PR in the Philippines

Our son, Sam, experienced an assault in the school bathroom at the age of six. Despite wearing typical boy's clothing like khaki pants and a Star Wars t-shirt, Sam's long hair and pink Crocs led another student to misidentify Sam as a girl, resulting in verbal and physical abuse. Bathroom troubles for Sam weren't limited to school. Taking Sam to public restrooms alone was unsafe. Whether at playgrounds, zoos, airports, or restaurants, other children—and even adults—felt compelled to correct Sam about being in the "wrong" bathroom. These encounters ranged from polite to hostile. For Sam, a young child, it was simply about needing to use the restroom. These repeated negative bathroom experiences inspired us to write the children's book, Jacob’s Room to Choose. The story depicts Jacob and his friend Sophie being ostracized from school bathrooms due to their clothing. When their teacher notices the problem, she initiates a lesson on basic bathroom etiquette. As parents and authors, we advocate for safe bathroom access for everyone, regardless of appearance. Jacob’s Room to Choose is currently banned in multiple U.S. states and Malaysia. Jacob’s Room to Choose is one of nine children’s picture books included in a filed in Montgomery County, Md., by parents objecting to their children being exposed to books promoting self-acceptance and kindness in the classroom. The books were incorporated into the school district’s language arts curriculum through a thorough and inclusive community process, aimed at diversifying representation of children's lived experiences. The Supreme Court will hear arguments for Mahmoud v. Taylor on April 22, addressing the constitutionality of inclusive education. The plaintiffs argue that prohibiting them from opting their children out of instruction involving books with LGBTQIA+ characters infringes upon their First Amendment right to religious freedom. They believe their children will suffer irreparable harm from exposure to the diverse individuals and families depicted in these books. We firmly believe in the fundamental right to religious expression, but not when it infringes upon the rights of others. Allowing parents to opt their children out of reading our books negatively impacts those children whose lives and families are reflected within those stories. "Opt-out" policies send a clear message that treating all individuals with respect is optional, and that children who are different do not deserve the same respect as their peers. We recognize the profound impact of representation in literature. When Sam, at age four, expressed a desire to wear dresses, we struggled to find books featuring similar boys. It was an isolating experience for both him and us. Consequently, we wrote our first book, Jacob’s New Dress, to reassure children like Sam that they are not alone and to promote kindness among all children. We frequently hear from parents, teachers, and librarians about the positive impact this book has had on the children they care for. At times, it feels as though storytelling is insufficient. That a simple book is no match for the hateful rhetoric falsely portraying books as harmful to children. However, we remember that our stories possess such power that some individuals fear them. They resort to misrepresenting the books' contents, labeling them as "radical indoctrination," "pornography," and "child abuse." They seek to suppress them, fearing books that simply advocate for kindness. We believe that every elementary school student deserves kindness and respect. Embracing others as they are paves the way for a world where we can coexist peacefully, regardless of religious beliefs.

The United States was added to the CIVICUS Monitor Watchlist on Sunday. This list, maintained by a research tool, tracks the status of freedoms and threats to civil liberties around the world. CIVICUS, a global network of civil society organizations like Amnesty International, stated in a press release that the decision was made in light of President Donald Trump's "assault on democratic norms and global cooperation." The organization also pointed to the Administration's reduction of funding and its crackdown on , which Trump labeled "", enacted through executive action. Mandeep Tiwana, Interim Co-Secretary General of CIVICUS, said in a press release that "The Trump Administration appears determined to dismantle the system of checks and balances that are the foundation of a democratic society." He added that "Restrictive Executive Orders, unwarranted institutional cutbacks, and intimidation tactics through threatening statements by senior Administration officials are fostering an environment that stifles democratic dissent, a valued American principle." Other nations on the watchlist include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Italy, Pakistan, and Serbia. CIVICUS uses a scale to classify civic space: open, narrowed, obstructed, repressed, and closed. "Open" is the highest rating, indicating full freedom of expression, while "closed" is the lowest. According to CIVICUS, a "decline in open civic space" involves "repressive legislation that restricts free speech and dialogue, obstacles to civil society activities and operations, and crackdowns on civil disobedience and peaceful demonstrations." The U.S. is currently classified as "narrowed," indicating that while most people can exercise their rights to expression, free speech, and assembly, the government has made some attempts to infringe upon these rights. For instance, CIVICUS cited during the Biden Administration, following advocates taking to the streets and staging to protest U.S. military assistance and funding to Israel. Students protested, demanding their schools divest from entities profiting from or connected to Israel. “We urge the United States to uphold the rule of law and respect constitutional and international human rights norms,” said Tiwana. “Americans across the political spectrum are appalled by the undemocratic actions of the current Administration.” The White House has not yet responded to TIME's request for comment. The "narrowed" category also reflects CIVICUS’s assessment that while a free press exists, restrictions may arise from regulation or political pressure on media owners. This comes as editorial decisions by major