By Robert B. Roque, Jr.
With the global trending of #breakthebias, International Women’s Day was celebrated around the world this week, emphasizing women empowerment and creating professional environments where women could thrive.
In the context of the upcoming elections, Firing Line acknowledges the viability of women candidates to stand out and be the best in a gender-equal world of politics in the Philippines. I, for one, believe that women leaders, especially in the top national elective posts, hold the key to turning the lousy situation of our country around.
Filipinas have proven themselves, time and again, in public governance, business, health, sports, society, and various fields. But in spite of their visibility, sadly, there is still a need to elevate the nation’s sense of appreciation for and faith in them.
Hopefully, on May 9, we will see women leaders on top. To all our women leaders forging change from bias and discrimination… Mabuhay!
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Incidentally, a compelling argument for the cause of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) was sent to me by the Advocates and Keepers Organization of Overseas Filipinos Workers (AKO-OFW) party-list.
Its nominee Dr. Chie Umandap says that if their group gets elected to Congress, he would be “promoting respect for the rights of OFWs and their families; assisting OFWs in their individual and/or collective labor, legal, healthcare, economic and other concerns; articulating the concerns of OFWs on issues affecting them and support and promote their welfare; and developing an accessible group professionals to offer expert advice on concerns, including but limited to financial, legal, mental and physical health, and social work.”
The Pulse Asia survey conducted last Jan. 19-24 had AKO-OFW obtaining a 0.6 percent voter preference, enough to put it in the top 40. If this party-list group makes it to Congress, Firing Line would wish it well to truly champion the cause of this underserved sector of our country.
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Speaking of important causes, the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) reported that the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) held in Nairobi last week had adopted a landmark resolution to end plastic pollution in the world.
Dreadfully, this victory for the environment has fetched little or no media coverage at all when this resolution means the forging of a legally binding global plastics treaty by 2024 that would address the full lifecycle of plastic from source to sea.
EcoWaste Coalition emphasizes that the inclusion of key provisions in the resolution is “a huge milestone in our fight against plastics.” However, with more work and support from governments, this mandate would be followed, localized, and implemented strictly, especially in the Philippines.
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SHORT BURSTS. For comments or reactions, email firingline@ymail.com or tweet @Side_View. Read current and past issues of this column at https://www.thephilbiznews.com