ist group Akap Bata said that floods could be more effectively managed if the government would take

up the necessary steps in preventing cutting more and more trees and bulldozing mountainsall in the name of urbanization and mining. Akap Bata spokesperson Lean Flores said the State should not put the blame on the poor. The root of the [flooding] problem is forest denudation and not well planned urban development, says Flores, adding that it is to callous for the Benigno S. Aquino III government to issue a marching order of blasting shanties of more or less 195,000 (approximately 975, 000 individuals) urban poor families as they clog the waterways and worsen the already perennial problem of flooding in Metro Manila and other provinces.

Saying garbage is just the ti p of the iceberg, partyl-

TF Akap Bata calls for pro-people response on disasters

She also added that the Government should also be held accountable for the inefficient disaster preparedness, response and relief during the onslaught of monsoon rains last August. The child rights advocate also scored the alleged early campaigning by Mr. Aquinos party members during the relief operations done in Marikina, one of the cities in the metro severely affected by the floods. She said that the P7.5 billion disaster mitigation fund is not enough knowing the fact that the Philippines is visited, annually, by at least 20 strong typhoons. Meanwhile, Task Force Akap Bata had their own share in making the lives of the families affected by the floods a little better by conducting a relief operation in Marikina, Muntinlupa and Pasig cities. We coordinated with local community organiza-

Volume 1 Issue No. 3 | September 2012

An Akap Bata volunteer helps in an Emergency Relief Assistance conducted by Citizens Disaster Response Center (CDRC) and Community Response for Enlightenment and Social Transformation (CREST) in Poblacion, Muntinlupa. (CDRC)

tion and socio-civic organization to help deliver goods. We mobilized hundreds of volunteers to help the families affected by the disaster, Flores said. Aside from the usual food, clothing, and other neces-

sities distribution, Akap Bata had also done psychosocial intervention, rapid assessment, play group and story telling to help the kids cope with stress brought by the floods and displacemen t.

WHATS INSIDE!
- Ang Tatay kong Nanay Special Screening (p. 2) - Tips on positive discipline (p. 3) - Dont touch my milk (code!) (p.6)

See related story on page 3

- The Truth About Marine Parks (p. 7)

NEWS

Tatay Kong Nanay shown on 4th Pandayang Lino Brocka

Akap Bata partylist held a screening of Dolphys film, Ang Tatay kong Nanay, as part of the 4th Pandayang Lino Brocka (PLB) Political Film and New Media Festival in the University of the Philippines. Filmed in 1978 starring the late Rodolfo Dolphy V. Quizon and the child wonder of the local showbiz Nio Mulach, the classic tackles the struggle of a homosexual raising a child. In a statement, the partylist said, the showing of the film in PLB is the groups tribute to the late comedian, who succumbed to a lung disease in July 10, 2012. Quizon was 83. Akap Bata, meanwhile, lobbies for the recognition of Quizon as a national artist for film. Like most Filipinos, we believe that Dolphy deserves the award. But even if it will not be given to him posthumously, what matters is that he is a National Artist in the hearts of the people, explained Akap Bata PartyList national secretary-general Arlene Brosas. Akap Bata Party-List noted that since the Arroyo administration, Dolphy failed to make it to the list of the countrys National Artist. In 2010, only the Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart has been awarded to him by President Benigno S. Aquino. The Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart Award given to Dolphy by PNoy in 2010 is not enough to honor his almost 65 years as a Filipino artist. Dolphy deserves to be recognized as a National Artist, says Brosas.

Students, families and film enthusiasts line up for the special screening of Ang Tatay Kong Nanay last August 30 at the 4th Pandayang Lino Brocka in Cine Adarana, UP Diliman. (Tudla Productions)

Akap Bata partylist joins E4ALL alliance, to join youth summit in October
Our driving motivation is to achieve a nation where its citizens are not deprived of education, a type of education that does not enslave a man but contributes on making a just and humane society for the youth of today and the children who will inherit it. This was the statement of the newly formed alliance, Education for All Alliance (E4ALL) during its assembly, not so long ago. Spearheaded by Metro Manila formations of National Union of Students of the Philippines, College Editors Guild of the Philippines, Anakbayan and Akap bata youth advocates, Akap Bata Partylist has joined the alliance to push for an educational system to help build a just and prosperous future for all. Education is a right, not a privilege The children of today are clearly deprived of their right to education, said Akap Bata spokesperson Lean Flores in a statement. Citing the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO) study, Flores said, due to the costly price of education, 73 percent of the Filipino youth were forced to drop out. Meanwhile, 7.93 million youth, ages 6 to 15 are out of school. Aside from the UNESCO study, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) stated that for every 100 students who enter Grade 12, only 14 of them will graduate in college, Flores explained. Meanwhile, the E4ALL said that the current educational system deprives people of access to quality education. It also said that it should be overhauled to truly serve the interest of the public.

