Why are there more contraceptives for women compared to men? (A modern tale.)

Once upon a time, in a cool, dark room, two equally attractive people are starting to get “hot”. They are both young – but spirited. They are both smart – but excited. So as they say, it happens if it happens. But of course, not without any “safe” measures. So pretty girl, playing with her long curls, asked pretty boy to get himself some rubber. Pretty boy ran to a nearby pharmacy – to buy rubber. But Ms. Pharmacist seemed to readily understand what rubber is there to give. So pretty boy hurried home and when the deed is about to be done – poof! – the rubber broke! So when two became three unexpectedly because of the rubber from the pharmacy – SCRAP!

http://www.toonpool.com

Meanwhile, Ms. Amitee organized a family planning drive. Her main thrust was to introduce the concept of vasectomy in the men of a community. She recognized the importance of information dissemination, so together with her group, she drafted and produced posters which aimed to educate her target audience about vasectomy, a surgical procedure which cuts the tubes where sperm passes, thus making a man sterile. However, in the pretesting, the material proved to be ineffective. Why? It’s simply because the image of the male’s penis was “at rest” – down, small, and resting. Vasectomy then was perceived by the men of the community as a method which makes their sexual drive “at rest”. So SCRAP!

Some time in between the stories above, a group of girls were playing couch potatoes, watching television. An advertisement showed that contraceptive pills for women help fight off the unbearable pain of dysmenorrhea. And this is the pain – worse than any form of tootache and migraine – that men could and will never understand. So by the odds of it – CONSIDER.

A well-researched friend shared that her mother used patches. These patches release hormones to prevent pregnancy. And it’s a one shot deal. Stick it up and you’re ready, no pain, no sweat. So by the sound of it – CONSIDER.

In the Biology class lecture that the same group of girls missed, Prof. Eks explained to the class the scientific process of getting pregnant, as well as preventing pregnancy. The class learned so much – Injectibles for women, which kill sperms, are 99% effective. The IUD, or intrauterine devive for women, which is a plastic preventing the entry of sperm, is 99% effective. Birth control pills for women, which prevent ovulation, are 92% effective. Vaginal contraceptive rings, which release hormones to prevent pregnancy, are 92% effective. And more to that, they learned that all effective and “acceptable” methods are FOR WOMEN.

http://www.stylishandtrendy.com

So one wonders why contraceptives are being fought against, not only by the church but also by women’s groups.

If one looks at it, more contraceptives for women mean more protection designed for them. Besides, only women have uterus. Men simply can’t bear a child, can they?

But then again, why should all “acceptable” adjustments be done by the women? Isn’t sex, or making love, supposed to be mutual? Contraceptives for women affect their hormones, much is internal. Much that has been popularized, that is.

But if equality really exists, even just in sex, then both men and women should take full responsibility of the deed – before it is done, before they are both “done”.

http://jama.ama-assn.org

Helen Keller said, and I quote, “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.” Until you’ve been in politics, you’ve never been alive. It’s rough and sometimes it’s dirty and it’s always hard work and tedious details. But it’s the only sport for grown-ups — all other games are for kids.

http://www.koolrpix.com

In the Philippines, there have been arguments which say that majority age should be lowered to 16 years old. By majority age, I mean the legal age when a person could vote, get married, and do things without needing their parents’ consent.

I say that it is not practicable to lower the majority age to 16 years old.

I’ve gathered facts and figures which could strengthen my stand. But my arguments would be as follows: there is low awareness in the Sense of Community and Sense of Nationhood among our youths, we should put into consideration the situation and readiness of our youth today, and the youth think that they themselves can do little about our country’s most depressing problems. More so, there will be a change in the Philippine Constitution regarding the Civil Code, Local Government Code, Family Code, and Republic Act No. 8189 or Voters’ Registration Act of 1996. And lastly, there will be a major change in the Philippine Schools’ Curriculum.

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey reported that 4 million youths were neither in school nor at work. According to Muhi et al., 79 out of 100 students who start high school continue up to 4th year and a quarter do not reach the last year in high school. Not all is given the privilege to finish secondary school and this suggests lack of knowledge and awareness.

