Laro ng Lahi - Vol. 01 (June 2022)

Rainbow, Kids and the Continuing Battle

WORDS | MF Peralta

If we are set in the year I was born, 1989 to be exact, there has been numerous notable events of LGBT rights all over the globe. Long Beach and Los Angeles County in California prohibited employment discrimination based on sexual orientation in the private sector While in Denmark, the government formed registered partnerships (also known as civil union) for same-sex couples, offering identical rights as marriage within the country.

Another prominent measure happened in 1989 was the historic commitment of world leaders on adopting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child – an international agreement on childhood It is indeed the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history and has helped transform children’s lives around the world. The Convention outlines in 41 Articles highlighting the “12 Rights of A Child” According to UNICEF, “contained in this treaty is a profound idea: thatchildrenarenotjust objectswhobelongtotheirparentsand forwhomdecisionsaremade,oradults in training. Rather, they are human beings and individuals with their own rights.”

Thirty-three years later, LGBT+ rights in the Philippines are still in limbo There are existing anti-discrimination law and ordinances but in a larger picture, most of them are still target of bullying and unfairness. Child abuses are still recorded even in our communities, many children are still cut short

For this month’s “LarongLahi” issue, we highlight the struggles and successes of our allies and children who both continue to fight for freedom and rights

Here’s to hoping that through CI Manila and our kick-off meeting on DE&I (diversity, equity, and inclusion), we will continue to help those who need to be heard, those who are blinded, and let others feel that we aim to bring people together, not only to end poverty for good, but to continuously fulfill our commitments to children, youth, and communities May we also abide with our values that we see potential in everyone, everywhere, regardless of gender identity. Let us learn from the struggles of the past and make progress from now on

a. REIZA

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

REIZA S DEJITO, Agency Director (Editorial Advisor)

“I am passionate about solving big and small problems that can help people lead better lives My dream is to use my writing as a catalyst for social change “

CHESKA

MA FRANCESCA G PERALTA, Agency Journalist (Editor in Chief)

“I don’t just write I always aim to create stories in a compelling way Dave Grohl is my hero “

GREGGY

GREGGY S BAUTISTA, Monitoring & Evaluation Learning Coordinator

Greggy loves stories - novels, films, music, mundane conversations, you name it! He has a love-hate relationship with writing, but it wouldn't stop him from telling his own stories

JEFF

JEFFRE G CUIZON, Field Officer, Emotional Wellbeing

"Former Community Youth Reporter (CYR) Director in Children International and literary writer in high school, ako ay kalmado lang sa buhay kahit araw-araw – kape , #NoToPalpitate"

SHAI

SHAIRA ANGELICA MARI C GARNA, Field Officer, Empowement Program

“I love to travel I love to discover new places, and learn different cultures and their people ”

JACOB

JACOB SAMUEL M MOJICA, Field Officer, Employability

“I love to create engaging, fun, and intriguing stories Before joining CI, I was a monthly contributor for St Lukes’ Best Practices of Lean Six Sigma So paano, see you sa Batisan!”

Emil Daroy shares his h j

g.

ALVIN

(page 4) k l

ALVIN D. PEREZ, Sponsorship Relations Field Officer

“I love to hear life learnings and put it into writing An avid fan of Korean series and self-proclaimed hopeless romantic Superficial, but I believe in fate and universe’s miracles ”

NATIONS m

h.

LEAN

CHRISTIAN LEAN F CALANO, Human Resources Administrative Assistant

An advocate of mental health, children’s rights, employee's welfare and prisoners “My professor in law school taught me not to forget prisoners for they are humans, too ”

i.

JIHN

CRISTINA DS ADRIANO, Field Officer, Education Program

‘Jih’ in Chinese means sun I just added ‘n’ because , why not? A childhood friend said it suits me well She confessed that I became her light in her darkest of hours

j.