Akap Bata holds State of the Children Address, paper plane protest
Like paper planes being blown by the wind somewhere, so the dreams of Filipino children are. Last July 16, Akap Bata and their supporters did a paper plane protest at the south gate of the House of Representatives, a week before President Benigno S. Aquino IIIs State of the Nation Address (SONA). Akap Bata spokesperson Lean Flores said that two years of Aquino in power, the childrens wish of a good and enjoyable life, just like their paper planes, had gone with the wind. On October of 2010, just two months of Aquino stepping in Malacaang as the countrys 15th president, Akap Bata had launched the historic Milyong Sulat ng Kahilingan ng mga Bata kay Pnoy, aiming to inform the President of what the Filipino children really want. It is saddening that it has been two years but the Administration seems to remain ignorant of the plight of the Filipino children. Malnutrition, child labor cases, homelessness, education crisis, and rights abuse incidents on children are still rampant, she lamented.

Akap Bata Partylist Pushes for positive discipline on children

Akap Bata Partylist is now pushing for positive discipline on children, saying that corporal punishment does more harm done good. Akap Bata, a group that advances the rights and welfare of Filipino children, says that even the United Nations (UN) sees corporal punishment as inhumane. Corporal punishment is always degrading and has no place in the home or our schools, says Akap Bata in a statement, citing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC). Due this, the partylist calls on the government and other stakeholders to implement the UN CRC and to closely monitor abuses committed by child caregivers, even in the State shelters. Moreover, Akap Bata Partylist believes that punishing the children will only aggravate the deviant behavior of children. Rather than punishing, the group agrees that positive discipline approach is the better alternative to discipline children. The basic principles of positive discipline are as follows: 1. Relevant to the misbehavior 2. Proportional to the offence 3. Focused on correcting the behavior not humiliating the student 4. Aimed at rehabilitation (learning from mistakes) not retribution (payback) Akap Bata Partylist also said that when a child misbehaved, adults must measure the gravity of the offense. The penalty should merit the gravity of the offense. The following are different methods of positive discipline: 1. Time-Out (Face the wall and Wear the hat approach) 2. Let the child reflect on his/her misbehavior 3. Let the child figure out the cause of his/her misbehavior 4. Let the child write an apology or an explanation to his/

NEWS

her misbehavior 5. Encourage the child to say sorry and ask for forgiveness. The other party should do the same. 6. Physical work - Let the child do household work (i.e. wiping the dust off the pantry, washing the dishes - depends on the age) 7. Withdrawal of privileges (i.e. Cut your childs TV or playtime) In the 42nd session in June 2006, the Committee on the Rights of the Child adopted General Comment No. 8, which highlights the obligation of all states to prohibit corporal punishment. In paragraph two of that document they offer this definition of corporal punishment. Furthermore, they specifically distinguish between corporal punishment and the legitimate role adults have in guiding children. They reject the former as unacceptable and encourage the latter. Reference: Positive Discipline: An Alternative to Corporal Punishment by Raising Voices (A Ugandan Childrens Organization)

An Akap Bata Volunteer discusses Responsible Parenthood and Positive Discipline in a forum arranged by LAPAMARO peoples organization in Antipolo.

DCWs Pushes Own Magna Carta, Troop Congress

Akap Bata secretary general Arlene Brosas said, daycare work has been treated as informal profession or charitable work in the country for a long time, and that some of them continue to work pro bono, just to guide preschool children in their journey to learning. Its time to pay them back, for their hard work and dedication. Moreover, the Casio bill is now garnering much support from the ground, Brosas told Balitang Akap Bata. She said that on October 5, World Teachers Day, the group will again troop back at the gates of the HOR to Caloocan Day Care workers Federation poses with Cong. Teddy press for the immediate pas- Casino of Bayan Muna Partylist, the main author of HB 5852 or sage of the Magna Carta. the Magna Carta of Day Care Workers.

