A Look Back in 2014

Howdy, Randomers?

It has been indeed quite a while when I last posted random nothings here. And I bet you might be wondering where the heck have I been (read, pretty please).

Image courtesy of http://www.dazzlingwallpaper.com

So, just like last year, when I started this blog, I made a post looking back on 2013 that was. If you have been to the moon and would like to know more about it, you may check this one.

Now, before that clock hits midnight and the year changes, here's a monthly run-down of highlights that made this year worthwhile.

[PRESS RELEASE] Save the Children Calls on Stakeholders: MDG 4 Target

Disasters and inequality could stop the Philippines hitting child mortality MDG target, Save the Children says. 

MANILA, Philippines – Today marks 500 days until the Millennium Development Goals reach their conclusion and the Philippines looks set to miss the target for reducing preventable child deaths.

The 2015 MDG 4 target for Philippines is 20 deaths per 1,000 live births. Whilst there has been some improvement from the 60 deaths per 1000 in 1990, there has been little progress in cutting down neonatal mortality (deaths in the first month of life), which makes up almost half of all under-5 deaths.

Save the Children’s global study on newborn deaths released earlier this year reveals that Philippines is one of the top 10 countries in the world with the greatest gap in equality for newborn deaths between poorest and wealthiest, and between rural and urban households.  Babies born to the poorest and hardest to reach groups are most at risk of dying within few days after birth.

[PRESS RELEASE] Health Bloggers in for an Awesome Treat with Zoomanity Group

In this time and age of social media hype, it is truly no wonder that health professionals and advocates alike be tech savvies. If you've read my previous blog post regarding the recently concluded #iBlog10: The 10th Philippine Blogging Summit, you would remember the infamous Dr. Bien Nillos (@DocBIENevolent) who gave five reasons as to why doctors and health professionals should blog.

10 Quotables in the #iBlog10 (and Other Random Stuff)

For the second time in a row, the Philippine Health Bloggers Society have been part of the biggest blogging event in the Philippines - the iBlog: The Philippine Blogging Summit. 

We joined hundreds of bloggers from different niches and walks of life in a two-day free event held at the Malcolm Hall, UP College of Law, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City. Now on its 10th year, iBlog focused on "A Decade of Blogging and Moving Forward"

[PRESS RELEASE] Save the Children Launches Global Report

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in over 120 countries around the world. They are recognized for their commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, their work takes them into the heart of communities, where they help children and families help themselves. They work with other organizations, governments, non-profits and a variety of local partners while maintaining their own independence without political agenda or religious orientation. Save the Children’s mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. Save the Children currently implements programs in Child Protection, Education, CRC, Health and Nutrition, Food Security & Livelihood, Shelter, and Emergency Response throughout the country.

#Yes2RH: A Selfie Call to RH Law

Republic Act 10354, more commonly known as the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law of 2012 has been signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III last 21 December. After more than 14 years of struggles both in the streets and the cyberspace, the controversial bill was approved by the legislative branch with favorable votes of 113-104 and 13-8 in the Lower and Upper Houses respectively.

It has been more than a year now (19 March 2013) since the Supreme Court first issued a 120-day Status Quo Ante Order (SQAO) against the implementation of the RH Law. The said SQAO was extended indefinitely by the judiciary department last 16 July 2013.