The Purple Ribbon Campaign (June 17, 2011)

In every part of the world, our country in particular, usually launches massive campaigns regarding whatever advocacy people are fighting for. These campaigns may be for big or small causes, nevertheless, it is a way for people who are fighting for the same advocacy to come together and fights for their beliefs in that particular advocacy. These campaigns usually produce symbols and/or colors that will represent that particular advocacy and for people to better recognize that that campaign is for a certain advocacy.

Last May, the supporters of the Reproductive Health Bill, led by former President Fidel V. Ramos and Broadway star Lea Salonga, launched the Day of the Purple Ribbon for Reproductive Health. The campaign, better known as simply the Purple Ribbon, became the biggest gathering of politicians, celebrities, and other prominent personalities who support the passing of the RH Bill into a law. For it was lead by former President Fidel V. Ramos, he spoke in behalf of his fellow supporters. Part of his speech was to advocate for current President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to prioritize the RH Bill. He said, "Mr. President, with due respect, for you to do the right thing, you should now certify the RH bill as urgent." (GMA News). Another avid and prominent supporter, Lea Salonga also made a speech saying, "I want people [to be] armed with as much information as possible... to decide for themselves what is best for them as couples. That's what I'm hoping for." (GMA News). Lea Salonga actually referred to herself as an ambassadress of reproductive health by claiming that the RH Bill is essential for the welfare of all women around the country. Other celebrities who were also present during the said event were Arnel Ignacio, Tuesday Vargas, Leah Navarro, Noel Cabangon, Jim Paredes, and Jett Pangan. Other prominent figures who came to the event were Representatives Edcel Lagman and Janet Garin, co-authors of the RH Bill, Esperanza Cabral, Enrique Ona, and Risa Hontiveros. Noel Cabangon even performed his song “Ako’y Mabuting Pilipino”, changing some of its lines with some RH Bill-related ones. Carlos Celdran, probably considered to be one of the most infamous supporters of the RH Bill also came and supported the event but chose to stay quiet this time. If you can remember, Carlos Celdran was that man who attended a mass in Manila Cathedral dressed up as Jose Rizal then started shouting “Damaso! Damaso!” to the priests for the Catholic Church is against the RH Bill.

This advocates of this campaign produced stickers that literally has the design of a purple ribbon. These stickers were to be distributed to Filipinos all over and can be placed in their homes, cars, or wherever they want it placed. Organizations such as Zone One Tond Organization (ZOTO) and Catholics for RH (C4RH) went around Manila distributing stickers in each of the houses they pass by while also explaining the benefits of the RH Bill. According to these supporters, they go house-to-house to explain to people what the RH Bill is really about and clarify any misconceptions these people have regarding the bill.