Election 2019: Making Voices Heard

The official campaign period for the National midterm election has already started. This is a crucial time for us, the Filipino voters, as we prepare to exercise our democratic rights. Despite the premature campaigning, with political ads on television and street posters since 2018, we must stay focused on the significance of the upcoming elections.

In the coming May 13 election, we will again select and vote for the candidates who will serve our country and the people. We will choose our 12 Senatorial bets for the national post and elect our own officials, from Provincial Governors down to Municipal Councilors.

It's a midterm election, and several candidates now share their political views and expertise on issues confronting our nation. Several problems are currently widespread, like the drug war, extrajudicial killings, terrorism, medical marijuana, the age of criminal responsibility, the defense of territorial waters, and the revival of the death penalty. 

We also have long-time issues such as poverty alleviation, graft and corruption, unemployment, drug addiction, crime prevention, population control, reproductive health, environmental protection, and climate change. These are some of the many issues our national candidates face once elected. Our local candidates will represent the interests of their constituents and legislate local laws or ordinances to address socio-political issues and uplift the living conditions of the people.

The media plays a significant role in shaping the public's understanding of the candidates. We learn about our candidate's platforms and intentions through media organizations, empowering us to make informed decisions. 

I watched the senatorial forum hosted by CNN Philippines and the debate from the GMA network this month. Thousands of Filipinos could hear what their senatorial bets had to say on various issues. We may have different reactions or emotions to their views; either we agreed and were amused, or we disagreed and were disappointed. 

On March 29, we will also hear our local candidates' political views. Their campaign may not be as grand as the national candidates, but their common intention is to serve and be the voice of their constituents. I encourage you to attend their campaigns, as it will give you a better understanding of the issues at the grassroots level. 

The campaign period may be the most exhausting part of the candidate's possible victory since they devote their energy, time, and money to it. Thus, we, the voters, must also spend some time getting to know our candidates. We can do this by attending their rallies, reading their published materials, or engaging them in social media. Their stance on various issues of our nation and locality is significant in nation-building and good governance. 

Amidst the different voices, we can learn how to filter those who are significant and reflect our values and virtues. Our guiding principle shall rule, not the outside influence of the media and black propaganda. 

Remember, your vote matters. As we approach the May 13 election, let's exercise our right to vote. This is not just the fight of our candidates but the collective fight of all Filipino people towards a better community and country.

© 2019 Del Cusay

Social Commentary: Lessons from Vaccination Scare and Disease Outbreak

On February 6, 2019, the Department of Health declared an urgent outbreak of measles in the National Capital Region, including regions in Luzon, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON. Just a day after, it was reported that the outbreak had escalated in the Visayas, Central, Eastern, and Western Visayas, underscoring the pressing need for intervention.

The disease outbreak is just a year after the controversial Dengvaxia scare, with several deaths of children linked with Dengvaxia: a vaccine for Dengue.

Although it was not medically proven through studies and investigation by the Department of Health, still the Public Attorney's Office, headed by its Chief, Persida Acosta, defended the human rights of her clients when she insisted that it was indeed the Dengvaxia vaccine that caused the death of children who received it.

How the deadly controversy started

It was revealed late last year by Acosta that the President himself ordered her office to pursue filing a criminal complaint against several personalities of the past administration who are allegedly involved in the Dengvaxia controversy, and that includes former President Aquino, Former Department of Health Secretary Garin, and the present DOH Secretary Duque. The Department of Health, as the primary agency responsible for public health, was at the center of this controversy.

Since then, Acosta has actively pushed for public information on the dangers of  Dengvaxia and the vaccination program, and this controversy led to discouragement and fear against vaccination. 

Dr. Acosta is interested in fighting for her client's rights and following his excellency, the President. As a Doctor of Social Development, she has expertise in advocacy for human rights and legal aid; that is where she comes from.

From Advocacy to Disaster 

Apparently, Acosta's advocacy went wrong when her allegations about the Dengvaxia-related deaths caused a sudden drop in immunization records of the DOH starting in 2018 until the present. Parents are scared to have their children vaccinated by Dengvaxia and even other vaccinations, including MMR vaccines (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella), which have caused an epidemic of measles in several regions in the country and were reported to be thousands of cases and several deaths already. 

Disinformation and fake news can kill

With the Dengvaxia scare, over 2 million Filipino children are currently at risk of contracting measles, a highly infectious airborne disease causing respiratory complications that can be lethal. 

This would not have happened if there had not been mass hysteria from several personalities in broadcast and social media. The disinformation easily spread and was accepted by followers as the absolute truth. 

Nowadays, thousands or millions of Filipinos are victims of fake news or disinformation on social media. Social media influencers must be responsible for their words or statements to avoid confusion and help followers and the general public decipher real news from fake news.

