April 2, 2022
HONING ONESELF:
4 Episodes Webinar Series - Know Your Right, To Know What's Right: Information Awareness Webinar Regarding Philippine Laws
In today's society, more and more individuals are becoming aware of—and consequently, wish to live in—an environment that supports universal human rights norms. Human rights provide individuals with strength and power, allowing us to continue working for peace, prosperity, progress, and long-term development. The cause of human rights energizes our dedication to realizing the fullness of life. This is our common responsibility as a people in solidarity with all people across the world.
With that being said, the Red Cross Youth Council of PATTS (RCYCP), PATTS Tourism Society (PTS), Alliance of Aircraft Mechanics and Troubleshooters (AAMT), Basic Engineering Pioneers of Innovative Construction (B-EPIC), Social Orientation and Community Involvement (SOCI) Office, and Discipline and Safety Office (DSO) ignited a 4-episode series webinar entitled “Know Your Right, To Know What's Right: Information Awareness Webinar” that ablazed via Zoom meeting on April 2, April 30, May 7, and May 14, 2020 respectively.
Episode 1 - Spreading Environmental Awareness
Mr. Jefferson Estela, a Filipino climate activist, storyteller, and architectural designer was the speaker of the said webinar. He has been part of youth, climate, and built environment-related campaigns focused on the intersection of the climate crisis, environment, and social justice and has presented stories in speaking engagements such as the National Climate Change Conference, Youth Climate Dialogue of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and the recently concluded COP26 in the United Kingdom.
He discussed The Republic Act No. 9512, or the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008, which articulates that the state shall promote national awareness of the role of natural resources in economic growth and the importance of environmental conservation and ecological balance towards sustained national development. He also added the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (Republic Act No. 9275). An Act providing for a comprehensive water quality management and for other purposes. This Act provides for the abatement and control of pollution from land based sources, and lays down water quality standards and regulations.
Indeed, it is critical to appreciate the fragility of our environment and the need to protect it. Humans should appreciate, defend, and preserve the natural environment from anthropogenic (caused by humans) illnesses. Many are still unaware of the impact they have on the environment in their daily lives. However, educating them or even minor adjustments in a person's daily routine can have a significant influence — our micro efforts can have a macro effect to save our environment.
Episode 2 - No To Bullying
Many people haven't yet learned the abilities to articulate their sentiments, especially when attempting to describe what they "like" or "don't like" about someone else. They may face people that are different from themselves and not know how to confront such differences, so they point things out harshly. This is not a bad scenario, and if a person has a vocabulary, they will be able to comprehend and deal with these variances.
With that being said, Mr. Virgilio V. Dolina Jr, professor of PATTS College of Aeronautics, sheds his knowledge and discussed the Republic Act 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act, which aims to protect children enrolled in kindergarten, elementary, and secondary schools and learning centers (collectively, “Schools”) from being bullied. It requires Schools to adopt policies to address the existence of bullying in their respective institutions. Bullying affects everyone — those who are tormented, those who bully, and those who witness bullying. Bullying has been related to a variety of negative consequences, including effects on mental health, substance abuse, and suicide.
It is critical to speak with youth to discover whether bullying — or anything else — is an issue. Bullying, in other words, is not only a children issue; it is a widespread human issue that needs to be resolved from the very start.
Episode 3 - Raising Mental Health Awareness
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic afflicted the majority of households — extremely damaging impact on our mental health. Some people are afraid of being sick, losing loved ones, having financial problems, and being isolated from loved ones and support groups. All of this adds up to a perfect storm of worry, anxiety, and other bad feelings.
For this reason, Ms. Clio Pantaleon, a PATTS professor, spurred a discussion and gave vital ideas to calm the storm within us, to start concentrating on our inner strength when facing challenges, and learning how to handle stress due to some uncertainties. Mental health promotion interventions boost overall well-being and are given in places where people live, work, study, and flourish. These include mental health programs in schools and workplaces, early childhood treatments, social support and community participation, women's empowerment, anti-discrimination initiatives, and other interventions that address the social determinants of mental health.
To have the greatest impact, mental health promotion initiatives must be tightly integrated with mental health services and involve a diverse range of health and non-health stakeholders. Raising mental health awareness may help you understand your symptoms, obtain competent care, and, perhaps most significantly, eradicate the mental health stigma that keeps so many people suffering in silence.
Episode 4 - Protect Yourself From Sexual Harassment
On any given day, a Google search for "sexual harassment," followed by a click on the "News" link, will provide dozens of stories concerning recent sexual harassment charges. The anecdotes span countries and sectors, demonstrating how little has been invested in avoiding sexual harassment. Harassment does not disappear on its own. In fact, it is more likely that when the problem is not addressed, the harassment will worsen and become more difficult to remedy as time goes on — the most effective weapon against sexual harassment is prevention.
With that being said, Mr. Paul John Sion, a PATTS Instructor and currently a Juris Doctor as well, spearheaded a discussion regarding the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (RA 7877), which mandates that the employer or the head of the work-related, educational, or training environment or institution must provide the procedures for the resolution, settlement or prosecution of acts of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment damages us all by causing us absenteeism, trauma, low morale, loss of focus, and legal implications. It is critical that all allegations of sexual harassment be taken seriously and dealt with immediately, that the complaint procedure is used, and that those who file complaints are not subjected to suspension or retribution.
Indeed, there is a need to examine your settings for sexually harassing behavior frequently. Proactive actions should be taken into account to ensure that sexual harassment does not take root and does not have a chance to escalate.
The 4-episode series webinar surely honed oneself but here's a crucial concept to remember: you have rights, regardless of who you are or how you live, and these rights are supposed to protect you. Most people recognize their rights, but sometimes individuals act unfairly, and you must speak up for yourself to ensure you are treated with the respect you deserve. It can be difficult, but it must be done, and if you get confused or terrified, there are individuals who can assist you. That is why it is essential to understand your rights, and to seek assistance if no one is listening. It is simply the right thing to do!