Opinions on the United Nation- Millennium Development Goals
Poverty is a downward spiral that pulls you down to uncertainty. Poverty causes hunger, hunger causes malnutrition, being unhealthy cause sickness and untreated sickness even causes death.
The UN- Millennium Development Goal created goals that which they believe would solve pressing problems around the world. One, eradicate extreme poverty and hunger and UN-MDG claims that as of 2010, poverty rates have fallen at about 700 million people. There are many international organizations working hand in hand to help combat and reduce this problem around the world.
In the Philippines, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has programs that helps alleviate poverty nationwide and one is the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. This program provides cash to qualified household monthly that would alleviate the living condition in a short period of time. Yes, there are many organizations doing their best to fight poverty and hunger. Even allocate huge amount on it. But why is poverty still visible? In the Philippines alone, poverty and hunger is still extremely a huge problem. Is corruption really the reason? Shall we blame it to the fast population growth or to the people themselves?
Poverty is the strength of politicians to wield their power and in addition, to boost their bank accounts. Families are and morale is broken due to parents working abroad but for them it is their pride that they are able to provide manpower to foreign countries. There has been People Power 1 and 2 and yet we still face the same problem, extreme poverty and hunger.
In what ways do you think can information or communication help “identify the qualified” individuals that fit various programs of the government?
We live in the age where communication is real time, information is accessible (though there is a debate whether these information are true or not). Social Networking Sites are the common ground for people here and abroad meet together and discuss issues about our country. Philippines is even dubbed as the “texting capital of the world”. In this regard, how does information and communication help identify the qualified individuals? In my opinion, by launching webpage, Facebook or twitter accounts which other government programs already have and by adding a specific page and texting portals for those who doesn't have access to the internet. Individuals, complainants or not can provide information about the member/s or applicants of any program, air complains or sentiments. The government should then assign person in charge to retrieve and documents these information and submit it to the officer authorized to act upon these complains. . The government should publish the names of applicants or members on their website, local newspapers or public places such as municipal hall, health centers and police stations periodically or initiate a public hearing. Easier said than done even costly but I reckon that if it seriously given an attention, it could probably help minimize fraud in the case of the applicants or members.
UN-MDG 2 Achieve universal primary education
Poor or not EDUCATION is every child's right. Since time immemorial, education is believed to be one way of helping people free from poverty.
According to MDG 2 report, enrollment rate in primary education has reached 90% in developing countries. As I look into the bar graph, it shows that in 2012 there is almost 20% enrollment rate increase in Sub-Saharan Africa and about 15% increase in Southern Asia. While Central Asia and Latin America/Caribbean shows high enrollment rate, Western Asia and Northern Africa shows slight or no change at all.
In the Philippines, despite the fact that dropout rate has decreased to 83.2% compared to the universal rate 97%; officials claim that MDG 2 target might not be achieved.
Despite the fact that poverty and environment are some of the reasons, what could have been the problem? Why is it that many of us still can't finish our primary education?
A reality that is in dire need of immediate action. But instead of bringing more teachers or building classrooms closer to the children in remote areas, their solution is to add more years of schooling. Just for the record, I'm not against the K + 12 program but they should have provide solution first to the most urgent need in education - teachers, classrooms, textbooks before copying another education system.
International organizations are ready to help such as the UNICEF ready to provide school supplies, water and sanitation. The World Bank ready to finance poorest countries in support to primary education but still whenever I watch documentaries on TV; I see children walking for hours sometimes without a sleeper, dangerously transverse a broken bridge, rowing the boat with all their strength to cross the sea/river on their way to school. Only high-spirited children with so much motivation is able to make it to the next grade I guess.
Poor parents can't do anything because they themselves are working for food to eat in a day. Educating through the radio programs could help reach these children but what if there's no electricity, if there's no money to buy battery... will learning stop too?
Public schools in primary and secondary education in the Philippines is absolutely free. Every time schools open in June, I always hear reminders on TV and radio that public schools should not collect every single cent from parents. Therefore, parents’ should be focusing on the basic needs of their children in terms of going to school.
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Let me share my encounter with some taxpayers in the city hall of Baguio. Two weeks ago I went to the Assessor’s Office to pay for real property tax.
Knowing that I only need my previous receipt, I asked the guard where the queue for payment is. Then he asked me if I already paid for the garbage fee, I was surprised because I didn't pay any garbage fee last year so I told him that I’ll just pay for real property tax but then he told me that before I pay for the tax, I need to pay a garbage fee. And so I did…
The queue for real property tax payment was really long that it took 3.5 hours before my turn. While waiting in line, I had casual conversations with some taxpayers mostly women complaining about the added garbage fee.
One who is a widow would say that, “I always try my best to find other means of income for my children’s education but the government is always looking ways to collect more taxes. It’s true, I have a small sari-sari store and renting out 2 rooms, I pay my tax religiously but I don’t get any help when the boarders run away without paying their rent. Kasanu ngay dayta? And now my budget for my water bill I have to pay for garbage fee!”
Another on her 50’s said that, “Since the income of huge companies are higher, why doesn't the government collect the garbage fee from them. No matter how I stretch my income to save when I cannot work anymore, the small savings I get from my only taxi all goes to the tax I need to pay to BIR. We work so hard all the time but nothing’s left at the end of the day.”