NINZ

ANGELO NIÑO U. CACHO, Sponsorship Relations Assistant

“I was a feature writer in grade school and high school publications. Now, I make stories happen for people. I’m a social worker, a classical music ambassador, events coordinator, and an Anglophile.”

k.

m. i

PAT

PATRICIA CZARINA T HONRALES, Sponsorship Relations Field Officer

A self-proclaimed Swiftie and a cat lover Former English teacher & newsletter moderator in a private school in QC Psychological and thriller movies/TV series are an unabashed fascination

l. CHRIS

OLIVER

OLIVER R PALALLOS, Sponsorship Relations Assistant

“Educator Creative writer Bibliophile Coffee lover ”

CHRISTIAN JAY A TANDOY, Field Officer, Education Program

Victims of Aggression (page 12)

KAYAKAP

International Day a JUNE 2022 COVER | MF PERALTA

ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT

WORDS | MF Peralta

The following are the highlights for the month of June in Accounting Department:

● Mid Year Budget Review last June 16, 2022. Participants are the expanded management staff

● Completion of the June Cash Variance report together with the Proforma Report

● Completed the tele audit of CC1, 6 and 7

● Identified savings and made proposed utilization

TALENT GROWTH DEPARTMENT

Carpe Diem: CIM Conducts Fruitful Strat Planning

WORDS | E. Daroy

Yes, I'm a believer of chances and opportunities and changes, and these are precisely what I witnessed during the CIM Strategic Planning conducted from June 21st through 24th These were chances for being better, opportunities to conquer uncharted areas, and embracing changes for long-lasting impact.

Positive energy flowed for days and had resulted in a game plan meant to make our CI families, volunteers, and staff the most VALUED

● Repainting of Community Center 1 (Kaligayahan) Interior Walling and Ceiling.

● Room Naming: Converted Old Medical room to Conference room and the old library has been divided into parts. Provision of new medical and multipurpose room at CC1.

● Conducted onboarding orientation with the new Program Manager, Ryan Calauor

● Provision of new PPEs ( Face mask ) to all CIM Staff.

● Processed and Placed order for Oral Kits.

● Conducted Orientation on Compensation Philosophy with all OPD Staff as well as the new Job Description.

● All OPD Staff attended orientation on DE&I.

Group work composed of staff from various departments

SO Setting Day with KS, led by AD Reiza with our special guest Ms. Liz (whew...that was pressure over load!)

With our beloved BOT seated in front (from left) Dr. Durante, Comm. Fernandez, Dr. Prado, Mr. Ciriaco-Chair, Ms. Liz OrellanaRegional Dir. for Asia/Africa, Ms. Reiza Dejito-AD, Engr. Magaan

peeps on earth! Apologies for the exaggeration but it is simply hard to hide the joy that I am feeling knowing how much inclusion and participation have been exercised in this endeavor, something that we’ve all been looking forward to and been expecting with the new leadership Indeed this has been achieved with flying colors!

Activities for every part of the strategic planning were so inclusive and allowed diverse perspectives to be counted in. Various insights were considered throughout the group processes and reporting.

Kudos to the Key Staff and Expanded Management led by our AD, Ms. Reiza Dejito, who all committed their time, attention, and brains to produce the CIM game plan for 2023 to 2025 The insights of all team members, volunteers, and sponsored families are valuable to this process and were taken into consideration through the departmental SWOT analyses, listening tours, and field visits. Congratulations to everyone for seizing the day to live up to our mission and vision!

Expanded Management brimming with happy smiles after a long day's work!

SPONSORSHIP RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

SND Monthly Contributions from January to June 2022

WORDS | O. Palallos

The Sponsorship Relations Department (SRD) receives Special Needs Donation (SND) Memos from CI Kansas City (CIKC) on a daily basis. These memos are endorsed to the community centers where an SR Field Officer assess their needs and assist the family on their scheduled shopping.

SND are extra gifts initiated by the sponsor for their sponsored child. These donations may be used to purchase items needed by the child or their family. The sponsor may also provide instructions if specific items are to be purchased form this donation.

If the assessed needs of a child or their family falls

beyond basic commodities, the staff’s assessment will be sent to CIKC for the approval of their sponsor. Any undisbursed funds fall into the child’s savings for reasons being either invested

for future educational use of the child, or other initiatives to support the child The Agency monitors and feedbacks fund utilization to the sponsor.

A CALL TO ARMS: Child Safeguarding in the Digital Age

WORDS | A. Cacho

At the onset of the pandemic, families are bound to stay at home and distance learning has been the new normal for children. With the goal to protect children against the deadly virus, gadgets have become their only window to the outside world. But how prepared

are we about these changes? How equipped are parents in protecting their children against the dark areas of social media platforms?

