VOICE OF THE YOUTH SA RADYO EPISODE 3

 

 

VOTY SA RADYO OBB

Kabataan Night 2: Ito Ang Kultura Mo!

Celebrating Youth Culture and Volunteerism

Towards Achieving the

Millennium Development Goals

“The Blow by Blow Account”

December 6, 2005

Quezon City, Philippines

It would take more or less a month of preparation, brigades of emails, a rollercoaster of highs and lows and unfaltering faith for the youth to organize open-mic night type of a mini-concert. At least this was the case for Voice of the Youth Network’s Kabataan Night 2 (KN2): Ito Ang Kultura Mo! (Youth Night 2: This is Your Culture!), which aims to celebrate Filipino youth culture and volunteerism towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. And what a celebration it really was.

Through KN2, which was held December 6 at the artsy Conspiracy Café in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City, VOTY has once again proven that the innate spirit of volunteerism of the Filipino Youth would not fail. The event we call KN2, is not probably everything we’ve planned but it turned out even better than we expected. Of course, it is risky to hold such an event, with the last minute cancellations of scheduled performers, technical (not wardrobe) malfunctions and other unavoidable circumstances. But seeing all those who came and who took part of the event leaving with smiles on their faces just made all our efforts worth it.

“Expect the unexpected.” That’s how VOTY founder Choy Gonzales described what’s in store for rest of the night. And he was right.

VOTY’s very own student volunteers Ryan Rivera and Resty Flores, (R&R) unwillingly became the first act. As if the pressure of being the first on the spotlight is not enough, their CD didn’t play (it’s not pirated, ok). What followed was the most brazen act of doing a live acapella duet of a classic patriotic Filipino song with an RNB twist. They did well.

Up next was Mr. Hussein Macarambon of the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Beppu City Japan; doing his rendition of the song, “Amen Omen”. He certainly looked like a pro, singing and strumming the guitar. It was an honor for our Moslem friends to have participated in the event.

Adding more vibrant beats, sounds, rhythms and grooves to night are the six guys of Sruvaleh Drum Circle. They best describe their creative type of music as “an abstract language of love to the monochromatic funk and mixed – cultural world of music in the Philippines.” You just thought that the night couldn’t get any better than their “good vibrations” and the audience just couldn’t get enough of them. It’s just amazing how these young guys, who are not full time musicians, show so much passion about their talents and music that truly revive our indigenous culture.

Of course, girl power won’t be left behind. Move over Alicia Keys because here comes 14 year - old, Jerianne Mae Templo who already had a share of the spotlight when she made it through the Grand Finals of a popular singing contest on TV, “Search for the Star”. We’re just confident that her star would shine in its rightful place before we know it.

Then came to the delight of the audience is our favorite celebrity volunteer, Ms. Maybelyn dela Cruz, whose beauty is only surpassed by the beauty of her heart. Not everybody knows that this young actress who has grown right before our very eyes is a full-time volunteer for the Philippine Red Cross and she founded Youth and Elderly for Service. She’s talented, friendly and a proud volunteer… what more can you ask for? (She sings very well too, by the way).

But behind a good actor is a good voice talent and we got Choy to personify that. To those who don’t know yet, our founder actually is a voice talent who gives life to popular TV and anime characters, even politicians and other prominent personalities. It’s a rare treat to watch a man with dozens of voices in action onstage. He now manages a voice talent agency, Creativoices, where all the action, rather, the talk is.

There can never be songs without poems. And no one could have done a better poetry recital than Jovanie Nalzaro of the Thespian Society of Philippine Normal University. He’s an apparent heir to Balagtas after delivering “Sa Gitna ng Ulos ay May Pagsibol.”

16 year-old Richard Mallari deserved a standing ovation as well for his heart-wrenching ballads. He’s just a proof that Filipinos are really good singers.

Local bands rule the airwaves and music scene these days and it is just amazing that more and more talents are yet to be discovered. And one of the bands that would soon rock our world is Kala (www.rockedphilippines.org), which is set to launch an album dedicated to the Filipino Youth. They are certainly cool – advocates of the MDGs. Like what Ion, VOTY Executive Director and the main – man host said, it’s great to see a band campaigning for the MDGs. They are U2 in the making, perhaps.

