PBSSW 002

Cross-Cutting Analysis

Submitted By:
Submitted To:
 Informal Settlers/Street Families

I. Introduction:

Informal settlements are a common occurrence in developing countries. Each settlement, however, has
unique living conditions which require improvement efforts that are specifically tailored to the
settlement. These informal settlements are characterised by poverty, tenure insecurity, informal
housing, a lack of basic services and overcrowding (Davis 2006; Nuissl and Heinrichs 2013; UN-
Habitat 2003, 2014, p. 31). Apart from urbanization, their expansion has also been attributed to
colonialism, poor urban planning approaches, poor governance and the inability of governments to
meet the demands of the growing urban population.

According to the data of the Philippines Statistics Authority, about 4.5 million people are homeless or
living in informal settlements in the Philippines. Informal settlers find their shelter illegally occupying
publicly and privately owned lands. Informal settlements located in danger and non-danger areas are
characterized by poor housing, lack of tenure, inadequate basic services, underdeveloped basic
infrastructure and inadequate income. Sometimes, these people are also used by syndicates to occupy
lots for their

Exclusive communities are inhabited by the rich with access to all the amenities and conveniences of a
comfortable life while in the contradictory, informal settlers live in sprawling slums that do not meet the
most basic needs, or worse area used as dumping grounds for hazardous wastes, and where they are
oftentimes continually exposed to serious health risks.

The UN-Habitat definition of informal settlement have been defined as those that cannot provide one of
the following basic living characteristic:

 Durable housing of a permanent nature that protects against extreme climate conditions.
 Sufficient living space, which means not more than three people sharing the same room.
 Easy access to safe water in sufficient amounts at an affordable price.
 Access to adequate sanitation in the form of a private or public toilet shared by a reasonable
number of people.
 Security of tenure that prevents forced evictions.

II. Causes of Informal Settlers/ Street Families

 Poverty is identified as one of the root cause of informal settlements. Residents of these
settlements are faced with vulnerabilities such as inadequate and unstable incomes, payment of
high prices for necessities, inadequate protection of rights through the operation of the law and
powerlessness within political systems, inadequate provision of infrastructure, lack of collateral
 for accessing credit, few or no savings and health burdens from malnutrition and the use of
poor-quality food, fuel and water.
 Past and ongoing government housing programs have concentrated on the relocation of
informal settlers, construction of new houses, and subsidized lending—focusing on houses
money and not people. The government’s approach has led to a policy of massive relocation of
entire communities to distant locations, often against the wishes of the inhabitants and their
inevitable loss of income as a consequence.

III. Conclusion

The issue on illegal settlers and street families has already been a vital concern of the government and
even the community for the past decade. We have so many government leaders that has already
finished their terms but unfortunately there were no concrete advocacy that has addressed to end this
issue. I have been in the LGU for quite some time, I have noticed that there are many policies and legal
mandates provided by the government to stop illegal settlers and street families but unfortunately, this
issue continuous to exist and even increase in number. Maybe it is about time that the local leaders
must focus on the needs of the people and should not concentrate on funding projects for relocation
sites . We may built one of a kind relocation site but we must also look into consideration other factors
such as the accessibility of the site to the nearest market, safety and welfare of the people such as the
potable water system and the area is hazard free many others. Aside from that, there should be a strong
political will to address the issue. It is often noted that illegal squatters and settlers are used by
syndicates who bribe various authorities to earn protection.

I admire the leadership of the newly elected Mayor of Manila who seriously “cleaned” the streets of
Divisoria particularly the illegal street vendors, who are often blamed for garbage and traffic
congestion in the capital city. If there will be strong political like what Mayor Isko did, the issue on
street families and illegal settlers can be resolved in due time.
 Indigenous People

I. Introduction
Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IPs) are a group of people or homogenous
societies identified by others, who have continuously lived as organized community on communally
bounded and defined territory, and who have under claims of ownership since time immemorial,
occupied, possessed and utilized such territories, sharing common bonds of language, customs,
traditions and other distinctive cultural inroads of colonization, non-indigenous, religions and cultures
became historically differentiated from the majority of Filipinos. ICCs/IPs include peoples who are
regarded as indigenous on account of their descent from the populations which inhabited the country,
at the time of conquest or colonization, or at the time of inroads of non-indigenous religions and
cultures, or the establishment of the present state boundaries, who retain some or all their own social,
economic, cultural and political institutions, but who may have been displaced from their traditional
domains

According to some estimates, there are close to 100 indigenous peoples, exclusive of the Muslim groups,
though the exact size of the indigenous population remains unclear: while the National Commission on
Indigenous Peoples estimates that there are approximately 11.3 million indigenous peoples in the
Philippines There is a great variety of social organization and cultural expression among these
communities. Some specialize in wood-carving, basket-making and weaving. Others are known for their
embroidery, appliqué and bead-making. Indigenous Peoples in the world remain one of the poorest,
most excluded and disadvantaged sectors of society. They continuously face different issues including
discrimination, poverty and human rights abuse.In response to these challenges, the Philippine
government has passed the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997, which affirms Indigenous
Peoples’ rights to ancestral domains, self-governance and empowerment, social justice and human
rights, and rights to cultural identity. Ten years later, in 2007, the UN General Assembly adopted
the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which provides a
framework for the survival, dignity, well-being and rights of the world’s Indigenous Peoples, and
strengthens their rights to identity, education, health, employment and language, amongst others. More
recently, the United Nations adopted Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, which also
include the rights and well-being of Indigenous Peoples.

The Indigenous People represent nearly 14% of the country’s population. They are among the poorest
and the most disadvantaged social group in the country. Illiteracy, unemployment and incidence of
poverty are much higher among them than the rest of the population. IP settlements are remote,
without access to basic services, and are characterized by a high incidence of morbidity, mortality and
malnutrition.