Two weeks before the House of Representatives goes on vacation, hundreds of daycare workers, together with the Akap Bata partylist, had protested at the Batasang Pambansa to pressure the lawmaker to enact the Magna Carta for Daycare Workers. The House Bill 5852 authored by Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casio, who would independently run for Senate under the Makabayan Coalition banner, aims to provide a decent pay for daycare workers, who receives measly P500 salary per month, for those who work for the Staterun daycare centers, while those who work for private centers, P2,000. The law also provides for the security of tenure for them.

Opinion

DONT TOUCH MY MILK (CODE)!

By Angelica Carballo*
an to woman. Why not, instead of giving them choices that will burden them economically and that which will expose their children to unnecessary health risks, why not encourage mothers to breastfeed? There are numerous published studies on the benefits of breastfeeding to both the mother and her child. Besides its sickness-prevention value, it also strengthens the emotional bond between the mother and the baby, plus, it can also play an important role in weight management of moms who gained weight during and after giving birth. I myself, had lost around 30 pounds (lbs) due to breastfeeding. Yes, breastfeeding is better than Belo. Sadly, there are violations of the breastfeeding laws, particular the Republic Act 7600 or the Rooming-in and Breasfeeding Act of 1992. Some hospitals, the Quezon City General Hospital in particular, do not properly observe the Section 5 of the aformentioned law for instead of rooming in the baby within 30 minutes,
Editorial Staff

babies were placed in nurseries for a couple of hours, to see if they can suck well. And how exactly would they know if the baby sucks well? I dont want to know, and I might be sued if I print my speculations. Motherhood is a beautiful, wonderful experience, and I want every woman to experience this in its best form-breastfeeding is a part of this. Let us keep our children safe from being mere objects for profit by multinational companies and greedy congressmen.

Public health clinics offer free breastfeeding information for parents. Some parents, though, choose to shrug off the information and give milk alternatives to their children. (Angelica Carballo)

BEING A MOTHER GAVE ME the responsibility of facing and choosing between many options for my children. Should I buy this or that pair of shoes? Should I enroll them to this or that school? The options are endless. The decision-making part is easy; whats difficult is the learning and processing of information that you have to know in order to make the right, informed, and best decision for your kids. After all, who wants to give second best to their child? Just recently, a bill that seeks to amend the existing breastfeeding laws in the country created quite a buzz in the breastfeeding community: the Breastfeeding and Milk Regulation Act, which seeks to provide some leniency in terms of advertising and promoting formula milk products in the Philippines. A consolidated bill lifted from the bills of Representatives Rufus Rodriguez, Magtanggol Gunigundo, Anna York Bondoc, Josephine Veronique LacsonNoel, Lani Mercado, and Lucy Torres-Gomez, the bill, which gained the moni-

ker Milk Monster Bill from breastfeeding and health advocates, it provides for the allowing of formula milk advertisement for age groups 6 months and above (as opposed to the current legislation that allows advertisements only for the age group 3 years and above), milk formula donations in time of calamities and emergencies (the health and nutrition claims remember the gifted child, +7 IQ points, etc?), just to name a few. But to clarify: Bondocs bill is a good bill (House Bill 3396) for it promotes breastfeeding in new levels, and as of press time, Mercado and Torres-Gomez withdrew their support for the consolidated bill. Now let me just be clear here that I am, by all means, supporting everyones right to information--but it must be coupled with responsibility, and that correct, unabridged and balanced information should be provided. Breastfeeding is the best, cheapest, and safest way to feed an infant. But of course, let us recognize that breastfeeding is not a walk in the park, and varies from wom-

*Angelica Caraballo is a mother, writer, development worker and photographer from Quezon City. Reference: Jenny Ong, Decoding the Monster Bill, Chronicles of a Nursing Mom https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AhSdlPvu96IKd FRqYjVkSmZEMldRSTZHaGxzY mJhUXc#gid=0

Jo Anne Anastacio Noel Sales Barcelona Danica Castillo Neshreen Kingking Carol Tanghal Christian Yamzon Graphic Artist Raymond Oxcena Contributing Photographers Andrew Del Castillo Akap Bata Volunteers CDRC Tudla Productions For Feedbacks, please reach AKAP BATA party-list through the following: Address: 74 A Stanford St., Cubao, Quezon City

Telefax: (02) 437.68.31 E-mail: partylistakapbata@ yahoo.com Facebook: http://facebook. com/akapbata Twitter: http://twitter.com/ akap_bata_party

The "Balitang Akap Bata" is the official quarterly newsletter of AKAP BATA partylist. The third issue is published by AKAP BATA partylist to dessiminate information, news updates and showcase writing and artistic prowess of its members, friends and volunteers. AKAP BATA partylist is open for feedbacks and suggestions to improve our newsletter.