Someone said that, “Away dagita, no matter how many taxes they collect from us if they don’t use it honestly, nothing would happen. Why do the rich does tax evasion but the government cannot put them to jail?”
Subjectively speaking, in the country wherein there’s a huge gap on income distribution additional tax would be another burden. Pardon me but, I’ll blame it again to corruption. The moral recovery program of which the government initiated is what really we need.
In addition, questions being raised by the learners received immediate answers in the classroom setting. Also, the learners need an assurance that what they do is correct or being corrected and there’s a teacher who helps them to stay focused on their learning and keeps them motivated.
On the other hand, I found this article “Teaching through radio” that was implemented in Nepal 9 years ago and supported by UNESCO. The program targeted ten students from government schools at first who are deprived of good education facilities and extra tuition. The program was a success that there was active participation from students and overflowing letters and phone calls from students and parents demanding to run the education program on radio all through the year. You can read the full story on the reference below.
UN-MDG 3 Promote gender equality and empower women
No doubt, women empowerment has been very visible not only in education, labor force but also in politics. They have proven that they are no different from men. Sadly, gender based violence like economic, physical and verbal abuse, rape is still prevalent. It’s good to know that government is really serious in their campaign on Violence Against Women (VAW) and even established VAW desk on different barangays which I think would be closer for women to go to when such problem arise.
Knowing that there is RA 9262, I agree that there is a need to intensify information campaigns and establish strong monitoring system because as a stay-home mom who doesn't go out often I only notice/hear these campaigns during the Women’s Month and just heard about the END VAW program last December 2014. Anyhow, we are so lucky to be a part of culture wherein mothers are highly respected and they have a voice in the family. We moms play an important role in decision making, have the power to make a change and initiate development by making sure our children healthy, the stomach is full before going to school and homework are done before going to bed.
I salute the women in my community who are actively participating in the community and family development through organizations they themselves had initiated. We have our Women’s Neighborhood Association who are giving free skills training and Neighborhood Cooperative where most moms run to in times of need. No young girls are left at home too, parents see to it that they go to schools.
On the other hand, there are so many true stories of abuse, violation of rights from women, mothers and wives around the world, women used in witchcraft practices, female circumcision in Africa and Middle East , abortion and forced sterilization in China and so much more. But as one of a classmate cited, thanks to DevCom practitioners, organizations and media, the victims’ voices are heard and although it doesn't totally eliminate this violence, actions were taken and there are people working.In the eyes of God, men and women are created equal. Many of men would agree that we need the participation of women in terms of development because there are things that men cannot do. On a final note, respecting each other’s capability and weakness rather than condemning, criticizing each other is certainly a development.
Reference:
(1995). Teaching through radio. Communication and Information Resources. Retrieved January 21, 2015, from http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=22721&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~UN-MDG 3 Promote gender equality and empower women
No doubt, women empowerment has been very visible not only in education, labor force but also in politics. They have proven that they are no different from men. Sadly, gender based violence like economic, physical and verbal abuse, rape is still prevalent. It’s good to know that government is really serious in their campaign on Violence Against Women (VAW) and even established VAW desk on different barangays which I think would be closer for women to go to when such problem arise.
Knowing that there is RA 9262, I agree that there is a need to intensify information campaigns and establish strong monitoring system because as a stay-home mom who doesn't go out often I only notice/hear these campaigns during the Women’s Month and just heard about the END VAW program last December 2014. Anyhow, we are so lucky to be a part of culture wherein mothers are highly respected and they have a voice in the family. We moms play an important role in decision making, have the power to make a change and initiate development by making sure our children healthy, the stomach is full before going to school and homework are done before going to bed.
I salute the women in my community who are actively participating in the community and family development through organizations they themselves had initiated. We have our Women’s Neighborhood Association who are giving free skills training and Neighborhood Cooperative where most moms run to in times of need. No young girls are left at home too, parents see to it that they go to schools.
On the other hand, there are so many true stories of abuse, violation of rights from women, mothers and wives around the world, women used in witchcraft practices, female circumcision in Africa and Middle East , abortion and forced sterilization in China and so much more. But as one of a classmate cited, thanks to DevCom practitioners, organizations and media, the victims’ voices are heard and although it doesn't totally eliminate this violence, actions were taken and there are people working.In the eyes of God, men and women are created equal. Many of men would agree that we need the participation of women in terms of development because there are things that men cannot do. On a final note, respecting each other’s capability and weakness rather than condemning, criticizing each other is certainly a development.
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The conditional cash transfer (CCT)
The Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) known as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is a poverty reduction program initiated in 2007 and financed by the World Bank. It was first launched in Latin America and Africa a decade ago and adopted by 23 developing countries in 2008. This program gives cash subsidies to the poorest household particularly with children 0-14 years old to help them improve their health, nutrition and education.
Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) is a provision of cash grants to qualified poor families for who meet conditions and it aims to primarily to improve poverty in the short period of time, thus raising the human capital of poor children and their future income.
The objectives of this program are: to improve health among pregnant women and young children, to increase the enrollment in and attendance rate of children in school, to reduce the incidence of child labor and to break poverty cycle through investments in human capital.
In order to be a member of this program, households have to meet certain qualifications:
1. A household may qualify for 4Ps as a beneficiary if they pass two(2) criteria: a. Household mustbe from 20 poorest provinces based on the 2006 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES). b. Should have a pregnant woman and children 0‐14 years old as household member(s).