Turnaround of circumstances.

With the rising number of measles cases across the country, the Department of Health and President Duterte have stepped up to lead a campaign on national television for families to have their children vaccinated against diseases. The public call was followed by Vice President Robredo and now, the Chief Public Attorney, Persida Acosta, who seemed to be remorseful when she expressed to the public not to be scared of vaccination to spare children from getting measles considering its alarming rates: a step she made just after the call for her resignation by our Senators and some people. 

Our leaders have the most significant role to play in all of these circumstances affecting the state of health of Filipino children. They may have reflected on their shortcomings and are now doing their part to correct the mistakes they have caused. For the Chief Public Attorney, her sudden active campaign for vaccination may not be an admission of guilt, hence taking responsibility for her actions if her advocacy to fight for her clients led to our country's health crisis. 

Our Call to Action 

May this health crisis call other media personalities and social media influencers to do the same and stop disinformation campaigns that cause trials by publicity and untoward events? The worst is the loss of lives. We have lost the confidence of our people in our Government's immunization campaign, and it might take time for others to regain their trust.

Full immunization is essential in developing immunity against highly communicable diseases. Vaccination is a crucial tool in preventing diseases like measles. Imagine if all children received full immunization; we would be closer to eradicating these diseases.

We have already eradicated diseases like polio and maternal and neonatal tetanus. Hence, we can also achieve a measles-free country and eliminate other conditions through full immunization. It may be a challenging task for our healthcare workers, but the goal can be achieved with our government's active campaign and the public's cooperation, offering a hopeful vision for the future. 

As a healthcare advocate, I want to protect my family and the public through health education so that they can live the best lives they deserve. Whoever we are, we can become health advocates, and our advocacy can create a ripple effect toward a healthy citizenry and community, emphasizing the power of collective action. 

© 2019 Del Cusay

Celebrating Chinese New Year 2019: Luck, Prosperity and Faith

Lion and Dragon Dance

: The Chinese New Year, a significant part of Philippine culture for centuries, is celebrated by Filipinos from all walks of life, especially those of Chinese descent, whom we call Tsinoy or Intsik. The Lion and Dragon Dance, a traditional Chinese performance, is a key highlight of these celebrations. The lion symbolizes courage, the dragon represents power, and their dance is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

In Binondo, a district in Manila, a vibrant and colorful celebration happens every Chinese New Year to welcome prosperity and abundance in businesses established by the Tsinoys. The majority of the community comes from Fujian and Guangdong provinces in China.

Grand Parade at Ongpin St. in Binondo

Centuries has passed. They have endured wars and conflicts in their little community, Chinatown in Binondo, and communities established in other places in the Philippine archipelago. But today, their businesses thrive in Binondo and have conquered almost all commerce and industries, becoming business leaders.

Our Philippine culture is greatly influenced by the Tsinoys, as evidenced by the food we serve during holidays, beliefs in luck through Chinese astrology or horoscope, Chinese martial arts, Chinese feng shui, Chinese arts, and architectural designs and structures. Today, all of these influences are alive in Binondo, particularly in the famous street of Ongpin—the center of the Chinese New Year celebration in the country.

Fruits and lucky charms

: Tsinoys have been elected to serve the country even in politics and governance. Beyond their business interests, they have proven themselves effective public servants, becoming truly Filipino by heart. Their ancestors were Chinese immigrants to the Philippines, and they now have a massive influence in Philippine politics, with several prominent figures of Chinese descent holding key positions. Filipinos patronize their brand of leadership, which often reflects the values and principles of Chinese culture.

My journey in Binondo started in 2013. Celebrating the Chinese New Year 2013: A New Beginning was a meaningful and joyful experience. That began a beautiful fusion of Chinese and Filipino culture, an immersion that enriches our understanding of the country's deeply rooted Chinese influence.

Five years later, Celebrating Chinese New Year 2018: Prosperity and Abundance was a celebration of success, thanksgiving for an incredible year that has passed, and greater optimism for the current year. That's the essence: becoming better and bolder every year.

According to Chinese culture, this year of the Pig brings wealth and prosperity through the beliefs and symbols one must possess. This has been adopted by most Filipinos, and every year, we strive to become a better version of ourselves and free ourselves from obsolete beliefs. Every new year is a renewal and a vow through the lists of resolutions. We may believe in luck, but our faith and personal devotion to a higher source also bring success and prosperity in life.

As we celebrate a new year with optimism and grace, our dreams and hopes may become brighter this year and beyond. Let's look forward to the future with hope and positivity, embracing the opportunities and challenges that come our way.

© 2019 Del Cusay