In The National Survey of the Situation of the Filipino Youth done by the Social Weather Station for the Philippine National Youth Commission, the Filipino youth put great importance on marriage and family but not much importance on politics. This would be grounds of having a hard time proving that a 16 year old could actually engage and join in politics.

The survey also cited that the Filipino youth are less exposed to televisions, information, and current events. This goes to show that majority of the youth are not that interested in areas concerning the current situation of the country.

The youth also have issues that are hard to deal with. The survey found unexpectedly high incidences of criminality, illegal drug use, and illicit sex. On a more personal note, 47% of youth respondents assessed themselves as poor in quality of life, happiness, and health.

Some realities also hinder growth among the Filipino youth. In the Philippines, lack of education, employment, and underemployment often force young women into prostitution or make them susceptible for sexual abuse and illegal exploitation. One fourth of the youth concede their learning and educational chances as dim.

http://dvisible.com

In this pessimistic viewpoint, one realizes that things sometimes go out of shape. Thus, it has also been found out that the Filipino youth are not joiners. Only one out of eight claims to be involved in an organization. And sadly, majority of the youth admit helplessness and apathy as to what they can do to help solve the country’s problems.

In the Philippine Youth Today, a study conducted by the NFO-Trends for Global Filipino Foundation and the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus, 24% of the youth are ashamed of corruption in government and politics. Meanwhile, their awareness of Senators is poor and 70% say that their trust in Philippine politicians ranges from very small to uncertain. If this is how the youth perceive Philippine politics, what is to be expected from them?

To sum it all up, trying to lower the majority age to 16 years old would require a lot of changes – a change in the system of the government and policies in voting, a change in the Philippine Constitution, specifically on the Civil Code, Local Government Code, Family Code, and Republic Act No. 8189 or Voters’ Registration Act, and a change in the Philippine Schools’ Curriculum, which insinuates that more lessons about the constitution should be added in order to heighten up the awareness of a 16-year-old about the country.

http://www.hurstville.nsw.gov.au

And in order for all these changes to happen, there would be a lot of needs that should be met – money for the change in operations, time for adaptation and adjustment period, seminars for the new curriculum, teachers for the additional curriculum, and most importantly, the cooperation of the youth.

Precisely, if we establish the grim situation of the youth as well as our country, then, it is impossible to prove that it is practicable to lower the majority age, seeing all indicators that this group is at a disadvantage.

Besides, there are more pressing problems that the country is facing. These problems need more attention and require more deliberation rather that the lowering of the majority age. Examples of these problems are the backward system of government, cultural indifferences, rampant graft and corruption, high crime rates, unemployment, and environmental problems.

Therefore, lowering the majority age to 16 years old is not practicable. I say that with the rights and privileges comes responsibility and accountability. And as a youth, I acknowledge that there is still much to learn and to experience.

Tragedies, no matter how great or small, are always remembered.

It may be a tragedy that broke a family because one of its members died an unexpected death.

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It may be a tragedy that totally swept away the fruit of someone’s hard work and perseverance, a business that someone had tried to establish for years.

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It may be a tragedy that ruined the foundation of a seemingly stable government, that in a single blink of an eye, the years of struggle to put up the system of values and trust were phased out.

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It may be a tragedy that disoriented an entire community to a culture of violence and distrust. Leaving its people with no one to ask for help and nowhere to go.

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It may be a tragedy that ruined the hopes and dreams of an innocent child, making the future dim and giving the faint heart an undeniable fright.

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It may be a tragedy that cost several hundreds of lives, sometimes leaving bodies which no one claims as their own, left to rot and decay.

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It may be a tragedy that negatively affects someone’s life and ultimately changes his/her way of life.

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Even just one of the tragedies mentioned above is enough to devastate a life. And try to imagine, dear reader, what if all these tragedies happened all at once?

In Haiti, an ultimate tragedy occurred as nature inevitably took its course. On January 12, 2010, a 7 magnitude-strong earthquake hit the island’s capital, Port-au-Prince.

Up to date, rescue operations are still ongoing. Relief aids continue to pour. Volunteers from all over the world come and offer their help.

In tragedies such as this, one realizes that life as one knows it could totally change in a snap of a finger. And that no choice is left but to move on, even if undoing an event becomes impossible.