This means that being included in the list of poor households does not automatically qualify a household for 4Ps.
And not all households with a pregnant woman or young children asmembers willqualify for the program.
2. During community assemblies, LGU representatives help DSWD staff in validating the list potential and final beneficiaries.
After passing the different qualifications and conditions, the 4Ps provides cash grants to the beneficiaries such as: P6,000 a year or P500 per month per household for health and nutrition expenses, P3,000 for one school year or 10 months or P300/month per child for educational expenses. A maximum of three children per household is allowed which means a household with three qualified children shall have a subsidy of P1, 400 per month or P15, 000 annually.
The beneficiaries under this program will enjoy the benefits provided that they meet the following conditions under health and nutrition, children education and parenting education. In Health and Nutrition, pregnant women should have pre- and post- natal care and childbirth under the health professional supervision; children 0 to 5 years old have complete immunization, weight monitoring, nutrition counseling & preventive health services and children 6 to 14 avail de-worming pills twice a year. While children 3 to 14 years should be enrolled in school with 85% class attendance per month as per Education condition and parents attend Family Development Sessions where responsible parenthood is discussed once a month under the Parenting Education.
How does the conditional cash transfer program fit Nora Quebral’s development communication definition?
Poverty is one of the most pressing social problems not only in the Philippines but around the world. According to the National Statistical Communication Board (NSCB) there were 4.7 million poor families in 2006 in the Philippines and about 1.2 billion people in the world live in extreme poverty. Poverty is not just having no money at all. Poverty means not meeting basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter, being socially excluded and having no access to health care and basic education.
Countries around world plan and implement development programs in order to address the problem. The UN-Mellinium Development Goal devised 8 goals which guide many international organizations and national agencies working hand in hand to achieve these goals. In the Philippines, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) was copied from other countries in accordance to UN-MDG Goal 1 Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. The 4ps aims to alleviate the lives of the poor around the country.
Based on the 4Ps objectives, I truly agree that this program fits some feature of Nora Quebral’s development communication definition in terms of speedy transformation of the people from poverty to a dynamic state of economic growth and larger fulfillment of human potential.
Through 4Ps, poor households will have the chance to step out from poverty. How? Because this program provides free check-up and medicine to qualified member; their health is then monitored, thus there is a slim chance of getting sick.
Through this program, not only poverty is alleviated in terms of economic but also the social and the well being of each member. Therefore, household members have the chance to change their lives within 5 years of receiving cash from the government. And by using these cash wisely, they can bring their children to higher education which would then help their children have a better live once they get a degree and so development continues. Hence, there is a transformation of economic growth and larger fulfillment of human potential.
There’s no perfect program or projects. Many critics would say that this program is weak, untrustworthy, a bridge for corruption and so much more. By giving this program a chance, I believe that if implemented well the 4Ps will be a success. In the case of Mt. Province, I found out that there are also projects implemented under the 4Ps given to chosen members such as financial assistance for livelihood projects amounting P5,000 to P10,000 payable in two years without any collateral or interest and scholarship grants to qualified children of 4Ps member.
According to the National Statistical Coordination Board, Mountain Province has the most number of MDG targets particularly in the eradication of poverty and hunger with a high probability of being achieved by 2015. The success of 4P’s in Mt. Province is possible; I guess could also happen in 78 provinces. Maybe we cannot do anything about corruption but we can change by voting wisely and watching them closely.
References
_____. The pantawid pamilyang Pilipino program. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Retrieved December 29, 2014, from http://www.fo3.dswd.gov.ph/programs-and-services/core-social-protection-program/pantawid-pamilyang-pilipino-program/
References:
(1997). MDG watch. The Philippine Millennium Development Goals. Retrieved January 21, 2015, from http://www.nscb.gov.ph/stats/mdg/mdg_watch.asp
(1998). MDG watch. The Cordillera Millennium Development Goals. Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://www.nscb.gov.ph/rucar/mdg_watch.htm
How does the conditional cash transfer program fit Nora Quebral’s development communication definition?
Poverty is one of the most pressing social problems not only in the Philippines but around the world. According to the National Statistical Communication Board (NSCB) there were 4.7 million poor families in 2006 in the Philippines and about 1.2 billion people in the world live in extreme poverty. Poverty is not just having no money at all. Poverty means not meeting basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter, being socially excluded and having no access to health care and basic education.
Countries around world plan and implement development programs in order to address the problem. The UN-Mellinium Development Goal devised 8 goals which guide many international organizations and national agencies working hand in hand to achieve these goals. In the Philippines, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) was copied from other countries in accordance to UN-MDG Goal 1 Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. The 4ps aims to alleviate the lives of the poor around the country.
Based on the 4Ps objectives, I truly agree that this program fits some feature of Nora Quebral’s development communication definition in terms of speedy transformation of the people from poverty to a dynamic state of economic growth and larger fulfillment of human potential.
Through 4Ps, poor households will have the chance to step out from poverty. How? Because this program provides free check-up and medicine to qualified member; their health is then monitored, thus there is a slim chance of getting sick.
