TRANSGENDER

at birth grow up to be women. But some people's gender identity – their innate knowledge of who they are –is different from what was initially expected when they were born. Most of these people describe themselves as transgender.”

One of the landmark cases in the Philippines about the gender issue is Silverio v. Republic G.R. No. 174689.

On November 26, 2002, In Regional Trial Court Manila, Branch 8, Silverion filed a petition to change his first name “Rommel Jacinto” to “Mely” and his sex from male to female in his birth certificate for the reason that he underwent sex reassignment and transitioned himself to woman.

On Learning about Natural Areas in The City

1. North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society: The North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society is the voice of Edmonton’s river valley and those seeking to preserve it for future generations. They have volunteer opportunities and projects where they help advocate for the preservation of the River Valley, and a newsletter anyone can subscribe to. Their Facebook page is: www.facebook. com/NSRVCS/ and the website is www.edmontonrivervalley.org.

2. City of Edmonton Page on Natural Areas and Urban Diversity: This centralized website is a useful resource for those interested in learning about the city’s current activities to protect the natural areas in the city, from the plants, the landscape, water and animals. The link is: https://www. edmonton.ca/city_government/ environmental_stewardship/naturalareas

On Weeds, Invasive Plants, and Plant Alternatives

1. Invasive Species, A Guide for Alberta: This The website is a comprehensive list of different species of plants and fungi to watch out for. When these plants or fungi are in large numbers, they can cause harm towards native plants in our area. The same goes with animals that don’t belong in a natural habitat. The weblink is: www.abinvasives.ca

2. Noxious Weeds, City of Edmonton Resource: This dedicated webpage has resources that explain why managing and limiting weeds is important. There are mechanisms to report the infestation of weeds in both private and public property, as well as tips on making sure that you don’t unintentionally spread seeds from weeds while enjoying the outdoors. The weblink is: www. Edmonton.ca/weeds

3. Edmonton Native Plant Society: This from page 22 group is passionate about identifying different plant species spotted all over the city. They have a webpage as well as a very active Facebook page where enthusiastic members post photos and have meaningful discussions. The weblink is: https:// www.edmontonnativeplantsociety.ca/. While this is no way an exhaustive list, the goal is to encourage seeking out information and assistance for any type of challenge, no matter how big or small, how common or not. For any readers who are not directly served by the area where the outlined programs are listed, it is likely that equivalents are available by searching the topic and adding the name of your location. by profession and Apprentice at Atty. Romeo Sese Law office.

Societal changes in culture are insuperable. The government as well as the legislative body need to be susceptible in creating mandates, laws, special orders , codes and jurisprudence in the phenomenal generations.

One of the vulnerable issues of this generation is the issue of sexuality which they usually convey is the “Transgender”.

The National Center for Transgender Equality says that “Transgender people are people whose gender identity is different from the gender they were thought to be at birth. ‘Trans’ is often used as shorthand for transgender. When we're born, a doctor usually says that we're male or female based on what our bodies look like. Most people who were labeled male at birth turn out to actually identify as men, and most people who were labeled female

In June 2003, the trial court ruled in favor of Silverio for the following reasons: His body has qualities of female physique, no harm will happen to the Republic, and affirming his petition will make their side happy. However, in August 2003, the Republic, through the Office of the Solicitor General, filed a petition for certiorari in the Court of Appeals, alleging that there is no law allowing a change of sex in birth certificate by reason of sex alteration. In February 2006, the Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the Republic, reversing the trial court’s decision and denied the application for reconsideration.

The issue is whether or not the change in name and sex in birth certificate is allowed by reason of sex reassignment.

