National Fisherfolks Day - Philippines

 

National Fisherfolks Day is a holiday celebrated annually on May 31, in the Philippines. On this day, Filipinos all across the country get together to show their appreciation for those who are on the frontline of fishing and also those who have pledged to keep fishing sustainable, fighting against illegal practices within the community. Because the Philippines has an important fishing market, this day also brings awareness to the relevance of fisherfolk to the country’s economy.

History

Since 2000, National Fisherfolk Day is celebrated annually across the Philippines. It was through the Presidential Proclamation 261 series that the holiday became a federal celebration. The event’s goal is to bring awareness to the work done by thousands of people every day in the country. Since fishing is one of the main economical contributions to the Philippines, fisherfolk are responsible for providing food not only for their own families but for the entire country.

Not only that, but the holiday has, since 2015, also celebrated the sustainable actions taken by the government to prevent illegal practices and unregulated fishing within the coastal regions of the Philippines. There had been issues regarding illegal activities in the fishing market for a long time and in 2002 fisherfolk from eight different alliances came together to form the Fisherfolk Movement of the Philippines. The group demanded better regulations in the trade market, stronger policies regarding sustainable practices, and more unity among all small producers and fisherfolk in the country.

In 2005, this group promoted a “fluvial parade”, in which fisherfolk protested in Hong Kong at a World Trade Organization meeting. Another similar movement happened again in 2006. However, it was only in 2015, under the government of Benigno Aquino III, that the government finally took action and regulated the fishing market to have better conditions and better contain illegal practices with the Republic Act 10654.

 

 

World No Tobacco Day

 

World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on May 31. Initiated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1987, the day aims to create awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocate efficient policies to decrease tobacco consumption.

History

In 1987, the WHO passed Resolution WHA40.38 and called for April 7, 1988 to be "a world no-smoking day." This marked the 40th anniversary of the organisation and was the first steps taken for a broader movement.

After the success of the early no-smoking day, the WHO established Resolution WHA42.19 in 1988 and created World No Tobacco Day to be observed every year on May 31.

Significance

World No Tobacco Day plays an important role in raising awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use. This includes the dangers of smoking and the use of other tobacco products, highlighting their connection to a range of health issues such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory illnesses.

World Parrot Day

 

World Parrot Day is celebrated on 31 May every year to raise awareness about parrots and their conservation. The World Parrot Trust (WPT) established this day in 2004. It is dedicated to the preservation of parrot species worldwide. World Parrot Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the threats that parrots face in the wild, and the steps that can be taken to mitigate these challenges. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the parrot habitat and ecosystem. The day also encourages the public to take action to conserve these endangered creatures.

Parrots are tropical birds that are known for their vibrant plumage, distinctive loud voices, and remarkable intelligence. They have strong curved bills, upright stances, powerful legs, and unique zygodactyl feet. Due to these striking features, parrots are highly sought-after by collectors and pet owners worldwide. World Parrot Day presents an important opportunity to educate the public about the unique traits and habitats of parrots.