Meaning they don’t have to buy medicine often thus, reducing their expenses on health and nutrition. While by providing educational assistance to a maximum of 3 children 3 to 14 years of age, now up to 18 years old, the educational expenses such as school supplies and transportation is then cut down. For example, a qualified family of 5 members will receive a total P 15, 000 annually. Thus, giving them chance to save for future need or invest into small business wherein they can make use of their skills and talents. They can raise livestock, adopt organic farming, render catering service, carpentry, weaving etc. By doing so, the family’s earnings can cover everyday expenses which will give the family a chance to save their salary or wage if the father or mother is working. Parents must also attend family development sessions wherein they are educated on best ways to raise their children and manage their household. Therefore within the 5 years period, development begins.
From living one day at time, having no worries for health and educational expenses the family can now go to the next level of economic development. Probably buying new clothes or shoes, things needed at home or house improvements. In terms of social development, the family gained confidence to talk to people around them. Their children can go to school and are able to play with other children because they don’t have to work to help their parents, they can confidently join any school activities.
Through this program, not only poverty is alleviated in terms of economic but also the social and the well being of each member. Therefore, household members have the chance to change their lives within 5 years of receiving cash from the government. And by using these cash wisely, they can bring their children to higher education which would then help their children have a better live once they get a degree and so development continues. Hence, there is a transformation of economic growth and larger fulfillment of human potential.
There’s no perfect program or projects. Many critics would say that this program is weak, untrustworthy, a bridge for corruption and so much more. By giving this program a chance, I believe that if implemented well the 4Ps will be a success. In the case of Mt. Province, I found out that there are also projects implemented under the 4Ps given to chosen members such as financial assistance for livelihood projects amounting P5,000 to P10,000 payable in two years without any collateral or interest and scholarship grants to qualified children of 4Ps member.
According to the National Statistical Coordination Board, Mountain Province has the most number of MDG targets particularly in the eradication of poverty and hunger with a high probability of being achieved by 2015. The success of 4P’s in Mt. Province is possible; I guess could also happen in 78 provinces. Maybe we cannot do anything about corruption but we can change by voting wisely and watching them closely.
References
(2013). Pantawid pamilyang Pilipino program. Department of Social Welfare and Development. . Retrieved December 27, 2014, from http://www.fo3.dswd.gov.ph/programs-and-services/core-social-protection-program/pantawid-pamilyang-pilipino-program/
_____. The pantawid pamilyang Pilipino program. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Retrieved December 29, 2014, from http://www.fo3.dswd.gov.ph/programs-and-services/core-social-protection-program/pantawid-pamilyang-pilipino-program/
Bello, Walden. _____. The conditional cash transfer debate and the coalition against the poor. Fucos on the Global South. Retrieved December 29, 2014, from http://focusweb.org/content/conditional-cash-transfer-debate-and-coalition-against-poor
(2014) . Poverty and hunger. Philippines Human Rights Information Center. Retrieved January 02, 2015, from http://philrights.org/right-to-food-situation-2013-poverty-and-hunger-virtually-unchanged-amidst-goal-of-rice-self-sufficiency
(2014, June 11). Only one-third of regional MDG targets are on track. Philippine Statistics Authority. Retrieved January 02, 2015, from http://nscb.gov.ph/rucar/sn14_04_mdg.htm
Ellao, Janess Ann J. (2010, October 23). Critics slams conditional cash transfer as unsustainable, corruption-prone. Journalism for the People. Retrieved January 02, 2015, from http://bulatlat.com/main/2010/10/23/critics-slam-conditional-cash-transfer-program-as-unsustainable-corruption-prone/
Saley, Juliet B. (2014, March 2). More 4Ps recipients in MP get livelihood aid. Baguio Midland Courier. Retrieved December 22, from http://www.baguiomidlandcourier.com.ph/archiveview.asp?mode=archives/2014/march/3-2-2014/mtp2.txt
Saley, Juliet B. (2014, April 13). 4Ps beneficiaries in MP get P2M for livelihood projects. Baguio Midland Courier. Retrieved December 22, from http://www.baguiomidlandcourier.com.ph/archiveview.asp?mode=archives/2014/april/4-13-2014/bus8.txt
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The Problematique map
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The Problematique map
Students dropping out of school
One of the social problems I've noticed in our barangay is that many children especially boys are dropping out of school even before they graduate from primary and secondary school. One of the 8 goals of United Nations –Millennium Development Goal state, "Ensure that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling." But the trend in elementary participation in the Philippines suggests that the target of universal access to elementary education by 2015 is in great risk of not being achieved. I reckon this is very true because according to the Philippines MDG Watch, the primary completion rate was 78.5 in 2012. And based on the MDG Watch of Cordillera Regions, the primary completion rate was 77.2% as of 2012 which is 0.6 % lower compared to the rate of 77.8% in 1991. The number of boys dropping out from school is very visible in our barangay.
Despite the government and international organizations’ effort to meet the target of UN-MDG 2, so many children are still left behind. So what seems to be the problem? In order to find out the reason, I collected root causes of the problem by asking two out of school youth from the neighborhood and by posting a question in my Facebook account. (One of the technique ma’am Tagle suggested to collect information.) Then, I mapped them where in the main problem is “A Child Dropped Out of Primary School”.