In response to this call, the Child Safeguarding Unit (CSU) welcomed the month of June by providing a training on conducting an

orientation during provision of gadget materials held by Child Safeguarding Officer, Israel C. Bombarda. The initiative intends to prepare the Sponsorship Relations team both in Central Office and Community Centers in safeguarding children by conducting an orientation to sponsored children and

youth, and educating sponsored families on responsible use of gadgets and proper decorum when using and accessing social media websites.

CC1 Volunteers Re-orientation Training and Quarterly Summit Leadoff

WORDS | O. Palallos

A Volunteer Area Leaders (VALs) re-orientation training and quarterly meeting was held at Community Center 1 on Saturday, June 18, 2022.

The focus of the assembly was to provide a refresher course, team updates, and build up confidence in communication and reinstitute volunteer commitment.

SR Field Officers from CC8, Estrella Fernandez (top left) and Christopher Rocamora (top right) performing a mock orientation on Child Safeguarding

The training is aligned with UN Convention on the Rights of a Child (UNCRC) with its 4 core principles namely, (1) nondiscrimination, (2) best interest of the child, (3) right to life survival and development, and (4) right to be heard, and a number of agreements called “optional protocols” which are unique rights for children and are optional for other countries, such as (5) involvement of children in armed conflict, (6) sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography, and (7) communications procedures. The process involves five stages, and the sponsored relations team are trained to assess the values, dynamics, and thought process of families

Refreshers were also made for all the Sponsorship Relations activities and ways to adapt to digitalization. Oliver Palallos, Sponsorship Relations Assistant, presented the topic on The General Scope of CI Letter Writing.

Sponsorship Relations Field Officers and Program Field Officers shared their quarterly updates on the programs and services that CI is providing sponsored beneficiaries together with the team’s quarterly accomplishments. Engaging with the volunteers is a rare

Oliver Palallos, SRA, conducting an orientation about SR Activities and a one-of-a-kind experience. Their stories and challenges gave the team a way to celebrate this event and at the same time a chance to learn As a new way to adapt into the digital age, the introduction to Google Translate and using the Google lens app were demonstrated. With the help of fellow SRFOs in the facilitation of the activity, all went well. Ms Rochell Cabillo gave her inspiring message to ignite the spirit of volunteerism and commitment.

when conducting an assessment. The initiative of CSU is to benchmark child rights in the new normal with its rollout starting July 22. The end goal is not to restrict or regulate, but rather to empower sponsored children & youth, and their families

through education and information dissemination; helping them to survive the digital age by making responsible decisions when handling gadgets and accessing online platforms.

Hybrid NFN Orientations Conducted in Community Centers

WORDS | P. Honrales / A. Perez

Upon reaching the 25k child registration target last November 2021, community centers welcomed new siblings and families to Children International Manila. In line with this, orientation for Newly Field Notified (NFN) families were conducted in Community Centers 1 & 3 during the month of June.

NFN Orientation catered newly registered sponsored families in the agency. Families were officially welcomed into their own community centers wherein field staff were introduced, as well as the programs and services offered by CI. Community Centers used this as an avenue for sponsored families to be reminded of the responsibilities entailed in their signed Sponsorship Agreement/Kasunduan Form.

The orientation was held face to face in Community Center at 3 different batches last June 3, 4, 10, and 18. Attendees were given hygiene kits c/o GIK. Meanwhile, Community Center 1 conducted a virtual orientation on their community center’s closed Facebook group on June 23 and 25 Both activities were well attended and garnered a high engagement from beneficiaries.

Amid the pandemic, CI continues to exert efforts in reaching sponsored families resonating with the agency’s value of believing that human connections matter

CC1 SRFOs during one of their NFN Orientation via Facebook live

Sponsored families during their face to face NFN Orientation at CC3 facilitated by SRFO Mae Dacutanan

PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT

WORDS | C. Adriano / S. Garna

Emotional Well-being (EWB) / KAYAKAP – School Partnership

The Emotional Well-being (EWB) School Partnership team held a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony with three partner schools on June 10 and 28, 2022.

The three-partner schools are Amparo Elementary School, Calumpit National High School, and Frances National High School of community

centers 1 and 9, respectively. The said signing activity was participated by the representative of each school and CIM staff

The activity intended to achieve EWB target to train 20% of its population to improve the state of an individual’s emotional well-being and resiliency; the agency entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with schools within its areas of service.

