Cover A happy household (Photo: Save the Children PH)
A happy household (Photo: Save the Children PH)
1 / 1
The Philippines joins the global call to curb physical and humiliating punishment against children
About 42 million Filipino children do not have thorough legal protection from all forms of violence, especially in their homes. Physical and humiliating punishment of children often happens at the hands of parents, teachers, and caregivers. Thousands of children die from domestic violence yearly, while many are seriously injured.
Save the Children PH organisation believes that every child deserves a future. They are leading the advocacy for legislative measures in Congress to address all punishment in all settings.
More from Tatler: US Embassy hosts a reception in honour of Ramon Magsaysay awardee Dr Bernadette J Madrid
Take Dahlia—not her real name—from Parañaque. When she was young, her screams pierced through the walls every time her mother would burn her arm with a mosquito coil because of leaving her household chores undone. When she would pass her mother’s stall in the public market, she’d overhear her mother gossiping, calling her a “prostitute” for coming home late.
She ran from home when her stepfather strangled her because her radio was playing loudly. At 16, she was forced to live temporarily with her friends until her boyfriend got her pregnant. Soon, she will give birth to a baby she is not ready to care for.
A harrowing story, but Dahlia’s case is but one of many. In situations like this, we expect the government to provide security for our children. However, the Philippines has yet to pass a policy protecting children against physical, psychological, and humiliating punishment.
Above A mother and her child (Photo: Save the Children PH)
A mother and her child (Photo: Save the Children PH)
1 / 1
The Positive Parenting of Children’s Act (SB 2036), authored by Senator Risa Hontiveros, aims to assist Filipino parents in fostering a home that promotes healthy child development and effective parenting. This ensures that the rights of children are respected and their lives will be free of all forms of violence.
Save the Children PH says that only one in seven children globally are protected by laws against physical and humiliating punishment, the most common form of violence and abuse.
“We join the clamour of children for protection from punishment that hurt, humiliates, and denigrates them. We appeal to our legislators to pass ‘The Positive Parenting of Children’s Act’,” said Atty Alberto Muyot, CEO of Save the Children Philippines.
To support Save the Children Philippines’ you can send an email to supportercare@savethechildren.org
NOW READ
The role of women in philanthropy: Mercedes Zobel, Irene Martel Francisco, and Susana Madrigal
Grateful hearts bring hope: The CPN Dinner
Meet Rural Rising: this social enterprise saved farmers and their produce when they needed it most
About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
