Last August 28, 2010 after the discussion on Public diplomacy by the speaker of the Department of Tourism we also have an opportunity to hear the voices of Sargent Kervin Ras, who was a former child Soldier in Iraq and Col. Dickson Hermoso, a chief of staff, civil military officer, peace process officer, human rights officer and a former child soldier in Cotabato. They discussed some of their experiences as a child soldier and the continuing process of this child soldiering in a modern world. The first Speaker, Kervin Ras shared some story of a child who died in an implantation of explosives in Iraq. Over the last ten years, more than a million children have been killed in this scene, some have been orphaned, others are seriously injured or permanently disabled and the rest have been left with serious psychological trauma.
According to Dr. Gracia quoted by Col. Dickson Hermosa, “Child soldiering means any child, boy or girl, aged less than 18 years who is recruited compulsory by force or adheres with the intention of using him or her contracting armed forces or paramilitary forces of defense units.” Col. Dickson Hermoso said that child soldiering are most evident in Islamic society wherein they have this Jihad which is a religious group promoting Child soldiering, also, Bangsamoro struggle is a religious obligation to attain Islamic Independence wherein the children involvement is a religious undertaking to their concept of culture and tradition.
War disturbs every part of a child's growth. Children that are affected by armed conflict are hurt or killed, orphaned or departed from their families and relatives, and some were subjected to sexual abuse and exploitation, victims of suffering in trauma as a result of violence exposure, deprived of education and recreation. It is highly possible that children living in conflict areas are dispossessed of basic needs such as food, shelter and medical attention. Moreover, assistance for children seems to be the last priority in war, and due to their physical structure and growth, most vulnerable not only to being deprived of food, medical assistance and education, which has an extreme lasting impact on their progress, but also they served as the sex slaves of some military men.
My heart is wounded every time I hear stories such as this, what strikes me the most is that children were treated as sex slaves and they are very defenseless against the older soldiers that even if they do not want what they are doing they end up doing it because of the fear in their lives. A lot of them suffered from this incident and have a war shock as they grow old mainly because of the incidents that they cannot forget. It is sad that as child soldiers, rather than playing and learning from school, they handed guns and explosives that even I cannot hold.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
A Seminar on Philippine Advancement through Security and Promotion of Information(Am Session on Public Diplomacy)
“Public Diplomacy: the strategic planning and execution of informational, cultural and educational programming by an advocate country to create a public opinion environment in a target country or countries that will enable target country political leaders to make decisions that are supportive of advocate country's foreign policy objectives.” ( Michael McClellan, 2004)
Last August 28, 2010, we are required to attend the seminar organized by a group of Sem-Cda students which tackled the topic about Public Diplomacy. There should be three presenters who will speak to us about this topic but only one came but he filled up the gap of the two speakers who were not able to attend the seminar. The speaker from the Department of Tourism was able to part some of his practices and knowledge about Public Diplomacy and also impart his concerns and insights about the Hostage incident that had happen recently and how it affects our country. A brief story about an experienced in Japan served as an introduction by the speaker, It was said that the Department of Tourism is linked with different agencies and departments which involved advertising and as well as the promotion of the Philippines with its beauty. He repeatedly said to us that we as a Filipino should uphold and support the Philippines to other countries for us not only to develop nationalism but also help our country because by this, we can encourage many foreign investors to invest in our country and knowing that tourism is a big part of our economy.
However, the speaker also said that we should not be too aggressive in promoting our country because it might end up in other way around, like over promoting our country and forgetting about the incident that had happed recently in our country, it shows a bit disrespectful for the countries who are affected by it. On the other hand, this incident must not be a hindrance for us to endorse our country and there are a lot of instances that the destructive things that have happened in our country is weaken by the beauty of our country. Tourism is a great chance to take part in big trade to other foreign countries; it is indeed a good scene to discuss and talk product's rates of our country.
