The Philippine Issues Writing Project, Week 1 (Kind of)

Written on Friday, May 23rd, 2008 at 5:10 pm | by Nick

When we launched Filipino Voices, we simultaneously launched The Philippine Issues Writing Project. And while it may not have been the best time to launch the project, what’s done is done. It has taken 6 weeks, but the word is finally spreading, that yes, we have a writing project, and that yes, there are prizes too!

We will, unofficially call this our first week, since it is actually the first week that we have had entries into the project itself. As I told Blogie the other day, this project has to make you think, and this is probably why the entries have not yet come in fast and furious.

First of all, before we get to the entries, I’d like to thank a few people who have supported this project. Blogie, who without any solicitation, has taken it upon himself to publicize this project over at a Davao paper, as well as through the internet. Benj, has also been tremendous in getting the word out through his own blog. Ederic donated (3) hosting accounts, Manolo has donated a marvelous CD set, and Gibbs Cadiz will be donating some wonderful coffee table books.

Now, to the entries. This week, we received six (6) entries in all, one from myself. I enjoyed all six of the entries. Two entries were video entries. The topics varied on the issues.

Peter Ahon, submitted, “Nursing is Apolitical?”. I read it with great interest, as his sister is about to become an OFW nurse. His article makes the inherent statement, or question, that a great majority of our bright minds would rather become nurses and work abroad, than get involved in the dirty and corrupt politics of government… And thus, he poignantly asks, if nursing has become apolitical? Quite an intriguing thesis really.

Coy submitted a video of a Jun Lozada campus speech. The issue Coy is focusing on is the defunct NBN deal. And I can understand why he would choose such an entry. The issue is still not resolved, and it goes to the heart of what everyone is thinking, the corruption that pervades the Arroyo Administration. The video has that hidden message.. the youth.. their indignation.. their growing awareness and willingness to participate..

Jon Magat also submitted an interesting entry, banning condom ads and educating the youth. It’s the issue of sex education, and how the banning of condom ads seem frivolous, as compared to actually teaching the youth on sex. I think, for many young kids, teens, and even college students, this issue has become very much relevant, and important in their lives. We should take notice too, because such an issue ultimately becomes a part of an even larger debate on family planning, and even on overpopulation.

Benign0 submitted a video on Deforestation. May sound a bit too environmental, until we experience that next barrage of killer rain.. In his own words, “It’s a little story to highlight how deforestation is one of the causes of these killer mudslides and flashfloods that kill tens of thousands of Pinoys every couple of years — you know, the kind of stuff that ends up in Page 4 of the papers within a day or two of their occurence?”

“Heck” of my “Blogville” made a passionate entry, “Ang Pamumundok at Ang ZTE”, a passionate plea for a better government, one that is not so riddled in corruption. This is one of the more passionate posts we’ve had this week, written in Tagalog, I’m sure everyone will enjoy reading his entry. Sounds almost like an Obama speech for a moment there.. main theme.. CHANGE.

And lastly, my own entry, “Poverty in The Philippines, Our Biggest Issue”. I’m passionate about this, poverty has been one of the main issues that has kept me blogging, if you have read my post on Pedro and Some Corned Beef, you will know why it is near and dear to my heart.

And that’s it for this week. Even with just six entries thus far, I am excited, hopeful, and encouraged that this project will truly bring out the issues that are at the forefront of our thoughts. Thank you everyone for your submission. If you haven’t already done so, get to writing, we need your ideas!

Note: The original project page will contain the updates. Our new deadline is June 27 to give everyone time to participate. Please email us either through nick [at] tingog [dot] com, or through our contact page, the address with which you wish us to send you FREE sticker as a “thank you” for participating in the project.

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About The Author: Nick is a passionate Filipino, and a political junkie. His personal blog is at Tingog - The Voice of The Filipino. He is the founder and Editor not Chief of FilipinoVoices.com. He has been blogging since 2006.

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2 Responses to “The Philippine Issues Writing Project, Week 1 (Kind of)”

  1. The Philippine Issues Writing Project | Filipino Voices on May 27th, 2008 8:08 pm

    […] Week 1 Entries […]

  2. gel buan on June 10th, 2008 10:20 am

    wala na ba extension nitong contest? Got in here late! :-(

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