Why do we have to be poor? Kids ask, wish for food, books, schooling

By Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:03:00 10/17/2010

Filed Under: Poverty, Education

MANILA, Philippines—In her jumbled English, 13-year-old Stella Mae Santos wrote her wish to the government: “I want to the poor people to have and dress and school requirements and money so that they have for buying foods.”

An unnamed artist captured a familiar scene of young pupils holding classes under a tree. A message scrawled on the drawing read: “Equal right to good education. Improve antique facilities.”

Junemar Gadian, a first-year Dumaguete City High School student, had a simple request: “I want a book so that I can read.”

In drawings and letters, students and out-of-school youths expressed their deepest wish to get an education, many of them sketching and writing down the barest of essentials: Peso bills in pencil, houses in crayola, clothes and fruits.

One student, Junrey Belando, wrote: “Why do we have to be poor? Why are we not like other well-off families?”

“We should take action against [poverty]. The collective effort of the government and its people will surely guarantee a poverty-free Philippines,” he said.

The students’ works were in a suitcase that Amnesty International turned over to the Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday to mark the observance of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Lagging

The international rights group wants a commitment and concrete plan of action from government on how it plans to meet the education targets under the Millennium Development Goals, a set of global antipoverty benchmarks that world leaders have committed to achieve by 2015.

The Philippines is among the nations known to be lagging behind in MDG compliance.

In a roundtable discussion with Education Undersecretary Alberto Muyot, Amnesty section director Aurora Parong said government should include stakeholders in drafting its course of action for MDG compliance and should direct its efforts into getting the poor and marginalized into the school system.

“The first message is to fulfill their international human rights obligation to respect, protect and fulfill the right to education. They should target the most vulnerable—the street children, the displaced, those in evacuation centers, those in the 10 poorest provinces,” Parong said.

She said government should adopt targeted measures to address education concerns specific to impoverished regions and sectors. She said these sectors should also be represented in consultations so that government action would correspond to their needs.

Overcoming poverty

Muyot, a former Amnesty International member himself, said he would convey the group’s concerns to government. He said measures were under way to ensure that the country makes it to the 2015 MDG deadline.

In a program held on the steps of DepEd’s main building, Amnesty International members read out a few of the letters from students and out-of-school youths, all of them expressing the hope that funding for public education would be increased to help them overcome poverty.

A cause for concern is the DepEd’s anticipated higher budget for next year—P207 billion from this year’s P175 billion—that Amnesty fears may not trickle down to the communities that are in most need of education funds.

“Despite bigger resources, Amnesty International is concerned that this might not translate into universal primary education when the poor and marginalized do not have access to elementary school buildings, qualified teachers and adequate books and materials needed for effective and quality education,” Parong said.

The MDG deadline coincides with the end of the five-year transition period that the DepEd has set for the implementation of K+12 (kindergarten plus 12), a key Aquino administration reform that aims to extend basic education by two years to place the country’s education system on a par with that of other countries around the world.

Top Summer Destinations in the Philippines

Top Summer Getaways of the Philippines

It’s official! Summer heat is on, and summer parties are everywhere in the Philippines. Are you ready to get soaked in fun, thrill and excitement? Do you have already something in mind where to spend your summer getaway? If not yet, then join us and together we'll explore the top summer destinations of the Pearl of the Orient Seas.

 The country's more than 7, 107 beautiful islands surely lure tourists both local and foreigners alike to spend their best summer vacation and enjoy its most popular and attractive islands, indulge to sports activities along white beaches, fine weather and much more!

Standing proud of its rich soil and tourist attractions, truly, the Philippines is one of the most sought vacation destination for tourists all over the world. Let's explore these places below and select your own place Or even places to go!

Luzon:

 Luzon is the largest among the 3 main island groups of the Philippine archipelago. It is home to lots of wonderful places and amazing tourist spots. Here are the top 5 places you should go where tourists fond of going every now and then in Luzon.

