PAGBABAGO
The Rights of Nature come to mind with the latest report that the Philippines is one of the dangerous countries in Asia for environmental activists. This is due to its having a high number of advocates killed in the region between 2012 to 2023 according to the international watchdog, Global Witness.
In a report, “Missing Voices” dated Sept. 9, the group recorded the death of 17 land and environmental rights defenders in 2023 alone. Worldwide, the Philippines ranked fifth with Colombia topping the list with 79 deaths followed by Brazil, Honduras, and Mexico. Eight of the 17 slain activists in the Philippines were small-scale farmers. A total of 468 environmental defenders were killed across Asia and 64 percent or 248 were from the country.
The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development cites judicial harassment as the “most recorded violation” against human rights defenders in general. Seven enforced disappearances were reported in the Philippines. In Asia, a total of 1,033 were reported in 2021 and 2022.
Denmark is top in ranking in best environmental performance.
The Rights of Nature campaign in the country was launched in 2018 with a caravan which was followed by the People’s Congress in July 2019. Rights of Nature bills were filed in both Houses of Congress by Senator Risa Hontiveros and Representative Kit Belmonte. The Philippine Misereor Partnership Incorporated (PMPI), a coalition of faith and community groups has been instrumental in drafting national rights of nature legislation which was introduced in the Philippine Congress in 2019.
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A healing garden at the Philippine General Hospital which aims “to provide cancer patients space for renewal and fresh start,” a vision of Dr. Gap Legaspi, PGH executive director, will hopefully be realized through a fund-raising campaign organized by the Friends of PGH on Oct. 23. This is in the form of a golf tournament at the Canlubang Golf Course which is expected to raise ₱5 million.
Cancer is now the second leading cause of death. Since heading PGH nine years ago, Dr. Legaspi has seen a 30 percent increase in cancer patients. Today, the Cancer Institute alone serves 400 patients at any given time. Half of them are children under 18, suffering from leukemia and brain tumors. Among adults, breast and lung cancer are the most common.
For more information, contact FPGH volunteers Renee Francisco at [email protected] or Grace Villanueva and Lina Gison.
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My profound condolences and prayers for Atty. Ador Hizon and family over the passing of Celia. Celia, a UP alumna, has been a devoted wife and mother and a dear friend. She will be missed by many whom she has touched with much love and kindness over the years. Farewell, till we meet again.
(Email: [email protected])