The partnership aims to train teachers to deliver EWB modules to their learners. CIM will also be supporting the identified needs of the schools as part of their Brigada Eskwela for SY 2022-2023

Connecting with Families

In this recent situation, we cannot invalidate the struggles families are facing. They are real. Families are dealing with extremely difficult situations that have threatened their basic needs. However, this same pandemic, CONNECT Program bridges Sponsors, sponsored families and most importantly, our agency.

From my recent Virtual Group Dialogue (VGD) for CONNECT with the Family Program, according to one of the parent participants Maria Lucy Baclian, “Children International fueled the resilience of each family within the communities.

“Through CONNECT calls, we felt that we are not alone. We

Youth

Seed (YES)

On June 25-26, Youth Representative, Dafney, participated during the training of Trainor’s for Child-Centered Social Accountability facilitated by Save the Children Philippines for members of the Caloocan Civil Society Coalition (CCSC) The training focused on the topic of child’s rights, child

participation, child protection, good governance and social accountability, and the different leadership styles and forms of facilitation

At the end of the 2-day training, they simulated training sessions around their learned topics It was conducted in the Cocoon Boutique Hotel in Quezon City Ammiel and Jedy served as her adult support.

felt that the agency did their very best to reach out and help us.” Baclian stated.

From then on, I’ve realized that even in our own little way we can help someone to shine through and show our children how to make (cont’d on page 10)

Edelyn Jedy Molina, LearnWell Coordinator, Arnnie T. Lacson, Center Coordinator, and Shaulyn Jannine Marquez, Program Field officer for the MOU signing of Calumpit National High School

Dafney May I. Buena,CC7 Youth Leader, during her participation in Child-Centered Social Accountability

PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT (CONT’D)

(Connecting with Families: cont’d) the best of even the worst situations.

-Mai-Ann Fe Tumibay CWF Program Field Officer

“Simple hello or how are you with random people could make a

Employability

Employabili-TV Episode#2

Online job opportunities with the SM Store image source: CI Manila FB Page

Employability conducted the second Episode of the EMPLOYABILI-TV podcast with guests from SM Department Store namely, Sir Dexter Ramirez – HR Head and Mam Belen Orosa – Assistant Vice President, SM Store The said episode was aired on CIM Facebook page attended by our CareerUPrime Scholars and sponsored families

The employability team continuously distributes the Scholarship Assistance to our sponsored youth and non-sponsored youth from first year college to fourth year college.

difference in their lives. With CWF Program, we can see that a simple gesture of kindness could create impact to the lives of other people. So, let us choose to do so in our own ways.”

VGD CWF Program

Health Services

Health Services Program participated in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Children International Inc. and the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement led by the National Nutrition Council – NCR. The event was held at the Crown Regency Hotel, Makati City, on June 10. The signing sealed the partnership of groups working for a more robust Nutrition program in the country.

We are now included as one of the members of the Regional Civil Society Network It was participated by the Regional Nutrition Committee, NNC-NCR, and regional SUN networks of civil society, academe, and businesses

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Children International Inc. and the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement led by the National Nutrition Council – NCR.

The key responsibilities laid out in the memorandum are the following:

1. Attendance and participation in meetings of the network.

2. Participation in the formulation of the action plan for NCR SUN Civil Society Network

3. Integration of nutrition objectives in our programs

4. Participation in regional and local nutrition and nutrition-related activities

5. Partnering with local nutrition committees in implementing nutrition programs

CC6 Connecting with Families Field Officer, Mai Ann Tumibay conducted Virtual Group Dialogue with Sponsored Families.

LECI PANGARAP

Culmination of Pilot Batch

WORDS | C. Adriano / S. Garna

Last June 4, 2022, the LECI PANGARAP Program conducted its Phase 1 Culmination Event. The Culmination marked the start of the new phase for the 54 Pangrap Grade 10 students, now entering Senior High School The event was themed with the "Crazy Hat Challenge" where participants created their own crazy hat to represent their future career or a food item of their choice.

