Filipino J-1 Visa Holders

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas joins the whole nation in commemorating the DAY OF VALOR (ARAW NG KAGITINGAN) and in observing the PHILIPPINE VETERANS WEEK.

This historic day marks the greatness of Filipino veterans and American allies who fought against the Japanese invasion in World War II. Thousands of lives were lost during this dark chapter in our history in defending the country's freedom and sovereignty.

The "Fall of Bataan" serves as a constant symbol of the Filipinos’ bravery and patriotism.

As we face a global health crisis, we are reminded to remain cooperative, brave, and resilient as we, together with our frontline warriors in healthcare, local officials, and international partners, unite to combat the pandemic that has swooped down on humankind.

We owe it to our forefathers who sacrificed their lives for us, to continue fighting for our Motherland and be responsible citizens. More than ever, the Philippines needs solidarity and support from every Filipino.

Long live our veterans, including those living overseas. Long live the bravery of Filipinos!

May we all have a solemn observance.

Leon Ma. Guerrero, nationalist scientist and the so-called "Father of Botany in the Philippines" was born in Ermita, Manila. He was also dubbed as the 1st Filipino industrial scientist, forensic chemist and "Father of Philippine Pharmacy."

Guerrero began his pioneering study on medicinal plants in the early 1900s where he experimented on substitute medicines when synthetic drugs are unavailable. In 1918, he authored a study on "Medicinal Plants" on 174 types of plants with healing elements. he also contributed to La Independencia, the official organ of the
revolutionary movement,
edited by revolutionary general Antonio Luna.

He held important posts in the revolutionary government such as secretary of industry, agriculture and commerce under the presidency of Emilio Aguinaldo's
cabinet, and as a delegate to the Malolos Congress and Malolos Constitution which gave birth to the First Philippine Republic.

In recognition of his work in botany, taxonomists named a genus of plants, Guerreroia monocephala, and a species of orchids, Dendrobium guerreroi, in his honor. In 1921, the University of the Philippines conferred on Guerrero a degree of Doctor of Science honoris causa.

Guerrero died on April 13, 1935 at the age of 82.

Source: National Historical Institute (1995). Filipinos in History Volume 1. Manila: National Historical Institute.

Pursuant to Proclamation No. 760 dated 5 May 2014, the month of January is observed as "Zero Waste Month".
It is in consonance with Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000)
signed on January 26, 2001 which marks its 20th Anniversary this year.

The theme of this year's celebration is "Bouncing Back from the Pandemic to a Greener and Healthier Environment". It aims
to promote responsible management of products and processes to avoid and eliminate the volume and toxicity
of waste materials, most especially during the pandemic.

Together let us partake in obtaining a greener and healthier environment
through living a resourceful lifestyle.

Source: DENR-National Solid Waste Management Commission Secretariat

Q: I came from one of the flagged countries. Can I go home after I received my negative swab test result?

A: All returning overseas Filipinos who came from the current 35 red-flagged countries by the IATF-MEID are required to undergo 14-day quarantine in a stringent quarantine facility, regardless of a negative swab test result.

ALAMIN NATIN Saan maaaring dumulog kung nais mag-report ng kaso ng human trafficking?

PRIMER on Republic Act 9208 or Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 as amended by Republic Act 10364 or Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012
4th Edition, January 2020

This primer provides concise information about the Philippines ' anti-trafficking law. It serves as a handy reference on the salient provisions of the Act and the available programs and services for trafficked victims.

Please click this link to download the primer,https://cfo.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ATIP-2019_15June2020_smaller.pdf

Ending violence against women is everyone’s business.

In 2020, COVID-19 touched our lives in nearly every way, everywhere, as countries went into lockdown and restricted movement to contain the spread of the virus. As doors closed and isolation began, reports of all forms of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, began to rise and intensified – in some countries, calls to helplines have increased five-fold.

The pandemic of violence against women is not new. Even before COVID-19 hit us, globally, 243 million women and girls were abused by their intimate partners in the past year. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified the violence, even as support services faltered and accessing help became harder.

This year’s theme for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” Like in previous years, this year's International Day will mark the launch of 16 days of activism starting today, 25 November 2020 and will conclude on 10 December 2020, which is International Human Rights Day.

In reference, here are some ways you can make a difference, safely and impactfully.

1. LISTEN TO AND BELIEVE SURVIVORS
When a woman shares her story of violence, she takes the first step to breaking the cycle of abuse. It’s on all of us to give her the safe space she needs to speak up and be heard. It’s important to remember that when discussing cases of sexual violence, a victim’s sobriety, clothes, and sexuality are irrelevant. The perpetrator is the sole reason for assault and must bear the responsibility alone. Call out victim-blaming and counter the idea that it’s on women to avoid situations that might be seen as “dangerous” by traditional standards.
Don’t say, “Why didn’t she leave?”
Do say: “We hear you. We believe you. We stand with you.”

2. TEACH THE NEXT GENERATION AND LEARN FROM THEM
Talk about consent, bodily autonomy and accountability to boys and girls, and also listen to what they have to say about their experience of the world. By empowering young advocates with information, and educating them about women’s rights, we can build a better future for all.

3. UNDERSTAND CONSENT
Freely given, enthusiastic consent is mandatory, every time. Rather than listening for a “no,” make sure there is an active “yes,” from all involved. Adopt enthusiastic consent in your life and talk about it. Phrases like “she was asking for it” or “boys will be boys” attempt to blur the lines around sexual consent, placing blame on victims, and excusing perpetrators from the crimes they have committed. When it comes to consent, there are no blurred lines.

4. START A CONVERSATION
Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation that’s been perpetuated for decades. It’s pervasive, but it’s not inevitable, unless we stay silent. Show your solidarity with survivors and where you stand in the fight for women’s rights by oranging your social media profile for the 16 Days of Activism. You may also use and to start your own conversation about gender-based violence.

5. STAND AGAINST R**E CULTURE
R**e culture is the social environment that allows sexual violence to be normalized and justified, fueled by the persistent gender inequalities and attitudes about gender and sexuality. Naming it is the first step to dismantling r**e culture. From the attitudes we have about gender identities to the policies we support in our communities, we can all take action to stand against r**e culture.

Ka-BaLinkBayan, you may also take action and make a difference by supporting women and girl survivors of violence to stay safe and free of violence!






Source: United Nations Women

We are pleased to share the 2020 Month of Overseas Filipinos (M*F) calendar of activities for November and December!

This year's M*F celebration theme is "Pagpupugay sa Migranteng Filipino Tungo sa Pagbangon mula sa Pandemya."

For more information regarding the following activities, kindly contact the M*F secretariat at +632-8552-4764 to 67.

*F

The Subaraw Festival is a local festivity in homage to the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) celebrated every 11th day of November. Subaraw came from the words suba (river) and taraw (limestone cliff) and has been observed since 2018.

With the theme ‘Balik Tanaw sa Surabaw’, the local government “embraces the new normal” as it “walks down the memory lane” through the “best of Subaraw Festival” from the preceding years.
This year’s virtual celebration looked back on the past festivities as Puerto Princesa remains to enforce tight measures against public gatherings to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

PPUR was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and affirmed as the New Seven Wonders of Nature of the World on November 11, 2011. Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PPUR attracts an estimated 1,500 tourists daily.

Source: Local Government of Puerto Princesa