II. Issues affecting the IPs

Although most indigenous communities live in isolated rural areas, a growing number are migrating to
cities in search of better livelihoods and social services. Many are driven from their traditional lands by
militarization, tribal conflicts and the expansion of large-scale development projects, which frequently
bring little or no benefits to local communities, particularly women: many indigenous women, unable to
secure employment with the mining companies and leave to find work in urban areas, suffering extreme
poverty in cities like the northern city of Baguio or the capital city, Manila. They often face poverty and
exclusion as a result of their limited formal education and the fact that their skills may not be suited to
an urban context. In Baguio – where indigenous people make up over 60 per cent of the population – it
is estimated that some 65 per cent of indigenous migrants suffer from extreme poverty. Many of them
are migrant women working as vendors in the city streets, where they are regularly pestered by police
as part of the government’s anti-peddling drive.

The indigenous people concern seems not to be, are in the midst of problems. Physical isolation does
not shield them from being caught in the crossfire in the on- going armed conflicts in the country, many
suffered as internally displaced persons (IDPs) and some killed or detained and tortured as suspected
members of the armed opposition groups. At the same time, the lack of access to basic social services,
education, sustainable livelihood, farm-to-market roads, and health services contribute to their
continuing poverty.

Recently, the National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) through the DILG has required all LGUs
for the representation of Indigenous People in the local sanggunian and higher policy making body.
Unfortunately, the appointed Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) are not sincere
enough in performing their roles as local legislator but instead they are just attending the sessions just
for the sake of attendance and compensation but never indeed raised the diversity of interests and
needs of their community in the council. Moreover, I believe it can also be considered that the IP
representatives are not properly educated nor properly prepared with regards to their expected duties
as functions being the voice of the IPs in the legislative body of the local government unit.

III. Conclusion

Each indigenous community is different. But all indigenous communities struggle for the right to self-
determination and to their ancestral domain. Pursuant to the stipulations of the 1987 Constitution, IPRA
undertakes to improve the situation of indigenous peoples. But laws, such as IPRA, have to be effectively
implemented in light of the existence of other laws that violate the rights of indigenous peoples. Finally,
the resolution of the problems of the indigenous peoples relates to the elimination of the deep- seated
discrimination against them, a task that remains difficult to achieve.

The national and local government in collaboration with the NCIP should implement regular training for
duly-appointed IPMRs to prepare them for their vital role to fully ventilate their concerns and
sentiments during sanggunian sessions and enable them to share their best practices on how IPs
exercise their rights within the context of IPRA Law.

The NCIP should coordinate with the Department of Education to come up with a Joint Resolution to
ensure Indigenous Peoples’ education to be given priority to help increase their literacy rate and
eliminate bullying and discrimination of IP students.
 Persons with Disabilities

I. Introduction

Republic Act 7277, or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, defined PWDs as "those suffering from
restriction of different abilities, as a result of a mental, physical or sensory impairment, to perform an
activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being. Disability is one of the
social issues affecting a portion of the Philippines' population. To ensure the equality and rights of
disabled persons, there are Philippine laws and policies that were passed regarding persons with
disabilities (PWDs). There are also numerous non-government associations that seeks to encourage and
help improve the wellbeing of people with disabilities.

Persons with disabilities make up the world’s largest and most disadvantaged minority. The numbers are
damning: an estimated 20 per cent of the world’s poorest persons are those with disabilities; 98 per
cent of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend school; an estimated 30 per cent
of the world’s street children live with disabilities; and the literacy rate for adults with disabilities is as
low as 3 percent—and, in some countries, down to 1 per cent for women with disabilities.

The fact that persons with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty is often the result of ignorance
and neglect that is reinforced in Government and development policies and programmes that ignore,
exclude, are not accessible to or do not support the rights of persons with disabilities to be included in
the socio-economic life of the country.

People with disabilities face all forms of discrimination and exclusion from the social, cultural, political,
and economic life of their communities. In many contexts, people with disabilities are more likely to
experience poverty, yet are often not appropriately considered or included in development programs.
There is growing recognition of the need for disability-disaggregated data to increase understanding of
the prevalence of disability and, equally importantly from a development programming perspective, to
support the design, implementation, and monitoring of effective, inclusive development programs [1].
Responding to the needs and priorities of people with disabilities, for example, requires context-specific
information on the lived experience of disability and how this intersects with access to essential life
domains, such as health, education, employment, and social inclusion.

II. Issues affecting PWDs

Despite the importance of work to disabled people, this vulnerable group is still generally restricted in
their attempts to gain employment. Studies suggest that disabled people face employment
problems, mainly due to the lack of understandings of disability which translates to employers’
negative attitudes toward hiring disabled people and little intention to hire them.

In the Philippines, 1.57% of the population have disability, the 2010 Census showed. Some of
the problems faced by PWDs, according to NCDA, are inaccessible public transportation and healthcare
systems, limited livelihood and education opportunities, poverty, and discrimination – including media
discrimination.

In fact, people with disabilities face barriers to accessing health and rehabilitation services. They also
frequently encounter stigmatization, discrimination, and inequalities. Disability disproportionately
affects women, older people, and poor people. They have little hope of going to school, getting a job,
having their own home, creating a family and raising their children, enjoying a social life or voting. For
the vast majority of the world’s persons with disabilities, shops, public facilities and transport, and even
information are largely out of reach.

Many establishments still lack ramps, functioning elevators, and necessary facilities. Also, opportunities
are lost because of lack of proper funding for PWD programs.

