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POSITION STATEMENT ON VIOLENCE
AGAINST CHILDREN
PHILIPPINE PEDIATRIC SOCIETY,
INC.
Violence must end. These
nigh daily reports of brutal, senseless deaths, especially those against
children, cast a dark image over our nation, a nation known for its resilience,
happiness and hospitality. Indeed, these are times of economic hardship for the
country and the strength of our character and our faith is tested everyday. No
hardship however, can excuse the utter disregard for the value of human life.
We, the Philippine Pediatric Society,
feel especially disturbed by violence perpetrated against children - the most
innocent members of our society, the most vulnerable and the ones most in need
of our protection. For Pediatricians, who are on the front lines of the battle
children face against disease daily, this situation is offensive. As individuals who have dedicated our lives
to the improvement and preservation of human life, this violence is an affront
to everything our profession stands for. But more importantly, on a fundamental
level, this is an outrage to our common humanity and our spirit as a Filipino
Nation. As pediatricians, together with others we work to give young Filipinos
a fighting chance for a better life. Yet somewhere out there, that chance is selfishly,
carelessly and savagely taken away. The violence against children is an attack
not just on individual lives, it is an attack on our future.
As sworn guardians of the health and
wellness of our youngest citizens, the Philippine Pediatric Society denounces
this violence and appeals to our countrymen everywhere to promote peace and
well-being within our communities.
This is a time that calls for profound
introspection by every Filipino. No one wants to live in a world where fear
reigns. Surely it is not just an epidemic of murderous madness that has
afflicted some of our countrymen, but worst among these is society’s seeming
indifference to all of it. But, we, the
PPS, is certain that one act, multiplied by 93 million Filipinos will
definitely turn the situation around.
We help bring life into the world, but
let us all work together in keeping that life in this world. Let us compound
our compassion and counteract the situation. It would be a much better world
than one where we breathe a sigh of relief every night that today, it wasn’t
you or your child. Let us look forward. Let us all look forward to life. We
Pediatricians do.
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