But boys don’t rule the “band” bandwagon. It’s definitely an arena for the girls too. Liquid Candy gave a female touch for the soothing style of Orange and Lemons, while Mediartrix would give MYMP a run for their money. Girls leading bands are definitely double treats!

Sruvaleh Drum Circle returned with a couple of rounds more. Did I say that the audience just couldn’t get enough of them? Awesome!

The best way to cap the exciting night is to have everyone singing the anthemic “Pinoy Ako” and the Tayo-tayo Song of the Philippine MDG Album by the United Nations Development Program. These tracks are certainly candidates for the “last song syndrome”.

KN2 won’t be possible without the trust and support of Conspiracy Café; United Nations Volunteer Philippines, our main partner and other organizations which include the Masonic District Lodge No. 5 of the most worshipful grand lodge of free and accepted Masons of the Philippines, particularly District Deputy Grandmaster VW Nash Cordova; Philippine Resources for Sustainable Development (PRSD) through its founding chairman, Robert Sagun; Centralized Decentralized Business Network (www.cdbn.org) President Christopher Bernardo and Lion’s Club International through Ms. Evangeline “Nenet” Ang. KN2 is also supported by YMDG (www.youngmdg.com) and Youth Power Against Drugs (YPAD).

Oops, KN2 didn’t end there - portions of the funds would be used for a Christmas outreach program. It’s much fulfilling to have fun for a cause. Thank you to all the volunteer performers who responded to our emails and invitations. To all those who celebrated with us, thank you very much for making the night successful… Until next year!!!

Written by: Mr. Emsie Reyes, KN2 program manager

EPISODE 6 LKTKR
SEPTEMBER 11, 2004

YOUTH VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION!!!

VOICE OUT:

In every episode of LKTKR, we have been indirectly pushing for Volunteerism, after all, the Voice of the Youth Network and the people behind this radio program work out of pure volunteerism and advocacy. Most of our previous guests started out as volunteers and they still are in big and simple ways, the Heroes of our generation.
According to the US – based United Way Volunteer Center, young people spend 2.4 billion hours every year to volunteer as part of their school curriculum. When it comes to the fruit of one’s labor, money is out of the question, because the rewards of volunteerism are absolutely priceless.
As the Philippines face crisis in just every aspect of the society, the Spirit of Volunteerism is just what we need, the answer to all these problems. Filipino Youth, would you take the Real Challenge?

BILIB KAMI SA MGA VOLUNTEERS!!!

For this episode, we have invited two different organizations serving the same advocacy of promoting volunteerism, Hands On Manila Foundation, Inc. and Ivolunteer.ph.
Our resource speaker, Lisa Crisostomo, executive director, explains HOM as a non-profit organization that recruits, educates and coordinates with new volunteers to help them find different organizations to work with. To date, HOM is affiliated with 47 organizations and foundations welcoming everyone who is willing to dedicate a small amount of time and effort to help others. So far, HOM have had 3000 volunteers.
Most of the volunteers of HOM are young professionals who could spare at least one or half of their free day. The students who go to HOM are required through the National Service Training Program (as replacement to ROTC) of universities. NSTP gives young people the first exposure to volunteerism. Their experience would teach them that volunteerism is worthwhile, not difficult, and definitely not boring because of the fulfillment they get in return. Young people could be with their peers and friends as suppose to the usual gimmicks and activities. Usually, volunteers get attach to the people they help and that’s what makes them go back.
Few of HOM projects include feeding to children, tutorial to kids in shelters, environmental activities and outreach to the sick available to their NGO affiliates. People could choose from any of their interests and any of the organizations where they would fit.
Lisa stresses that volunteerism doesn’t require financial capability to take part of this cause, just free time and willingness.
HOM invites everyone to its anniversary on October 24 at the NBC tent in the Fort, Makati where the awarding of Change the World through Volunteerism would be held. Anyone interested to join HOM is required to attend to one – hour monthly orientation. The contact numbers are 843-7044 – 843-5231.