THE TRUTH ABOUT MARINE PARKS

By Angela Colmenares - Sabino, EII - Phils.*
DOLPHIN SHOWS ARE SEEMINGLY FUN but unknown to us, the dolphins and whales used for these shows grow tired, depressed and alienated. More than their beauty, dolphins and whales have a special role in the marine ecosystem and are not meant for human consumption or captivity. Can you imagine the future without these animals? Well, I dont. Captured, tortured for profits The main motivation of the deadly dolphin and whale hunts in places like Japan, Solomon Islands, Faroe Islands, Russia and others is the captivity industry. Apart from being inhumane, the capture and killing of dolphins in these areas affects the ecosystem as it eradicates animals that play critical roles in the environment. Dolphins and whales from the Japanese drive hunts have found its way into the Philippines despite existing laws due to the demand from ocean parks. Did you know that in 2001, Ocean Adventure imported 6 false killer whales, five of which already died? That in 2004, four bottlenose dolphins arrived in the country of which one is now dead? Moreover, In 2009, another four bottlenose dolphins were imported from Japan? Since 2008, a total of

OPINION

There are also existing rescue facilities like the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP) operating illegally without permits. The said facility claims to be a rehabilitation center for stranded dolphins but keeps dolphins for feeding programs with the general public. Educating our children about the evils of dolphin shows Education and raising awareness plays a crucial role in environmental advocacy. Families especially the children should be taught how to protect the environment and animals. We should be teaching them not to patronize dolphin shows and marine theme parks because it will only fuel more of the brutal hunts in Japan. Ordinary people can contribute to ending the slaughter in Japan by boycotting dolphin shows and speaking out against the massive slaughter. If these senseless slaughters continue, what will be left to our childrens future?

25 dolphins from Solomon Islands had been imported into the country and are being kept in Ocean Adventure to be exported to Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore. There is recent news about the plans of Manila Ocean Park to acquire beluga whales from Russia. Beluga whales are majestic creatures, highly adapted to the icy seas of the Arctic and would hardly thrive to a tropical, polluted and noisy environment. Despite its public statement in 2008 saying they will not have any endangered animals or marine mammals in their facility, Manila Ocean Park still imported sea lions which are now being used for performances.

---* Angela Colmenares - Sabino is the Campaign Officer of Earth Island Institute Philippines. It is an international environmental organization that promotes awareness, grassroots environmentalism and activism for the protection, conservation and restoration of nature.

KEEP YOUR COINS, THEY NEED CHANGE

By Jo Anne Anastacio, R.N., Editorial Staff
PARA SA MAHILIG MAG-COMMUTE TULAD KO, sanay na siguro tayo sa pagsampa ng mga bata sa mga dyip, kasabay ng pamamahagi nila ng sobre. Magugulat ka na lang na pinupunasan na pala nila ang sapatos mo. Minsan nga mas marumi pa ata ang basahan kaysa sa dumi ng sapatos mo. Kumakanta sila, sumasayaw, yung iba naman may mga tambol - lahat ng ito kapalit ng kaunting barya. Hindi ko maiwasang maawa sa kanilang kalagayan at magbigay ng limos. Sa isang banda naman, naisip ko rin baka ginagamit din sila ng mga sindikato para kumita ng pera. Ito ang karaniwang hitsura ng child labor sa lungsod. Pero sa probinsiya, batak sa pagsasaka ang mga bata samantalang ang iba naman, nabibiktima ng child trafficking at pinagtatrabho sa mga pagawaan at prostitution dens. Aminin man o hindi ng gobyerno, ang kahirapan ang pangunahing dahilan kaya napipilitan ang mga bata na magtrabaho, imbes na mag-aral, maglaro at maging masaya. Ayon kay Labor Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz, mahigit limang milyong batang Pilipino edad lima (5) hanggang labimpito (17) ang nagtratrabaho. Sa buong mundo, 215 milyon ang naitalang bilang ng mga batang nagtratrabaho. Ika nga ni Dr. Jose Rizal, ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan. Pero ano na ang mangyayari sa kanila kung sila ay hirap at puwersadong magtrabaho? Ang sabi ng gobyerno, sa taong 2016, magiging child labor free ang ating bansa. Paano mangyayari ito? Kailangan ng pangmatagalang solusyon sa kahirapan upang tuluyang mapagtagumpayan ang laban sa child labor. Ang Pantawid Pamilya Program naman ay hindi rin matatawag na sagot sa kahirapan kundi panandaliang ayuda. Sabi nga, repleksiyon ng kalagayan ng mga bata ang kalagayang panlipunan. Kaya dapat lang na magsama samang kumilos tayong mga child advocates upang igiit at ipaglaban ang mga batayang karapatan ng mga bata at tumulong mag-i wan ng mapayapa, maka-bata at masaganang lipunan para sa lahat.

