Valenzuela Youth Paint Pedestrian Lanes, Call for Safer Roads

Valenzuela City - Learners from Vicente P. Trinidad National High School in Valenzuela City went out of their classrooms on Friday to paint pedestrian lanes outside their school as a call for safer roads for everyone, especially children.

“This National Road Safety Month, we urge the government at all levels to make our journey to and from school safer. No child deserves to get injured or die due to preventable road crashes,” said Precious Shane Matira, a Grade 7 student from Vicente P. Trinidad National High School.

In response to the youth’s call, the City Government of Valenzuela, headed by Vice Mayor Lorena Natividad-Borja, expressed its commitment to continuously protect children from road crash deaths and injuries. In 2022, Valenzuela City enacted a Child Road Safety Ordinance to create safer and healthier Valenzuela roads for all children.

“We will continue working to ensure that children are safe on Valenzuela roads. In fact, Valenzuelanos can expect several road safety improvements this year because we are introducing engineering interventions that will improve road conditions along school zones,” Vice Mayor Borja promised.

These interventions were recommended to the City Government upon assessment of the risk that children are exposed to on their journey to schools. These interventions include infrastructure improvements such as building or upgrading sidewalks, bike lanes, traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, and pedestrian crossings.

Civil society organizations and other road safety stakeholders were also present to celebrate the National Road Safety Month. Public interest law group ImagineLaw commended Valenzuela youth for taking a stand. “We appreciate your courage to go out here, paint these pedestrian lanes, and advocate for safer roads. We hope that what you did today inspired our local government leaders to take action, because going to school or playing outside should not be a death sentence for children,” said Atty. Reina Fabregas, the law group’s road safety project manager.

“Road traffic injuries remain to be the leading cause of death for children 5 to 18 years old, with more than 600 preventable deaths happening daily. In 2017, the Philippine Statistics Authority documented that at least 1,600 Filipino children are killed by road crashes every year. UNICEF believes that it is every child’s right to survive and thrive in a healthy and safe environment, and we know that with effective interventions, road crashes are preventable.” added Dr. Angelito Umali of UNICEF Philippines . 

Celebrating Puccini: The Embassy of Italy and Ateneo de Manila University’s Tribute Concert

To commemorate the centennial anniversary of Giacomo Puccini’s death, on Sunday, May 26th, the Embassy of Italy and Ateneo de Manila University, in partnership with the Manila Symphony Orchestra Foundation, organized a captivating concert titled “The Young Puccini.” This event highlighted the music of the composer of Tosca and Turandot, featuring pieces that had never before been performed in the Philippines and possibly in the entire ASEAN region.

Held at the Hyundai Hall, Arete’, Ateneo de Manila University, the concert presented Puccini’s early works demonstrating his emerging artistic self-confidence despite his young age. Under the expert direction of Maestro Marlon Chen, the Manila Symphony Orchestra delivered an enthralling exploration of Puccini’s complex and mesmerizing music.

The first part of the concert featured two of Puccini’s early instrumental works: the Preludio sinfonico (1882) and the Capriccio sinfonico (1883). These pieces are notable for containing musical ideas that Puccini later developed in his renowned operas Manon Lescaut and La Bohème. The program then included highlights from Puccini’s second opera, Edgar (1889). Baritone Byeong-In Park delivered an emotional rendition of Frank’s Act I aria, Questo amor vergogna mia, while soprano Rachelle Gerodias, accompanied by a choir of thirteen talented singers, showcased her beautiful lyric voice in Fidelia’s aria, Addio mio dolce amore.

The second part of the concert featured a complete performance of Puccini’s two-act opera, Le Villi. This opera marked Puccini’s entry into the theatrical world, though it faced initial challenges. Initially rejected due to illegible handwriting (so the legend goes), Le Villi eventually found success thanks to the support of Milanese intellectuals, leading to its successful debut. The opera’s success secured Puccini a contract with the prominent Italian music publisher Giulio Ricordi, who became his mentor and ardent supporter.