iVolunteer.ph is the Philippines' First Volunteerism Portal. iVolunteer.ph seeks to promote volunteerism for social development by harnessing the power and reach of the Internet. iVolunteer.ph provides web-based facilities for non-stock and non-profit organizations to post volunteer opportunities in a intelligently-searcheable database for FREE! Interested volunteers can then conveniently browse these volunteer opportunities (vopp) by issue/cause, location, duration, and other parameters -- all at the convenience of their desktops. Online sign-up facilities are provided or volunteers may make arrangements with participating organizations directly. Some of the people behind www.ivolunteer.ph graced the studio, Ms. Deanie Ocampo, Mark Ruiz, Regnard Raquedan, and Ms. Ritchie Magpayo.
Ritchie explains the three major features of the website include Volunteer Matching, where people could sign up to organizations; Resources on Volunteerism, where they can read articles, stories and events; Referral Service through the online e-groups where 600 individual volunteers are signed up to share information.
According to Deanie, iVolunteer was launched 3 years ago, during the country’s crisis with the toppled administration. Until now, newspapers and media have become too pessimistic. Their motivation is to do something that creates a positive cycle and that would encourage and give hope to the Filipinos. Through the website, individual volunteers tell their inspiring stories and experiences from simple to “grand work”, from a student visiting cancer patients to a MILF rebel returnee that started community development programs.
Mark says that iVolunteer recognizes that all sectors should come together and share the advocacy, from private, government and youth sectors. iVolunteer is like a “Friendster” on volunteerism where the supply and demand for volunteers meet.
Regnard, the Webmaster, plans to improve functionalities and the design of the site to adhere to standards. Through the Internet, people are no longer bounded by physical location. But the project itself faces challenges, because of the fact that less than 1/3 of Filipino homes have Internet access and many people are still computer illiterate. But they try to harness and maximize the available resources.
A special section of the site features the stories of different volunteers about their inspiring experiences. Deanie says that this is their way to give recognition to these unsung heroes overshadowed by too much negative news in media. These stories range from interaction with cancer patients to rebel returnees that help community programs.
This December, iVolunteer, would celebrate Volunteer Month where they would hold Volunteer Recognition Night. They plan to have a weeklong celebration of volunteers.

JOIN KA DITO!

Pocholo Gonzales (Voice of the Youth Network), Al Ian Barcelona (Philippine Youth Sphere) and Lloyd Luna (Network of Campus Journalist of the Philippines), gave a live report from Hotel Supreme Baguio City, with the leadership training of 162 Sangguniang Kabataan chairman and 15 SK Kagawad of Pasay City.
Greg Paulo, Pasay SK Federation President, says that they have been holding this seminar for the third year. This year, it’s about Team Building and leadership seminar. These seminars would greatly change the attitude and service of SK members. Andrea of Baranggay 58, Zone 7, promises that they would practice everything they have learned from the seminar. Luz of Baranggay 164, Zone 18, is just overwhelmed with the training. Christian learned more about himself and the purpose of his life. Greg Paulo thanks Pasay DILG, City Account and Mayor Pee Wee Trinidad for the success of the training.

YAN ANG EDITORYAL!

In the face of crisis and difficulties, what the Philippines needs right now are VOLUNTEERS. There is a renewed call for volunteerism to help the government and to help the nation. There is a need to celebrate and recognize these ordinary people who are willing to give part of their selves for the country through development work. And LKTKR would be more than welcome to honor these young volunteers, these everyday heroes that we should all look up to and would someday, really change the world by affecting an individual

Lakas Kabataan Tinig Kabataan Recharge: Youth Orriented Radio Program

What’s it about?
“Lakas Kabataan - Tinig Kabataan: Recharged!” (LKTKR), a youth-oriented program of Radyo Uno DZME 1530 kHz, in partnership with Voice of the Youth (VOTY) Network is the ULTIMATE on-air venue for the Filipino Youth.