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This is when tragedy draws up its ultimate form – its ultimate face.

Walking along the streets of downtown Iloilo, nothing has really changed a bit from last year’s atmosphere. The same routes were closed from vehicles trying to enter crowded areas, the same booths are lining up in the sidewalks with the same products, and funny but, some with the same people, loud drums and music in the background – it’s Dinagyang once again.

Only that this year, the festival is already in the hall of fame for being the Best Tourism Event in the Philippines. Only that this year, I celebrated with someone else. Only that this year, I intend to find out the essence of Dinagyang.

So what is really the essence of Dinagyang? I tried doing different things in the festival. And where can I find the essence? I’ve searched around.

Henna Tattoo. During Dinagyang, one can find artists doing henna tattoo in almost every corner of his/her eye. Many tourists could be seen with henna tattoo in their arms, legs, back, and some in their faces. Of course, they choose tribal designs in order to blend with the festivity. Henna tattoo is not “originally” Dinagyang. But somehow, it already accompanied the celebration.

scorpion henna from dinagyang

Food trip. What is a festival without so much food and booze? Iloilo is home for delicious food like “batchoy” and delicacies like “baye-baye” and “biscocho”. Tourists, aside from the festival, come for food. It is a good time for merry-making and a good reason to forget diets.

http://www.thinkphilippines.com

Surprises. Going out with friends and receiving random surprises like celebrities right in front of you, receiving gifts from strangers, winning freebies from booths – there are a lot to expect from a festival as big as Dinagyang.

Dagyang with my bestfriend...

But in spending a long day trying to know the essence of Dinagyang, one gets tired and finds out that the essence is actually just there along the corner – unnoticed…

the opposite corner of a fun judging area, Iloilo Dinagyang

The essence is just along the corner. And it doesn’t take a genius to find it out.

(A response to Mr. Ambeth R. Ocampo’s article entitled “A forgotten war”; Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Mr. Ocampo talked about the Philippine-American War and how it was somehow forgotten in the country’s history. Filipinos knew that the United States helped them claim their independence, but little do they know that the country has been under the US colony in the early 1900 and their ancestors fought, while some died, in order to win the freedom they are enjoying now (or is it really freedom?).

This is quite a good refresher so that one would realize that the US has not always been the country’s saviour and best friend.

Much of the textbooks in gradeschool were all praises to that powerful country which saved the Philippines from the abuses of the Spanish regime. A couple of holidays in the country’s calendar are marked to honor the heroes who served that powerful country, and its purpose, in one way or another – like the “Day of Valor” (Bataan and Corregidor Day) on the 9th of April and “Rizal’s Day” (Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s Day) on the 30th of December.

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But even just for now, why don’t we try to cease on just looking at the bright side? There is still much to consider, and reconsider about US intervention in the country.

Have we forgotten about the Visiting Forces Agreement between the Philippines and the US? While it is true that this agreement gives a sense of assurance when it comes to national security, no one can deny the detrimental effects it has on the people and the environment. Many civilians have testified that the US  military have abused the priviliges given to them. For one, the Subic rape case has been a real big issue. Another thing is that drills cause harm to wildlife. Wide areas have been cleared in order to give way to the military bases.

http://www.chinook-helicopter.com

Have we not learned our lessons from the Martial Law in the past? While it is true that the economic aid given by the US improved the economy of the country, no one can deny that the US support is the main reason why late President Ferdinand Marcos was able to stay in power even if the broad masses wanted him out of Malacanang.

http://storage0.dms.mpinteractiv.ro

Check on the history yourself and you will realize that the US has not always been in the country’s side.

But I acknowledge the overwhelming support they continuously give to the country. They offer relief when the country is drowned after major typhoons. They give jobs to millions of Filipinos. They send experts to solve the country’s pressing problems like high crime rates and inflation.

But if the Philippines will continue to depend on the US for almost everything it needs, then where is the freedom it claims to have?

Even after the war a century ago, freedom is still not totally present in the Philippines. And for as long as the country still depends on the US for decision-making and full financial support, there wouldn’t be any real form of independence.

