This is the weekly "Oasis News" of Silsilah Dialogue Movement for our friends and linkages printed also to a local newspaper of Zamboanga City (Mindanao, Philippines). It is our way to maintain the LINK (Silsilah) with you. You can find this news and the previous Oasis News in our official site www.silsilahdialogue.com. Feel free to publish this news if you find it relevant. We appreciate your comments and suggestions. Thanks.
1st Week - December 7, 2011
Dialogue on Reproductive Health Bill
Every individual created by God deserves the chance to life and live it to the fullest. This is a fundamental right that is widely observed all throughout world. This principle is even one of the biggest foundations of how cultures are formed, laws are conceived and people act within the society. The right to life is an important principle that greatly affects the formation of humanity. In respect to the two major religions in the Philippines, both in the context of Islam and Christianity, the two religions gave emphasis on the importance of life and its value to people. Life is an important gift from God and that this must be celebrated and respected by everyone. All of us, regardless of race, identity, appearance are entitled of the right to live hence it must be upheld at all times.
questions from the resource speakers and panel of reactors
With the present issues that concern Philippines today, one that can be considered a dilemma is the widely debated proposal regarding reproductive health of women in the country which is known as the RH Bill or Reproductive Health Bill. The RH Bill is opposed by major religious institution as they argue that this bill disrespects the right of the unborn to life. Institutions like the Catholic Church also believe that the said bill will greatly affect how the domestic population will make their decisions in respect to family formation and as well as their own individual faith.
talking about the issues and concerns of Reproductive Health Bill
The Interfaith Council of Leaders (IFCL) of Basilan spearheaded an activity entitled a Dialogue on Reproductive Health Bill last November 25-27, 2011 which was followed by an open forum on November 29, 2011. The activity was participated by different Schools and Colleges of Basilan like Alano Midwifery School, Comptech College, Purigay College and Basilan State College. The activity examined the different points of the bill and assessed its different implications to different stakeholders in the society. The RH Bill was discussed in different perspective like in Christianity and Islam with the help of some respected religious leaders like Fr. Don-Don Irinco, OFM and Prof. Alzad Sattar. Discussion about the issues and concerns on RH Bill was given by Joel Zanoria who is the Christian coordinator of IFCL Basilan. The said event was also participated by different community leaders who serve as panel reactors. They pointed out their different opinions regarding the bill. The panel of reactors is composed by the Parish coordinator of Basilan, Fr. Arnel Lagman, the Brgy. Chairman of Tabuk, Hon. Roy Palau, and , city councilor and IFCL core-group-member, Hon. Noor Ladjalais.
Prof. Alzad Sattar talking about the Reproductive Health Bill in Muslim Perspective
The Dialogue on RH Bill opened the minds of the youth in Basilan to the different realities of the present situation regarding the RH Bill especially if it will be passed as a law. The participants were also asked of their respective stand on the issue. This effort aims to aware the youth sector and to make them active participants in the society especially if it involves one of the most fundamental right, the right to life.