Recent updates about your project/organization
LAKAS KABATAAN - TINIG KABATAAN: (YOUTH POWER – VOICE OF THE YOUTH) RECHARGED! DZME 1530 kHz Saturdays 12:00 – 1:00 PM SUPPORT US IN OUR ADVOCACY TO INSPIRE, INFORM AND INVOLVE THE FILIPINO YOUTH TOWARDS EMPOWERMENT. THERE IS A NEED TO RECHARGE THE SPIRIT OF THE YOUTH. In August, DZME merged with VOTY that paved the way for an invigorating program that allows young broadcast talents and youth advocates to focus the spotlight on the Filipino Youth’s achievements and productive involvement in the society. VOICE OUT! This segment is the interactive talk and prevailing theme of the program about current national issues concerning the needs and interest of the youth. Aside from promoting social awareness and critical thinking, it encourages the youth to voice out their opinions and take a stand towards creating a positive change in their lives and ultimately as members of the society. Through our invited Guest Speakers and Experts, we have tackled topics from youth volunteerism, empowerment, leadership, and participation to personality development. Voice Out is also a help line for kids and teens about their real life issues and problems with regard to personality, family, love, school and social life. BILIB KAMI SA’YO! This segment gives recognition to Youth Leaders and Achievers to inspire our fellow young people in discovering and utilizing their talents and realizing their dreams. These are the young leaders and talented individuals that initiate change and create positive influence among their peers. From extra-ordinary students, writers, singers, to political leaders, we are always on the search for these unsung young heroes that the present and future generations should look up to. JOIN KA DITO! The Voice of the Youth Network, with its continuous growth, national and international recognition (Quezon City Youth Achiever’s Award, International Youth Foundations’ Youth Action Net Award, Global Youth Action Network’s Global Youth In Action Award) and its affiliation of youth organizations nationwide – young people especially in grassroots level get a chance to take part of the opportunities for youth affairs. Students and young professionals alike are encouraged to join these activities that are rarely given exposure and promotion by the media. Through the efforts of VOTY members and officers the segment has been successful in providing live and on-site reports of their activities even outside of Metro Manila such as in Laguna, Batangas, Davao, Bacolod, Quirino and Baguio City. To date, more than 4000 high school, college students and Sangguniang Kabataan Chairmen have been empowered and recharged after participating in team building seminars and leadership trainings spearheaded by youth spokesperson, Mr. Al Ian Barcelona. Also, every week, we have featured publications, school groups and teams that are lead by young people, to promote their cause and advocacy. And the program has been gaining positive response from all these youth organizations that officially become our partners. RIBYU SA RADYO! Ribyu sa Radyo provides interesting reviews, comments, recommendations and trivia on Movies, TV shows, Music, Books, Sports and Places that keep young minds entertained as much as informed. There is a need to infuse quality in trends and pop culture that keeps young people preoccupied. We also highlight our country’s achievements in art and entertainment that are so often overshadowed by foreign influence. YAN ANG EDITORYAL! To wrap up the program, the hosts would give their insights about the episode’s VOICE OUT. We also read the reactions of the listeners through their text messages and phone calls. WHAT IS THE EDGE OF LKTKR? The difference of the people and the motivational factor behind this radio program is that, ironically, we don’t only TALK or DEBATE on issues, we INITIATE and ACT on it. There is still so much in store for LKTKR and the

Why I had to get involved
The VISION of LKTKR is to become the center of POWER of the VOICE of the Youth in Radio Broadcast. We are bringing AM Radio to the Filipino Youth as an alternative source of quality information and entertainment. Who says AM Radio can’t be COOL?

“Lakas Kabataan - Tinig Kabataan: Recharged!” is entirely conceptualized and spearheaded by youth advocates to create an intelligent, informative, fun and jam-packed program

BATA-BATA ANO ANG IYONG GINAGAWA?

BATA-BATA ANO ANG IYONG GINAGAWA?

(Kid, kid… What’s up?)

