Philippine Asian News Today Vol 19 No 23 | Page 7

December 1-15, 2017 OPINION PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY  Rey Fortaleza - Publisher Carlito Pablo - Editorial Consultant Rosette Correa - Senior Editor Jun Cordero - Associate Editor Writers - Crisanta Sampang ; Columnists - Geoff Meggs, Ben Berto, Editha Corrales, Mon Datol, Fr. Jerry Orbos SVD, DeeDee Sytangco, Alan Samuel, Erie Maestro, Sandee M. Ed Malay, Jayne Anastacio, JJAtencio and Willie J. Uy (Manila Bureau Chief) Alvin Barrera / Mon Correa - Graphics and Layout ; Rolly Fortaleza - Graphics Design JoelCastro - Website; Julian Fortaleza - Sports Editor; Ricardo Fortaleza- Sports Photography Editor: Dean Guzman; Photograhers- Charles De Jesus/ Christian Cunanan Reyfort Publishing & Entertainment Office Add: 9955 -149th Street, Surrey, B.C. V3R 7N2 Email: [email protected] Website: www.philippineasiannewstoday.com http://www.reyfortmediagroup.com Tel: (604) 588-news (6397) Fax: (604) 588-6387 Copyright of letters and other materials submitted and accepted for publication remains with the author, but the Publisher may freely reproduce them in any other forms. Opinions and views expressed are of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY. E-mail: [email protected] Trudeau’s Christmas Gift Breaking Point By Rosette Correa Overpopulation is a myth. Actually, this is not only a statement but a website that debunks a popular notion that the reason why Third World countries are suffering extreme poverty is because it is overpopulated. What the world does not know is that it is a myth perpetuated by First World countries to protect their interests in the countries they subdue for their own benefit, whether it is for supply of natural resources for manufacturing, or simply a proof that one country is better than the other. Let me explain. The whole idea of reducing population in Third World or poor countries, is an idea conjured up by bureaucrats in the United States of America.  In a classified document of the US Agency for International Development or USAID,  written in 1974, subtitled “Kissinger Report”, and declassified in 1980, the systemic “solution” of aiding Third World countries on the condition that that they decrease their population, has always been on the agenda of the US, and they always start their “experimentation” on the countries they “support”. In the document entitled, Implications of Worldwide Population Growth For U.S. Security and Overseas Interests, they start scaring other bureaucrats about facts that apparently will make population in poor countries grow exponentially in numbers that they will not be able to control it in the long run, and so as early as the 1960s, these measures would eliminate risk, and secure US overseas interest. The report also mentions how poor countries will not be able to afford procuring raw materials and agricultural products  to sustain them. What the report of course fails to mention, is that all these resources are actually present in these countries. The problem is they have no means to cultivate them, as First World countries own the technology and do not want to share it.  So, USAID’s Philippines. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on his last visit, has given reproductive health in the Philippines  a boost with a P715.2 million (17.8 million Canadian dollars) investment from Canada. He says that the investment will be for over five years for the Sexual Health and Empowerment Project, which will be implemented by Oxfam.  Oxfam is an international confederation of non-government organizations, which means politicians will not be able to dip their filthy hands in the pot. Trudeau said the amount would improve access to sexual and reproductive health services of over 85,000 women and girls rural and remote areas of the country. While all well- intentioned, the Filipino hopes that this aid will not be what USAID saw it to be. There is certainly a dire need to provide the proper education and care for newborns and mothers, as well as young men and women who need to be aware of their sexuality, and use their knowledge properly and at the right time, within the confines of marriage. Hopefully, this aid will be used in a positive way, and not just simple a cop out and unfortunate excuse for genocide. I hope Trudeau does not see this as a chance for the advancement of Canada to the detriment of the Filipino people. I hope Trudeau knows that overpopulation is a myth. A Better BC promotes gender equality OP- ED By Honourable Carole James, Finance Minister VICTORIA. Equality is the foundation of a just fair society. When we empower people to fully participate in our communities, everyone benefits. We still have a long way to go before everyone in British Columbia has an equal chance to thrive. Women still solution is to tell them that their problem is lack of resources even if it’s not. And the only solution to it is to lessen the number of mouths to feed. It goes on saying that the interest of the US in the “advancement” of these countries will be affected, and the only solution is to reduce their numbers. They also say to get their leaders in on the whole scheme, making them own it, so that it will be more acceptable to their constituents, rather than coming from the USAID. With that, President Ferdinand Marcos signed this agreement with twelve other poor countries, and hoped to systematically reduce population by providing birth control. This was their only solution. Not sharing of technology. Not sharing of resources. Not helping to eliminate dictatorial and corrupt systems of government. Their solution was to eliminate the future, common citizens of the struggle to be treated equally, and they face gender-based violence that makes it difficult to succeed.  Violence against women hurts us all and has long-lasting effects on families and communities. Recent events have brought gender- based violence to the forefront of public debate. From the #metoo movement to public allegations of sexual misconduct by men in positions of power, women are speaking out about the profound impact that sexual assault, harassment and violence has had in their lives, and in the lives of loved ones. For every woman who has courageously stepped forward, there are thousands more who suffer in silence. Domestic violence and sexua l assault affects tens of thousands of women and children in B.C. each year. We want everyone to feel safe and secure in their relationships, their homes and their communities. Everyone deserves to know they can speak out if something isn’t right, and to know that they will have the support they need to find safety. Survivors can’t fight gender-based violence alone. They need to know that they have a community of support around them when they face violence and discrimination. why our  That’s government is enhancing supports for women and children affected by violence, and investing in education and prevention programs to stop violence before it happens. For too long, community organizations helping women affected by violence have not had the resources and support they needed, with gaps in service and growing waitlists for counselling and crisis programs. Our additional, one time investment of $5million will help reduce waitlists and get women and children quicker access to counselling and crisis services. If we want to end gender-based violence for good, we need to make sure women are treated as full and equal citizens in every aspect of their lives. Our government is committed to equality, which is why, for the first time in B.C. half of our cabinet ministers are women. This is a huge step forward for representation, and a step towards making WWW.PHILIPPINEASIANNEWSTODAY.COM sure we are doing everything we can, across the province, to improve equality for everyone. We’re also doing our best to address inequality by making child care more accessible and affordable. Without childcare, many women can’t access economic opportunity. Similarly we’re taking action to address poverty, improve housing affordability and increase the minimum wage. And we are taking our first steps to renew the BC Human Rights Commission, because every person deserves to live in dignity. We still have a long way to go before we reach equality. But we won’t stop working towards making our province stronger by making it a better, more equal place for everyone.