media organizations and governing bodies have sparked considerable debate. In February, the Federal Communications Commission initiated an investigation into NPR and PBS over concerns that they were “violating federal law by airing commercials,” which both . The FCC chair also against public funding for the two news sites. Jeff Bezos, Amazon CEO and owner of the Washington Post, instructed the organization to refocus its opinion pages in February, stating that they would write “in support and defense of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets.” “We’ll cover other topics too of course, but viewpoints opposing those pillars will be left to be published by others,” Bezos told the Post team. That same month, the White House announced that its press team would select the reporters for the press pool—a move the is about “restoring power back to the American people, who President Trump was elected to serve.” However, many journalism advocates criticized the act. “This move tears at the independence of a free press in the United States. It suggests the government will choose the journalists who cover the president. In a free country, leaders must not be able to choose their own press corps,” the White House Correspondents’ Association said in a . The White House is also involved in a lawsuit filed by the Associated Press. The news organization has —including Leavitt—after it was denied access to White House press briefings for refusing to alter its editorial style and refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” following Trump's renaming in an he signed in January. ```

A mother of four young children recently contacted me, expressing concern about measles. She was prompted by a significant measles outbreak in northwest Texas, which has resulted in confirmed infections, two fatalities, and numerous hospitalizations. This outbreak has since spread to nine other states, and travelers passing through Los Angeles Airport have been issued an alert. Contrary to popular belief, outbreaks of this potentially fatal disease are uncommon. The U.S. declared measles eliminated over 20 years ago, thanks to a highly effective and safe vaccine. However, efforts to discredit the vaccine have contributed to the recent resurgence. We can take individual and collective actions to safeguard vulnerable populations and hopefully eradicate measles from the country once more. My friend understands and trusts the scientific evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. She adheres to the vaccination schedule recommended by her pediatrician. Measles vaccines are among the most protective available, ensuring her children's protection when vaccinated. However, the large outbreaks we are witnessing still pose risks, particularly to young children, immunocompromised individuals, and vulnerable adults. Measles vaccines are highly effective, providing 93% protection after the first dose and 99% after the second. The challenge lies in the timing of these doses. The first dose is typically administered between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second between 4 and 6 years old. Infants receive some passive immunity from their mothers' antibodies for the first six months, but this is insufficient for complete protection. Consequently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises parents of unvaccinated children to avoid traveling to areas experiencing measles outbreaks. All children under one year old, before receiving their first measles vaccine, are susceptible to infection if exposed to someone with measles. Given measles's highly contagious nature, outbreaks are likely to lead to more infections among children in this age group, including those whose parents intend to vaccinate them. While the first dose provides significant protection, optimal protection is achieved after the second dose, usually administered when a child starts school. Between these doses, children remain at risk, especially with repeated exposure to measles from unvaccinated individuals. Beyond young children, two other groups require special consideration: immunocompromised children and elderly or immunocompromised adults. Immunocompromised children, such as those undergoing cancer treatment, cannot receive the measles vaccine because it contains a weakened live virus that could cause the disease in these individuals. Therefore, they rely on high levels of community immunity for protection. When vaccination rates fall below 95%, the virus can circulate, increasing the risk of infection and severe illness in vulnerable children. Most elderly individuals should have some immunity to measles, either from contracting the disease before 1957 or from vaccination programs that began in the 1960s. While we generally assume lifelong immunity from infection or vaccination, this is not always certain. For example, if an 80-year-old contracted measles at age 5, is she still protected? What about an adult undergoing chemotherapy? While their immunity may be sufficient, further research is needed to understand the risks of measles exposure in these populations. Measles in an unprotected elderly or immunocompromised adult, whether due to inability to vaccinate or waning immunity, is likely to be severe. Elderly individuals in high-outbreak areas may require an additional booster shot. However, we lack sufficient data to make informed recommendations. Years of vaccine misinformation have resulted in low vaccination rates in many communities across the U.S. A common argument is that parents only endanger their own children by not vaccinating. However, low vaccination rates create risks for others, including infants too young to be vaccinated, immunocompromised children who cannot be vaccinated, and elderly or immunocompromised adults with weakened immune systems. Therefore, when my friend with a young child inquired about protection, my advice was clear: avoid areas with outbreaks, vaccinate her child as soon as eligible, and encourage others in her community to do the same. While she can eventually protect her own children, this option is unavailable for a child battling leukemia or for those who are immunocompromised or at risk due to waning immunity. We have a responsibility to eradicate measles from the U.S. once again to protect these vulnerable individuals.

