Abhorred, Avoided and Unpopular: Affordable Divorce in the Philippines by KATE COSETENG

Admitting the causes she's supporting as "Unpopular", Quezon City 3rd District Councilor Kate Coseteng is not about to let down what she sees as necessary for women in the Philippines. She is the first representative of Kababaihan PartyList which aims to be the voice of women in congress to enact laws that would benefit the public. Their Second Nominee Ria Romualdo is a registered nurse, and has sternly supported their causes in childrens health and welfare, based in Mindanao.

 Kate is no stranger in creating laws as she's been a Quezon City Councilor for 3 terms, has done the same in Valenzuela City. She pushed for the creation of Quezon City University, dialysis centers, PWD concerns, and benefits for solo parents (something she is pretty well known for). She uttered unpopular because these are certain things that people don't accept, especially matters that concern divorce. She lengthily discussed this with us because of the things that women go through. 

If set in an abusive marriage, it may also be physical, emotional and economical. She's optimistic it will get passed if it doesn't contain certain conditions such as "irreconcilable differences" as it is too broad to define and be accepted by lawmakers. I saw how practical she was and deal it without emotions, much like business and a numbers game rather than having just a feisty disposition. She focusing on going into it with pride, curiosity, knowledge that the causes are important. If you don't know, it is extremely expensive to get an annulment in the Philippines and it is extremely an anti poor legislation. The plan is, to have divorce be afforded by folks of any stature. She mentioned it being paid for as much as 5,000 pesos, all in. This could definitely be a game changer for a lot of women who couldn't afford the annulment process if they are abused. 

The KABABAIHAN PartyList is also very aware of current issues, and would want to address working conditions for women who work at odd hours. Call Center agents, BPO, Nurses, Bartenders, Security Guards, and the likes, they feel should have a place to safely leave their kids while they are working to make a living. They want a Night Care Center to do this to also be a place for refuge for women who are victims of abuse, to also have them train for livelihood and business, also get legal and psychological help if needed. They also want to help create laws that would provide micro finance so women could put up small businesses to provide for their families. This includes financial literacy, for obvious reasons. They also want to push for reforms regarding the LGBTQIA+ sector, to provide a more general view of the equality they've been longing for. Something that they want to do with reforms, even if it means they would have to start from scratch. 

Kate says "If you see the things we have on our platform are severely unpopular. It's a bit heavy to digest, but these are legitimate issues in our society. For example divorce, since we are a very Catholic nation, it's super difficult to pass laws like it. We already have passed a version in congress, but it met its demise in the senate. This goes the same with the SOGIE Bill that has already spent 24 years since its inception. Senator Miriam Santiago first did this in the early 2000's, and when asked what I could help with their cause, they answered just "respect", so we made efforts to make it less polarizing when it is sent to the Senate. This would be more like an anti discrimination act that would be applicable for all including the LGBTQIA+ community. Baby steps, we can't just promise platforms and not have progress." 

Here's her talk if you want a more detailed understanding of it:

Unpopular, yes, but it feels so necessary for a LOT of people. It was super nice to hear all these from her and how passionate she wants it all to happen. Women remains a sector that is heavily under represented to this day. I know so many folks who would greatly benefit from the laws she mentioned especially with divorce for abused women.

Do you agree with her?

Personal Collection Continues Championing Women

A huge chunk of businesses in the Philippines is still comprised of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. It's a driving force, a significant amount of which are owned by women. This goes the same with Personal Collection, where dealers are mostly women that are empowered by the brand's accessible, low cost but quality merchandise. They contribute a lot to society.

Personal Collection recognizes this and has continued to help women in their direct selling business by having them own their individual enterprise as dealers, all providing a community that supports in their goals to succeed in life. They remain affordable to make sure they would be able to start their journey and grow their businesses.

Their growth is seen as a catalyst to improve the lives of their families, then continue to inspire others as they do other things so they could put food on the table and have their children go to school and make their dreams come true. Personal Collection is also very flexible, knowing mothers have other responsibilities too, they can earn on their own time and continue to contribute to the country's economy as part of MSME's. Go to personalcollection.com.ph if you want to be part of the movement.

Celebrating Women's Month with Mary Rose Marbil: A Story of Love, Compassion, Family and Service

She was all smiles when she went in. Donned in a white crisp top, hair tucked back and a presence I couldn't put to words. She has this presence signifying power, poise, posture that make known strictness. But once she uttered words, it felt like we were welcomed home, like no strangers... getting a warm hug. 

She's the beautiful Ms. Mary Rose Marbil, loving wife to PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil and caring mother to recently engaged Robyn Marie Marbil. She's also the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc. (previously Officer's Ladies Club) Adviser, an honor she doesn't treat as an obligation, but an opportunity to help through charitable causes, now geared to help PNP Personnel and their families. This is also something that she is passionate about. 

Photo from the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc. Facebook Page

 

This strong disposition must have come from somewhere, so I asked about who she gets the inspiration from. She immediately answered her Mom. She says "The woman who made a big impact is my Mom. Not just because she is my Mom, but because of how she is, and how she handled things. She's always objective about things. When we got married, we stayed with her for 3 years. She didn't want me to stay in PSG quarters because there would be a lot of chismis there. It might have been difficult to have 2 queens in one castle, but it wasn't with her. If there are conflicts, she never asked why, but just be present and be there for me. Even with the siblings, she's the most level headed. That's my Mom."

With the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc., she was involved in spearheading their ongoing project called LAB Virus (which they coined from Love and Blessings). She usually goes with the PNP Chief in various locations in the country but didn't participate much in efforts. With the project, she was able to start helping PNP personnel and their beneficiaries. With the foundation, she didn't have to wait for a regional visit to help people. It also rarely happens, and this was able to put them in a more pro-active state. 

The foundation sought help from health services to identify over 500 individuals that are critically ill. This was a huge number, even the Chief PNP was surprised. Much of them were suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease and needs lengthy dialysis treatments in their respective regions. They provided them needed financial assistance that would help for medical bills and for their daily spend. 

While it was a huge help, they wanted their actions to also be more sustainable. One of the regional leaders in Cebu was teaching life skills in making soap. It's a business they could easily teach PNP personnel and their beneficiaries, so they could fend for themselves, and put food on the table after getting help from the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc. Very soon, they will also be teaching and giving away business kits to street sweepers in Camp Crame. They are excited to do this in Manila/Laguna too.

 Here's our interview with Ms. Mary Rose a few days ago:

Spreading love with every touch, the PNP OLC Foundation, Inc. is continuously going around regions including BARMM. With help from private individuals who signified support through their organization, they would be able to lend a hand to more people especially PNP personnel and their families.

Recently, they also had a concert with singing PNP personnel to raise funds for the foundation. They also get help from individuals, other foundations (and the public) so they could come to the aid of more people in times of need. Her experience in the corporate world has helped her organize a structured operation to cater the underprivileged. They now have officers that will be able to continue efforts and ensure it would be addressed after her term. This is such a selfless and noble task, but she finds insurmountable fulfillment doing this.  

Her message to women out there, "There's always something you can do. You're not just a wife, let's not limit ourselves to what people think you can do. We are limitless, especially as women. It shouldn't be a hindrance, I even think there's more power in that. We have our charm, use it to move and make things happen. With our talents, we can use it for the welfare of the people around us. Do what you need to do!" Her story of love, compassion, her family and the service the foundation does for others is so inspiring.

Thank you for sharing your time Ms. Rose, it was certainly a pleasure getting to know you!