III. Conclusion

IV.
V. 187$
VI. $
VII. According to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, “persons
with disabilities include those
VIII. who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in
interaction with various barriers
IX. may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with
others” (UNCRPD, 2006: article 1,
X. purpose as cited by Vornholt, 2018)
XI. Figure 1: The current ICF-Model (WHO, 2001World Health Organization. (2001).
International Classification of
XII. Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Geneva, Switzerland. in comparison to
the former ICIDH-Model
XIII. (WHO, 1980 World Health Organization. (1980). International classification of
impairments, disabilities, and
XIV. handicaps (ICIDH). Geneva, Switzerland.
XV.
XVI. Source: As cited by Linden, Baron, Muschalla, and Ostholt-Corsten, (2011).
XVII.
XVIII. The Malaysian Disability Act (2008) defines persons with disabilities as those who
have long-term physical, mental,
XIX. intellectual or sensory impairments; which in interaction with various barriers may
hinder their full and effective
XX. participation in society (Tiun & Suet, 2013).
XXI. According to World Report on Disability, disability is complex, multidimensional, and
contested.
XXII. According to American with Disabilities Act 1990 (42 U.S. Code), the term
‘disability’ means, with respect to an
XXIII. individual:
XXIV. a. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the
major life activities of such an
XXV. individual;
XXVI. b. A record of such an impairment (an individual meets the requirement of
“being regarded as having such an
XXVII. impairment” if the individual establishes that he or she has been subjected to an
action prohibited under this
XXVIII. chapter because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or not
the impairment limits
XXIX. or is perceived to limit a major life activity);
XXX. c. Being regarded as having such an impairment
XXXI. According to Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) (2016), disability
means a person is disabled if
XXXII. they have ‘a physical or mental impairment’ which has ‘a substantial and long-term
adverse effect’ on their ‘ability to
XXXIII. carry out normal day-to-day activities’.
XXXIV.
XXXV. 187$
XXXVI. $
XXXVII. According to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, “persons
with disabilities include those
XXXVIII. who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which
in interaction with various barriers
XXXIX. may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with
others” (UNCRPD, 2006: article 1,
XL. purpose as cited by Vornholt, 2018)
XLI. Figure 1: The current ICF-Model (WHO, 2001World Health Organization. (2001).
International Classification of
XLII. Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Geneva, Switzerland. in comparison to
the former ICIDH-Model
XLIII. (WHO, 1980 World Health Organization. (1980). International classification of
impairments, disabilities, and
XLIV. handicaps (ICIDH). Geneva, Switzerland.
XLV.
XLVI. Source: As cited by Linden, Baron, Muschalla, and Ostholt-Corsten, (2011).
XLVII.
XLVIII. The Malaysian Disability Act (2008) defines persons with disabilities as those who
have long-term physical, mental,
XLIX. intellectual or sensory impairments; which in interaction with various barriers may
hinder their full and effective
L. participation in society (Tiun & Suet, 2013).
LI. According to World Report on Disability, disability is complex, multidimensional, and
contested.
LII. According to American with Disabilities Act 1990 (42 U.S. Code), the term
‘disability’ means, with respect to an
LIII. individual:
LIV. a. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the
major life activities of such an
LV. individual;
LVI. b. A record of such an impairment (an individual meets the requirement of
“being regarded as having such an
LVII. impairment” if the individual establishes that he or she has been subjected to an
action prohibited under this
LVIII. chapter because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or not
the impairment limits
LIX. or is perceived to limit a major life activity);
LX. c. Being regarded as having such an impairment
LXI. According to Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) (2016), disability
means a person is disabled if
LXII. they have ‘a physical or mental impairment’ which has ‘a substantial and long-term
adverse effect’ on their ‘ability to
LXIII. carry out normal day-to-day activities’.
LXIV.
LXV. 187$
LXVI. $
LXVII. According to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, “persons
with disabilities include those
LXVIII. who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in
interaction with various barriers
LXIX. may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with
others” (UNCRPD, 2006: article 1,
LXX. purpose as cited by Vornholt, 2018)
LXXI. Figure 1: The current ICF-Model (WHO, 2001World Health Organization. (2001).
International Classification of
LXXII. Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Geneva, Switzerland. in comparison to
the former ICIDH-Model
LXXIII. (WHO, 1980 World Health Organization. (1980). International classification of
impairments, disabilities, and
LXXIV. handicaps (ICIDH). Geneva, Switzerland.
LXXV.
LXXVI. Source: As cited by Linden, Baron, Muschalla, and Ostholt-Corsten, (2011).
LXXVII.
LXXVIII.The Malaysian Disability Act (2008) defines persons with disabilities as those who
have long-term physical, mental,
LXXIX. intellectual or sensory impairments; which in interaction with various barriers may
hinder their full and effective
LXXX. participation in society (Tiun & Suet, 2013).
LXXXI. According to World Report on Disability, disability is complex, multidimensional, and
contested.
LXXXII. According to American with Disabilities Act 1990 (42 U.S. Code), the term
‘disability’ means, with respect to an
LXXXIII. individual:
LXXXIV. a. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the
major life activities of such an
LXXXV. individual;
LXXXVI. b. A record of such an impairment (an individual meets the requirement of
“being regarded as having such an
LXXXVII. impairment” if the individual establishes that he or she has been subjected to
an action prohibited under this
LXXXVIII. chapter because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or
not the impairment limits
LXXXIX. or is perceived to limit a major life activity);
XC. c. Being regarded as having such an impairment
XCI. According to Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) (2016), disability
means a person is disabled if
XCII. they have ‘a physical or mental impairment’ which has ‘a substantial and long-term
adverse effect’ on their ‘ability to
XCIII. carry out normal day-to-day activities’.
XCIV.
XCV. 187$
XCVI. $
XCVII. According to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, “persons
with disabilities include those
XCVIII. who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in
interaction with various barriers
XCIX. may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with
others” (UNCRPD, 2006: article 1,
C. purpose as cited by Vornholt, 2018)
CI. Figure 1: The current ICF-Model (WHO, 2001World Health Organization. (2001).
International Classification of
CII. Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Geneva, Switzerland. in comparison to