Ann and Billie Dumaliang have stated they are "done with being friendly" with Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga. In an exclusive interview with TIME, the sisters accused the Philippine Environment Secretary of "malicious" actions, being "allergic to criticism," and attempting to "strong arm" them into "abandoning" the Masungi Georeserve, the renowned ecotourism site they manage just outside of Manila. Their anger is rooted in shock. The Dumaliangs were taken by surprise when they learned through the news that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources was evicting them from a section of the Masungi Georeserve—a decision that could jeopardize their overall efforts to safeguard the 6,600-acre conservation area. On March 7, the department announced in a press conference that it was canceling a 2002 agreement with Blue Star Construction Development Corporation, the Masungi Georeserve Foundation Inc.’s affiliate company owned by Ben Dumaliang, the sisters’ father. The cancellation was based on alleged failure to complete a contracted government housing project, as well as other alleged violations. The canceled agreement encompasses about 740 acres, including the georeserve’s . The department has instructed Blue Star to vacate the 740-acre area within a two-week period. “Everyone was quite caught off guard,” Ann Dumaliang told TIME. “Not only because we weren't involved at all, but also because this is the first time that they've brought up these issues in the 20-plus years that we've been protecting this place.” Masungi Georeserve is a well-known eco-tourism location, famous for its rainforest and striking limestone formations. The site, its staff, and its rangers have received global recognition for and efforts—particularly notable in a country considered the . The Discovery Trail enables visitors to hike through the conservation area for a fee of at least 1,500 Philippine pesos ($26) to observe karst limestones and various flora and fauna. Billie Dumaliang explained that the funds raised contribute to the reforestation of over 5,900 acres surrounding the trail—an area that is also at risk if a separate 2017 joint contract is terminated—and help cover the salaries of the approximately 100 rangers who protect the reserve. During a press briefing on Friday, an environment department official stated that “everyone, including those involved in conservation and [environment] protection, will face government action if they violate the law.” However, the Dumaliang sisters, who serve as trustees of the foundation, deny any accusations of legal violations and express their discontent with what they perceive as unfair treatment. “Other alleged violators get, like, one to four show-cause orders?” Ann questioned. “We get an immediate cancellation. It’s terrible.” Billie added that the department's action "starkly contrasts with all the environmentally destructive projects that have been allowed to continue for years, despite strong opposition." Yulo-Loyzaga has previously been for failing to surrounding the country's environmental landmarks. The sisters also challenged the claim that Blue Star failed to meet its contractual obligations, arguing that it was the department that failed to uphold its end of the agreement and did not communicate with Masungi Georeserve’s representatives. Billie Dumaliang stated that she believes Environment Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga has been particularly "vindictive" after . “We’re very vocal about this, we’ve exposed illegal activities, we make her look bad, but these are very petty reasons for taking a course of action that is not in line with the mandate of the department,” Billie said. Billie further asserted that Yulo-Loyzaga's decision regarding Masungi "calls into question the current administration's commitment to its international pledges on climate change, human rights, biodiversity, land degradation, and peace." The Philippines has committed to rehabilitating . Some Philippine lawmakers have also behind the cancellation of the Blue Star contract. Senator Nancy Binay, in social media statements, the hasty decision and inquired about the department's plan and vision for the Georeserve after the cancellation. Representative Raoul Manuel the department for not engaging in dialogue with the Masungi Georeserve Foundation before the cancellation and for portraying the organization as an "enemy." The Philippine environment department and secretary did not immediately address specific questions from TIME, instead referring to a made by the department that details the history of the Blue Star contract and Blue Star’s alleged violations, including: charging fees and building facilities on the site without local permits, fencing off a section of government property, and not completing the agreed-upon housing units in the area. Currently, the Dumaliangs are planning to pursue all available legal options, even as the department considers involving the police to enforce the eviction. They are aware of the security risks—those with vested interests in the land, such as resort owners, have been on the site’s rangers and staff patrolling and protecting the site, and the georeserve has been the subject of . They are concerned that the order has "emboldened" Masungi's detractors to persist with harassment and potentially escalate violence, creating a "chilling effect" on all environmental defenders. However, they intend to fight the order. "We will invoke our right, of course, to continue our work," Billie stated. "If we need to use our bodies to shield, then we will." ```

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Monday that the Trump administration has concluded its elimination of programs at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has been operating for six decades. He stated that the remaining 18% of aid and development programs would be transferred to the State Department. Rubio's announcement was made via a post on X, marking one of his few public statements regarding the significant shift away from U.S. foreign aid and development. This shift was implemented by Trump's political appointees at the State Department and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) teams. In his post, Rubio expressed gratitude to DOGE and the “hardworking staff who worked very long hours to achieve this overdue and historic reform” in foreign aid. President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 20, directing a freeze on foreign assistance funding and a review of all U.S. aid and development initiatives abroad, which amounted to tens of billions of dollars. Trump argued