One said that he dropped out when he was in the 5th grade because his classmates would always laughed at him due to his worn out clothes. Those days, he said that he doesn't like recess because he doesn't have any snack or money to buy even for a candy. He usually ends up at the back of the classroom where some classmates would find him and tease him as “dungrit (filthy)”. There are times that he needed to help his mother sell corn or peanut that he cannot go to school for 1 or 2 days in a week. He said he’s embarrassed to go to school after because he felt like he’s a stranger to the class and to the lesson. “If only my parents got a good job, our life would have been different”, he said. But he understood and he cannot blame his parents because he knew his grandparents can’t afford to send them to school.
Another case was that this boy dropped out when he was in the 6th grade out of laziness and probably moral support. When I asked why, he reasoned that because the school is a little bit far that he had to climb up the mountain everyday which is tiring. Also, there are times that they have to tighten their belts because he’s father’s salary isn't enough. Sometimes he said, he’s teacher had to scold him for homework undone and most of the time he was caught sleeping inside the class.
Whenever home, he watched TV or go out to play computer games until nighttime. He further added that no one would care anyway, he’s father was either drunk or with friends after work while his sisters don’t mind if he’s home or not. He’s mother passed away when he was still a baby due to illness.
Lastly, the middle map is opinions I gathered from friends, colleagues and batch mates through Facebook. Most of them commented that poverty, financial problem, motivation and communication between immediate family members are few major contributors of the dropout rate. Some of them wrote that the school atmosphere /environment that includes peer pressure and bullying, child’s own decision, lack of discipline, addiction computer games or engage to small time job like gold mining, the pupil belongs to a large or broken family, financial incapacity of parents and on the part of government, the infamous corruption that leads to lack of school materials, school buildings and teachers.
Insights learned from the activity
In everything we do, big or small there’s always a lesson we learn. Through this assignment, I truly understand what my school taught me when I was in elementary, “Family is the basic foundation of the society.” Once more, I thank the Almighty for growing up with both parents ~ mother and father. I thank Him for giving us a mother who tirelessly taught us moral values, for giving us a father who worked so hard for us, for having parents reminding us the importance of education, humility and honesty. They were not perfect but they’re our role models, their imperfections were lessons to us. This activity reminded the importance of a family and communication and its role in shaping us to be a better, productive person within our society. Why? Within the family, the children develop their sense of worth, attitudes, values and behaviors. The family is the driving force of the children to dream and reach their ambition… and that I believe starts with education. Information I gathered from this activity proved the importance of a family and communication in motivating a child to go to school. Six out of 12 respondents said that one of the reasons a child drop-out from school is due to the lack of support and/or motivation, communication from immediate family while addiction to computer games and peer pressure came last.
In addition, I also realize that collecting data was not a piece of cake specially when asking personal questions. Both of my sources were hesitant to answer my questions that I had to tell them my stories when I was like them before they opened up. What surprised me was that very few people shared their opinions, observation or ideas about the problem I posted on Facebook. I was excited to post my question under my elementary and college group, including the I Love Cordillera and Begnas di Bauko anticipating that I would get numerous comments but to my dismay I just got 6 from my friends, 6 from my elementary group, 1 from my college group, 2 from I Love Cordillera and sad to say nothing from Begnas di Bauko. I’m sure to many, it’s not that interesting. Questions were spinning on my mind. For those who have read it, did they understand my post? Was it uninteresting? Got nothing to say? Don’t care? Well, I’ll just give them the benefit of the doubt. Probably they’ve got no time to write down their comments. On a final note, despite the fact that everyone of us are struggling to live. Let’s not forget that there are children, our daughter, son, our younger siblings, who needs our love and attention.
References:
(1997). MDG watch. The Philippine Millennium Development Goals. Retrieved January 21, 2015, from http://www.nscb.gov.ph/stats/mdg/mdg_watch.asp
(1998). MDG watch. The Cordillera Millennium Development Goals. Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://www.nscb.gov.ph/rucar/mdg_watch.htm
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References
Calypso Alaia. (2013, November 2). HIV cases in Baguio city [Blog post]. Retrieved February 17, 2015 from http://everythingbaguio182.blogspot.com/2013/11/hiv-cases-in-baguio-city_2.html
(2013, April 11). Baguio-Benguet malaria. Balita. Retrieved February 17, 2015, from http://balita.ph/2013/04/11/baguio-benguet-malaria-free-doh/
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Paradigm of modernization and multiplicity paradigm
UN-MDG
6 Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
Although cases of HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis isn't new to us figures with respect to these diseases are really alarming. Despite the effort and collaboration of the international organizations and countries around the world million is still a huge number. Really sad to learn, read and hear young and old dying because of these deadly diseases.
In Baguio City, there are 28 HIV infected and the number of HIV cases are increasing because of prejudice and most of us consider this topic taboo. Because of these individuals with suspected case are discouraged to get tested. Even though the government is providing free HIV test, there’s no discernible campaign to encourage people on practicing safe sex as well personal hygiene and clean surrounding. Good news is that there were no reported case of malaria in Baguio and Benguet for the last 5 years. However, in 2012 there were 7 malaria cases in Apayao and Kalinga. Sadly, TB remains to be a health concern in CAR with 170 cases here in Benguet. Fortunately, TB is curable and complete medication for 6 months is given free by the rural health centers.
The cliché, “Prevention is better than cure” rings the bell once again. While we cannot do anything to help reduce the high rate of TB in Cambodia or malaria in Congo or the increasing number of HIV positive which is 1.6 million in one year alone, I guess we could prevent those by practicing prevention in our own households and become an advocate in our own community.
