Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Logic, Spirit & Intent of IHL

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Aklan Chapter held a Symposium On International Humanitarian Law (IHL) on the theme, “Pagrespeto Sa IHL: Susi sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.

 
The one half day symposium was held at APSTA Center, Poblacion, Kalibo, Aklan on August 24 to commemorate IHL Day. It was attended by PRC leaders and volunteers from various high schools in Aklan. 

 
Aimed to promote peace through the proper understanding and implementation not only in the Philippines but the world over, Hon. Plaridel M. Morania, Aklan SP members and Legal Counsel, PRC Aklan chapter discussed the pertinent provisions of IHL with the participants.

 
Hon. Augusto C. Tolentino, Kalibo SB member explained what is “Emblem Campaign” to the participants. Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, chairman, BOD, PRC Aklan gave his message. 

 
Ms. Arcely P. Pelayo, PRC Aklan chapter administrator, after awarding the prizes to the winners of the Poster Making Contest, gave her closing remarks. 

 
I wish to share with you my welcome remarks given during the above stated symposium which I titled “Logic, Spirit, and Intent of IHL”. 

 
Greetings! 

 
Welcome! To the symposium on International Humanitarian Law with the theme: “Pagrespeto sa IHL: Susi sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran”. Kon katon pa hay ro IHL hay yabi sa kalinong ag pag umwad.

 
Almost all of us here are not participants in the drafting of laws, more so of international laws, except our chairman, Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino who has presided the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan and participated in the formulation and enactment of provincial ordinances and resolutions. Hon. Plaridel M. Morania is also a very experienced and veteran legislator who is a current member of the Aklan SP for several years. Hon. Augusto C. Tolentino is also a member of the Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan. He has actively participated in the formulation of municipal ordinances and resolutions. 

 
But we are here to obey the laws and legal orders duly promulgated by the duly constituted authorities. Hence, the need to understand the laws and to comply with it like the IHL.
What is a law? It is a system of rules and guidelines which is enforced through social institutions to govern behavior of the people. A good example of a law is the Philippines’ Annual Budget which the senators and congressmen enact yearly and approve by the President of the Philippines. However, sad to say, some congressmen and senators themselves are violating what they have legislated such as the Pork Barrel fund. 

 
This afternoon, we will endeavor to understand what is International Humanitarian Law – which the PRC Aklan Chapter believes IHL is the key to peace and progress. We have two knowledgeable, competent and highly respected legal personalities to explain to us the logic, the spirit and the intent of IHL. 

 
Ms. Arcely P. Pelayo, PRC Administrator has sincerely invited Hon. Plaridel M. Morania to discuss with us the salient provisions of the IHL and Hon. Augusto C. Tolentino to present to us the “Emblem Campaign” on Red Cross/Red Crescent.

 
Please participate in the games and trivia for the winners of it will receive signature prizes from Mrs. Arcely P. Pelayo. 

 
With all my heart and mind, I sincerely welcome you to this IHL Symposium in the name of the PRC, Aklan Chapter. Good afternoon. /MP