2025: A Year To Become Better

 

"Celebrate endings—for they precede new beginnings." - Jonathan Huie. 2024 is over, and here comes the start of 2025. New year means a new chance to start over and become better. 

This year I decided to make changes for my self-growth. I will stop letting people take advantage of me. I’ve realized that forgiving people all the time, even when they hurt me repeatedly, only makes them feel that it is okay to take advantage of me. It’s time to set boundaries and learn to say no. Saying no doesn’t mean I no longer care, it doesn’t make me a bad person, it means I am protecting myself. I will also learn to cut off people who are no longer good for me, especially for my mental health. I’ve held on to certain relationships for too long, thinking they might get better, but sometimes, cutting them off is the best thing to do. I will not be able to grow when I surround myself with negative people who only want the bad things to happen to me. Lastly, I will try new things and step out of my comfort zone, even if it scares me. Taking risks and doing things I’m afraid of for more opportunities. 

2025 will be my chance to be the best version of myself. New year, new me, I guess?

REFERENCE/S

ABC News. (2025, January 1). New Year’s celebrations: How the world is ringing in 2025. ABC News. https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.abc.net.au/article/104775778

A Dim Christmas

Christmas used to be one of my favorite holidays of the year. The yummy foods, a lot of gifts, and a time well spent with family. When I was a child, my cousins and I always made Christmas enjoyable and unforgettable, like camping and going to every house in our barangay for Christmas caroling. But as I grew older, Christmas didn't feel the same anymore, it started to feel boring and sad. The sparkle of Christmas faded, it felt empty. 

This Christmas vacation, I wasn’t able to enjoy it at all because one of our relatives passed away. Instead of celebrating, we spent most of the time at the “burol”. I helped serve food to the visitors who came to show their condolences.

On December 24, my family on my father's side decided to go to Sived Beach. My uncle’s employees were having their Christmas party there, and we joined them. However, it still didn’t feel like a celebration for me. The bond I used to have with my cousins has changed as we grew older. We’ve become more distant, so even the beach trip felt sad and boring. In the past, I would stay up until midnight on Christmas Eve, excited to celebrate and open gifts with my cousins. But this year, I didn’t feel like celebrating. I just went to bed early and slept. On December 26, our relative was buried. We accompanied her to the cemetery for the burial. After that, life slowly went back to normal.This year’s Christmas wasn’t like the happy ones I used to have. It was filled with emptiness.

Life can be unpredictable, and we should treasure the good moments with our loved ones while we can.

REFERENCE/S

Haven, G. (2023, January 24). Pre and Post Pandemic Filipino Christmas Traditions. Golden Haven Memorial Parks. https://www.goldenhaven.com.ph/blog/pre-and-post-pandemic-filipino-christmas-traditions/

My Second Quarter Journey With HTML

During the second quarter, we focused on learning, discovering, and applying HTML. I learned how to use different tags. I also learned how to format text, add background color and images, create tables, etc. 

During our HTML activities, I encountered some challenges. One of the challenges I encountered was memorizing the different HTML tags and their purposes. I sometimes struggled to make my output exactly like what was instructed because I couldn't find the right tag or attribute, or I would forget or miss some tags or formats. 

In order to address those challenges, I often seek help from my classmates. They showed and taught me how to properly use the tags I was confused about. 

Moving on, I will try to learn more about HTML and try to apply it. This way, I can improve my skills in basic coding. 

Fighting Violence Against Women

 

Every March, the Philippines celebrates the National Women’s Month. This year’s theme is "Lipunang Patas Sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!" As part of this celebration, the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is observed from November 25 to December 12. This campaign aims to raise awareness about violence against women and to promote gender equality.

The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004 is a law that protects women and their children from any form of violence and seeks to address the prevalence of violence against women and their children (VAWC) by their intimate partners. 

The Republic Act No. 9262 covers several acts of violence, which are physical, sexual, physiological, and economic abuse. The persons who are protected by R.A. 9262 are wife, former wife, a woman with whom the offender has or had sexual relations, a woman with whom the offender has a common child, and the legitimate or illegitimate child of the woman within or without the family abode. It is an act that served as a foundation and a tool for the 18-day campaign to end violence against women that provides rights and support to women. 