Activities of Public Diplomacy such as the “familiarization trip” where the our county invite foreigners to visit us and experience the Filipino foodstuffs as well as atmosphere itself, so that they could share this experience to other foreign nationals, thus, will help in the promotion of our Philippine tourism. The promotion by a word of mouth is an influential manner that we can practice in order to enhance our country’s tourism. With this seminar, I learn to use my social networking in a useful manner wherein I could be more supportive of my country by encouraging my foreign national friends in coming here in our country and experience the exquisiteness that our country has to offer.
References:
(2004)Michael McClellan Counselor for Public Diplomacy: “Vienna Diplomatic Academy” US Embassy, Dublin retrieved October 14 from http://www.publicdiplomacy.org/45.htm
Last August 28, 2010, we are required to attend the seminar organized by a group of Sem-Cda students which tackled the topic about Public Diplomacy. There should be three presenters who will speak to us about this topic but only one came but he filled up the gap of the two speakers who were not able to attend the seminar. The speaker from the Department of Tourism was able to part some of his practices and knowledge about Public Diplomacy and also impart his concerns and insights about the Hostage incident that had happen recently and how it affects our country. A brief story about an experienced in Japan served as an introduction by the speaker, It was said that the Department of Tourism is linked with different agencies and departments which involved advertising and as well as the promotion of the Philippines with its beauty. He repeatedly said to us that we as a Filipino should uphold and support the Philippines to other countries for us not only to develop nationalism but also help our country because by this, we can encourage many foreign investors to invest in our country and knowing that tourism is a big part of our economy.
However, the speaker also said that we should not be too aggressive in promoting our country because it might end up in other way around, like over promoting our country and forgetting about the incident that had happed recently in our country, it shows a bit disrespectful for the countries who are affected by it. On the other hand, this incident must not be a hindrance for us to endorse our country and there are a lot of instances that the destructive things that have happened in our country is weaken by the beauty of our country. Tourism is a great chance to take part in big trade to other foreign countries; it is indeed a good scene to discuss and talk product's rates of our country.
Activities of Public Diplomacy such as the “familiarization trip” where the our county invite foreigners to visit us and experience the Filipino foodstuffs as well as atmosphere itself, so that they could share this experience to other foreign nationals, thus, will help in the promotion of our Philippine tourism. The promotion by a word of mouth is an influential manner that we can practice in order to enhance our country’s tourism. With this seminar, I learn to use my social networking in a useful manner wherein I could be more supportive of my country by encouraging my foreign national friends in coming here in our country and experience the exquisiteness that our country has to offer.
References:
(2004)Michael McClellan Counselor for Public Diplomacy: “Vienna Diplomatic Academy” US Embassy, Dublin retrieved October 14 from http://www.publicdiplomacy.org/45.htm
Friday, August 27, 2010
What's your world vision? A discussion on the legal aspects of youth development programs by INGOs and local government institutions
Violence against children wounds over borders of countries in the aspect of topography, nationality, class, religious conviction and culture. It takes place in streets, schools, in workplaces, day care centers and even in home. The offenders are in general which includes: teachers, caretakers, law enforcement authorities, other children and even parents as well as family members. No country is safe, whether one is rich or poor. The consequences of violence can be disturbing, but above all, it can result in an early death of a child. But on the other hand even children who survived experience terrible physical and deep emotional scars or trauma. Thus, violence affects not only their well-being, but also their capability to learn and who can be mature enough create complete families and societies.
Last Saturday, August 14, 2010 a group of SEM-CDA students presented a forum about Youth Development Programs which includes: the World Vision, Child Hope Asia and Department of Education in MIMAROPA. These Non-governmental organizations tackled about child labor, violence against children as well as their rights and offer programs which we can help children in uplifting their well-being after suffering from any form of maltreatment. Scholarship and other financial assistance were given to the children by those generous and kind hearted entities to the students with exceptional capability of the students to also help themselves to be out of their zone. On a more recent update, According to Rainier Allan Ronda from an article in Philippine Star, The Department of Education (DepEd) has combined with World Vision Development Fund (WVDF) for the training of teachers in public school on the “anti-child exploitation advocacy.” The teaching, funded by the World Vision Development Foundation, is designed to enhance the teachers’ capacity in of social development, namely: study, encouragement, interacting, direct service and documentation. The training successions will advance among the teachers a deeper understanding of the child labor issue and the significance of education.