It is pretty sad. War costs lives. It damages properties. It paralyzes a country. But then again, it NEVER guarantees FREEDOM.

Katilingban sa Kahanginan (Kakâ) launched a pioneering activity that aims to find out the sentiments and hear out the pulse of the UPV community on the issues of the upcoming 2010 Election.

            Mock Elections (officially, Project Mock Elections 2010) is a proposal drafted by KABATAAN Partylist-Panay. It is an attempt to project the possible results of election. It is also a venue to encourage the entire UPV community to practice their democratic right to vote and to participate in a nationwide activity that will involve choosing leaders to serve the country.

            The response from the UPV community is quite overwhelming. More than three hundred participants went out their way and joined the election where they were able to vote for their president, vice president, and senators as well as answer a survey which involved rating of the foremost national issues that need to be tackled and the performance of the present administration.

            Kakâ, the organizing committee, worked with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) – Region VI, which gave a Voter’s Education Forum, and the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council (CAS-SC), which served as the Board of Canvassers.

            As of press time, Kakâ and the UPV Statistical Society are working on the analysis of the results that is expected to be released on Monday, January 25, 2010.

            At this particular time when political issues are continuously being raised in order to address a problem, reform a collective social thinking, and criticize a candidate – it is very vital to acknowledge the perspective of a community which is open to liberal changes.

            The success of the Mock Elections only goes to prove that the UPV community is more than willing to take part in support for democracy and to embrace the challenge of politics as a venue for social change.

At this point of time when child abuse, portrayed in a subtle and almost unnoticeable way, becomes a sort of entertainment in major boob-tubes and airwaves, what “change” is there to expect from political candidates vying for position in the upcoming 2010 elections?

It’s everywhere – television ads showing street children holding placards that show how oppressed they are, radio jingles sweetly sang by innocent little children to promote a certain politician, and taglines claiming that political candidates are primarily concerned of the youth, who are the country’s future (cliché).

http://www.spot.ph

One major learning I had from my advertising professor was the selling power of the young advertisers, particularly their appeal on emotions because of their innocence. This makes me think if the approach of the public relations officer of political candidates could be validated. But then again, no matter how they try to qualify their advertising technique for the sake of competitive promotions, there would never be any enough reason to justify the exploitation that is happening – obvious or hidden.

Politics is an old man’s game. And when I say old, I mean not with age but with maturity enough to recognize that it could be a cruel competition drawing a clear borderline between the powerful and the powerless but could also be a sensible venue for the broad, unified masses to prove that a democratic process truly exists.

This is not supposed to sound like a moral sermon. But moral issues can’t be ignored. Child abuse is one pressing issue that continuously persists in the country nowadays. Do these young people actually know that they are being used to uplift a politician’s mass appeal? Do they even recognize their ability to persuade the masses?

This isn’t even written to pose questions concerning legalities. But there are grounds. Children below eighteen should have permits before even performing anything that will be published, aired, or televised. On the bulk of existing appearances by young advertisers, do all of them secure such?

Now, before we even hum the tune of the latest political jingle of some politician who chose to use young people instead of preserving their privacy and innocence, let’s hold our breath and instead growl to this kind of exploitation.

Now, before we even adapt the taglines of political candidates that speak of the earnest attention they give to the young population, let’s lift our pens and only use them to write when we have better ideas in mind, ideas that truly represent what the youth needs.

As I try so hard to seriously fight off the last song syndrome (LSS) I’m having because of one political jingle, I believe that more and more people also start to get sick of that song.

As I try so hard not to tear down into pieces that poster which judge like whosoever Supreme Being that he knows what the youth would need and how exactly he could address them, I believe that more and more people also start to recognize the distinction between an empty promise and a concrete, reliable platform.

What I firmly believe that’s needed now is a genuine youth representation that is free from any form of traditional politicking.

If change is needed, then change in itself should also offer specific ways of avoiding stagnant, unproductive status quo.

And who else know better how to shape a country’s future than the youth themselves who are claimed to be the hope of our country?

I say NO to child abuse. I say NO to youth exploitation.

The power and influence of the youth, brought about by their overwhelming number and thirst for real social change, is undeniably strong that they could totally alter the results of the democratic process of election.

http://theilocosguilder.i.ph

I move for a genuine youth representation in politics, even if it is an old man’s game.