Child Rights, Issues and Advocacy

LKTKR EPISODE

VOICE OUT:

November 20, 2004 is the 15th anniversary of the international adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child or CRC. It’s just the perfect time to talk about Children’s Rights, Issues and Advocacy. And the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the pioneer of child advocacy and international watchdog of the protection of kids’ rights, is just about the perfect organization to help us with the discussion.

UNICEF

Mr. Dale Rutstein, Communications Officer of UNICEF in Manila graced us with a phone interview although in such short notice. According to Dale, UNICEF started working here in the Philippines in 1947, after World War II, as a temporary program to meet the needs of children who were affected by the war. UNICEF became permanent quickly because the United Nations realized the need for an organization to protect the rights of children and help their development all over the world. He assures that UNICEF will stay in the country for a long time, working in health, education, child protection and advocacy.

UNICEF is only working on so-called third worlds countries; their funds and programs are dedicated towards the countries where there are no public resources to meet and protect all these rights. The organization collaborates closely with the government. Dale says that UNICEF exists at the good gracious of the government as they continue to work with NGO’s and different sectors.

Child Rights

The rights of children could be categorized in four principles, mainly Survival, Protection, Development and Participation. Dale explains that Survival basically means that children should not die, being at the most vulnerable time or stage of life. There is a need to look very carefully and provide all the services, and support to keep children healthy before and after birth, in their first vulnerable months and years. Development refers to education, growth and all the things that help them develop. The child should receive access to a family, shelter, good food and education. Protection refers to all the things needed to shield children from abuse, exploitation, neglect and discrimination. Dale laments that millions of children in the world are still not given protection from all of these.

Media Impact

UNICEF is the only UN agency that has a dedicated staff working with the media and communication in every country. Dale says that UNICEF takes media work seriously because "people need to be reminded often and loudly that children are here, children need support and special care". Although we all love children, we often forget that, we have to go beyond and do more to protect the child. Even in your own family, it could be a burden because we tend to take care of yourself first. "We need many voices, speaking up and reminding people about that."

Realizing the importance of media, TV, radio and the broadcast industry, UNICEF for many years has been training kids to develop skills in broadcasting, in doing radio and video programs. However, Dale finds that although the training is great and is developing skills to kids, there is no outlet for them and no one sees what they do. Mr. Dale Rutstein, along with the people of UNICEF decided to produce a TV program made by kids for kids. It is Kabataan News Network (KNN), which is shown every Saturday, 10AM at ABC 5 with replays at Tuesdays 4PM and over NBN (Sundays, 4PM) and Nickelodeon, the first Filipino – produced kids show on the Cable TV channel. KNN has a bureau of kids from all over the country from Sagada to Saranggani. Dale says that they really wanted to show the lives of ordinary kids because as children look on the media, they see their own lives and realize what they could become. "It’s helping kids to think big." Several of the kids are taking mass communications in universities, some wants to become lawyers while others look at it as a way of getting involved in more social causes.

"It’s inevitable that when kids have a powerful experience at a young age, it does tend to mold them".

PRESSING CHALLENGE

In the Philippines, the most serious and most alarming problem Children’s Rights Violation is the lack of comprehensive juvenile justice system. "It’s hard to believe that in the country, there is no distinct system of legal justice that looks at child offenders." Children who commit a crime or accused of committing a crime are treated like adults. Kids today who are arrested for a crime are detained with adults and tried like adults, which is a violation of the International Convention on the Rights of a Child. These kids need special treatment.

UNICEF is starting an advocacy campaign on juvenile justice. They’re trying to promote passage of the Comprehensive Juvenile Justice Bill on Congress. The people should push lawmakers to pass this bill because it is an outrage that there is no law that protects the rights of children in the court or jail. Oftentimes, these kids commit very small crimes but they are jailed with adults where they experience and suffer abuse and tremendous torture. These children will never have a chance to overcome those trauma and these makes them criminals.

One of the aspects of the bill is community diversion. This essentially means that a child who commits an offense is, first of all, never really arrested or detained. The child is brought back to the community, in a system organized by the baranggay to cope with the situation. The child should work or receive some kind of community-based training or opportunity. The main goal or principle is to divert all child cases away from the court, away from jail. It takes a village or baranggay to help these kids stay away from anti-social behavior because they usually lack the supervision of parents.