Despite some theatrical weaknesses, Le Villi is rich with melodic generosity. The performance included beautiful arias for the soprano (Anna, sung by Rachelle Gerodias) and the baritone (Guglielmo, sung by Byeong-In Park), a charming duet between the lovers, lively choir numbers, ballet music, a quasi-Verdian concertato finale, two exquisite interludes, and an extensive scena for the tenor (Roberto, sung by Nohmer Narito Neval).

“The Young Puccini” concert was a resounding success, highlighting the exceptional talents of the Manila Symphony Orchestra, soloists, and choir. This event underscored the importance of preserving and promoting the rich tradition of opera for future generations. The Embassy of Italy and Ateneo de Manila University deserve full recognition for organizing such a culturally significant event, which undoubtedly enhanced the appreciation of Italian opera in the Philippines.

As we commemorate 100 years since Puccini’s death, his music continues to live on. Viva Puccini!

Pride in Progress: The Path Towards LGBTQI+ Health and Inclusion

Pride Month is a celebration of the vibrant tapestry of identities within the LGBTQI+ community. It's also a moment to reflect on the significant strides made towards greater acceptance and protection of their rights. Yet, as we celebrate, we must acknowledge the work that remains to ensure the health, well-being, and dignity of LGBTQI+ individuals worldwide.

Pride Month also serves as a reminder of our ongoing mission to create a world where everyone is empowered to make informed choices about their bodies and lives, free from stigma and discrimination.

In recent years, we have witnessed a growing global recognition of LGBTQI+ rights. This progress reflects a fundamental shift in social and legal norms, paving the way for improved health outcomes and greater inclusion.

Despite this progress, significant challenges remain. In many parts of the world, LGBTQI+ people still face discrimination, stigma, and violence on the basis of their SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression), often leading to severe health, social and economic disparities. These inequalities are exacerbated in conflict and crisis settings, where LGBTQI+ individuals may be particularly vulnerable to rights violations and lack access to essential health services.

The impacts of climate change also disproportionately affect LGBTQI+ communities. Pre-existing health conditions, higher poverty rates, and discriminatory practices can hinder their ability to cope with and recover from climate-related disasters. It's a stark reminder that the fight for climate justice is intrinsically linked to the struggle for LGBTQI+ rights.

For the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Pride Month is a call to action. It's a time to amplify our commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is entitled to their human rights, including access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights information and services without discrimination. We recognize that LGBTQI+ individuals face unique challenges and vulnerabilities. 

According to a Department of Health report, men who have sex with men and transgender women account for 89% of new HIV cases in the country, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and care services. (https://www.iasociety.org/sites/default/files/2024-03/The%20HIV%20response%20in%20the%20Philippines%20in%202024-Mikhail%20Zion%20Taguegg.pdf)

Some studies have also showed that LGBTQ+ Filipinos may also face high rates of mental health challenges such as suicide ideation, suicide attempts, depression, and stress due to minority stress, discrimination, and lack of social support. (2022, Alibudbud https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35734786/) 

It is also due to stigma that LGBTQI+ individuals may face discrimination in healthcare settings, leading to avoidance of care and delayed treatment (Rappler, https://www.rappler.com/voices/ispeak/opinion-beyond-pride-addressing-health-inequities-lgbtq-filipinos). This could result in a vicious cycle of physical and mental health issues.

More so, there is still a lack of comprehensive data on the health of LGBTQI+ Filipinos, including the prevalence of other communicable and non-communicable diseases. This hinders the development of tailored interventions and policies to address their specific needs.

A study published in the Journal of Climate Change and Health (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667278224000075) showed that globally, around 21 per cent of LGBTQI+ adults live with asthma and/or emphysema, higher than the 14 per cent among heterosexual adults. These pre-existing health disparities make them more susceptible to the health impacts of climate change, such as poor air quality. 

UNFPA remains steadfast in its commitment to leaving no one behind. This means prioritizing the rights and inclusion of all people, including people with diverse SOGIE, as we address global challenges and build a more peaceful and prosperous future.