There is no law that allows change of first name and sex on grounds of sex reassignment. The Petition for reconsideration is DENIED. The Supreme Court upheld the ruling of the Court of Appeals. The laws mentioned provides grounds for change of the first name but change due to sex reassignment was not implied. It’s not in the court’s jurisdiction to enact a new basis. Section 5 of Act 3753 (Civil Register Law) provides the immutable way to determine the sex of a person, that is, visually examining the genitals of the infant at birth. In addition, the Supreme Court disagrees with the “no harm” reasoning used by the trial court. Affirming Silverio’s petition will actually destroy the nation and produce serious consequences, serving as a “tip of the spear” and bringing in more elements that will destroy the morals guarded by the Constitution, such as the sanctity of marriage and family. In foresight, the Court cites future problems, “Should transgenders be then allowed to officially marry in the country?” “Could this be considered a rampant sacrilege against the conscience of the people?”

“Will those that performed sex reassignments also avail women's rights under the law?” (lexrex.ph) that allows one to be a champion, uphold the values we all aim for, and is the countermeasure for the traits of ‘crab mentality’ (marked by jealousy, envy, cynicism), ‘ningaskugon’ (half-hearted effort), ‘mañana habit’ (procrastination), indifference, division and mistrust, that permeates our community.

The National Center for Transgender Equality was founded in 2003 by transgender activists who recognized the urgent need for policy change to advance transgender equality. With a committed board of directors, a volunteer staff of one, and donated office space, we set out to accomplish what no one had yet done: provide a powerful transgender advocacy presence in Washington, DC. Moreover, this is the support system for Transgender people experiencing different issues.

The human perspective on sexuality or transgender might vary. However, let us continue to show humanity regardless of gender predispositions.

Some people may say about EPIC, “What’s in it for me?” or “What do I get in return?”. Well, the answers to these questions have so many levels. How do you feel when watching an international event, like the Olympics, and you see the Philippine flag hoisted up? Or when you’re in a different country, and you see the country flag?

Imagine and relive that feeling of pride and belonging. In Edmonton, there are a number of cultural centres: the Polish Canadian Cultural Centre; Sejong Multicultural Centre; Edmonton Korean Community Centre; Ukrainian Cultural Centre; La Cite Francophone; Edmonton Chinatown MultiCultural Centre; Portuguese Cultural Centre; Italian Cultural Centre; Slovenian Canadian Cultural Centre; HellenicCanadian Community of Edmonton & Region; German-Canadian Cultural Centre; Dutch Canadian Centre; Edmonton Japanese Community Association; Edmonton Tamil Cultural Centre; Serbian Canadian Cultural Society, to name a few.

With Filipinos as the third largest growing cultural group, with a long history in Alberta and contributions in the sectors of education, health, business, hospitality, arts and not-forprofit sectors, is it not paramount to have a community hub that reflects our values and heritage?

What does EPIC offer? The building has a banquet hall that is being transformed from a Celtic Hall to a Philippine Hall - a place that is available for bookings, the revenue of which will be used to cover current operational costs and seed money for the long term plan of purchasing and building a Philippine facility. The same for the 2nd floor rooms with a smaller function room and offices. It is a hub for Filipino service providers - maintaining a list of accredited businesses for events rentals, i.e. cleaning services, photographers, videographers, emcees, performers, custom cakes, make-up artists, among others. With EPIC partner Umbrella Kitchen, there are two commercial kitchens available for booking, for home-based businesses, and a bistro for pop-up restaurants and dining, and an additional concert venue to the Hall. With the large parking area, outdoor events and celebrations are in the works. Further to venue rentals, members enjoy special perks and promotions in participating businesses. As a business owner, there is great advantage to be included in that list - both as a marketing opportunity and enhancing the corporate image.

Many years ago, we stressed the magnitude of work in establishing a centre. Three years after its launch, we remarkably have found a centre. The focus now is the ability to sustain it. And here, we invoke a continuous bayanihan spirit and effort for EPIC. Be a member, donor, sponsor, volunteer and client of EPIC. We have waited and worked hard for this for so long. This is our chance and our time, we have to make it count.

Note: The Edmonton Philippine International Centre is located at 10104 32 Avenue NW, Edmonton. For more information on how to get involved, visit epicalberta.com

To comment on this article, go to https://www.philippineartscouncil. com/blog. www.AlbertaFilipinoJournal.com