1. Baguio City (Baguio, Philippines)

Topping our list among the favored summer destinations in Luzon is Baguio City. It is one of the most popular cities in the Philippines and has been considered the country`s Summer Capital for the past 99 years.

Otherwise known as the City of Pines, this summer capital in the country is a highly urbanized city located in the province of Benguet in Northern Luzon. The city is known to its cold climate owing to its elevation, which is why most tourists in the country flock the city in the verge of the summer heat in the Philippines.

Explore its famous attractions such as the astounding view of Mines View Park, the Mansion (home to Philippine Presidents in their visit to Baguio), the Wright Park (just near the Mansion, with its beautiful gardens and landscape), Camp John Hay (which prides itself with 18-hole golf course), Burnham Park (where tourists can go picknick or row boats and relax), or stroll around and enjoy the views of Session Road where commercial and business structures abound. First class hotels, restaurants, department stores and shopping centers are to be found in this area.

 With not only its amazing scenic views but its variety of historical and cultural attractions, Baguio has become a desirous tourist destination for Filipino and foreign tourists alike.
And oh, don't forget to pack along with you your thick coats!

2. Mayon Volcano (Legazpi City, Albay)

For the longest time, Mayon is the answer to Japan's Mt. Fuji; exuding a panoramic beauty that attracts a myriad of tourists from around the globe. (www.filipiknow.net/mayon-volcano-shocking-facts)

Mayon Volcano is world famous because of its reputable perfectly cone-shaped and form of all volcanos in the world. It is also the most active volcano in the Philippines.

Since 1616, Mayon has erupted 47 times. Proud with its almost symmetric conical shape, Mayon Volcano rises to 2460 meters above Albay Gulf. Its last eruption was in May of last year.

3. Hundred Islands (Alaminos, Pangasinan)

Yes, it's difficult to choose which among the 7107 islands to explore first in the country. Bit if you'd like to hit about 100 islands all at once, come to the Hundred Islands Natural Park in Pangasinan.

There are 123 islands and some of them are called as "Devil's Island," "Governor's Island" and "Kissing Island." And of course, don't forget your bathing suits because its clear blue-green hues of water will surely get your attention!

4. Underground River (Puerto Princesa, Palawan)

This Subterranean River National Park is one of the most distinguished protected areas of the Philippines. It contains an 8.2 km long river that directly flows to the sea. It was recently declared as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Nicknamed as a city in a forest, Puerto Princesa is where this underground river can be found. This underground river is part of the national park which is home to 800 plant species, including almost 300 trees, 195 bird species, 30 mammals, 19 reptiles, and 8 bat species--truly a model of biodiversity!

Don't forget to visit the astounding view of Coron Palawan when yout get there!

5. Puerto Galera (Oriental Mindoro)

Declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973, Puerto Galera has been the where-to-go summer destination for city-dwellers for beach activities.

Water is certainly the main attraction of Puerto Galera. Crystal clear and shimmering especially during hot summer months, the sea framing Puerto Galera is ideal for swimming, sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Tourists who had gone there certainly look forward to the next visit!

Visayas

The second largest group of islands in the Phillipines next to Luzon is the Visayas.

Lying in the heart of the Philippine archipelago, the Visayas group of islands is well known and highly visited for its top selection of sun-sational summer destinations. It us composed of the major islands of Cebu, Bohol, Negros, Panay and Samar.

Below are the top places you should never miss when you go to th Visayas.

1. Boracay Island (Boracay, Aklan)

 Out of all islands all over the world, Travel+Leisure Magazine chose Boracay as its Best Overall Island of 2012.

Also, voted the world's best beach by the Sun Herald Australia and Harper's, Boracay is the perfect island getaway with its warm blue waters, powder fine white sands, and a palm-fringe 4 kilometer beach.

Experience water sports and activities such as sailing, wind surfing, snorkeling,diving, and jet skiing. Fun here doesn't end when the sun sets; Boracay's nightlife lures one and all to bars and restaurants serving food, drinks and fun until dawn.