As we navigate escalating humanitarian crises, it's imperative that countries safeguard the right to health for LGBTQI+ individuals. UNFPA is currently working on incorporating their specific needs into disaster response plans, protection policies, and sexual and reproductive health  (SRH) services.

Our organization has advocated for health care that is accessible for all. Recently, we have turned over adolescent-friendly mobile health facilities, alongside UNICEF and the World Health Organization, to Southern Leyte and Samar, as part of our Korean Government- supported project on reducing adolescent pregnancy in the Philippines. Among the services to be offered by these “TrucKABATAANs” are information sessions on SRH, referral for mental health concerns, lab tests to screen for HIV and other illnesses.

For the past years, UNFPA has also partnered with community organization Samahan ng Mamamayan-Zone One Tondo Organization (SM-ZOTO) to engage at-risk youth in out-of-school comprehensive sexuality education learning sessions that tackle human rights, prevention of gender-based violence, SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression), and adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Among those who have benefitted from the programme are at-risk transgender girls, some of which have gone back to school and left sex work.

We also support the passage of an Anti-Discrimination Bill (SOGIE Bill) in Congress, which is a crucial step towards a more inclusive and just Philippines, where everyone can live free from discrimination and violence, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. We urge Congress to pass this landmark legislation and ensure that the rights and dignity of all Filipinos are protected.

This Pride Month, let us celebrate the progress achieved while recognizing the work that lies ahead. By upholding the principles of equality, inclusivity, and human rights, we can create a world where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live a healthy, fulfilling life with dignity and respect. #

ABOUT UNFPA

UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. UNFPA globally is promoting commitments to achieving three transformational goals by 2030 - ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and other harmful practices against women and girls. 

In the Philippines, UNFPA works with the government, civil society, development partners, other UN agencies, academia, and the private sector to reach those furthest behind first and leave no one behind, especially young people, the poorest, the conflict and disaster-affected, indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

By: Dr. Leila Joudane UNFPA Philippines Country Rep.

“Philippines-Italy Friendship Cup 2024”: A Celebration of Sportsmanship and International Friendship

The "Philippines-Italy Friendship Cup 2024" held last June 4, at Rizal Memorial Stadium, marked a significant event in the sporting diplomacy cooperation between the Italian Republic and the Republic of the Philippines.

Organized by the Embassy of Italy in Manila in collaboration with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), the friendly football match brought together the U19 national team of the Philippines and a U20 team of locally recruited players representing Italy.

The event started with an official exchange of pennants between the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Philippines, Marco Clemente, and the President of the Philippine Football Federation, John Gutierrez, following the playing of the national anthems. In a thrilling match that saw the Philippine national team take the lead twice, the Italian team equalized in the last minute of stoppage time, pushing the game to a penalty shootout. The Italian team ultimately triumphed with a 5-3 victory in the shootout, making the final score 7-5 in favor of the Italian selection. The refereeing team, coaches, and players were awarded medals and trophies at the conclusion of the match by Ambassador Clemente and President Gutierrez.

The highly intense game, filled with excitement and goal-scoring opportunities, showcased the excellent level of Filipino youth football, a testament to the outstanding efforts of the PFF.

The event, which also involved the G8 Academy in the recruitment of Italian players and Ticket2me in managing free ticket distribution, highlighted the core values of sportsmanship, respect, sense of belonging, discipline, and sacrifice. Both teams exemplified these principles throughout the match. The enthusiastic response from the public was greatly appreciated, with around two thousand spectators, including members of public institutions and representatives of the diplomatic corps, attending the friendly. Their passionate and respectful support underscored the growing significance of football in the national sports scene.

Deaf community urges PBBM to sack 8 KWF Commissioners

MANILA -- The Philippine Federation of Deaf and Allies on Friday (May 31) urged President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. to dismiss from the service the eight Commissioners of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF). 