With respect to sex education, I guess it's time to include it in our school curriculum. Parents or guardian should be open on this matter and should be a help rather than a nuisance. As ma'am Tagle stated ' Culture is dynamic and even our values are changing.' Unless we 'quarantine' our young people like The Haterites of National Geographic's documentary years back. In response to the increasing number of teenage pregnancy and diseases acquired from unprotected pre-marital sex, the Department of Education had included sex education in high school curriculum although this has been a long moral and legal battle and highly opposed by the CBCP (Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines). According to Teacher Denia of SPED, reproductive health and diseases are taught to intermediate students in elementary. One teacher in high school said that they are really careful on discussing this topic for the reason that they might create an idea to the students that it’s OK to engage in pre-marital sex. They are also afraid that it would create havoc to parents and storm them in school. Just last Friday, I ask the teacher of my son if they are teaching about this matter to intermediate students. I never imagined that she would startle and anxiously asked if it concern my son. I smiled and told her that there's nothing to worry, just asking as part of my group discussion.
I, myself is worried on how I discuss it to my growing kids. Tried to talk to my husband about it but he just gave me a cold shoulder. As part of sex education to high school students, do you think Department of Education and Health should also educate parents/ guardian to educate their children about this matter?
In Baguio City, there are 28 HIV infected and the number of HIV cases are increasing because of prejudice and most of us consider this topic taboo. Because of these individuals with suspected case are discouraged to get tested. Even though the government is providing free HIV test, there’s no discernible campaign to encourage people on practicing safe sex as well personal hygiene and clean surrounding. Good news is that there were no reported case of malaria in Baguio and Benguet for the last 5 years. However, in 2012 there were 7 malaria cases in Apayao and Kalinga. Sadly, TB remains to be a health concern in CAR with 170 cases here in Benguet. Fortunately, TB is curable and complete medication for 6 months is given free by the rural health centers.
The cliché, “Prevention is better than cure” rings the bell once again. While we cannot do anything to help reduce the high rate of TB in Cambodia or malaria in Congo or the increasing number of HIV positive which is 1.6 million in one year alone, I guess we could prevent those by practicing prevention in our own households and become an advocate in our own community.
With respect to sex education, I guess it's time to include it in our school curriculum. Parents or guardian should be open on this matter and should be a help rather than a nuisance. As ma'am Tagle stated ' Culture is dynamic and even our values are changing.' Unless we 'quarantine' our young people like The Haterites of National Geographic's documentary years back. In response to the increasing number of teenage pregnancy and diseases acquired from unprotected pre-marital sex, the Department of Education had included sex education in high school curriculum although this has been a long moral and legal battle and highly opposed by the CBCP (Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines). According to Teacher Denia of SPED, reproductive health and diseases are taught to intermediate students in elementary. One teacher in high school said that they are really careful on discussing this topic for the reason that they might create an idea to the students that it’s OK to engage in pre-marital sex. They are also afraid that it would create havoc to parents and storm them in school. Just last Friday, I ask the teacher of my son if they are teaching about this matter to intermediate students. I never imagined that she would startle and anxiously asked if it concern my son. I smiled and told her that there's nothing to worry, just asking as part of my group discussion.
I, myself is worried on how I discuss it to my growing kids. Tried to talk to my husband about it but he just gave me a cold shoulder. As part of sex education to high school students, do you think Department of Education and Health should also educate parents/ guardian to educate their children about this matter?
References
Calypso Alaia. (2013, November 2). HIV cases in Baguio city [Blog post]. Retrieved February 17, 2015 from http://everythingbaguio182.blogspot.com/2013/11/hiv-cases-in-baguio-city_2.html
(2013, April 11). Baguio-Benguet malaria. Balita. Retrieved February 17, 2015, from http://balita.ph/2013/04/11/baguio-benguet-malaria-free-doh/
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UN-MDG 7 Ensure environmental
sustainability
With all these facts presented what can we, as individuals do to help sustain our environment? Every day when I looked at that mountain connecting La Trinidad to Quirino Hill and Dreamland, I cannot stop myself but to sigh. The once so called a mountain is now full of houses. And when I turn to the other side, I felt sadder to see another mountain adjoining Lubas to Ambiong converted into a subdivision by a known cooperative of Baguio and Benguet. Allow me to just reminisce the experiences I had with nature in the past. ^_^ When I was young my cousins and I enjoyed watering, weeding the strawberry garden just outside my uncle’s house in Buyagan, La Trinidad. I can never exchange the moments and feelings just by looking at the verdant strawberry field which is now converted to a residential land. When I was young my siblings and I use to enjoy fishing and swimming by the small river that separates Hillside and Camp 7 in Baguio City. The water so clean and clear that sometimes we can see the small fish in it. We use to pick sunflowers, catch dragonflies and grasshoppers on the grassy plateau which now they call the Woodsgate Subdivision. I remember just outside our house in Hillside, there’s a natural spring where drink after playing. It was also where we used to fetch water for household consumption. Just below it my mother used to pick fresh tongsoy (watercress) and catch fish with her improvised small fishing basket made of bamboo. So many things of the past that I can only visit in my memory whenever I looked at these vast changes of what they call urbanization and development.