Mensahe Mula sa Secretary General

Arlene D. Brosas is a teacher by profession and a staunch child advocate. She is the former Executive Director of Akap sa Bata ng mga Guro Kalinga Inc. from the year 2008 - 2010 and the Spokesperson of Anti-Child Pornography Alliance. She is the Secretary General and the First nominee of AKAP BATA Partylist.

Isang maalab na pangangamusta sa lahat ng kasapi at kaibigan ng akap bata! Wow! pangatlong isyu na pala ito ng balitang akap bata! naging bahagi na rin ng aking routine na kapag lumipas ang tatlong bwan ay maglalabas ako ng ulat para sa inyong lahat! mainam rin na makapag-muni muni at umani ng mga aral sa nakalipas na tatlong bwan - ito ay naging masaya, maaksyon at makabuluhan. nitong hunyo, naglunsad tayo ng state of Childrens address kung saan tinalakay ang kalagayan ng mga bata sa tuwid na daan. nitong hulyo naman ay maraming nakiisa sa ating panawagan na gawin nang national artist si tito Dolphy. kaya naman nakipagtulungan tayo sa tudla productions sa isang special screening ng classic film ni tito Dolphy at Direk lino brocka ang tatay kong nanay nitong august 30. naging matagumpay ang aktibidad na ito na dinaluhan ng maraming pamilya, estudyante pati na rin si Ronnie Quizon at nino muhlach. nakapaglabas na rin tayo nga ibat ibang mga babasahin para sa ating mga kasapian at marami na ring nailunsad na mga general assemblies, trainings, forum at media actions. nagpupugay tayo sa masisipag nating mga coordinators at volunteers! sa kabilang banda naman, nakakalungkot rin ang kaliwat kanang kalamidad at bagyo na naganap sa ating bansa nitong agosto. gayunpaman, maraming

tulong ang bumuhos upang maibsan ang hirap na nararanasan ng mga biktima ng bagyo. nakakatuwa rin ang mga art therapies at psycho social interventions na ginawa natin sa mga bata. kahit papaano ay naibsan ang kanilang stress at tensyon. maraming salamat sa pakikipagtulungan sa atin nga mga organisasyon at indibidwal na kasali sa task Force akap bata at serve the people brigade. nitong nakalipas na september 7, naimbitahan ang ating organisasyon sa 2nd national Convention ng koalisyong makabayan. ang ating fellow child advocate na si Cong. teddy Casino ay pormal na naghayag ng kanyang pagtakbo bilang independent senatorial candidate. kasabay nito, nagpahayag na rin tayo ng pagsuporta sa kanya. alam nyo po ba, simula nang itatag ang akap bata ay madalas na natin syang makasama sa pagsusulong ng interes at kapakanan ng mga bata? marami tayong pinagtulungang serbisyo sa mga bata tulad ng feeding programs, hot meals at nakasama rin natin sya sa anti-Child pornography Campaign. ang huli nating pagtutulungan sa kanya ay

ang kampanya para isulong ang house bill 5852 (hb 5852) o ang magna Carta for Day Care Workers. tingin ko ang lundo sa mga nagdaaang bwan ay ang napaka matagumpay na congress trooping ng mga minamahal nating mga Day Care workers nitong nagdaang sept 10 lamang. ilang daang mga teaches ang sumama upang itulak ang pagpapasa ng magna Carta of Day Care workers na sinulat ni Cong. teddy. Dahil sa pakikipagtulungan natin sa kanya, nagkaroon tayo ng pagkakataon na makipagdayalogo sa ating mga mambabatas. talaga nga namang napakabilis ng panahon! sabi nga ng aking mga kasamahan ay kurap na lamang ay eleksyon na naman! para po sa ating organisasyon ay magtuloy tuloy lamang tayo sa serbisyo, pagkalinga at pagsulong nga mga interes at kagalingan ng mga bata. sana po ay magkasama sama tayo sa mga susunod pang mga aktibidad at pagtitipon ng akap bata sa inyong lokalidad!