In Davao, there is the MOVE

Spearheaded by the male employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) they organize a group they call MOVE ... Men Oppose to Violence Against Women.

MOVE undertakes series of capacity building sessions to better improve their lot and become better husbands, fathers, colleagues, sons and brothers for a much better family and a much better nation.

Complementing the MOVE is the Men Support Group (MSG) chair by Harry Arante of Barangay Centro Agdao which led the 42-member of DSWD Community-Based Rehabilitation Project for Perpetrators of Domestic Violence (CBRPPDV).  MSGs are vital elements in the war against domestic violence and helps snuff out the awful cycle of domestic violence.

MOVE is an organization of caring, pro-active and principled men committed to be actively involved in the elimination of VAW. Members come from various organizations, private and public.

The goals of the group are to speak out against VAW; examine, propose and formulate total male involvement and actions in the elimination of VAW; form partnerships and linkages with similar groups working on VAW, locally and internationally; organize and conduct researches, studies and fora in recognition of the social effects of VAW for policy and program development; and establish resource network on VAW. 

The Davao MOVE will join with other groups in the country in a Planning Worshop on December 2 and 3 in Manila to further improve their capabilities.

To smoke or not to smoke .... what will happen to the cigarette ? what will happen to U?

If you are smoking and if you are not it would be good to know that cases of COPD or Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease are on the rise.

Dr. Mervin Marcos, pulmonologist and member of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians-Southern Mindanao cited a study in the United States and the Philippines that at the rate of growth, COPD will dislodge heart disease as the number 5 or 6 top killer disease. 

Another pullmologist Dr. Jasper Ramos disclosed that the number one cause of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollutants, in medical terms the cause of COPD is constant exposure to noxious stimuli causing injury to the lungs.

COPD is much like the symptoms of asthma, where affected persons experience persistent coughing and breathlessness. However a Spirometry test is used to determine if indeed the person has COPD. 

The doctors advised persons manifesting symptoms of COPD to immediately consult a physician so that proper tests can be done.

Given this people should start to think and think on what to do about smoking.  I for one could not stand that smoke and i don't hesitate asking the person near me who is smoking to put off that lighted stick because the smoke is hurting.  There's no battle about it. I just ask the person politely. I know there is hope.  It's just a matter of doing not to smoke again.