As a young girl, whenever I eat candy or cookie I used to put the plastics on my pocket or bag and threw it in the first trash can I see. I can’t quite remember if I thought of doing it on my own or somebody has told me to do it. This has become a habit that I still practice until these days and now my children are doing it too. We also adopted the local government’s program of waste segregation though not that perfect like separating the cotton from the plastic of the cotton buds. My husband and I also enrolled to paperless billing with respect to ~ Use less paper or better yet be a paperless firm. Credit card companies, banks, internet providers are offering paperless billing statements and even giving rewards to those who opt to get their bills online. I hope Beneco, La Trinidad Water District and Sky Cable will do the same (just wishful thinking hehehe). As a freelance ESL teacher, I don’t give my students printed books. Instead, send it to them as an eBook and I teach them how to download and install a program they use to open eBook. I hope BSU-OU will practice it too. Whenever I go to the market or grocery store, I always bring with me my eco-bag to minimize the use of plastics. I hope the local government would make a resolution on plastic-less municipality/town just like other municipalities who are practicing it these days.
I also noticed fast foods and some restaurants turning to paper bags instead of plastics. But still, I can’t help wondering where those paper bags made from? In relation to Republic Act 8749 - Philippine Clean Air Act, households in La Trinidad are not allowed to burn anything on their backyards. I happy to say that in my community ~ Banig, Tawang most households have been practicing it for years.
Furthermore, I’m reminded about this P10 to P12 million electronic device at the foot of Session Road which authorities claimed that it monitors the quality of air. Other than monitoring the quality of air, does it do anything like cleaning the air?
I commend neighbors successfully started backyard gardening out of recycled tin cans for it has been my dream in my backyard but it has been long abandoned. Well, we are Filipino, wherever we go, we always bring our ingenuity. We never know one day there will be 'magbobote or mangangalakal' in Papua New Guinea. Which reminded me again, for the past couple of months I've been waiting for them to sell plastic bottles and cans I've sorted out from my garbage can since December last year. Then just last month I heard that Domogan, mayor of Baguio prohibited them from going house to house due to the increasing incidents of robbery. So I guessed maybe here in La Trinidad too.
I don't know much how mines operate but I've seen its huge environmental effect in some places here in Baguio & Benguet. I heard Philex Mining Corporation has reached down under Loakan area and mountains along Kennon Road. To add more, every summer whenever we go swimming at Itogon Hot Spring (which again people claimed not safe due to mercury contamination), I can't help to worry about those roads and mountains falling down caused by open pit mining (please do correct me if I'm wrong). In Lepanto, Mankayan, some places had sunk like the Calalo Elementary School and landslide is prevalent not to add the side effects of chemicals use in mining.
Sad to say, I’m not aware of any projects of BSU in relation to Environmental Degradation however I’m a regular costumer of their organic farming fresh produce. BSU is one of the advocates of organic farming that it dedicated a lot for organic demo-farm. However, the LGU of La Trinidad has been taking part on the Balili River clean-up drive, tree planting at Puguis Communal Forest or in Alno near the landfill.
How about you guys what are your simple ways to conserve our already degrading environment? We’ll be happy to learn from you.
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What are First World/Developed and Third World/Developing countries?
First World/Developed countries have high level of industrial development, bases its economy on technology and manufacturing. Human and natural resources are fully utilized resulting in an increase in production and consumption. However, Third World/Developing countries have economies dependent on the developed countries and are generally characterized as poor with unstable governments and having high rates of population growth, illiteracy, and disease.
Developed countries are also known as industrialized, advanced, and first-world countries while developing countries are also known as underdeveloped, least developed, and third-world countries. Developed countries enjoy high standard of living as developing countries have a low to medium standard of living due to still developing per capita income. The citizens of a developed country enjoy a free, healthy, and affluent existence having low infant mortality, birth and death rates while developing countries have higher level of birth and death rates. Infant mortality rate is also high due to poor nutrition, shortage of medical services, and little knowledge on health. In addition, According to the MDG presentations 99% of people who die from AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis (TB) live in the developing world. There are about 15 million hungry people in developed countries while 790 million in developing countries. Furthermore, 58 million children of primary school age were out of school in developing countries. Women’s participation in politics in developed countries is 23.8 percent while it’s 20 percent in developing countries. Finally, Developing countries must find ways to manage the environmental effects of industrialization and consumption of natural resources, especially non-renewable while developing countries face the risk of depleting renewable resources such as water and forests.
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What are First World/Developed and Third World/Developing countries?
First World/Developed countries have high level of industrial development, bases its economy on technology and manufacturing. Human and natural resources are fully utilized resulting in an increase in production and consumption. However, Third World/Developing countries have economies dependent on the developed countries and are generally characterized as poor with unstable governments and having high rates of population growth, illiteracy, and disease.
Developed countries are also known as industrialized, advanced, and first-world countries while developing countries are also known as underdeveloped, least developed, and third-world countries. Developed countries enjoy high standard of living as developing countries have a low to medium standard of living due to still developing per capita income. The citizens of a developed country enjoy a free, healthy, and affluent existence having low infant mortality, birth and death rates while developing countries have higher level of birth and death rates. Infant mortality rate is also high due to poor nutrition, shortage of medical services, and little knowledge on health. In addition, According to the MDG presentations 99% of people who die from AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis (TB) live in the developing world. There are about 15 million hungry people in developed countries while 790 million in developing countries. Furthermore, 58 million children of primary school age were out of school in developing countries. Women’s participation in politics in developed countries is 23.8 percent while it’s 20 percent in developing countries. Finally, Developing countries must find ways to manage the environmental effects of industrialization and consumption of natural resources, especially non-renewable while developing countries face the risk of depleting renewable resources such as water and forests.