In a protest rally staged by the group at Liwasang Bonifacio in Lawton, Manila led by Carolyn Dagani and Patrick Ablaza, they also urged for the resignation of the following:

KWF Chairman Arthur P. Casanova and Commissioners Reggie O. Cruz, Jesus C. Insilada, Melchor E. Orphilla, Christian N. Aguado, Hope S. Yu, Jimmy B. Fong, and 

Abraham P. Sakili. 

Through an interpreter, the deaf community asked for the implementation

of Republic Act 11106, otherwise known as the "Filipino Sign Language Law".

It's the first time in history that the deaf community staged a protest rally at Liwasang Bonifacio. 

In 2018, they went out in the open and fought for the passage of RA 11106 into law.

They are now fighting for their right to implement the law. 

The indignation rally was prompted by the termination of employment of seven KWF employees, including two deaf personnel, for unjustifiabe reason. 

The seven terminated KWF staff have only until June 30, 2024 to remain in their government position. 

Those terminated belong to the Filipino Sign Language Unit of the KWF. 

The deaf community called for the following:"Defend equity and inclusivity. KWF Commissioners resign! Abuse of power to the deaf! Karapatan ng mga Bingi, Isulong! Diskriminasyon Laban sa mga Bingi, Labanan! Protection and equal employment opportunities for the Deaf! Suporta sa Bingi ang Kailangan! Stop the FSL Massacre."

"Hope Yu: Tinanggalan ng Pag-asa ang mga Manggagawang Bingi! Protect Deaf Rights in the Workplace! Sahod, Trabaho at Karapatan ay Ipaglaban! Mga Binging Pilipino, Huwag alisan ng espasyo sa gobyerno! Casanova: Walang puso sa mga Binging Pilipino!" 

"'Wag patayin ang FSL! Respect FSL Law! Respect Deaf Rights! Respect Human Rights! Resign Arthur Casanova!" "Pantay na Pagtrato ang Kailangan ng Bawat Tao! Arthur Casanova abusado't mamamatay ng Katutubong Wikang Filipino! Patalsikin ang mamamatay wika:'Wag kitilin ang Katutubong Wika! FSL personnel and staff must stay! Marcos appointees and Arthur Casanova for the injustice of Deaf rights and labor! Step down! By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr. JTR Reports 053124--MHE

Italian Embassy calls a Press Conference to introduce the series of events in celebration of the National Day of Italy 2024 in Manila

On Monday, May 20th, the Italian Ambassador Marco Clemente, during a press conference attended not only by representatives of the Philippine’ media but also by sponsors and co-organizers, introduced the series of initiatives launched by the Embassy of Italy in Manila in celebration of the National Day of Italy 2024.

This series of initiatives are an ideal continuation of the Festival "The Embassy of Italy meets the Youth of Tondo", (November 2023-July 2024) which were extensively covered by the Philippine media in the past months. Due to the success of the Festival in Tondo, the Embassy decided to follow the same pattern and to organize a similar array of events to celebrate the 78th anniversary of the Italian Republic. Not only, as usual, with a diplomatic reception, but with a real Festival of events of different nature.

The Italian National Day celebrates the date of the institutional referendum held on June 2nd 1946 that led to the establishment of the Italian Republic, cornerstone of Italian democracy. The purpose of this comprehensive program of events is not only to celebrate, together with the Filipino people, the Italian Republic and the Italian Nation, but also to establish a lasting legacy for future similar initiatives by his successors for the benefit of the local and expat community. 

On the occasion, Ambassador Clemente extended his gratitude to the 43 sponsors and the 25 co-organizers of the nine events of the Festival "The Embassy of Italy meets the Youth of Tondo" and of the celebrations of the National Day of Italy 2024.

This is the complete list of the events:

25 May 2024:

10:00am: Opening of the Italian Food Festival (25-26 May 2024) at Ayala Triangle Gardens (free entry)

6:00pm: Screening of the movie “Gianni Schicchi: a live opera in Tondo” (free entry)

26 May 2024

3:00pm “The Young Puccini”: a concert devoted to Puccini Juvenilia with music never performed in the Philippines in the context of the commemoration of the centennial of Puccini’s death. Hyundai Hall, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University (by invitation only).