the former ICIDH-Model
CIII. (WHO, 1980 World Health Organization. (1980). International classification of
impairments, disabilities, and
CIV. handicaps (ICIDH). Geneva, Switzerland.
CV.
CVI. Source: As cited by Linden, Baron, Muschalla, and Ostholt-Corsten, (2011).
CVII.
CVIII. The Malaysian Disability Act (2008) defines persons with disabilities as those who
have long-term physical, mental,
CIX. intellectual or sensory impairments; which in interaction with various barriers may
hinder their full and effective
CX. participation in society (Tiun & Suet, 2013).
CXI. According to World Report on Disability, disability is complex, multidimensional, and
contested.
CXII. According to American with Disabilities Act 1990 (42 U.S. Code), the term
‘disability’ means, with respect to an
CXIII. individual:
CXIV. a. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the
major life activities of such an
CXV. individual;
CXVI. b. A record of such an impairment (an individual meets the requirement of
“being regarded as having such an
CXVII. impairment” if the individual establishes that he or she has been subjected to an
action prohibited under this
CXVIII. chapter because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or not
the impairment limits
CXIX. or is perceived to limit a major life activity);
CXX. c. Being regarded as having such an impairment
CXXI. According to Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) (2016), disability
means a person is disabled if
CXXII. they have ‘a physical or mental impairment’ which has ‘a substantial and long-term
adverse effect’ on their ‘ability to
CXXIII. carry out normal day-to-day activities’.
CXXIV.
CXXV. 187$
CXXVI. $
CXXVII. According to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, “persons
with disabilities include those
CXXVIII. who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which
in interaction with various barriers
CXXIX. may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with
others” (UNCRPD, 2006: article 1,
CXXX. purpose as cited by Vornholt, 2018)
CXXXI. Figure 1: The current ICF-Model (WHO, 2001World Health Organization. (2001).
International Classification of
CXXXII. Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Geneva, Switzerland. in comparison to
the former ICIDH-Model
CXXXIII.(WHO, 1980 World Health Organization. (1980). International classification of
impairments, disabilities, and
CXXXIV. handicaps (ICIDH). Geneva, Switzerland.
CXXXV.
CXXXVI. Source: As cited by Linden, Baron, Muschalla, and Ostholt-Corsten, (2011).
CXXXVII.
CXXXVIII. The Malaysian Disability Act (2008) defines persons with disabilities as those
who have long-term physical, mental,
CXXXIX.intellectual or sensory impairments; which in interaction with various barriers may
hinder their full and effective
CXL. participation in society (Tiun & Suet, 2013).
CXLI. According to World Report on Disability, disability is complex, multidimensional, and
contested.
CXLII. According to American with Disabilities Act 1990 (42 U.S. Code), the term
‘disability’ means, with respect to an
CXLIII. individual:
CXLIV. a. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the
major life activities of such an
CXLV. individual;
CXLVI. b. A record of such an impairment (an individual meets the requirement of
“being regarded as having such an
CXLVII. impairment” if the individual establishes that he or she has been subjected to an
action prohibited under this
CXLVIII.chapter because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or not
the impairment limits
CXLIX. or is perceived to limit a major life activity);
CL. c. Being regarded as having such an impairment
CLI. According to Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) (2016), disability
means a person is disabled if
CLII. they have ‘a physical or mental impairment’ which has ‘a substantial and long-term
adverse effect’ on their ‘ability to
CLIII. carry out normal day-to-day activities’.
CLIV.
CLV. 187$
CLVI. $
CLVII. According to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, “persons
with disabilities include those
CLVIII. who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in
interaction with various barriers
CLIX. may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with
others” (UNCRPD, 2006: article 1,
CLX. purpose as cited by Vornholt, 2018)
CLXI. Figure 1: The current ICF-Model (WHO, 2001World Health Organization. (2001).
International Classification of
CLXII. Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Geneva, Switzerland. in comparison to
the former ICIDH-Model
CLXIII. (WHO, 1980 World Health Organization. (1980). International classification of
impairments, disabilities, and
CLXIV. handicaps (ICIDH). Geneva, Switzerland.
CLXV.
CLXVI. Source: As cited by Linden, Baron, Muschalla, and Ostholt-Corsten, (2011).
CLXVII.
CLXVIII.The Malaysian Disability Act (2008) defines persons with disabilities as those who
have long-term physical, mental,
CLXIX. intellectual or sensory impairments; which in interaction with various barriers may
hinder their full and effective
CLXX. participation in society (Tiun & Suet, 2013).
CLXXI. According to World Report on Disability, disability is complex, multidimensional, and
contested.
CLXXII. According to American with Disabilities Act 1990 (42 U.S. Code), the term
‘disability’ means, with respect to an
CLXXIII. individual:
CLXXIV. a. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the
major life activities of such an
CLXXV. individual;
CLXXVI.b. A record of such an impairment (an individual meets the requirement of
“being regarded as having such an
CLXXVII. impairment” if the individual establishes that he or she has been subjected to
an action prohibited under this
CLXXVIII. chapter because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or
not the impairment limits
CLXXIX. or is perceived to limit a major life activity);
CLXXX. c. Being regarded as having such an impairment
CLXXXI.According to Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) (2016), disability
means a person is disabled if
CLXXXII. they have ‘a physical or mental impairment’ which has ‘a substantial and long-term
adverse effect’ on their ‘ability to
CLXXXIII. carry out normal day-to-day activities’.
CLXXXIV.
CLXXXV. 187$
CLXXXVI. $
CLXXXVII. According to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
“persons with disabilities include those
CLXXXVIII. who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which
in interaction with various barriers
CLXXXIX. may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis
with others” (UNCRPD, 2006: article 1,
CXC. purpose as cited by Vornholt, 2018)
CXCI. Figure 1: The current ICF-Model (WHO, 2001World Health Organization. (2001).
International Classification of
CXCII. Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Geneva, Switzerland. in comparison to
the former ICIDH-Model
CXCIII. (WHO, 1980 World Health Organization. (1980). International classification of
impairments, disabilities, and
CXCIV. handicaps (ICIDH). Geneva, Switzerland.
CXCV.
CXCVI. Source: As cited by Linden, Baron, Muschalla, and Ostholt-Corsten, (2011).
CXCVII.
CXCVIII. The Malaysian Disability Act (2008) defines persons with disabilities as those
who have long-term physical, mental,
CXCIX. intellectual or sensory impairments; which in interaction with various barriers may
