year of teaching, I found remarkable individuals, corporations and organizations all dedicating time and resources to create positive change. To name a few, we have Dr. Alip of CARD-MRI, Harvey Keh and Solvie Nubla of Pathways to Higher Education, Rev. Javy Alpasa and Reese Fernandez of Rags 2 Riches, Mark Ruiz and Bam Aquino of Hapinoy, Dan Songco of Pinoy ME, and Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga. For corporations, we have the likes of SMART, Globe, Jollibee, and Metrobank. Even McKinsey Consulting is involved in providing solutions for corporations to reach those at the base of the pyramid (BOP). It is heartwarming to see corporations competing to serve marginalized sectors better and not solely to generate profit. I am humbled by the innovative ideas of my remarkable students. I am presented with great possibilities such as a solution to secure justice for abused children thru DNA kits (JustDNA), a plan to prevent dengue and malaria with an insect-repellent daily wear–this project is now on its testing stage (Wear n Repel), a proposal to expand information technology (IT) education by harnessing down-time hours in internet cafes, and environmental solutions in biogas and recycling. In Batanes, there’s Dina Abad’s Fina Fundacion, an eco-hotel reminiscent of those sanctuaries overlooking the seas. This eco-venture is now operational. There are also ideas and plans to feed less privileged children with soup (Soup A Day) out of the proceeds from the sales of high-end organic meals and soups to those who can afford. A group of SMART changemakers are also involving themselves with community mentoring to improve the reading skills of young students in partnership with KIDS Foundation and CHEERS. Notebook Reloaded is a movement that aims to provide quality and cheap notebooks to public school children out of recycled ones from more affluent schools; and Angels @ Work is helping a Gawad Kalinga community’s livelihood projects by connecting them with the market and providing organizational management. As I move around the country promoting this new approach to changing society, the sense of hopelessness that once burdened my tired spirit has been vanquished. In its place, a new hope gushes forth and I am once again possessed with the joy of pursuing a dream–a dream of achieving a more humane capitalism which believes that there could be an economy where the efficiency of capital is a function of ethics; where labor productivity is a function of the level of human dignity that the laborers possess; and a sense of realization that earth’s resources are finite such that there is a deliberate intent to nurture the balance of nature for the common good. *Arnel is the lead faculty of the Ateneo de Manila-School of Government Social Entrepreneurship Training Program for Professionals. The 3rd Social Entrepreneurship Training Program for Professionals starts on November 15 (until March 14, 2009), every Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Ateneo Professional Schools. For more details about this program, please contact Ms. Cristyl Senajon at 4265657.

By Leland Dela Cruz (Program Director, Development Studies).

I think the phlegm makes me sappy (of course, that is just an excuse). Last night it was Last Holiday. Today it was Michelle Obama’s speech. If you have a chance, watch it. It isn’t as universal as Barack Obama’s Wesleyan Commencement Address but it was nice for its own reasons.

One thing that stuck among many things is when she said that the Democratic Convention was being held on two anniversaries: the anniversary of the day when women were given the right to vote (that’s the day Hillary will speak) and the anniversary of the day Martin Luther King, Jr gave his “I Have A Dream” Speech (That’s when Barack Obama will give his speech; all those who gave that speech in high school, raise your hands).

And she spoke of Barack speaking of how we allow ourselves to live in the world as it is instead of working towards a world as it could be.

And I said to myself, yes, those two moments did change the world as it is. Women given the right to vote. Blacks fighting off institutional segregation. And I said to myself that yes, it is a good reminder that the world CAN BE CHANGED.

And that’s the magic of the Obama’s. Change we CAN believe in. YES, we CAN.

Win or lose, thanks Michelle.

—

On a related note but a different tone, I have always believed that to change things, we need to understanding things as they are. That’s been a basic philosophy in my teaching.

This morning, I realized that we also must study how things have been changed, how change has been done on purpose, and not just micro-level change but macro-level change, social movements. Must check with devman faculty. (I am sure that all that begins with an a analysis of the situation but goes beyond it)

Last night, I was thinking, people don’t want to (or feel like they need to) hear the details of the sad stories (also known as analysis or situationers). They want to know what can be done.

Right now, I am thinking that even the analysis has to be contested because it may be precisely what keeps anything productive from emerging. Youth, do your job. Show us adults what boxes we have encased ourselves in.

Count from 1 to 60 before moving on with this article.

Done?

While for you, it was just a minute, for 20 children around the world, that minute marked the end of their lives, the end of their dreams, and the end of the world’s potential to have 20 citizens who should have made a difference.

My point is, time is of the essence. The issues of the world needs to be treated with urgency. NOW is the best time to do something.

Unfortunately, we have been told a lot of things when it comes to changing the world. Some may be helpful, some just plain ambitious. Some are just convenient, and others are discouraging. Most of what we are told somehow give us the excuse to slow down and not see the urgency of our situation. What I would like to share with you in this article are morsels of realizations that I gathered along my way as an aspiring social entrepreneur. The world needs help now, and the earlier we realize what needs to be done and what we could do about it, the better.

MYTH #1: Do not try to save the world, you could make a difference in your own little way

To a certain extent, I agree. I agree that all of us must do our small part in making a difference. For instance, if we want to build the nation in our own small ways, we should start with reading the signs, following traffic rules, and not relieving ourselves on any wall with a “Bawal Umihi dito” sign. But come to think of it, these things are given. We don’t need signs to follow them and we certainly don’t need praise or great recognition when we do follow them. Little things are necessary but not quite enough for our big problems. Little things are the sparks that lead to big things but only when the flames are fanned. Try “Start Small, Dream Big” instead. That kind of paradigm shift may spell the difference between just “following traffic rules” to “revolutionizing the entire commuting systems to reduce carbon footprints” even if it just starts with your current circle of friends.

MYTH #2: You need a LOT of money to start a social enterprise and change the world

If you have a great and revolutionary social enterprise idea, the money will follow. Don’t get me wrong. It is still easier said than done. But it is not impossible and it is not even as difficult as it may seem. Rags2Riches started with PHP 10,000 and a lot of heart. CARD started with P20. Sure, most people wait their entire lives to earn a living in order to retire and eventually become a philanthropist. Some people also plan to work 2-5 years in corporate, get an MBA, then start a business that would give livelihood to people. Those paths are noble, good, and perfectly fine. However, if you have a great idea NOW and you think it is needed NOW, don’t be discouraged just because you don’t have money and “everyone else” is doing something else other than taking a risk in something like this. Remember, time is of the essence. What you could do now, you must do now. And you are not alone and there are creative and innovative ways around this. Need more prepping up and some advice? Feel free to drop me a note.

MYTH #3: Great organizations start with great, charismatic founders and leaders. I’m not great and not that charismatic. I could not possibly start my social enterprise idea

No “founder” could ever make something work alone. Sure, having a really charismatic leader who could bring people together would help. But a great team is what makes all the difference. So, find in you the right motivation, draft a good summary of your idea, get one or two believers, present to a strategic partner, and you are already off to a great start. It is also useful to know that the best social enterprises that are actually sustainable and that actually work were because of the collaboration of excellent teams comprised of passionate individuals. You don’t need to be an actor, politician, or a celebrity, to be able to create change and be a beacon of positive influence.

You spent a good few minutes reading this note. I’m not going to start counting casualties anymore since it also depresses me. Instead, I’m going to hope that the few minutes I spent in writing this and the few minutes you spent in reading, have ignited some sparks already. And if you are ready to fan the flames already, I am ready to listen.