I am fortunate that my rights as a child were not been challenge by the people that I encountered through my entire life. My parents provided more than enough of my needs as I grow, and it was sad that not all people share the same luck as I am but on the other hand, I am pleased also to the people and organizations advocating not only children rights but also supporting their common needs. Although we cannot permanently eliminate the abuses and cruelties that some unfortunate children experiences, these organizations is a stepping stone to further the privileges and rights of children all over the world, this seminar was a revelation of what truly is happening in our society concerning the children. This is an issue we must all be alarmed and I hope that our government will craft possible policies that defend that rights, privileges and choice of a child.
Last Saturday, August 14, 2010 a group of SEM-CDA students presented a forum about Youth Development Programs which includes: the World Vision, Child Hope Asia and Department of Education in MIMAROPA. These Non-governmental organizations tackled about child labor, violence against children as well as their rights and offer programs which we can help children in uplifting their well-being after suffering from any form of maltreatment. Scholarship and other financial assistance were given to the children by those generous and kind hearted entities to the students with exceptional capability of the students to also help themselves to be out of their zone. On a more recent update, According to Rainier Allan Ronda from an article in Philippine Star, The Department of Education (DepEd) has combined with World Vision Development Fund (WVDF) for the training of teachers in public school on the “anti-child exploitation advocacy.” The teaching, funded by the World Vision Development Foundation, is designed to enhance the teachers’ capacity in of social development, namely: study, encouragement, interacting, direct service and documentation. The training successions will advance among the teachers a deeper understanding of the child labor issue and the significance of education.
I am fortunate that my rights as a child were not been challenge by the people that I encountered through my entire life. My parents provided more than enough of my needs as I grow, and it was sad that not all people share the same luck as I am but on the other hand, I am pleased also to the people and organizations advocating not only children rights but also supporting their common needs. Although we cannot permanently eliminate the abuses and cruelties that some unfortunate children experiences, these organizations is a stepping stone to further the privileges and rights of children all over the world, this seminar was a revelation of what truly is happening in our society concerning the children. This is an issue we must all be alarmed and I hope that our government will craft possible policies that defend that rights, privileges and choice of a child.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
PNOY's SPEECH ON THE 43RD ASEAN FOUNDATION DAY
Our President Benigno S. Aquino III presented his speech about the policies as well as the objectives as to our region and how our country will play with his administration, on the 43rd ASEAN Foundation Day. The speech is a demonstration our country’s commitment to a successful ASEAN. The conversion of the Charter into our very own Filipino language is an important move for our nation’s consciousness of self-identity as people of the Philippines which includes how it is important for us to have understanding and collaboration in order to fulfill same set of goals for a better country.
During his opening address, he stated that our country will achieve its international obligations without the expense of our national interest, It can also be found in his speech that the Philippines will continue to take part in negotiations on concerns in the country, and stand by the declaration on the ASEAN’s Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. Also, the Philippines plan to contribute in economic collaboration for development. These agreements I believe should upturn our country’s employment service and for market expansion as well for our goods. He said that the most effective instrument of peace and mutual understanding is culture and the arts wherein we can foster it by promoting these aspects.
It was nice having that idea in mind but I am hoping that his words will put into action. On the other hand, He specified on his speech that there will be a more committed administration in order to advance and develop its relations with our ASEAN neighboring countries, wherein the Philippines was said to be more productive and will be a consensus-builder as our state works toward a define set of goals. He also stressed that the ASEAN Charter preserves the growth of our respective nations into nation- states that are devoted to human rights, the rule of law and harmony between different regions and classes by the promotion of economic development and environment cultivation. A creation of People- oriented regional community by the year 2015 is one of the primary aims of the ASEAN through which will be guided by these three key pillars where it includes Economic, Socio- Cultural and Political Security, As I can see this year will be a year before his term ends and again, I just hope for a better Philippines before he leaves especially now, that our country is suffering from what just happened on the hostage scenario by Rolando Mendoza, it definitely shakes our economy down, maybe our country can move on with this incident but certainly not on its impacts.