hinder their full and effective
CC. participation in society (Tiun & Suet, 2013).
CCI. According to World Report on Disability, disability is complex, multidimensional, and
contested.
CCII. According to American with Disabilities Act 1990 (42 U.S. Code), the term
‘disability’ means, with respect to an
CCIII. individual:
CCIV. a. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the
major life activities of such an
CCV. individual;
CCVI. b. A record of such an impairment (an individual meets the requirement of
“being regarded as having such an
CCVII. impairment” if the individual establishes that he or she has been subjected to an
action prohibited under this
CCVIII. chapter because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or not
the impairment limits
CCIX. or is perceived to limit a major life activity);
CCX. c. Being regarded as having such an impairment
CCXI. According to Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) (2016), disability
means a person is disabled if
CCXII. they have ‘a physical or mental impairment’ which has ‘a substantial and long-term
adverse effect’ on their ‘ability to
CCXIII. carry out normal day-to-day activities’.
CCXIV.
CCXV. 187$
CCXVI. $
CCXVII. According to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, “persons
with disabilities include those
CCXVIII. who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which
in interaction with various barriers
CCXIX. may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with
others” (UNCRPD, 2006: article 1,
CCXX. purpose as cited by Vornholt, 2018)
CCXXI. Figure 1: The current ICF-Model (WHO, 2001World Health Organization. (2001).
International Classification of
CCXXII. Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Geneva, Switzerland. in comparison to
the former ICIDH-Model
CCXXIII.(WHO, 1980 World Health Organization. (1980). International classification of
impairments, disabilities, and
CCXXIV. handicaps (ICIDH). Geneva, Switzerland.
CCXXV.
CCXXVI. Source: As cited by Linden, Baron, Muschalla, and Ostholt-Corsten, (2011).
CCXXVII.
CCXXVIII. The Malaysian Disability Act (2008) defines persons with disabilities as those
who have long-term physical, mental,
CCXXIX.intellectual or sensory impairments; which in interaction with various barriers may
hinder their full and effective
CCXXX. participation in society (Tiun & Suet, 2013).
CCXXXI. According to World Report on Disability, disability is complex, multidimensional,
and contested.
CCXXXII. According to American with Disabilities Act 1990 (42 U.S. Code), the term
‘disability’ means, with respect to an
CCXXXIII. individual:
CCXXXIV. a. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of
the major life activities of such an
CCXXXV. individual;
CCXXXVI. b. A record of such an impairment (an individual meets the requirement of
“being regarded as having such an
CCXXXVII. impairment” if the individual establishes that he or she has been subjected to
an action prohibited under this
CCXXXVIII. chapter because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or
not the impairment limits
CCXXXIX. or is perceived to limit a major life activity);
CCXL. c. Being regarded as having such an impairment
CCXLI. According to Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) (2016), disability
means a person is disabled if
CCXLII. they have ‘a physical or mental impairment’ which has ‘a substantial and long-term
adverse effect’ on their ‘ability to
CCXLIII. carry out normal day-to-day activities’.
CCXLIV.
CCXLV. 187$
CCXLVI. $
CCXLVII. According to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
“persons with disabilities include those
CCXLVIII. who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which
in interaction with various barriers
CCXLIX.may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with
others” (UNCRPD, 2006: article 1,
CCL. purpose as cited by Vornholt, 2018)
CCLI. Figure 1: The current ICF-Model (WHO, 2001World Health Organization. (2001).
International Classification of
CCLII. Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Geneva, Switzerland. in comparison to
the former ICIDH-Model
CCLIII. (WHO, 1980 World Health Organization. (1980). International classification of
impairments, disabilities, and
CCLIV. handicaps (ICIDH). Geneva, Switzerland.
CCLV.
CCLVI. Source: As cited by Linden, Baron, Muschalla, and Ostholt-Corsten, (2011).
CCLVII.
CCLVIII. The Malaysian Disability Act (2008) defines persons with disabilities as those
who have long-term physical, mental,
CCLIX. intellectual or sensory impairments; which in interaction with various barriers may
hinder their full and effective
CCLX. participation in society (Tiun & Suet, 2013).
CCLXI. According to World Report on Disability, disability is complex, multidimensional, and
contested.
CCLXII. According to American with Disabilities Act 1990 (42 U.S. Code), the term
‘disability’ means, with respect to an
CCLXIII. individual:
CCLXIV.a. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the
major life activities of such an
CCLXV. individual;
CCLXVI.b. A record of such an impairment (an individual meets the requirement of
“being regarded as having such an
CCLXVII. impairment” if the individual establishes that he or she has been subjected to
an action prohibited under this
CCLXVIII. chapter because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or
not the impairment limits
CCLXIX. or is perceived to limit a major life activity);
CCLXX. c. Being regarded as having such an impairment
CCLXXI.According to Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) (2016), disability
means a person is disabled if
CCLXXII. they have ‘a physical or mental impairment’ which has ‘a substantial and long-term
adverse effect’ on their ‘ability to
CCLXXIII. carry out normal day-to-day activities’.
CCLXXIV.
CCLXXV. 187$
CCLXXVI. $
CCLXXVII. According to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
“persons with disabilities include those
CCLXXVIII. who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which
in interaction with various barriers
CCLXXIX. may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis
with others” (UNCRPD, 2006: article 1,
CCLXXX. purpose as cited by Vornholt, 2018)
CCLXXXI. Figure 1: The current ICF-Model (WHO, 2001World Health Organization.
(2001). International Classification of
CCLXXXII. Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Geneva, Switzerland. in comparison
to the former ICIDH-Model
CCLXXXIII. (WHO, 1980 World Health Organization. (1980). International classification of
impairments, disabilities, and
CCLXXXIV. handicaps (ICIDH). Geneva, Switzerland.
CCLXXXV.
CCLXXXVI. Source: As cited by Linden, Baron, Muschalla, and Ostholt-Corsten, (2011).
CCLXXXVII.
CCLXXXVIII. The Malaysian Disability Act (2008) defines persons with disabilities as
those who have long-term physical, mental,
CCLXXXIX. intellectual or sensory impairments; which in interaction with various barriers
may hinder their full and effective
CCXC. participation in society (Tiun & Suet, 2013).
CCXCI. According to World Report on Disability, disability is complex, multidimensional, and
contested.
CCXCII. According to American with Disabilities Act 1990 (42 U.S. Code), the term
‘disability’ means, with respect to an
CCXCIII.individual:
CCXCIV. a. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of
