"Purple Ribbon" launched in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Supporters of the controversial Reproductive Health Bill yesterday held here the “Day of the Purple Ribbon: A Gathering of Leaders, Artists and Public Figures for RH,” that was attended by leaders of different civil society organizations that are pushing for the passage of the bill.

A strong RH advocate, former Akbayan Partylist Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, led the launching of the activity organized by The Forum for Family Planning and Development, Inc.

“After the successful launch of the Purple Ribbon day in Manila, we are honored to be invited by our NGO friends in Cebu to spread the message of support for the passage of the RH Bill,” said Benjamin de Leon, president of Forum for FP and Development.

The Purple Ribbon for RH was launched as the symbol of the growing RH movement in the country that aims to strengthen commitment and solidarity for the enactment of the RH bill.

“Purple is one of my favorite colors but now it is not just a beautiful color, but a symbol of a fight we intend to win,” said Cebu City barangay health worker Linda Abadiano, the national president of the Federation of BHWs of the Philippines.

In his message, de Leon cited a survey conducted by Social Weather Stations in 2009 that nine out of 10 Cebuanos agree that Cebu province should have a policy on family planning and RH while 88 percent of Cebuanos agree that the Philippines should have a law on RH and family planning.

“It seems that the congressmen from Cebu are not representing the true voice of the people,” Abadiano said.

The Catholics for RH, an NGO network that helped organized the event, expressed disappointment over some Cebuano representatives who are among those against the RH Bill.

“We are here to show our support for the RH Bill and to send a message to Congress that so many Cebuanos want better health services especially on family planning and maternal and child care,” said Frohnie Cagalitan, a member of C4RH Cebu Chapter.

Orlando Carvajal of the Philippine Federation of Catholic Married Priests – Visayas said that they are now supporting RH Bill as a group affirming their position as biased for the poor people.

Maria Pino, the president of the Cebu City United Vendors Association, also lamented why some lawmakers are against the RH Bill when it is not for them but for the women who needs quality life and who looking for the better future of their family.

Pro-RH leaders signed yesterday the pledge of commitment as RH advocate who respect the rights of women, stand for the health of mothers and their children, believe in educating the youth, commit to advance the RH cause and to contribute and support to ensure that the bill will become a law. (FREEMAN)