MANILA, Philippines -- Senator Loren Legarda has put passion into another new advocacy of hers; she wants Human Rights subject to be included in the school curricula, whether private or public. This is to ensure that all students will be made aware of their rights and to prevent them from becoming victims of human rights abuses.

“In a time when our society constantly experiences extra-judicial killings, discrimination based on ethnicity and gender, enforced disappearances, hunger, internal displacement due to armed conflict, sexual abuse, among others, it is a fact of life that many of our countrymen do not know that these acts are serious infringements of their inherent and God-given human rights,” Sen. Legarda explained.

“Many feel the pain that these violations bring, and yet they do not know its name nor do they know whom to run to for help. They are left in the dark; feeding the vicious cycle of impunity and encroachment of these rights,” she added.

Legarda said it is important that at an early age Filipino citizens are already aware of their rights and know what actions to take and what mechanisms are available for them in case they become victims of abuse.

Under her proposed Senate Bill 1432, Legarda wants all educational institutions in the country to make the study of human rights a mandatory part of their curriculum.

The Department of Education, in consultation with the Commission on Human Rights, will formulate courses on human rights to be taught as separate courses or incorporated in existing subjects now being taught in all levels of education throughout the country.

“We must equip our citizens with knowledge about their rights so that they are able to avoid falling prey to various forms of exploitation and ill-treatment. Educating our youth about human rights would also allow them to contribute in strengthening the country’s mechanisms against human rights abuse,” Legarda concluded.

Toni Gonzaga endorses fragrance brand

Noted multi-media personality Toni Gonzaga adds another feather to her already colorful cap as she becomes the newest ambassador of one of the country’s leading direct-selling companies. The Kapamilya star signed up recently with Tupperware Brands, the premier distributor of innovative and exclusive brands covering beauty, baby care, fashion and home essentials. Toni has been tapped to endorse Tupperware Brands’ new women’s fragrance line.

Toni’s bubbly personality and versatility make her an ideal gal to represent the women’s fragrance line of Tupperware Brands. Her beautiful face and sophisticated charm perfectly complement the exclusive brands under the company’s wing.

Toni rose to fame via a soft drink commercial with her infamous “I Love You Piolo!” line. She then landed a hosting job at “Wazzup Wazzup.”

Toni is now enjoying a full week – hosting the noontime show “Happy Yipee Yehey!” and showbiz talk show “The Buzz,” and performing on the Sunday variety “ASAP XV.”

She is wrapping up a comedy movie under OctoArts Films and Star Cinema.

In line with her activities as the newest addition to Tupperware Brands’ roster of celebrity endorsers, Toni will be launching her own signature scent.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 21, go to Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, composer Louie Ocampo, Edgar Allan, Jun-Jun King Austria, Ruby Tuazon, Baby Avenido, Joniel Caadan, Janet Martinez, Al Santos, Princess Lizette Villegas, Emily Matias-Mendoza, Margaret Ong and Australia-based Dinia Diosay Entrata… Happy wedding anniversary to Rollie and Auring Suclad, Boy and Carmen Soingco and Reno and France Magadia…