During his opening address, he stated that our country will achieve its international obligations without the expense of our national interest, It can also be found in his speech that the Philippines will continue to take part in negotiations on concerns in the country, and stand by the declaration on the ASEAN’s Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. Also, the Philippines plan to contribute in economic collaboration for development. These agreements I believe should upturn our country’s employment service and for market expansion as well for our goods. He said that the most effective instrument of peace and mutual understanding is culture and the arts wherein we can foster it by promoting these aspects.
It was nice having that idea in mind but I am hoping that his words will put into action. On the other hand, He specified on his speech that there will be a more committed administration in order to advance and develop its relations with our ASEAN neighboring countries, wherein the Philippines was said to be more productive and will be a consensus-builder as our state works toward a define set of goals. He also stressed that the ASEAN Charter preserves the growth of our respective nations into nation- states that are devoted to human rights, the rule of law and harmony between different regions and classes by the promotion of economic development and environment cultivation. A creation of People- oriented regional community by the year 2015 is one of the primary aims of the ASEAN through which will be guided by these three key pillars where it includes Economic, Socio- Cultural and Political Security, As I can see this year will be a year before his term ends and again, I just hope for a better Philippines before he leaves especially now, that our country is suffering from what just happened on the hostage scenario by Rolando Mendoza, it definitely shakes our economy down, maybe our country can move on with this incident but certainly not on its impacts.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Major Concerns of Philippine Foreign Policy
Last Monday we discussed about the major concerns of Philippine Foreign policy which includes: regional arrangement, multilateral organizations, Territorial rights, direct foreign investments and our country’s tourism. First on the list was the regional arrangement and multilateral organizations wherein the Philippines must promote its national interest in regional arrangements and multilateral organization through DEVELOPMENT DIPLOMACY which focuses also in Trade, Investment and Technology transfer. Diplomatic initiative will be pursued through active involvement and participation in negotiations in the multilateral trading to promote country’s interest in agriculture, rules of origin, non-tariff barriers, infrastructure projects and intellectual property matters. The country will continue to support peacekeeping operations of the UN in war torn areas such as Kosovo, East Timor, Liberia, Haiti and Sudan. The government shall also continue to actively participate the regional as well as the international cooperation exercises that seek to echo its concern for the rights of the child, women and in general , human rights as well as to address transnational crimes. It shall pursue the strengthening of the legislation and legal frameworks as well as the structures of the institutions involved in the right against domestic and transnational crimes.
Next on the list is about the Territorial rights. One bright idea I have learned is that Mindanao is surrounded by their 112 barangays on its borders which is enough to from an independent state. On the other hand, a Philippines territorial right mainly focuses on the issue of South China Sea which is been claimed by several countries such as Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan which have conflicting ideas over the sea and some part of it. The Philippines policy towards the South China Sea adheres to the 2002 ASEAN-China declaration conduct in the South China Sea whereby parties agreed to settle disputes by a peaceful and friendly manner and so Philippines and China agreed to transform the South China Sea from a region of conflict to cooperation wherein these countries will share on sea research. The Armed Forces of the Philippines shall ensure the national sovereignty and territorial integrity and also meet the challenges of the international terrorism and other threats to national security and should also exert efforts to address the root causes of terrorism.
In direct foreign investment and tourism, Infrastructures and export oriented enterprises must also be promoted which involves infrastructures, health care, technology, mining, electronics, automotive, while Europe along with US, China, Japan and ASEAN will be sources of Direct foreign investments, technology transfer and trade through Development Diplomacy. However, the country’s Tourist spots shall be enhancing as tourism hubs.