Winners were Rolly (Grand Prize), Rhian, (1st runner up), and Christian (2nd runner up). Ms. Rhea Manoza the Education Program Coordinator gave the opening message, followed by the Agency Director, Ms. Reiza Dejito's Agency message which included a short story of a crow and a pitcher. Guest Speakers included Mrs. Shirley Carbonel the guidance counselor of San Francisco High School and Mr. Jordan Joaquin a Youth Leader from the YES Program. There were also fun games during the culmination

The program was concluded with a message from Ms. Grace Guilaran then OIC Program Manager PANGARAP is the localized name for the Career and Life Management Program currently being implemented

by CIM. The program takes in Grade 10 students to guide them in their career path starting from their choice of Senior High School Tracks and Strands Participants will be part of the program from Grade 10 until they graduate from Grade 12.

CIM Program Reach (June 2022)

Connecting with Families (CONNECT)- 15,469 families were reached through CONNECT. This is 90% of our sponsored population.

Emotional Well-being- 2, 691 children and youth, and 786 caregivers are engaged in activities to promote their emotional well-being (enrolment)

CIM Health Services Kicks off In Person Medical Consultation

All CIM community centers resume face-to-face or inperson consultations for special cases and others needing thorough clinical evaluation. This activity is done on an appointment or scheduled basis. The goal of the health services program, eventually, is to divert the direct health services provided to partners outside of the CI set-ups and complement the gaps in this sector. The activity started last June 3, 2022 this will run every Friday once a week from 8:30-4 PM

Life Skills Training- 910 youth being supported to acquire life skills such as leadership, social responsibility, and empathy, among others Health Referrals (Medical Reimbursements)- 1,019 individuals were provided support in accessing health services outside CI. A total of 2,973 health referrals were processed.

CI Telehealth- 3,576 telehealth calls facilitated by CI Doctors and Dentists

Birthday Gifts- 18, 226 children and youth already received their Birthday Gifts. This is 84% of the target reached

Access to Education (Material Support)8,329 children and youth have been provided with gadgets or wifi/routers to aid in their schooling

In-person Medical Consultation for the special cases at the community center.

Post-Secondary Scholarships- 951 youth awarded post-secondary scholarships for AY 20212022 second semester

UNITED NATIONS CALENDAR

WHERE INNOCENT CHILDREN LIE: The Fragments of the 21st Century Hostilities

WORDS | A. Cacho

Established on 19th of August 1982, the ‘International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression’ was originally focused on victims of the 1982 Lebanon War. The General Assembly on its 31st plenary meeting, having considered the question of Palestine at its resumed seventh emergency special session, and horrified at the great number of innocent Palestinian and Lebanese children victims of Israel's acts of aggression, led to establishing the 4th of June of each year as a commemoration for the innocent children around the world who are victims of aggression and armed conflict. Its original purpose was expanded to acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are

the victims of physical, mental, and emotional abuse or violence throughout the world. Unconsolably, innocent children continue to be victims of armed conflict in recent years.

In Afghanistan, there are about 18.4 million people who need humanitarian aid. Local news reports more than half of this population or around 9.6 million are children, and despite continuing food aid, they are growing undernourished because the supplies are still not enough for all Children are also missing access to critical education due to prolonged school closures. An entire generation of Afghan children and youth are

A seven-year-old boy holds a toy rifle next to destroyed Russian military vehicles near Chernihiv, Ukraine April 17, 2022 | The Free Press Journal

growing up without opportunities to learn. As many as 3.5 million children inside Afghanistan are currently out of school, and 75% of whom are girls The low proportion of female teachers remains a major hindrance for girls’ enrolment and retention. They also do not have access to suitable basic needs Afghanistan today is unable to secure food on a daily basis brought by the deepening economic crisis in the country, the shortage of wheat caused by the war in Ukraine, and continuing drought. Undernutrition contributes to 45% of child deaths in Afghanistan. Limited water supply has led to multiple disease outbreaks (measles, diarrhea, typhoid, dengue, and Covid-19) which continue to perish people, including children All of these are the aftermath of the Afghan War in 2001 after the Taliban government refused to hand over terrorist Osama bin Laden following the September 11 attacks of the World Trade Center in New York.

In hindsight of the Afghanistan war, in 2003, the United States of America and United Kingdom corresponded that former Iraqi President and dictator Saddam Hussein, and his connections to terrorism and his (chemical and biological) weapons of mass destruction poses a global threat. Hussein is famously known for committing genocide (Halabja Massacre) against the Kurdish people (an Iraqi

autonomous region) in 1988.