Republic Act 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, is an act that addresses gender-based harassment in streets, public spaces, workplaces, online platforms, and educational or training institutions. It prohibits acts such as catcalling, stalking, and inappropriate behavior.

Republic Act 8353, or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997. This law defines rape and provides for the punishment of those who commit this crime. It also protects the rights of rape victims, such as the right to privacy and the right to seek medical and psychological help.

The 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women is an important opportunity to raise awareness about VAW and to promote gender equality. Understanding the laws that protect women and children, such as the VAWC Act, RA 9262, and related laws like RA 8353 and RA 11313, is important in protecting women and raising awareness through the 18-Day Campaign, ensuring a safer and more equal society.

 

REFERENCES

Philippine Commission on Women. (n.d.). Republic Acts | Philippine Commission on Women. https://pcw.gov.ph/republic-acts-2/?_page=2
 
Philippine Commission on Women.(n.d.).FAQs RA 9262: the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004. 

https://pcw.gov.ph/faq-republic-act-9262/

Angel Kristine N.( 2024, March 1) 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration | Department of Science and Technology.
https://asti.dost.gov.ph/transparency/gad/2024-national-womens-month-celebration/

St. Clare’s Medical Center, Inc. (2024, January 9). 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. https://stclaresmedicalcenter.com/18-day-campaign-to-end-violence-against-women-2/

Mercurio, R. (2019, December 17). Gender equality: Philippines out of Top 10. Philstar.com. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/12/18/1977944/gender-equality-philippines-out-top-10/amp/
 

The Leadership of Elpidio Quirino

 Elpidio Quirino was born on November 16, 1980, in Vigan and died on February 28, 1956, in Novalovhes, at the age of 65. He finished his elementary education in Vigan Primary School and continued at the Ateneo de Manila University, where he completed his secondary education. Finally, he obtained a law degree from the University of the Philippines in 1915. 

Before becoming president, Quirino had a long career in public service. In fact, after World War II, Quirino served as secretary of state and vice president under the first president of the independent Philippines, who was led by Manuel Roxas. When President Roxas died on April 15, 1948, Quirino became the president. His presidency came at a challenging time, as the country was still recovering from the effects of World War II and struggling with economic issues.

As the postwar reconstruction of the Philippines
was still undergoing, Quirino fixed the economy of his administration through establishing PACSA (President’s Action Committee on Social Amelioration), ACCFA (Agricultural Credit Cooperatives Financing Administration), the Labor Management Advisory Board, and the Rural Banks of the Philippines. These were made to ease the sufferings of poor families, help the farmers market their products, and help countrymen in the rural areas manage their finances. Second, he tried to restore the faith of the people in the government body of the Philippines. He revived "fireside chats" of former president Quezon that update people about the government.

Despite his many successes, Quirino faced some serious challenges during his presidency. First, he was the first president to undergo an impeachment trial because he allegedly purchased a very expensive Golden Orinola using government money. Second is the Hukbalahap, a communist rebel group, which was a major problem during his presidency. Third is corruption. Quirino’s administration faced accusations of corruption, especially among some of his cabinet members. These scandals affected his public image, even though there was no evidence linking Quirino himself to any wrongdoing.

REFERENCES

WordPress. (2010, April 6). Philippine Presidents. https://bloomspresidents.wordpress.com/elpido-r-quirino/

Robinson, J. (2018, November 26). NHK World Special: Hatred And Forgiveness. KPBS Public Media. https://www.kpbs.org/news/arts-culture/2015/09/03/nhk-world-special-hatred-and-forgiveness

 

Honoring the Indigenous Communities of the Philippines

 

In the Philippines, a country rich in culture, indigenous peoples known as Katutubo include various groups like Aetas, Igorots, Lumads and Mangyans. These communities, found in many parts of the country, have diverse traditions, languages and art forms. Every October, National Indigenous Peoples Month is celebrated to honor their contributions and raise and deepen awareness and understanding of their struggles.
This month promotes respect and appreciation for their culture (through programs, exhibits and educational activities). This year’s theme, “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalan” (which means Valuing, Nurturing and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge), also marks 27th year of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA). The law protects their rights to ancestral lands, cultural preservation and self-governance.