1 June 2024

6:30PM: Youth of Tondo Italian Talent Show in the context of the Festival “The Embassy of Italy meets the Youth of Tondo”. San Pablo Apostol Parish, 2279 Velasquez Street, Tondo (free entry)

3 June 2024

National Day Reception (by invitation only)

4 June 2024

7:00 P.M. (gates open at 5:00PM): “The Philippines-Italy Friendship Cup 2024”: a friendly 11 vs 11 football game between the Under 19 National team of the Philippines and a selection of different nationalities representing Italy. Rizal Memorial Stadium (free entry). Free tickets available on the platform “ticket2me.net” by clicking on the link https://ticket2me.net/175901.

7 June 2024

5.30pm: screening of the movie “Gianni Schicchi: a live opera in Tondo”. Greenbelt 3, Cinema 2 at 5:30 P.M. (free entry). Tickets available on the platform “ticket2me.net”.

8 June 2024

9am: Street Food Fiesta with the community of the Servants of Charity of Quezon City. Pinkian Road, Pasong Tamo, Tandang Sora, 1107 Quezon City. (free entry)

9 June 2024

8.00pm: Giacomo Puccini’s “Messa di Gloria” in the context of the commemoration of the centennial of Puccini’s death: musical performance and religious service. St. Agustin Church, General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila (free entry). For the first time in modern times, Puccini sacred music will be performed as part of a High Mass, as it was traditional in Puccini’s lifetime.

PHI-ITA Friendship Cup on June 4 celebrates ties between the Italian Republic and the Republic of the Philippines

On June 4, 2024, Tuesday, the Philippines-Italy Friendship Cup unfolds at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, featuring the Philippines U19 selection team and a selection of locally recruited players representing Italy.

The match aims to promote and celebrate the close ties between the Italian Republic and the Republic of the Philippines.

The Embassy of Italy in Manila and the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) are cooperating in this special occasion to commemorate the Republic Day of Italy, which happens to fall on the same month as the Philippines' Independence Day.

The Philippines U19 selection team consists of players scouted during the ongoing PFF U19 Boys National Championship and other talent identification activities across the country. PFF Technical Director Josep Ferré will mentor the U19 selection team.

Meanwhile, the team representing Italy is composed of locally based players chosen by former Philippine Men’s National Team player and G8 Academy founder and head coach Simon Greatwich, who also serves as the squad’s coach.

Ambassador of Italy to the Philippines Marco Clemente emphasized, “The Philippines-Italy Friendship Cup 2024 is one of the most important events in the series of initiatives organized by the Embassy of Italy in Manila for the 2024 Italian Republic Day. This event marks a new chapter in the fruitful cooperation between Italy and the Philippines, which was also celebrated in 2022 during the 75th Anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations.”

PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez expressed his utmost appreciation to the Embassy of Italy in Manila for the opportunity to collaborate on such a significant undertaking. “This Friendship Cup is very special to the federation on several levels,” he said. “Aside from commemorating the ties between Italy and the Philippines, which date back to the 1940s, we are able to highlight Filipino football culture and also give our emerging U19 National Team a chance to play against a selection team, which we expect to be a formidable opponent.”

Ambassador Marco Clemente also pointed out that the Friendship Cup represents shared values: “The Italian football tradition, one of the oldest and most significant worldwide, embodies values that are fundamental not only to the sporting cultures of our two countries but also to the value systems shared by Italy and the Philippines: healthy competition, respect for opponents, a sense of belonging, discipline, perseverance, and sacrifice are some of the virtues that create common ground between our two peoples, fostering ever stronger integration and cooperation.”

Fans can watch the Philippines-Italy Friendship Cup live at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium for free.

For FREE tickets, click this link: https://ticket2me.net/event/21819