Next on the list is about the Territorial rights. One bright idea I have learned is that Mindanao is surrounded by their 112 barangays on its borders which is enough to from an independent state. On the other hand, a Philippines territorial right mainly focuses on the issue of South China Sea which is been claimed by several countries such as Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan which have conflicting ideas over the sea and some part of it. The Philippines policy towards the South China Sea adheres to the 2002 ASEAN-China declaration conduct in the South China Sea whereby parties agreed to settle disputes by a peaceful and friendly manner and so Philippines and China agreed to transform the South China Sea from a region of conflict to cooperation wherein these countries will share on sea research. The Armed Forces of the Philippines shall ensure the national sovereignty and territorial integrity and also meet the challenges of the international terrorism and other threats to national security and should also exert efforts to address the root causes of terrorism.
In direct foreign investment and tourism, Infrastructures and export oriented enterprises must also be promoted which involves infrastructures, health care, technology, mining, electronics, automotive, while Europe along with US, China, Japan and ASEAN will be sources of Direct foreign investments, technology transfer and trade through Development Diplomacy. However, the country’s Tourist spots shall be enhancing as tourism hubs.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Great Powers in the pursuit of development
China, Japan and United States are three of the countries that have great impacts from the Philippine’s history up until today. The US had a great contribution to our country’s educational system which determines how they influence us and adopting “Crab mentality” which affected every aspect of our lives. The Philippines have a strong relationship with US since then and even our Political structure and tradition was adopted from the US’ which conduct Joint civilization.
China and Japan were two of the most powerful nations which influenced our country on regions’ economic and political development. China is an economic power by its manner on world trade organization wherein it plays a strategic player on the scene; it is also a permanent member of United Nations. China’s “One China Policy” is its sole legal government of China and of course its involvement or entry into the WTO paved its way to a growing economy which attracted investors, tourists and simply outside forces to engage into a contact with this country.
Japan pushed its relationship with the Philippines through bilateral agreements like JPEPA which is said to strengthen the economic and political relationship of Japan-Philippines. These countries including ours of course are involved in the ASEAN which is fully supporting the vision for a more unified ASEAN community wherein the Philippines is also a founding member of the organization. It is an instrument towards the security of the regions by continuing to share the countries’ influences with one another. And thus, our Philippine foreign policy was made in the context of the ASEAN. Lastly, US, China and Japan relationship with one another are the determining influence in the security situation and economic revolution of East Asia.
China and Japan were two of the most powerful nations which influenced our country on regions’ economic and political development. China is an economic power by its manner on world trade organization wherein it plays a strategic player on the scene; it is also a permanent member of United Nations. China’s “One China Policy” is its sole legal government of China and of course its involvement or entry into the WTO paved its way to a growing economy which attracted investors, tourists and simply outside forces to engage into a contact with this country.
Japan pushed its relationship with the Philippines through bilateral agreements like JPEPA which is said to strengthen the economic and political relationship of Japan-Philippines. These countries including ours of course are involved in the ASEAN which is fully supporting the vision for a more unified ASEAN community wherein the Philippines is also a founding member of the organization. It is an instrument towards the security of the regions by continuing to share the countries’ influences with one another. And thus, our Philippine foreign policy was made in the context of the ASEAN. Lastly, US, China and Japan relationship with one another are the determining influence in the security situation and economic revolution of East Asia.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Visiting forces Agreement:: Foreign Relations over Country's Self Worth
Last Monday we discussed about the Visiting forces agreement of Philippines and US. Our instructor gave us a copy of two opposing articles about it. The class was divided into two groups: One group is holding the article about VFA’s good side and the other holding the article about its drawbacks, in which I belong. Now, we are tasked to give counterarguments of the article we got and I was unfortunate to have the VFA’s drawbacks article in which I must give opinions as well as urgings which is completely contradicting to the article that I got.