Observing National Indigenous Peoples Month 2024 promotes and protects the rights and culture of indigenous peoples. It strengthens their visibility in society, pushes for more support in preserving traditions and raises awareness about the challenges they face. Educational campaigns and events encourage younger generations to appreciate and respect indigenous cultures. Moreover, it fosters solidarity and collaboration among various sectors to ensure that indigenous rights are upheld.

Indigenous People play a vital role in every country. It is important to value their knowledge and preserve their culture, because respect for their rights is essential.

REFERENCES

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES MONTH. (2022, September 16). National Today. https://nationaltoday.com/national-indigenous-peoples-month/

(n.d)https://www.twinkl.nl/teaching-wiki/the-indigenous-people-in-the-philippines

Aapi-Up. (2018, December 13). Understanding Indigenous People in the Philippines. Tumblr. https://www.google.com/amp/s/aapi-up.tumblr.com/post/181066743410/understanding-indigenous-people-in-the-philippines/amp

Mejia, N. (2018, March 25). A call to action against the exploitation of Filipino Indigenous people. Change.org. https://www.change.org/p/anac-ip-partylist-and-ncip-ao-call-to-action-against-the-exploitation-of-filipino-indigenous-people

Filipino Resiliency Amidst Climate Change

 Many Filipinos are experiencing the effects of climate change in the Philippines. It is a major problem that should not be ignored, especially by the government, because it affects people and the environment. This is more likely caused by human activities such as deforestation, burning of waste, improper disposal of waste, and excessive use of energy.

                   

This year (2024), evidence of climate change has been seen. Throughout April and May, increased temperatures were experienced in the Philippines, causing schools to change schedules and/or suspend classes. And this year, many typhoons hit the Philippines, especially Luzon, during September-November. Almost every week since September, a typhoon has been experienced in the Philippines, causing many suspensions of classes and work. Also causing farmers to suffer. Imagine working hard for your crops and having them damaged and wasted just because of typhoons. It's not just that, many houses were also destroyed, and many lives were taken.

However, Filipinos are known for their "bayanihan." They strongly faced these challenges and remained kind to others. They helped each other to rise again.

REFERENCES

PAGASA. (n.d.). Climate Change in the Philippines https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/information/climate-change-in-the-philippines

World Weather Attribution. (2024, May 14).Climate change made the deadly heatwaves that hit millions of highly vulnerable people across  Asia more frequent and extreme  https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/climate-change-made-the-deadly-heatwaves-that-hit-millions-of-highly-vulnerable-people-across-asia-more-frequent-and-extreme/

Agence France-Prese(2024, April 2) Philippines heat to reach ‘danger’ levels, hundreds of schools suspend classes.
https://amp.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3257580/philippines-heat-reach-danger-levels-hundreds-schools-suspend-classes

Afp. (2024, November 19). Floods strike thousands of houses in northern Philippines. Arab News. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2579873/world

Cruz, B. R. D. D. (2024, October 28). Bagyong ‘Kristine’ nag-aywan it P15 milyon nga agricultural damage base sa initial nga assessment it Office of the Provincil Agriculture. Bombo Radyo Kalibo. https://kalibo.bomboradyo.com/bagyong-kristine-nag-aywan-it-p15-milyon-nga-agricultural-damage-base-sa-initial-nga-assessment-it-office-of-the-provincil-agriculture/

Reporter, G. S. (2024, November 18). More than 650,000 people flee as Super Typhoon Man-yi hits Philippines. Philippines | the Guardian. https://amp.theguardian.com/world/2024/nov/16/tens-of-thousands-flee-as-super-typhoon-man-yi-nears-philippines