This is the youth’s defining moment – their true resolution, my advocacy.

KABATAAN: TAYO ANG PAGBABAGO! (We are Change)

Kabataan in Action

Anyone who has gone to a public market will definitely say that the wet section – where loads of fishes straight from metal containers delivered from nearby fishing ports and different kinds of meat from early morning slaughter or refrigerator from yesterday’s supply – is where most of the stench comes from.

But there’s more to a public market’s wet section – they’re the persistent vendors who patiently stay until they have completely sold their products by day’s end.

And quite interestingly, these vendors are also the ones who wisely ask, “Mahambal mo kung diin diri sa mga isda ang bayi o laki?” (Can you tell which of these fishes are male or female?), and humbly remark, “Mayo man kung maka ginansiya ti senintimos eh.” (It will be good to make at least some profit).

Which is male?... female?...

Amidst the loud shouts promoting the local name of the fishes being sold and the price of meat per kilogram are the sweet smiles of these vendors when asked to pose for a photograph.

Amidst the yelling when a buyer is being persuaded by a nearby vendor – because of tight competition – are the kind words of these vendors when asked for advices where to go, who to ask.

Amidst the rows of fishes and meat that separate the buyers from the vendors are little stories untold.

Amidst the sincere answers to random questions thrown to the vendors are the pressing concerns that are sometimes left unnoticed.

I appeal to the government, both local and national. If your institution genuinely serves the people, then reevaluate the conditions of the market vendors. Reexamine the situation of the market place. Revise existing laws in order to strengthen the rights and privileges of these workers. I was there and as an observer, I saw and realize these:

Nang Merly, a fish vendor, said that most of them are paid sellers. This means that they sell someone else’s products and they only get to receive a daily salary of 150 pesos, way below the area’s minimum wage of 200 pesos and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-prescribed 480-560 pesos. Sometimes, they would be lucky enough to receive at least 100 pesos.

They’re underpaid.

They work for almost the entire day from as early as four in the morning until they have sold everything they have to sell.

They’re overworked.

They do not have health benefits. They work in a dangerous environment without the benefit of insurance. Nang Merly’s son, who lost an arm in an accident while delivering fish products, until now suffers from the lost body part but is still working in the market to sustain his family’s needs.

They’re not protected by any labor code.

To the general public, take a closer look at the situation of this sector in the society. These people weren’t there because they wanted to be there, some were left with limited choices. And even before an eyebrow is raised or a back is turned, consider that this social reality is but reflective of a system that has always been problematic and persistent in the country. They deserve as much protection that all others enjoy. Just like everybody else, they also deserve the same level of safety and security that the state could offer.

http://travelerfolio.com

Once again, how wet is wet? So long as there are no solid, concrete solutions that can address the problem of the market vendors, their situation will always follow the shape of a dysfunctional system, just like water following the shape of its container.

Dear reader, wet will always be wet. But someday, I believe, it will eventually dry up. And I’m longing for that day when market vendors will be able to live in a just and secured co-existence with us.

There is now a technology that blocks over voting, prevents flying voters, and secures vote counting. Automated election – a breakthrough in the upcoming 2010 Election.

 

http://www.aaas.org

 

But there are things that happen behind the scenes and these are: vote-buying, harassment, threats, compradrazco system (godfather relationships), debt of gratitude (utang na loob), and bandwagon – things that any form of technology, however advanced, couldn’t prevent.

According to Atty. Dennis Ausan, Regional Director of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) – Region VI, the problem is systemic. And yes, I couldn’t agree more.

The automated election, which will make use of fully-automated Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines from Smartmatic, could soon be operated in the Philippines, at long last.

It took a couple of years of strenuous deliberations, never-ending debates, and competitive biddings before the controversial automated election could finally take its course. There were many issues raised against this process of election, and allow me to mention and address some.

Power failure. What if a brownout/ blackout happens? Some fear that counting will make use of manual means again. But no, the machine is capable of a fourteen-hour battery life, which means it can sustain itself sufficiently just before electricity comes back.