Reference:
Imelda, M. (2011, July 27).
Difference between developed and
developing countries. Difference Between. Retrieved March 05, 2015, from http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/politics/difference-between-developed-and-developing-countries/
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Summary of the Development Communication Primer by Nora Cruz Quebral (2012)
According to Quebral, change on the definition of DevCom is a result of research and practice. From simply economic development then includes social development. With various approaches in between changes, it became another development to integrated rural to participatory development. She further added that development should be more considered because the quality of life is improving though communication is the medium of “transporting” this development. The primer also stated that development starts with economic development but it has to go with social, moral and political development and in doing so we should be part of it for us to really understand it.
Quebral also cited that communications media can help teach livelihood skills while values implicit with development communication are honesty, freedom, compassion and respect. DevCom is not merely an academic discipline but also form of communication practice in the sense that the communicator helps people in alleviating their lives for them to realize their potential. Finally, a development communicator must understand process of development, knowledgeable in skills and techniques as well as the subject matter. Understand different kinds of behaviors and skillful in bringing out the best of the person.
How does it embrace changes and the development of the field?
The only permanent in this world is change and everything should confluence with it or else is left alone. As things change, DevCom too in order to meet the needs of an individual in terms of development. While the old DevCom aim to help people realize their potential the redefined DevCom’s goal is to help develop an individual’s capability to think and make decision. At present, economy is not only the concern of DevCom but human development too. Culture and values also changes and DevCom play a critical role in addressing the now vanishing culture and corrupting values. And the new DevCom has to embrace the use these new communication media to reach and educate the people.
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Paradigm of modernization and multiplicity paradigm
Criteria
|
Modernization
|
Alternative Paradigm: Multiplicity
Paradigm
|
A. Definition and
Description of the Paradigm
|
It emphasizes
productivity, economic growth, industrialization, urbanization, centralized
planning and endogenous factors of development and development was measured
by gross national product (GNP). Social scientist believes that developing
countries should copy Westerns to quickly enjoy development. In this model, all
traditional societies should pass through similar stages in to be a modern
society. Is authority based, top-down, expert-driven, non-negotiable, well-intentioned
and it is all about vertical communication.
|
It is also referred as participatory
communication for development or another development that accentuate on
cultural identity of local communities. As it is participatory, it encourages
people to be the active participator. This means that people are the center
of development. It encourages the participation at all levels –international,
national, local and individual. Therefore, it is called as bottom-up approach
or horizontal communication to development as it depends on dialectic process
|
B. Assumptions
1. What
stops development from happening?
|
Lack of information, knowledge, big capital,
expertise and modern social organizations, indigenous culture, backward
technology, corruption, traditional values and attitudes are all causes of
underdevelopment. No enough of participation and it promoted external causes of
poverty and underdevelopment and blames the victims themselves for their
poverty
|
Because developments concentrate at a local
level, programs are not easily implement nor highly predictable or ready to
control. Even if the approach is participatory not everyone wants to or must
be involved in its practical implementation. In addition, while it encourages
the right to make decision, problem is that it threatens existing
hierarchies.
|
2. What are the solutions to
underdevelopment?
|
The massive transfer of capital, ideology,
technology, and know-how, a worldwide Marshall Plan, and a green revolution
are the solutions to development. Because this model is Westernization, hindrances
such as traditionalism, bad taste, superstition and fatalism have to be
removed.
|
Giving the
local people the right to choose and decide as well as by contextualizing
development issues. Participation, mobilizing and giving much importance to
the public will bring desired result of development.
|
3. Who are the instigators of development
|
Everett Rogers, Daniel Lerner, Wilbur Schramm, Walter Rostow
|
Paulo
Freire, UNESCO, Juan
Somavia, Berrigan, Pateman and others
|
4. How women are included/not included in development?
|
Women were invisible in the liberal economic development paradigm in
the 1950s due to the common worldview in Europe and the United States that
considered women’s work to the family and economically is extraneous. Furthermore,
this traditional concept that household as a unit is ruled by the patriarch who made decisions
effectively ignored women’s caring functions globally and hidden women’s
economic activities in economies.
|
The early
development programs were focused at the community level and research
documenting the economic activities of women has prompted the authorities
reconsidering them in development programs. In order to reach and train women
at the village level, programs began to organize and hired educated women to
help and soon became advocates for changes. In the 21st century, poverty has
become the major focus of development agencies which now focus on women as
the key. Many projects assisted women to earn money greatly helped.
|
References:
Etana, A. (2014, May).
The Characteristics of Development Paradigms: Modernization, Dependency,
and Multiplicity. Retrieved March 06, 2015, from http://www.academia.edu/7815006/The_Characteristics_of_Development_Paradigms_Modernization_Dependency_and_Multiplicity
Servaes, J. & Malikhao, P. (_____).
The Participatory communication: the new paradigm? Retrieved
March 06, 2015, from http://bibliotecavirtual.clacso.org.ar/ar/libros/edicion/media/09Chapter5.pdf
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