Even with cases where kids commit heinous crimes, there should be a special type of detention that suits the needs of children.

Two previous congresses have already failed in passing of the bill. Children in jail really have no support, they don’t have expensive lobbyist and they are at the lowest position in society. There are other louder voices than the needs of these children.

"Lack of funding for the implementation of the proposed law should not be a deterrent. At least we have to start with the law."

Regarding Foster care, however, UNICEF considers it as a last resort for kids to be taken away and to be deprived of their natural rights for parents. Unless in very extreme situations where the family is very dysfunctional and could lead to extreme danger for the child. Kids are sometimes just whisked away from their home too quickly. But the country is doing a good job with that regard.

This is just one of the very serious problems Filipino kids face in the country. We still have issues on child labor, trafficking, prostitution, and malnutrition.

"It’s sad that with all the riches and wealth the country has, it doesn’t go and spread around, there are too many children who are deprived."

PHILIPPINE KIDS

With his experience in working with so many kids from different countries, Dale realizes the ways children are the same are much more than the way than they’re different.

"I’m a firm believer that there is only one country in the world and mankind is the citizen of that one country."

However, Dale observers that Filipino kids are generally very resilient, always looking on the bright side of life, obedient and respectful to elders, energetic and enthusiastic.

"Even with the awareness of poverty and lack of material things, kids move on and do the best they can."

KIDS PARTICIPATION RIGHTS

UNICEF stresses that they work for the Children in the Philippines and not for the Filipino Child. Dale explains that there are a lot of young people and children in the country who don’t feel they are really welcome in the Philippines. These are the children in Mindanao, the indigenous kids or from different ethnic groups. They want to get across the notion of the diversity of young people, they all have the right to be here, and they need to be embraced and recognized.

"It’s really important for children of the Philippines to feel like they have a role to play for the development of the country, and that they have the right and the place to play and do that role."

Some people consider kids participation as a radical new vision of young people. We often think that children are small, weak, and not as intelligent and they need to get education and to grow up.

"They’re considered as human beings in waiting. In a nutshell, that is why deprivation of children’s rights exists. We need to say to people that Children are NOT the FUTURE, they’re the PRESENT".

We don’t wait for children to play they role and we need to let them play that role now. UNICEF found in many parts of the world that when you actually listen to kids, you learn things you never knew and you get a perspective on things that adults are not capable of having.

"With two million kids being born every year in the country, we should let them fall off the cracks."

Well, that’s how interesting our talk with UNICEF spokesperson Mr. Dale Rutstein went. And what’s more interesting is the brewing partnership between LKTKR and UNICEF with their Child advocacy. Although, technically, international community defines children as anyone below 18 years of age while the youth as anyone from, 15 to 25 years old. But as Mr. Rutstein put it, "the advocacy should not stop at the 18th birthday."

Expect us to guest hosts of KNN and the young people behind it soon in our succeeding programs!

Anyway, what other child issues did Ma. Gisella Orinion (my sole partner for the day – she did very well) and I talked about?

First, the incredible hoax of Faye Nicole B. San Juan, 12 year old student from St. James School with her Mother, Catherine San Juan winning the International Science Quiz Net. 19-yr old writer Patricia Chanco Evangelista, among major newspapers and TV networks and even US were mislead and believed all the lies. There was no contest and they never went to Australia. Bread of Life Ministries already issued a public apology.

Hopefully, this would serve as a lesson to everyone. Although the story got everyone fooled, the child should not be condemned. But this would not stop LKTKR in our advocacy to give recognition to the young people who give honor to the country in "small and big ways."

Second, Philip Ivan Gines, 7-year-old boy of Cavite, recently died of leukemia. He is one of the patients that young actress Maybelyn dela Cruz is handling for the Kythe Foundation, where she volunteers to entertain cancer – patient kids. Our prayers go for the family and for Maybelyn who apparently has been affected with the child’s passing. Although, Philip lost the fight for life, he made all the people around him special in his short stay.