Shading – not writing. No crosses, no checks – or else your ballot goes to waste. Solution? Shade at least fifty percent (50%) of the oval or circle preceding your candidate’s name. It wouldn’t hurt to follow instructions sometimes.

Complicated equipment. In truth, it doesn’t take a computer genius to operate the machine, a computer literate will do. Besides, there isn’t more than ten buttons to push.

Limited number of voters that can be accommodated. The machine could process not more than two hundred registered voters in seven precints. Roughly a thousand could be accommodated by each machine, and no worries, heads are counted.

 

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Going back to the basics, the problem lies in our faith. We trust board exam results, they use machines to count scores. We accept entrance/ admission test results, they require shading of answers. There isn’t really much of a difference. Problem is, it’s getting harder to trust the system.

But why don’t we, for once, sit back and build faith in the system once again? Instead of thinking about fraud, consider the role we take in this democratic process of choosing leaders to serve the country. Consider the overwhelming reality that on the very day of election, everyone’s equal – regardless of sex, religion, orientation, and even financial status. Consider the enthusiasm of the first time voters to participate in the election, take part and be one of them. Consider the new hope that a positive social change awaits us.

Atty. Ausan was right. The problem is systemic – and while we know that change doesn’t happen overnight nor history reshapes itself without time – we should work within the system (for now).

Imagine… You are watching your favorite TV show and on that very moment your beloved hero jumps from the high-rise skyscraper to save his damsel in distress, your TV goes off.

Then you got pissed off so you looked for your cellphone, at least you could text some friends and invite them to the nearest ice cream parlor. They arrived just in time – for your hang out schedule but not in time for ice cream, simply because it has melted in the scorching heat and unfortunately, the parlor couldn’t afford a generator. So you called it a day instead.

The next day, at work, your boss assigned one major project that will give you a bonus that’s twice your salary if you’ve done it well but will also cost you your hard-earned job if you fail to submit on time. You were too enthusiastic so you missed your lunch and dinner and when you were finally over, the electricity bugged down before you have even clicked the “save” button!

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Then you came into one frustrating thought: ENERGY PROBLEM.

So you ask yourself, what have you done wrong in order to deserve all the bad luck. The answer is simple. You have been too dependent on electricity that you already feel like your other half is missing if it’s brownout, or worse, blackout.

But of course, you would choose to save yourself from all the blame. So you start getting critical. You are paying your taxes on time, so why aren’t there any initiative from the government to solve this problem?

After being critical, you become interested. The Philippines has very rich natural resources that could be utilized to generate energy, so you start asking, what are the possible sources of alternative energy?

Then lastly, you get to analyze. If the government doesn’t take initiative and the private industries would see this opportunity to advance their business interests, would there be any form of solution in this energy problem that could practically address the people’s clamor for efficient energy supply?

Take for example the case of Iloilo, a province in Panay Island. Because of the 64 megawatt power deficit in the city, certain areas have experienced power failure. Some even have to be okay with the entire day schedule (7am-5pm) of brownout because they do not have any choice. Or the brownout schedule is imposed by the city’s power distributor, for the reason that they have internal shortage problems.

Also, in Iloilo, it is a private industry that proposed a solution to this energy problem – the Global Business Power Corporation (GBPC) and its 164-megawatt coal fired power plant project in Brgy. Ingore, Lapaz, Iloilo City. Even amidst so much critiquing from the residents of the location, the environmentalists, the leftist organizations, and the church – the project is still pushing through, actually ongoing, and targeting its completion this very year.

http://www.ohiocitizen.org

I have made a case study about this project, with regards to the role of the local media and its news treatment in the issues that this project is facing. I have came up with logical findings about the matter, but my output is purely academic in nature and thus, the sources are confidential. Most of the results proved negative for the project.

For one, private industries primarily think of business gains. Thus, risks on health of the residents in the site are taken only on the less important considerations, if not on face value.

Even with so much claims of clean processing and efficient waste management, science then and now will contradict the very thought of technology not causing any environmental problems in the long run.

This is just one example. And I believe there are still those that deserve much more attention. But these issues only boil down to one major problem: energy.

So we need further advancements and technological studies to address this energy problem. But I ask you, dear reader, development – at the cost of what?