Tag Archives: Articles

Reflections on being a Diplomat, a Lawyer, and Atenean, and a Man for Others

Not so long ago, while I was serving as Consul General at the Philippine Embassy in Canada, I had the opportunity to visit Davao City, my birthplace and my home to this day.

There are many times when we take for granted what we have. While I do not wish to convey false humility as regards my work, I also wish to say that I feel no sense of self-importance in my title whatsoever. And that is the God-honest truth. Thus, while I was very happy to have crossed paths with a former teacher, I found her exuberant reference to my work slightly amusing.

Popularizing MOVE

Various government agencies like the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of National Defense (DND) along with the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW renamed Philippine Commission on Women [PCW] under RA 9710, the Magna Carta of Women) in Manila launched the Movement called Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE) last November 28, 2006. Atty. Wendel E. Avisado, Executive Director of the Davao Integrated Development Program (DIDP) and I were invited as speakers. Atty. Wendel was invited in his capacity as the Chair of the Gender and invited Development Fathers Advocating Total Health, Empowerment, and Responsible Parenthood (GADFathers). Among those who are with GADFathers are Councilor Leo Avila of the Davao City Council, Regional Director Maduh Damsani of the Commission on Population, Mr. Marcelino Escalada Acting City Administrator of Davao, among others.