On CUBCL’s successful Seminar on GAD in cooperatives

TRUE to the series of activities it had prepared by the end of 2016 and affirmed during the first quarter of 2017, the CUBCL (Cooperative Union of Baguio City and Luzon) stuck it out, despite uncooperative weather, to push through with the seminar-training on gender and development last August 26 (Saturday), 2017. The venue for the whole-day affair was also kept the MGB Function Hall of the DENR Bldg. along Carantes St., Baguio City. Ironically, the few remaining vacant seats at starting time testified to the gutsiness of those who did some to participate actively, attentively, never mind the “Jolina” weather, as would soon be manifested.

Four topics were presented and tackled by well-chosen presenters, namely: (1.) “Gender Concepts” by Engr. Susan Angaga, Chairperson, BAVESCO and BOD/Past Chairperson, CUBCL; (2.) “Gender and Development in Cooperatives” by Felicidad R. Cenon, Cooperative Development Specialist of CDA-CAR; (3.) “Gender issues in the Family and Society” by Angelita Gayados Chairperson of BAMARVEMCO and concomitantly of CUBCL; and (4.) “Gender and Development-related Laws” by Atty. Emily Anniban Balungay of CSC-CAR.

Of the four lecture presentations, the topic handled by Atty. Anniban tended to draw my attention most. After dealing with what is GAD (Gender and Development) and philosophical discussion on men and women relations, roles and needs, and those between them and their children, she took up prominently the elucidation of RA 9262 “Anti-violence against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (AVAWCA 2004) and RA10627 “Anti-Bullying Act of 2013” (ABA 2013). Of the two RA laws, I would just contest myself with the second, RA 2013 or, in full, “AntiBullying Act of 2013” because unlike women, who are of age and so can have personal chance to defend themselves against abuses, children are by nature helpless physically, psychologically and physiologically against abuses inflicted upon them. And to think that the young are very impressionable next generation.

According to the Act as explained by Atty. Anniban Balungay, bullying refers to any severe or repeated use by one or more students or a written, verbal or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof directed at another student that has the effect of actually causing or placing the latter in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm or damage to his property; creating a hostile environment at school for the another student; infringing on the rights of another students at school; or materially and substantially disrupting the education process or orderly operation of a school; such as, but not limited to, the following:

1. Any unwanted physical contact between the bully and the victim like punching, pushing, shoving, kicking, slapping, tickling, headlocks, inflicting, school pranks, teasing, fighting and the use of available objects as weapons;

2. Any act that cause damage to a victim’s psyche and/or emotional well-being;

3. Any slanderous statement or accusation that cause the victim undue emotional distress like directing foul language or profanity at the target, name-calling, tormenting and commenting negatively on victim’s looks, clothes and body;

4. “Cyber-bullying” or any done through the use of technology or any through the use of technology or any electronic means. The terms shall also include any conduct resulting to harassment, intimidation, or humiliation, through the use of other forms of technology, such as, but not limited to texting, email, instant messaging, chatting, internet, social media, online games, or other platforms or formats as defined in DepEd No. 40, Series of 2012.

To our mind, it would be very useful for parents, teachers, guardians and all who take their place in their absence or inability to review and more or less commit to remembrance the above specific enumerations of abusive acts. The local governments and schools are even urged to translate the English terms into concerned dialects so people can understand and avid the acts accordingly. Church people should do their religion more and better to influence the young instead of spending time quarreling among themselves and criticizing the secular government without giving better options if not outright encroaching into the latter’s domain of works.

Atty. Balungay, youngish-looking though she was, gave me the impression that she gained the united active attention of her audience despite variety in age and background because she believed that the future of our nation is in the mind and heart of present impressionable children. Humanity is founded in the gene but affected and effected by environment. What the child experiences will more or less be reflected in his/ her adulthood personality. Fortunate the nation whose children are protected from abuses beginning from the family up to school and the community!

Practically flashing as in a homily Mathew 25:40, “The King will reply, truly I tell you, whatever you do to the heart of my brothers and sisters, you do to Me,” Emily closed her 38-page wellillustrated preparation then turned triumphant to join in the CUBCL song and group pictures.