Third, A 6-grade student in Metro Manila is first honor of his class this grading period. Controversy arises when school policy that a transferee should not be accepted or should be disqualified for 1st to 3rd honors. His achievement is at the brink of being thrown out by the administration although things could still turn around.

Also, AIDS Society of the Philippines, through Project Coordinator Bong Yap, shared with us their practice of protecting the rights of the child in their programs through the "ethical guidelines in AIDS investigation." The child of an HIV patient should not be interviewed about the disease without proper guidelines or parental consent.

This is their underlying principle of "as early as in the womb, kids already have their right."

JOIN KA DITO:

THINK POSITIVE: AIDS AWARENESS CONCERT, SPREAD THE NEWS, STOP THE DISEASE at the PICC Plenary Hall, Pasay City. November 23, 2004.

Pocholo Gonzales and Al Ian Barcelona were not with us because they’re in Mindoro where they inspired, informed, involved and empowered new 300 VOTY members.

RIBYU SA RADYO:

Recommended Movie: Magnifico, played by Jiro Manio (winning major international awards for the past 2 years) – truly one of the best movies in Philippine Cinema.

TV:

Bu-bu cha-cha (dubbed by Choy); Blue’s Clues
Recommended Books for Kids:

Nancy Drew detective stories, Calvin and Hobbes, Hardy Boys, Tintin Adventures, Bryan Learns His Lesson

Songs:

Masdan Mo Ang Mga Bata - Asin

RIBYU SA RADYO:

Everything that a child sees and does is a reflection of the reality and the situation of the society. If they experience abuse and their rights are not being protected, this would surely create an impact on their lives and ultimately in the country’s development.

Peace - Out - DJ Emsie

November 26, 2004 | 2:08 AM

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KID, KID, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

November 20, 2004
BATA-BATA ANO ANG IYONG GINAGAWA?
(Kid, kid… What are you doing?)
Child Rights, Issues and Advocacy
LKTKR EPISODE

VOICE OUT:

November 20, 2004 is the 15th Anniversary ng international adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child or CRC. So, it’s just the perfect time to talk about Children’s Rights, Issues and Advocacy. And the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the pioneer of Child Advocacy and international watchdog of the protection of kids’ rights, is just about the perfect organization to help us with the discussion.
Mr. Dale Rutstein, Communications Officer of UNICEF in Manila, although in such short notice, graced us with a phone interview. According to Dale, UNICEF started working here in the Philippines in 1947, after World War II, as a temporary program to meet the needs of children who were affected by the war. UNICEF became permanent quickly because the United Nations realized that there was a permanent need for an organization to protect the rights of children and help their development all over the world. He assures that UNICEF will stay in the country for a long time, working in health, education, child protection and advocacy.
The rights of children could be categorized in four principles, mainly Survival, Protection, Development and Participation. Dale explains, that Survival basically means that children should not die, being at the most vulnerable time or stage of life. There is a need to look very carefully, provide all the services, and support needed to keep children healthy before and after before birth, and in their first vulnerable months and years. Development refers to education, growth and all the things that help the development of the child. The child should receive access to a family, shelter, good food and education for them not to suffer. Protection refers all the things needed to shield children from abuse, exploitation, neglect and discrimination. Dale laments that millions of children in the world are still not given protection from all of these.
UNICEF is only working on so-called third worlds countries; their funds and programs are dedicated towards the countries where there are no public resources to meet and protect all these rights. The organization collaborates closely with the government. Dale says that UNICEF exists at the good gracious of the government as they continue to work with NGO’s and different sectors.