2. Bohol Island (Bohol, Philippines)

 Bohol is popular for its enchanting and captivating scenic views like the chocolate hills, world class beach resorts, beautiful diving spots, and astounding wildlife including th smallest known primate, the Tarsiers.

Get to relax at the pristine waters and white beaches that abound in Panglao Island. Or better yet, be amazed at the 1268 beautiful and perfect cone shaped chocolate hills. The shape of the hills are almost uniform and ranges from 30-50 meters high!

Summer is the best time to go if you want to witness the Chocolate Hills of Bohol!

3. Cebu City (Cebu, Philippines)

 Dubbed as the Queen City of the South, Cebu City is the second most important city of the country next to Manila. It has its own international airport and seaport. It is the home of its Sinulog Festival with colorful costumes and street dancing. The oldest known Spanish settlement in the country is in Cebu City, dating from the 15th century.

Tour around the Magellan's Cross, Sto. Nino cathedral, various beach resorts and more!

4. Apo Island (Negros Oriental)

 Do you love adventure and exciting excursions under the sea? Then come to Apo Island which is just less than an hour trip from Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental. Be in love with marine nature at its best as you go on scuba diving.

At present, Apo Island is home to at least 650 documented species of fish, and estimated to have over 400 species of corals.

Apo Island is one of the world's best known community-organized marine sanctuaries, and as such, it has been well documented by the global science communities.

Mindanao

1. Camiguin

Camiguin is the second smallest province of the Philippines. Nevertheless, this small island has promising wonders you must see.

Camiguin is referred to as "Born of Fire." This spectacular island has 7 volcanoes and several volcanic domes. It has also clear waters and thus acclaimed as one of the top dive spots worldwide.

2. Davao

Davao is where Mt. Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines is located. Grab the chance to trek its popular nature trails for an unforgettable summer adventure.

Famous spots you can visit in Davao include Mt. Apo, Philippine Eagle Center, Crocodile Park, Samal Island and Pearl farm, Paradise Island and much more!

Activities you will enjoy in Davao include but are not limited to beach and water sports, scuba diving, snorkeling, boat sailing, river rafting, and the like! You also must try their famous durian fruit and durian candies!

3. Bukidnon

Bukidnon is a highland paradise in the heart of Mindanao. It is home to the world's biggest pineapple plantation and boasting a classic golf course dating back in 1928.

Landlocked by mountain ranges and forest reserves, Bukidnon is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The entire place is tailored-fit for eco-adventure activities mountain climbing, trail hiking, trekking, rapelling, and more!

Final tips

One must agree tha the Philippines is a haven for fun and adventures. Its geographical setting is tailored fit for an exciting and fun-filled summer getaway.

Blessed with a rich environment--lush forest, tropical islands, white beaches, rivers, lakes, and mountains, friendly and hospitable people, who are always happy to welcome guests and visitors.

When planning your activities outside for summer, take into account the following:

1. Be free to do anything (just don't break the law!)

Fun and excitement can be enjoyed the most when you free yourself from all inhibtions. Experience life at its best, savor the moment by doing things beyond ordinary and when you go home, you'll surely have a moment worth keeping for! Be active to do anything for fun-filled summer, just don't break the law!

2. Learn something new. Okay, is something that we actually should be doing every day. Summer is usually the time to relax and be free from your usual roytines at work, at home. So, why not use your spare time to learn a new skill, a new foreign language perhaps? Or perhaps, learn the best way to whip a chocolate?

Whatever the case maybe, go, and grab the opportunity to learn something new.

3. Relax. Summer wouldn't be fun at all if during this time you won't be able to relax. Our human body needs rest. Summer calls for a relaxing experience. Give yourself a break and relax, free yourself from stress and other tensions. Just like other people, you too, deserve to relax.

So, what are you waiting for? Come and give yourself a chance to personally experience that indeed, IT'S MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES!