CATBALOGAN, Samar
– The Media Advocates
for Reproductive Health & Empowerment (MARHE) is expanding its
coverage by organizing local chapters in the region.
Just recently, Samar
MARHE was organized with Ms. Myra Tambor of DYMS as President. She is
ably supported by two Vice-Presidents; one from the east, Roy Calvo
from Radyo ng Bayan-DYES and Ray Gaspay -President of Catbalogan Cable
TV Media Advocates Nucleus (CCATMAN) from this side of
Samar.
MARHE aims to raise
media advocacy a notch higher and develop Reproductive Health (RH)
media champions in the region.
Ron Villas, training
consultant, and Ma. Ester Espina, MARHE President were in Borongan for
the organization. Some 20 media practitioners from the two
Samar provinces assembled at the Pebbles and Tide Resort in Bato,
Borongan,
Eastern Samar for the purpose.
Participants were
oriented on reproductive health, gender and development, preventing
cancer, infertility management and other issues relative to RH.
Moreover, participants
were also exposed to the ideas of gays and lesbians and more to treat
these people as people beyond their so called sexual preferences.
It was also emphasized
that information as regards RH is a right, such that the government
should give it.
Media was also given
the idea that resources on RH services are available if only LGUs are
more concerned with RH other than infrastructure programs.
Espina proudly said
that the last 2004 elections, politicians were suddenly asked by the
media their plans for RH--that was one impact, they have had with
their advocacy on RH she enthused.
It just proved, Espina
added that the media picked up RH issues.
With the new sight and
expansion, MARHE is optimistic that Filipinos will become more RH
informed and can stand for their choice because it is their right!