First of all,I wanted to give my side first before going to some important points of the story. As a woman, I believe that there have been abusive things that this agreement has brought to the Filipinos especially the Filipino women but the one that strikes me the most is the Subic Rape Case in which in the end it was dismissed and the four suspects doesn’t face any serious consequences. Isn’t it that “Protection to our Nationals” is one of the main pillars of our country’s policy? But in this case, the government chose to preserve the Philippine-Us relations rather than protecting our own nationals. There’s no wonder why Philippines do no grow as a nation due to lack of patriotism, self-governance as well as devotion to our country and nationals. It is evident that our country just depend on other countries for a living and tend to forget how a country should strive hard for its own good and preserve the importance of our culture which respects every Filipino women. In this agreement, We do not have a CHOICE but to live with it and just see the good side of it.
On the other side of the coin I see reasons why our government do that. First, by increasing compatibility with Philippines and United States’ forces can improve Philippines’ national security and stable environment conducive to economic development and it is also vital to these two countries’ collaboration in the Philippine Defense Reform Program. Back in 2006, the Philippines sponsored by the US fresh military tactics and machinery, and top practices for us to be ready for refuge challenges: terrorism, natural calamities as well as transnational crimes. VFA makes income for our country. According to our DFA, The VFA, it delivered profits for the Armed Forces of the Philippines amounting to US$706,425.28 from seventy noted transactions. United States official visit to the Philippines have brought in $ 5 million to $ 9.5 million from 2006 to 2007, respectively, as proceeds from the replacement of supplies and logistics. Now, because it promotes national security and creates revenues for our country I believe that it will result to the elimination of the curse of terrorism and will help in the reconstruction in times of catastrophe.
The Philippine-US relationship was one of the most important components of our economy today having US as our country’s largest export market, trading partner and investors. Although there are some doubtful questions of this agreement, clearly, the tactical security relations, with the agreement have been contributory in firming up the country, safeguarding its stability and in guaranteeing its continued prosperity.
Source:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-09/23/content_12103263.htm
First of all,I wanted to give my side first before going to some important points of the story. As a woman, I believe that there have been abusive things that this agreement has brought to the Filipinos especially the Filipino women but the one that strikes me the most is the Subic Rape Case in which in the end it was dismissed and the four suspects doesn’t face any serious consequences. Isn’t it that “Protection to our Nationals” is one of the main pillars of our country’s policy? But in this case, the government chose to preserve the Philippine-Us relations rather than protecting our own nationals. There’s no wonder why Philippines do no grow as a nation due to lack of patriotism, self-governance as well as devotion to our country and nationals. It is evident that our country just depend on other countries for a living and tend to forget how a country should strive hard for its own good and preserve the importance of our culture which respects every Filipino women. In this agreement, We do not have a CHOICE but to live with it and just see the good side of it.
On the other side of the coin I see reasons why our government do that. First, by increasing compatibility with Philippines and United States’ forces can improve Philippines’ national security and stable environment conducive to economic development and it is also vital to these two countries’ collaboration in the Philippine Defense Reform Program. Back in 2006, the Philippines sponsored by the US fresh military tactics and machinery, and top practices for us to be ready for refuge challenges: terrorism, natural calamities as well as transnational crimes. VFA makes income for our country. According to our DFA, The VFA, it delivered profits for the Armed Forces of the Philippines amounting to US$706,425.28 from seventy noted transactions. United States official visit to the Philippines have brought in $ 5 million to $ 9.5 million from 2006 to 2007, respectively, as proceeds from the replacement of supplies and logistics. Now, because it promotes national security and creates revenues for our country I believe that it will result to the elimination of the curse of terrorism and will help in the reconstruction in times of catastrophe.
The Philippine-US relationship was one of the most important components of our economy today having US as our country’s largest export market, trading partner and investors. Although there are some doubtful questions of this agreement, clearly, the tactical security relations, with the agreement have been contributory in firming up the country, safeguarding its stability and in guaranteeing its continued prosperity.
Source:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-09/23/content_12103263.htm
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