that much of this foreign assistance was wasteful and promoted a liberal agenda. Rubio's social media post on Monday indicated that the review was “officially ending,” with approximately 5,200 of USAID’s 6,200 programs being terminated. Rubio wrote that these eliminated programs “spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve, (and in some cases even harmed), the core national interests of the United States.” He stated, “In consultation with Congress, we intend for the remaining 18% of programs we are keeping … to be administered more effectively under the State Department.” However, Democratic lawmakers and others are contesting the legality of shutting down programs funded by Congress, asserting that such actions necessitate congressional approval. Earlier in the month, the State Department, amidst multiple lawsuits concerning the rapid shutdown of USAID, stated that it was terminating over 90% of USAID programs. Rubio did not provide an explanation for the discrepancy in the numbers, nor did he offer details on the programs that were spared or how the State Department would manage them. The dismantling of USAID following Trump’s order disrupted decades of policy that held humanitarian and development aid abroad bolstered U.S. national security by fostering stability in regions and economies, reinforcing alliances, and cultivating goodwill. In the weeks following Trump’s order, Pete Marocco, an appointee and transition team member, along with Musk, removed USAID staff worldwide through forced leaves and firings, halted USAID payments abruptly, and terminated thousands of aid and development contracts. Contractors and staff involved in efforts ranging from epidemic control to famine prevention to job and democracy training ceased their work. Aid organizations and other USAID partners laid off tens of thousands of employees both in the U.S. and internationally. Lawsuits filed by nonprofit groups and businesses that had partnered with USAID allege that the contract terminations, carried out through form letters, eliminated even programs that Rubio had expressed interest in preserving, violated contract terms, and left aid groups and businesses owed billions of dollars. The shutdown has left numerous USAID staffers and contractors, along with their families, stranded overseas, awaiting U.S.-paid back payments and funds for their return travel.

` tags. `` WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Australian authorities have revealed that what politicians initially described as an antisemitic terror plot intended to cause mass casualties was, in fact, an elaborate hoax orchestrated by criminals for personal gain. According to police on Monday, the explosives were never intended to be detonated. Law enforcement officials investigating the January discovery of the trailer outside Sydney announced at a news conference that the incident was a scheme by criminals who planned to benefit from alerting authorities to its presence. This revelation adds a bizarre layer to a series of antisemitic incidents in Australia. Deputy Police Commissioner David Hudson stated that the attacks on Jewish sites, including the firebombing of a synagogue and daycare center, as well as acts of vandalism, were perpetrated by "a very small group, and potentially one individual." In January, authorities unusually claimed that none of the 12 individuals arrested in connection with the crimes in Sydney and Melbourne were driven by antisemitic motives, but were instead criminals hired for the job. Hudson added that the 14 additional individuals arrested on Monday also lacked hateful motivations. However, Hudson acknowledged that antisemitism in Australia has "escalated over the past 18 months" since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel. ‘There was no detonator’ The discovery of the trailer in January, containing mining explosives and a list of Jewish targets, led to widespread concern about potential extremist violence. This information was leaked to the public before the authorities' official announcement. However, investigators stated on Monday that they suspected "almost immediately" that the trailer was "part of a fabricated terrorist plot, essentially a criminal con job." According to Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett, these suspicions were kept secret. The trailer was easily discoverable, and the explosives were clearly visible. Barrett also noted that "there was no detonator," emphasizing that it was "never going to cause a mass casualty event." Instead, those who staged the trailer incident planned to inform the authorities of an impending attack against Jewish Australians, according to Barrett. The reasons behind this scheme, as investigators believe, were complex. A criminal gig economy Barrett and Hudson explained that the perpetrators of the trailer plot intended to attract attention from authorities, divert police resources, create fear, and exploit the situation for personal gain. This may have involved attempting to use information about a potential attack to negotiate with police for reduced sentences in other criminal cases. “We believe the person pulling the strings wanted changes to their criminal status but maintained a distance from their scheme and hired alleged local criminals,” Barrett said, adding that this individual is still at large. Authorities have suggested since January that the criminals were hired, though specific details remain undisclosed. They also have not revealed which local criminal groups may have been involved in the attacks, which included hateful graffiti. Barrett added that this was not an isolated incident. “Too many offenders working in a criminal gig economy are accepting these tasks for money,” she said. The 14 individuals arrested on Monday face charges related to the coordinated attacks. A measure of comfort for the Jewish community This unusual development concludes a period marked by antisemitic crimes in Sydney and Melbourne, where 85% of Australia’s Jewish population resides. One person suffered physical harm: a worshipper who sustained burns in an arson attack on a synagogue in December. Hudson stated that the Jewish community could find "some comfort" in knowing that the most severe incidents were not ideologically driven acts of hate. However, Barrett added that the crimes have had "a chilling effect on the Jewish community" and fostered unwarranted suspicion of other groups. Police are also investigating other attacks. Nearly 200 additional individuals have been charged with crimes linked to antisemitism in New South Wales since October 2023, according to police reports in February.