the major life activities of such an
CCXCV. individual;
CCXCVI. b. A record of such an impairment (an individual meets the requirement of
“being regarded as having such an
CCXCVII. impairment” if the individual establishes that he or she has been subjected to
an action prohibited under this
CCXCVIII. chapter because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or
not the impairment limits
CCXCIX. or is perceived to limit a major life activity);
CCC. c. Being regarded as having such an impairment
CCCI. According to Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) (2016), disability
means a person is disabled if
CCCII. they have ‘a physical or mental impairment’ which has ‘a substantial and long-term
adverse effect’ on their ‘ability to
CCCIII. carry out normal day-to-day activities’.
CCCIV.
CCCV. 187$
CCCVI. $
CCCVII. According to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, “persons
with disabilities include those
CCCVIII. who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which
in interaction with various barriers
CCCIX. may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with
others” (UNCRPD, 2006: article 1,
CCCX. purpose as cited by Vornholt, 2018)
CCCXI. Figure 1: The current ICF-Model (WHO, 2001World Health Organization. (2001).
International Classification of
CCCXII. Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Geneva, Switzerland. in comparison to
the former ICIDH-Model
CCCXIII.(WHO, 1980 World Health Organization. (1980). International classification of
impairments, disabilities, and
CCCXIV. handicaps (ICIDH). Geneva, Switzerland.
CCCXV.
CCCXVI. Source: As cited by Linden, Baron, Muschalla, and Ostholt-Corsten, (2011).
CCCXVII.
CCCXVIII. The Malaysian Disability Act (2008) defines persons with disabilities as those
who have long-term physical, mental,
CCCXIX.intellectual or sensory impairments; which in interaction with various barriers may
hinder their full and effective
CCCXX. participation in society (Tiun & Suet, 2013).
CCCXXI. According to World Report on Disability, disability is complex, multidimensional,
and contested.
CCCXXII. According to American with Disabilities Act 1990 (42 U.S. Code), the term
‘disability’ means, with respect to an
CCCXXIII. individual:
CCCXXIV. a. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of
the major life activities of such an
CCCXXV. individual;
CCCXXVI. b. A record of such an impairment (an individual meets the requirement of
“being regarded as having such an
CCCXXVII. impairment” if the individual establishes that he or she has been subjected to
an action prohibited under this
CCCXXVIII. chapter because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or
not the impairment limits
CCCXXIX. or is perceived to limit a major life activity);
CCCXXX. c. Being regarded as having such an impairment
CCCXXXI. According to Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) (2016),
disability means a person is disabled if
CCCXXXII. they have ‘a physical or mental impairment’ which has ‘a substantial and long-term
adverse effect’ on their ‘ability to
CCCXXXIII. carry out normal day-to-day activities’.
CCCXXXIV.
CCCXXXV. 187$
CCCXXXVI. $
CCCXXXVII. According to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
“persons with disabilities include those
CCCXXXVIII. who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments
which in interaction with various barriers
CCCXXXIX. may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis
with others” (UNCRPD, 2006: article 1,
CCCXL. purpose as cited by Vornholt, 2018)
CCCXLI.Figure 1: The current ICF-Model (WHO, 2001World Health Organization. (2001).
International Classification of
CCCXLII. Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Geneva, Switzerland. in comparison
to the former ICIDH-Model
CCCXLIII. (WHO, 1980 World Health Organization. (1980). International classification of
impairments, disabilities, and
CCCXLIV. handicaps (ICIDH). Geneva, Switzerland.
CCCXLV.
CCCXLVI. Source: As cited by Linden, Baron, Muschalla, and Ostholt-Corsten, (2011).
CCCXLVII.
CCCXLVIII. The Malaysian Disability Act (2008) defines persons with disabilities as those
who have long-term physical, mental,
CCCXLIX. intellectual or sensory impairments; which in interaction with various barriers
may hinder their full and effective
CCCL. participation in society (Tiun & Suet, 2013).
CCCLI. According to World Report on Disability, disability is complex, multidimensional, and
contested.
CCCLII. According to American with Disabilities Act 1990 (42 U.S. Code), the term
‘disability’ means, with respect to an
CCCLIII. individual:
CCCLIV.a. A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the
major life activities of such an
CCCLV. individual;
CCCLVI.b. A record of such an impairment (an individual meets the requirement of
“being regarded as having such an
CCCLVII. impairment” if the individual establishes that he or she has been subjected to
an action prohibited under this
CCCLVIII. chapter because of an actual or perceived physical or mental impairment whether or
not the impairment limits
CCCLIX.or is perceived to limit a major life activity);
CCCLX. c. Being regarded as having such an impairment
CCCLXI.According to Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) (2016), disability
means a person is disabled if
CCCLXII. they have ‘a physical or mental impairment’ which has ‘a substantial and long-term
adverse effect’ on their ‘ability to
 CCCLXIII. carry out normal day-to-day activities’.It doesn’t matter what you look like on the
outside, it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but our society today lacks to understand that. In
today’s time different is not accepted, people that are different are discriminated, looked
down upon and usually picked on. People with disabilities are seen as different creatures by
most people, the disabled don’t choose to be the way they are, but still our society alienates
them. There are different types of disabilities, some type of disabilities are; mental disability,
physical disability, learning disability and socializing disability. These disabilities are seen as
weakness in our society that hence contribute to the stereotype that leads to the
discrimination against the disabled.
The Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are considered as one of the vulnerable and at risks sector of the
community. I believe that social protection plays a key role in realizing the rights of persons with
disabilities of all ages: providing them with an adequate standard of living, a basic level of income
security; thus reducing levels of poverty and vulnerability. Moreover, mainstreaming a specific social
protection schemes concerning persons with disabilities can have a major role in promoting their
independence and inclusion by meeting their specific needs and supporting their social participation in a
non-discriminatory manner. These social protection measures may include poverty reduction schemes,
cash transfer programs, social and health insurance, public work programs, housing programs, disability
pensions and mobility grants. I think that there should also be a conditional cash transfer program for
the PWDs and the government should not only concentrate on the poor and marginalized families but
also on other vulnerable sectors of the community such as the PWDs.