It is the largest chemical weapons attack directed against a civilian-populated area in history; killing over 50,000 according to human rights watch “Iraq has become one of the worst places to be as a child in the Middle East” says former US President George Bush published in his 10th year anniversary “mission accomplished” speech in 2013. This holds true until today.

childrenarenot sparedfrom landminesand abandoned incendiarydevices, killing,maimingor cripplingchildren fromsimpletasksof whilewalkingto school,helpingwith chores,orplaying withfriends.

reported 35,000 infantdeaths every year, with one in four children lacking physical or intellectual development due to undernourishment. While schools have opened, fewer than half of children aged 12-17 years old are attending primary and secondary schools with a bleak future due to lack of job opportunities after they graduate. Their passports hold second to the last ranking in the world and opportunities to work overseas is obscure. There is still a constant fear to both children and parents because something as simple as walking down the street could mean death, set off by suicide bombings.

While at present, the country runs on a multi-party federal system, they have yet to establish a new form of government to stabilize its economy. With about 33 million people, 56% of its population are children. UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported about 86,641 children IDPs (internally displaced persons) in 2021 which are hosted in camps around the country. BBC

There is also a serious risk of death, injury, sexual violence, recruitment into armed groups, and abduction, primarily attributed to Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (former ISIS) A rate of about 50 children are being abducted each month; with many forced into the frontlines, suicide bombings, or are sexually abused.

After the conflict has long gone and the horrifying sounds of gun fires and rockets have faded, children are not spared from landmines and abandoned incendiary devices, killing, maiming, or crippling children from simple

from simple tasks of while walking to school, helping with chores, or playing with friends. Children are particularly vulnerable and are not spared from the remnants of war, as some are made from familiar household objects which have been turned into explosives. In 2021 alone, UNICEF has reported 249 children who were injured or have perished after getting hit by shrapnel, explosive remnants of war, or improvised explosive devices. Children who survived often became disabled, suffer from being bullied causing them to drop out of school, and also worry about getting jobs in the future.

March 15, 2022 marks the 10th year since Syria erupted into civil war. Unlike the Afghan and Iraq war which precedes before it, that is fighting global terrorism, Syrian civil war is a resentment of infuriated citizens who are fighting for freedom and economic affliction, hunger and drought, and severe poverty. The Syrian government, led by its former President Bashar al-Assad responded to protests by killing hundreds of demonstrators and imprisoning many more.

In March 2011, after 15 boys were detained and tortured for writing graffiti in support of anti-government pro-

tests, and one of the boys, a 13-year-old, was killed after having been brutally tortured, military insurgents announced a formation of a free civilian army which led the uprising in 2012, with the intent to overthrow the government. A decade after the war, the Syrian Network of Human Rights (SNHR), on a 55-page report, noted at least 29, 661 children were killed since the war started, with 181 died of torture and 5,036 involved in forced disappearances, and some as 7 years old were recruited into fighting. Nearly 5 million children are born in Syria in 2011. They have known nothing but war and conflict Almost 2 7 million children have been displaced, currently living in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. Among those who survived, 1 6 million people, including children, continue

to live in informal settlements, while others suffer from long winters, battling severe weather in destroyed or unfinished buildings. Bombings destroyed at least 1,197 schools and 29 kindergartens. UNICEF has reported nearly 2.45 million children in Syria and an additional 750,000 in neighboring countries are out of school youth; 40% of them are girls. More than half a million children under the age of five are suffering from chronic malnutrition. A third of the child’s population showed signs of psychological distress including anxiety, sadness, fatigue, or frequent trouble sleeping. Decades after the war, landmines, unexploded munitions, end explosive remnants of war continue to lead casualties among children, if not life-long

A child seen in the Kafr Uruq area, north of Idlib, Syria August 26, 2021 | Reuters

disabilities

UNICEF - “two out of every three children have been displaced by fighting.” With only over 120 days after the Russo-Ukranian War started in February, a familiar scene of the Syrian Civil War echoed as women and children fled to take refuge in neighboring countries of Romania, Moldova, Hungary, and Slovakia, leaving men behind to fight the war. Families have been torn apart because of this war With an estimated 5 2 million children needing humanitarian assistance, about 2.2 million have crossed the borders and three million are still inside the country. These includes the sheer volume of orphans, about six thousand, who are already victims of social issues such as abandonment, abuse, violence, and parents who are drug or alcohol dependents.