Prince Frederik of Luxembourg, the youngest son of Prince Robert of Luxembourg and Princess Julie of Nassau, passed away in Paris on March 1 at the age of 22, a day after Rare Disease Day. He suffered from POLG, a rare genetic condition. His father announced his death on March 7 in a statement posted on the POLG Foundation website. Frederik co-founded the foundation in 2022 and served as its creative director. “Frederik fought his disease bravely until the very end,” Robert wrote. “His unwavering desire for life propelled him through the most difficult physical and mental challenges.” Frederik is survived by his parents; his brother, Alexander; his sister, Charlotte; his cousins, Charly, Louis, and Donall; his brother-in-law, Mansour; his aunt and uncle, Charlotte and Mark; and his dog, Mushu. He was remembered as a resilient fighter and a strong advocate. “Frederik knows that he is my Superhero,” Robert wrote. “Part of his superpower was his ability to inspire and to lead by example.” Robert also wrote that Frederik even expressed gratitude for having the disease. “He felt that there were so many amazing people that he would never have known had it not been for his disease,” and he once told a friend, “‘Even though I’ll die from it … and even if my parents do not have the time to save me, I know that they will be able to save other children.’” What is POLG? POLG disease is a mitochondrial disorder resulting from inherited mutations in the POLG gene, which is essential for replicating cells’ genetic material and repairing DNA. The incurable disease affects various organs, including the brain, nerves, muscles, and liver, and its symptoms can be extensive and debilitating. “One might compare it to having a faulty battery that never fully recharges, is in a constant state of depletion and eventually loses power,” Robert said. It is also challenging to diagnose. While it's among the most common mitochondrial diseases, it's still considered rare. Molecular genetic testing can detect the mutation, and brain imaging and electroencephalogram (EEG) testing can also identify associated brain changes. However, the variety of symptoms and lack of public awareness can make it difficult for physicians to diagnose. Frederik was diagnosed at age 14. Doug Turnbull, a neurology professor at Newcastle University and a member of the POLG Foundation’s scientific advisory board, described POLG deficiency as “the worst” of all mitochondrial diseases. “It is so relentlessly progressive, attacking so many different systems with sadly the same conclusion.” The disease can affect vision, mobility, and speech, and it can be fatal, with life expectancy ranging from three months to 12 years after the disease's onset. What does the POLG Foundation do? In its three years of operation, the foundation has allocated $3.6 million in funding to four major research projects examining the disease's mechanisms and potential treatments. It has also partnered with Columbia University on Project Butterfly to study post-mortem tissues from two families with the POLG mutation and launched a home-based tool to assess changes in functions and disease progression in patients with mitochondrial disorders. This year, the organization is initiating the first international POLG natural history study to gather data on how POLG disease develops in patients over time. Frederik played a key role in advancing POLG science, not only as a foundation founder but also by providing his own DNA to generate sequences and induce pluripotent stem cells for further research. According to Robert's statement, mitochondrial research has implications beyond POLG. Understanding the "fundamental role of mitochondria in health and its failings in disease" can be applied to other conditions like cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, immunologic diseases, and even aging. Frederik and his mother Julie, who worked for 15 years to raise awareness about the disease, made a video about POLG from the perspectives of Frederik and other patients. The day before his death, Robert wrote that Frederik asked his father, “‘Papa, are you proud of me?’” “He had barely been able to speak for several days, so the clarity of these words was as surprising as the weight of the moment was profound. The answer was very easy, and he had heard it oh so many times, but at this time, he needed reassurance that he had contributed all that he possibly could in his short and beautiful existence and that he could now finally move on,” Robert wrote. “We are all so very proud of you, Frederik.”