UNICEF is the only UN agency that has dedicated staff working with the media and communication in every country. Dale says that UNICEF takes media work seriously because “people need to be reminded often and loudly that children are here, children need support and special care”. Although we all love children, we often forget that we have to go beyond and do more to protect the child. Even in your own family, it could be a burden because we tend to take care of yourself first. “We need many voices, speaking up and reminding people about that.”
Realizing the importance of media, TV, radio and the broadcast industry UNICEF for many years has been training kids to develop skills in broadcasting, to do radio and video programs. But Dale finds that although the training is great and is developing skills to kids, there’s no outlet for them and no one sees what they do. Mr. Dale Rutstein, along the people of UNICEF decided to produce a TV program made by kids for kids. It is Kabataan News Network (KNN), which is shown every Saturday, 10AM at ABC 5 with replays at Tuesdays 4PM and over NBN and Nickelodeon, the first Filipino – produced kids show on the Cable TV channel. KNN has a bureau of kids from all over the country from Sagada to Saranggani. Dale says that they really wanted to show the lives of ordinary kids because as children look on the media, they see their own lives and realize what they could become. “It’s helping kids to think big.” Several of the kids are taking mass communications in Universities, some wants to become lawyers while others look at it as a way of getting involved in more social causes.
“It’s inevitable that when kids have a powerful experience at a young age, it does tend to mold them”.
In the Philippines, the most serious and alarming problem with regard to Children’s Rights Violation is the lack of comprehensive juvenile justice system. “It’s hard to believe that in the country, there is no distinct system of legal justice that looks at child offenders.” Children who commit a crime or accused of committing a crime are treated like adults. Kids today who are arrested for a crime are detained with adults and tried like adults, which is a violation of the International Convention on the Rights of a Child because these kids need special treatment.

 

KABATAAN NIGHT 2
ITO ANG KULTURA MO!
“Celebrating Youth Culture and Volunteerism
Towards Achieving the Millenium Development Goals”

Voice of the Youth (VOTY) Network – informing, inspiring, involving and empowering – with partner organizations, bring to the Filipino Youth once again – “Kabataan Night!”, a mini-concert that showcases the talents, skills and volunteerism of today’s generation.

Kabataan Night 1, held November last year was a huge success with more than a hundred participants and more than 20 performances from representatives of different universities and organizations.

This time around, Kabataan Night promises to amp and rev up with the theme “Ito ang Kultura Mo!” – Celebrating the Youth Culture and Volunteerism Towards Achieving the Millenium Development Goals. Aside from the concert, the event will also have an Interactive show dubbed as, “Kabataan, Mag-usap Tayo… Ano ang Kultura Mo?” which is a celebration of the Pinoy Youth’s Subcultures which include the paranormal and mystical, tekkies, extreme sports, writers circles, advocates and volunteers.

From professional to aspiring young artists - everyone’s welcome to join, show – off and express their talents from traditional to contemporary song numbers, acoustic and wired band performances, dance, poetry recital, drama, comedy, martial arts, and visual presentations! The event will also feature theme songs from the Album of the Philippine MDGs. Volunteer youth servants and advocates that contribute to the achievement of the MDGs are in for a treat.

Change your Night Out! This is your chance on the Spotlight!

NO Registration or Entrance Fee!

Performers and Participants would Enjoy Freebies and Surprises!

To be held on Dec 6, Tuesday, 9pm at the Conspiracy Café, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City. For details, call or text Kuya Emsie at 09205603269, email votymedia@gmail.com. Visit www.voty.org.

(This serves as an initial invitation)

Program Profile

Kabataan Night 2 - A mini-concert that celebrates the Filipino Youth’s talent and skills in literary, musical and performing arts and a recognition of the youth’s volunteerism towards achieving the Millenium Development Goals.

Objectives
· To provide an alternative venue for the often unheard and unrecognized gifts of the youth in the field of Arts.
· To give young people a sense of pride and a voice as they pursue the talents and volunteer services especially in the Millenium Development Goals.
· To present songs from Album of the Philippine MDGs.
· To give more meaning to a typical Night Out Entertainment of young people.
· To promote a culture of giving this Christmas Season.

Voice Of The Youth Network is about encouraging every Filipino Youth to BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES in creating and promoting POSITIVE SOCIAL CHANGES and their ability to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in our country. We create environments where young people are exposed to new thinking, a diversity of voices, and new and REAL opportunities.

Driven by youth and led by youth, our goal is to empower and foster a sense of volunteerism, leadership, participation and social entrepreneurship through the innovative use of technology and media, creating meaningful experiences for the youth in the Philippines.