CBS News reported 262 child deaths and 415 have been injured. These numbers continue to rise daily.

While convoys carrying essential supplies like medical supplies, water, food, water repair systems, and generators are available, these lifeline support can’t reach certain cities as civilians are sealed off by airstrikes and other explosives. Both adults and children drink rainwater from puddles just to survive. For children who are displaced by war, technology has been an avenue for them to continue schooling through distance-learning. But at least 1,888 schools have been damaged and destroyed by the conflict. While incidences of mental health issues are difficult to

estimate at this point, most studies in previous armed conflicts have found that child refugees show rates of anxiety between 49% to 69%, with post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) and depression as common aftermaths of the war

In the context of warfare, children are the most vulnerable of all social groups

Children and teenagers are still experiencing various physical and psychological developments. Exposing them to trauma have lasting, sometimes lifetime effects. Threatening their physiological and safety needs can impede their social

A small girl is seen crying while attending a demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine

Photo: Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto | Business Insider

function for life

Health risks are also a common factor among countries in armed conflict. Facilities that should provide them adequate support for their nutrition can cause undernutrition, Infectious diseases, and sometimes death. Children who survived are often poor and sometimes orphaned, and exposed to violence, drugs, alcohol, slavery, and sexual exploitation. Infrastructure also provides a key role in their development. As schools have been destroyed, education has been halted threatening both their learning and development, depriving them of their chance for employment and becoming productive citizens in the future.

If the world could only compromise strategies for the benefit of future generations instead of always proving others wrong and at fault, then we can exhaust our intelligence to things that will help improve the lives of the human race. But is there really victory in war? A Chinese military general, Sun Tzu said in his book, The Art of War: “The greatest victory is that which requires no battle, and ultimate victory is

when battle has been thwarted through intelligence or intimidation; there has been no destruction, no cities have been seized, and no blood has been shed.” In the past few decades, the world has witnessed several wars for several reasons. Some, a continuous display of power while others, a battle worth the future of their next generation When certain groups or individuals exhibit power, is it worth the cost of the lives of children and families? At what cost does it have to take for adults to engage into armed conflict and prove victory at war if its consequences are hurting the global economy, wasting our natural resources, tearing the culture and values of the people who survived it, and leaving our children suffering, fragmented, and demoralized.



In memory of innocent children who have gone too soon, and whose futures are cut-short from aggression and armed conflict.

A child on protest against the war between Ukraine and Russia March 7, 2022 | First News Education UK

“Thegreatestvictoryisthat whichrequiresnobattle,and ultimatevictoryiswhenbattle hasbeenthwartedthrough intelligenceorintimidation…”

WORDS | J. Cuizon / J. Mojica

For Pride Month, our very own Ammiel Alano shared his story of challenges and successes

Ammiel or Miong to his friends, is a registered social worker, and a valuable member of the Empowerment team of the Programs Department in the last five years. His pronouns are he/him and identifies as a homosexual cisgender man with masculine and feminine gender expression.

Before he became an ardent advocate of his community, he came out publicly to his friends when he was 18 years old. He initially thought that disclosing this was for his mere individual safety, nothing grand, much less an advocacy he would rally behind.

On June 05, 2014, Ammiel shared a heartfelt Facebook post,

“I just “came out” to my sister…

It’s quite refreshing… After all this time…

My sister accepted me for who I am…

My tears are worth it… Can’t stop crying…”

The post signaled that he finally made the revelation

to his family as well. First to the closest peers and followed by his primary circle - his family

Ammiel recounted his GAD journey starting in 2010 when he considered himself someone who was not Gender Aware. He was prioritizing self-care and maximizing benefits for himself. Came 2014, and he felt a major shift in his journey, one that is filled with strong support, validation, and approval from his family. While working at Children International,

Ammiel Alano Pride Story

Ammiel became Gender-sensitive as he looks back on encounters of comments he deemed belittling and veiled in a palpable layer of toxic masculinity.

“You will become gender sensitive when all the learnings you gained during your gender awareness is appliedinyourreal-life while when it involves social actions, it is consideredas

GenderResponsive”,Ammiel uttered.