The establishment of a Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) in every province, city and
municipality under the MSWDO/PSWDO/CSWDO has been one of the effective endeavours that ensure
the integration of programs, plans and activities of the PWDs in the development planning of the LGU.

LGUs should closely monitor establishments with regards to their compliance on the installation of
ramps, functioning elevators, and necessary facilities and the local government will impose fines and
penalties to non-compliant establishments.

Despite the importance of work to

disabled people, this vulnerable group
is still generally restricted in their
attempts to
gain employment. Studies suggest
that disabled people face
employment problems, mainly due
to the lack of
understandings of disability which
translates to employers’ negative
attitudes toward hiring disabled
people and little
intention to hire them
Despite the importance of work to
disabled people, this vulnerable group
is still generally restricted in their
attempts to
gain employment. Studies suggest
that disabled people face
employment problems, mainly due
to the lack of
understandings of disability which
translates to employers’ negative
attitudes toward hiring disabled
people and little
intention to hire them
Despite the importance of work to
disabled people, this vulnerable group
is still generally restricted in their
attempts to
gain employment. Studies suggest
that disabled people face
employment problems, mainly due
to the lack of
understandings of disability which
translates to employers’ negative
attitudes toward hiring disabled
people and little
intention to hire them
Despite the importance of work to
disabled people, this vulnerable group
is still generally restricted in their
attempts to
gain employment. Studies suggest
that disabled people face
employment problems, mainly due
to the lack of
understandings of disability which
translates to employers’ negative
attitudes toward hiring disabled
people and little
intention to hire them
Despite the importance of work to
disabled people, this vulnerable group
is still generally restricted in their
attempts to
gain employment. Studies suggest
that disabled people face
employment problems, mainly due
to the lack of
understandings of disability which
translates to employers’ negative
attitudes toward hiring disabled
people and little
intention to hire them
 The LGBTQ Community

I. Introduction

LGBTQ is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning. These terms are
used to describe a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

The history of the LGBT community is complex, because society does not perceive bisexuals, gays,
lesbians and transgenders as a norm. Despite various efforts the achieve equality, the LGBT community
still has to struggle for real equality. There are various forms of LGBT discrimination. It varies from
unfriendly attitude to such serious problems as the refusal to employ such an individual. As a result,
many LGBT representatives are forced to live life, which they cannot control. It is obvious that
discrimination is considered a permanent problem for those who belong to the LGBT community.
However, the LGBT acceptance process observed during the last few years proves that the LGBT
community will achieve real equality in the nearest future.

When an individual realizes that his/her sexual preferences are different from those considered normal,
he/she has problems with admitting such a fact. Some people start questioning their sexuality, some try
to hide it so as not to be rejected by the society. According to the survey conducted among the adult
representatives of the LGBT community, almost 40% stated that they were not accepted by their family
or even friends due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. Such situations cause serious
problems in the LGBT community, which can lead to depression.  

II. Issues concerning the LGBTQ Community

An online survey was conducted among the LGBT representatives and almost 90% admitted that
modern society has become more accepting during the last few years. They are also positive about
the fact that the LGBT acceptance will increase in the nearest future. Such results show that LGBT
equality is an absolutely possible and achievable task. Despite the fact that we can see some
progress in the acceptance of the LGBT community, it is still considered to be slow and
controversial. The scholar from the Williams Institute, Gary J. Gates, who helped to conduct the
online survey, says that there is a confrontation between individuals who feel this change and
notice the acceptance and people who cannot be entirely open because they still feel judged by the
society. Such a “change” and “acceptance” are considered to be the result of the LGBT equality
process. On the other hand, there will always be people who will never understand such equality
and will refuse to admit it. As a result, stigmatization of the LGBT community will never have an
end. The more the LGBT community feels accepted, the more individuals will become open about
their untraditional sexual orientation. However, people who cannot accept such state of things, for
example homophobes, will still protest against LGBT equality. So, it is possible to conclude that the
equality for the LGBT community is still in progress, which remains slow and limited. 

 LGBT community still has to struggle for its equal rights because not all people are ready to accept the
fact that sexual diversity is a norm. It is also necessary to remember that things that are considered
traditional in current society may become unacceptable in future. That is why it is possible to state that
the LGBT community has all chances to achieve equality in the nearest future and its members will
receive an opportunity to live their life to the fullest.

In some parts of the world, partnership rights or marriage have been extended to same-sex couples.
Advocates of same-sex marriage cite a range of benefits that are denied to people who cannot marry,
including immigration, health care, inheritance and property rights, and other family obligations and
protections, as reasons why marriage should be extended to same-sex couples. Unfortunately, Christian
countries strongly opposes this advocacy and is still standing to its ground and doctrine on the sanctity
of marriage.

III. Conclusion

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people want equal rights, not special rights. In many
countries, however, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is still rampant. An
LGBT person can be bullied or kicked out of school, discriminated or fired from a job or unequal trait
simply because of who they love or how they express their gender. And in most states, same-sex couples
cannot legally marry. Different LGBT organizations do their best to bring awareness to the society about
the issue of discrimination due to the sexual orientation

I believe in order to mainstream equality among the LGBTQ and the society, there must be an advocate
who will represent them in the policy making body in various LGUS, and at the same represent the
LGBTQ during development planning to ensure their participation and funding of various advocacies that
will help promote awareness gender equality.
 People in Conflict-Affected Communities

I. Introduction

Conflict is defined as the behaviour due to which people differ in their feelings, thought and/or actions.
Collins (1995) states that the conflict is a ‘serious disagreement and argument about something
important’ and also as ‘a serious difference between two or more beliefs, ideas or interests’ (cf.
Kumaraswamy, 1997, p. 96). In general it is believed that conflicts are the underlying cause of disputes.
In other words, dispute is a manifestation of the deep rooted conflict. A dispute is defined as ‘a class or
kind of conflict, which manifests itself in distinct, justifiable issues. Apart from livelihoods, community
structures like the irrigation system were also heavily damaged by the conflict. It was clogged by debris
brought about by the conflict. Without a functional irrigation system that supplies water to the rice
fields, the farmers of would have no sustainable sources of livelihood.

