Young people figure in RH debate

YOUNG people are making their opinion known on the controversial reproductive health bill.

And not all participants who joined the solidarity march against RH bill last Saturday were actually against it.

Arjie Pacomo, a fourth year high school student of Zapatera Night Highschool said that although he wore red to represent the anti-RH stand, he is not likely on the same side.

Pacomo together with his male classmate justified his stand that RH bill will help reduce the population of the country.

“Because our population has increased. The bill will help control our population growth,” Pacomo said.

Pacomo explained that he participated because it’s part of their requirements in Citizen’s Army Training (CAT).

The solidarity march began from Fuente Osmeña circle to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Jeremiah Duroya,  an IT professional said that while he didn’t read the full provisions of the bill, “but at the moment, I believe I am against it.”

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma started his 30 minute homily by recognizing the “overwhelming” number of participants in the march.

Organizers claim 60,000 people showed up for the protest march. The City Integrated Traffic Operations Management (Citom) estimated the crowd to be about 4,000 to 5,000 people.

Palma associated the protest march to the biblical event in Jericho.

“It reminds us of Jericho; the strength that comes from prayer…the strength that comes from the Lord,” Palma said.

The event was joined by local officials like Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Mayor Michael Rama, Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, Anad party list  Rep. Pastor Alcover and Rep. Rachel del Mar of Cebu City’s north district, together with her father former congressman Raul del Mar. /Tweeny M. Malinao, Correspondent