Reconciling advocacy with his personal life was a daunting task for Ammiel. He has proven countless times that advocating SOGIE is not effortlessly applied while choosing, investing, and committing to friends, especially to a partner. This made him question himself, how can someone as passionate as him in this important cause remain clad with challenges surrounding his personal relationship.

In his most recent relationship, Ammiel shared that his partner experienced similar discrimination which roused him to also become an

advocate for affording the community equal rights. Both Ammiel and his partner, powered by the shared advocacy, become each other’s comfort; without an ounce of judgment in their own insecurities. As they get to know themselves deeper, Ammiel also learned to embrace pride in public life. He and his partner can proudly hold hands and show affection not hidden from anyone. In a heartbeat, God gave Ammiel a partner he had long been asking for, someone who can be equally proud of him. He simply described pride when he recounted what most see as something mundane, “Malaya kang mago-grocery nahindimonamaiisipkung

You will become gender sensitive when all the learnings you gained during your gender awareness is applied in your real-life while when it involves social actions, it is considered as Gender Responsive

ano ang sasabihin ng mga tao.”

In showing love and solidarity in this month of pride, he is hoping that people will recognize and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community beyond the month of June alone.

Ammiel is also optimistic that, Children International an organization appreciating the value of diversity in our children’s lives, will eventually highlight gender awareness and gender sensitivity topics in staff training. Ultimately, he dreams of a community not characterized by discrimination and unfair treatment due to someone’s chosen identity.

The bottom-line of the pride is loving in action which lies in our values in CI. Self-love, and love for others are at the core of pride without judgment.

When asked what color best describes his current relationship, he candidly answered, “the reason why rainbow is the symbol of pride because it shows the spectrum of happiness and diversity, there is a specific gender color. Part of this is the Ally, gender spectrum of inclusivity, so I will define in all colors of the rainbow I’ve come into full circle of my gender awareness, sensitivity and responsiveness…

“Luminya na ang mga tala para sa akin… Luminya na yung mga tala sa lahat ng pinaghirapan ko at sa pinagdaanankosabuhay ”

Ammiel concluded with overflowing gratitude shared with his partner.

“Now as I celebrate pride, I’m happy, contented and thankful because I have a partner that has the same level of awareness in life.”

KWENTONG KAYAKAP

WORDS | C. Adriano / S. Garna

"Your illness should not prevent you from teaching your child or family what they need to know."

"Your illness should not prevent you from teaching your child or family what they need to know." Editha Chua Maglantay –Kayakap caregiver

This impact story arose during a kamustahan session, the caregiver drawn the attention of one of the Pfo's while attending a kamustahan session on April 23, 2022. The PFO noticed that the Parent was in the hospital while taking part in the activity that day. On the following kamustahan session, the PFO called the caregiver to inquire how she was and why she was in the hospital. They had conversations wherein the caregiver expressed her interest and enthusiasm to support her children in the program despite her situation. Apparently, Editha Chua Maglantay, a kayakap caregiver is currently undergoing chemotherapy but is able to complete and submit all KAYAKAP program session activities; she also included her younger daughter in the session because she recognizes the importance of involving her family in the program.

This sight represents one of the CI values, "living the mission."

Editha Chua Maglantay – Kayakap caregiver

It's good to hear stories like this so the KAYAKAP SC team encouraged participants all the more to share their experiences and reflections, but because time was limited to accommodate all of the participants' sharing, the Team created a section from their FB closed group (FB group exclusive for KAYAKAP participants) a "KWENTONG KAYAKAP" post, where caregivers could continue to share their reflections in the comment section.

One of those who posted the comment was Mitch Arzaga, a parent, shared her Kwentong KAYAKAP last June 18, 2022, where she was able to reflect herself from all of the program's Key messages, she shared about the negative effect of stress and anxiety on her relationship with her family and even her health. She emphasized that in her experience, she learned that it is critical to take care of oneself, to continue living with prayer and faith, and to express one's emotions and struggles not only to trusted adults, but also to her children, whom she considers to be her greatest social support

Indeed, being a parent or caregiver should not be limited to the four walls of

the house; even if you are in the hospital, you can still fulfill your role as a parent.

Even if you are dealing with problems, illness, or difficulties, you can still show your support and help your loved

ones. You may not be physically well, but when you are mentally and emotionally healthy, you can still have a huge impact on the lives of others, which is what emotional well-being teaches.

Excerpts from the Kwentong Kayakap FB Closed Groups