Conflict profoundly affects the security of states and people. For a state, the deployment of military
force in the pursuit or defence of its objectives is a grave decision with potentially ruinous
consequences. Armed conflicts result in the loss of life, the displacement of civilian populations and the
destruction of national infrastructure. Domestically, they exert a material effect by disrupting the
political order or posing an existential challenge to the state. Internationally, they can have a profound
impact on international relations and the formulation and conduct of defence and security policy. We
define armed conflict to be a sustained contest between two or more organised adversaries, making
purposive use of armed force. Crucially, it involves combat, rather than the one-sided application of
lethal force.

The armed confrontation between government forces and pro-ISIS militants in Marawi has forcibly
displaced 98 percent of the total population of the city, as well as residents from nearby municipalities,
who were compelled to leave due to severe food shortage and/or constriction of local economies. War
is a horrible medium, which has been used for hundreds of thousands of years, to achieve certain goals
through the use of force. The major causes for war are resources, which can be territory, water, gold,
minerals or animals; and ideologies: political beliefs, religion, philosophical differences. In other words,
brutal outrageous kings, rulers, commanders and emperors possessed the purpose of having power and
control over the whole world.

People living in conflict and affected communities are sure that any conflict is unfair and should be
stopped, as it brings only harm and damage. People are losing their homes, relatives, lives, but they
aren’t even the directly involved. Many men want to refuse participating in war and killing people, but
they must do it because of a draft. Millions of innocent people are dying, e.g. casualties in WWI were
above 11 millions, in WWII – almost 60 millions, and in the War in Iraq – already near 107 thousands and
the death count still increases every day.

II. Issues on People living in conflict and affected communities

During flight and in displacement, children become some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Internally displaced children have been forced to leave their homes behind, may have been victims of
violence, and may have been separated from their families. They become increasingly at risk of forced
labor, forced early marriage, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and recruitment into armed groups.
These poor people who turn out to be evacuees during armed conflict suffer the most of damage as they
lost their property, income, family members as well as their livelihood during armed conflict. They are
real loser, victims and sometimes casualties during war or disputes in the community.

III. Conclusion

In communities where there are repeated clashes between government security forces and armed
groups, locals are sometimes left with little choice but to leave their properties and livelihoods behind.
In line with our mandate to protect and support those affected by armed conflict, we implemented a
cash-for-work program in Masbate and Zamboanga aimed at providing affected families with a
temporary source of income.
 People living with HIV

I. Introduction

Learning that you are HIV-positive can be one of the most difficult experiences you go through in life.
You may feel scared, sad or even angry . HIV stigma and discrimination affect the emotional well-being
and mental health of people living with HIV. People living with HIV often internalize the stigma they
experience and begin to develop a negative self-image. They may fear they will be discriminated against
or judged negatively if their HIV status is revealed.

The Philippines has been ranked as the country with the fastest growing number of Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases in the world, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS
(UNAIDS) bared Monday. The UN organization said it recorded about 13,384 new HIV infections  by the
end of 2018. The number, according to UNAIDS, is 203 percent higher than infections recorded in 2010,
with only about 4,419.

Living with HIV has its challenges, and it may take some time to figure out how you can accept it and
manage it in a way you want it to be. HIV is a viral infection that attacks and slowly destroys the immune
system of the infected person that leads to “immune deficiency”. It is progressive and can lead to lack of
body defence to all kinds of infection including those that don’t normally infect man  and can also lead to
cancer susceptibility.
Ideally, the disclosure of HIV status of the person should not in any way affect his rights to employment,
position at the workplace, right to medical care and other fundamental rights. Unfortunately, one of the
biggest problems faced by HIV positive person is stigma. People, even doctors, are sometimes afraid of
dealing with HIV positive persons leading to discrimination in medical care. This stigma can prevent
people from being tested. It can result in individuals unknowingly transmitting HIV.
HIV positive women should have complete choice to make decisions about pregnancy and childbirth.
There should be no forcible abortion or even sterilization. Proper counselling should be given to
pregnant women to enable her to decide whether to continue or terminate the pregnancy.

II. Issues and concerns

The HIV crisis in the Philippines is an emergency. Life for an individual becomes hell after being tested
positive for AIDS. It is not only the disease but also the social stigma and discrimination, felling of being
not loved and being hated acts as a slow poison. We need to instill the belief among them, through our
love and care, that the HIV positive patients can still lead a long and healthy life.

At the family level, an adult with AIDS will severely compromise household resources as the functional
capacity to work is reduced, medical expenditures increase and the income of both the infected
individual and those who care for that person is lost. Reduced income in turn threatens food supply, the
ability to pay for the education or health of surviving family members. The entire social fabric of the
family is potentially disrupted.
The effects of HIV/AIDS multiply far beyond the infected individual. In the long run, it has the potential
to affect whole sectors of the economy and societies as resources will be required for increasing number
of people living with HIV/AIDS and for the care of increasing number of orphans.

III. Conclusion
Youth education, empowerment of health-care providers, the community in order to mitigate the
spread HIV. I think stigma should be reduced through education. Promotion of sexual health is
challenging in a country where HIV infection is equated to sin and immorality. Sexual health and gender-
sensitivity education must be integrated in school curriculums and should be delivered by trained
teachers in an age-appropriate and culturally-sensitive manner.

Advocacy is another way lay people engaged to improve the relationship between health structures and
people living HIV/AIDS. The Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS, (GIPA), formally
adopted as a principle at an AIDS Summit in 1994 emphasises the need for involvement of people living
with HIV/AIDS at all levels in the fight against the disease. According to UNAIDS, people living with
HIV/AIDS understand their situation better therefore their voices could be heard well if their needs were
presented by people in the same situation, (www.unaids.org). In the Zambia study, with supportive
structures, the professionals living with HIV/AIDS are in a better position to advocate for people
accessing services. Baum, (2008:550) claims that advocacy involving public health practitioners is an
effective way of influencing structural barriers in public health. 5
Though HIV is a disease, which cannot be cured or eradicated from society, the only solution lies in its
prevention and awareness. We must have our regular and periodical health check-up so that we don’t
fall prey to such deadly diseases. We must also encourage and educate others to do the same. With the
widespread awareness about the disease, much fewer adults and children are dying of AIDS. The only
way to fight the AIDS disease is through creating awareness.