Pinoy youths in Italy organizing vs RH bill

Being miles away from home has not stopped Filipino youths abroad from showing their opposition to the Reproductive Health (RH) bill. A Philippine delegate to the ongoing World Youth Day narrated Saturday that Filipinos based in Italy are organizing campaigns against the proposed measure. “The Philippines is one of the few countries that still advocate the teachings of the [Catholic] faith. It sets an example for our generation," Manila Archdiocese delegate Maitta Rizza Zapanta recalled Italy-based Filipino youth Gian Echano as telling her. Zapanta said Echano was one of nine Filipino delegates from Italy. Echano is a member of the Couples for Christ-Youth for Family and Life, she added. She said Echano’s youth sector consists mainly of second- to third-generation Filipinos who were born and raised in Italy. “During our conversation, he mentioned that his group, with its 35 active members, organizes different activities to rally for chastity, purity and morality, guided by the teachings of the CBCP [Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines]," she said. According to Zapanta, Echano’s group had been focusing mainly on the value of preserving life and chastity before marriage. But when they learned of recent developments about the RH bill, they gathered information through web magazines and online news, “and led prayer rallies for the intention of preventing the bill from gaining more favor." The Aquino administration had included the RH bill in its list of priority measures. The Church opposes the bill due to its provisions allowing artificial contraception. Zapanta also said Echano and his group are proud of the Philippines for standing firm on the teachings of the Catholic Church. “He said that in the midst of the growing disregard for chastity and purity of the youth in Europe, he and other fellow Filipinos are proud of the Philippines for standing firm in the teachings of the Vatican," she added. – JE, GMA News