EstudyaNTEPRENEUR: A 1 Peso Adventure

 On March 17, we were assigned to visit the different booths prepared by the TLE-ICT department for the estudyaNTEPRENEUR event. We were accompanied by Ma'am Charleen, our practice teacher in ICT.

Our first stop was at the PAGCOR, where we had to pay a ₱1.00 entrance fee. There were various activities to try. One of my favorites was the funny jail photo booth, where we took silly photos. They also featured a short film that provided valuable information about ICT.

Next, we visited the AP department. The first thing that caught my attention was the Beauty Care section, where they offered massages, which seemed interesting to try. The Home Economics students also displayed a variety of food and beverages, such as empanadas.

For our last stop, we went to the MAPEH department, located at the back of the gymnasium in the Crop Museum. At first, I thought we would just walk around and learn about different plants. However, I was surprised to see fun games inside. Participants could pay to play and win prizes, making the experience more exciting.

In conclusion, the booths not only provided entertainment but also gave us new knowledge and practical lessons we can apply in real life.

The Power of WE: Breaking Stereotypes For Gender Equality and Inclusive Society

Have you ever felt left out, weak, or worthless just because of your gender? Even today, gender inequality still exists, creating an unfair society where people are judged based on outdated beliefs rather than their true abilities.

I grew up in a family where women were considered the "weak" ones because men were seen as the primary providers. This made me believe that men were superior to women—that this was simply how a family should work. My male cousins would often say, "Babai ka lang" (You're just a woman) in certain situations, which always made me feel small and unimportant.

As I got older, I began to notice how society consistently underestimates women. One clear example was during the last Philippine presidential election. Many Filipinos believed they should vote for BBM simply because he was a man, while Leni, despite her strong credentials and programs, was disregarded just because she was a woman. They wasted her potential and dismissed her capabilities, not because she lacked leadership skills, but because of her gender.

These outdated beliefs create a gap between men and women, limiting what people can achieve. Gender equality is important because it gives everyone the same opportunities, ensures equal rights and respect, and helps people live without discrimination or unfair treatment. Everyone deserves the same chances in life, regardless of gender. It is time to break these harmful stereotypes and build a society where people are judged by their abilities, not their gender.

 As Frieda Pinto said, "Gender equality is a human fight—not a female fight!"

REFERENCE/S

Gender equality: Philippines out of Top 10. (1970, January 1). Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/12/18/1977944/gender-equality-philippines-out-top-10/amp/

Chasing My Dreams: A Future Medical Technologist

Have you ever thought about what your life would be like 15 years from now? 

Right now, I am about to graduate from Grade 10, and I still have a long way to go. I will spend two more years in senior high school and then four years in college. Even though the future is uncertain, I have dreams and goals that I want to achieve. In 15 years, I see myself as a successful medical technologist working abroad, living in Switzerland with my own family and giving back to my parents for all their sacrifices.

Fifteen years from now, I will be around 30 years old. By that time, I hope to have finished my Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (BSMT). My goal is to work abroad, where I can build a stable career and earn a good income. Most importantly, I want to give back to my parents. They have worked so hard to support me and my education, and I want to make sure that they enjoy a happy and comfortable life. I will do my best to repay their sacrifices by giving them financial support, taking them on trips, and ensuring they have everything they need.

Dancing with Pride: Celebrating the 123rd High School Day

 

This year, for the High School Day celebration, we performed a dance using songs of Lady Gaga. Our performance was special because we used props like colored bangs, shades, and an LGBT flag stick. Most of our main dancers were part of the LGBT community, which made our presentation even more meaningful.

Practicing the steps was not easy. The large sticks were hard to handle, but luckily, our teachers adjusted their size to make it easier for us. The overall practice was really tiring, especially for us Grade 10 girls. We practiced for hours under the hot sun, which made us exhausted.

On the day of the celebration, we started with a parade early in the morning. I was one of the students who held the banner that represented our section, together with Gian, our class escort. The parade was very long and tiring, but we pushed through. After the parade, we rested for a few minutes in our classroom before going to the field for the final demonstration. Despite the heat, we gave our best performance. Even though we only won 4th place, I am still proud of our team. We worked hard, and we enjoyed the experience.

The yearly celebration of ISNHS’s founding is important because it reminds us of our school’s history. It also helps show our talents. High School Day is not just about competition—it is about unity, pride, and celebrating how far our school has come.

REFERENCE/S 

Llagas, R.A (2025, March 22) Celebrating the 123rd ISNHS FOUNDATION  ANNIVERSARY. https://www.facebook.com/100005008366571/posts/pfbid02HZVRh9XetUqhdyyzyWFyTys82Vpwq55MKPjVAePXGtYYji2PTgCMwqsFtHE85P4bl/?app=fbfbl

Frio, D.D (2025, March 23) 123rd ISNHS Foundation Day Field Demo Part I.https://www.facebook.com/100001339710636/posts/pfbid02wqjTYcvvUz51AAYp2v3WWfV9mLzqM61p1e5HT1c1tzqxGQUaMKspBGPMZk5hkn44l/?app=fbl

The End of My Grade 10 ICT Journey

 

As my grade 10 journey comes to an end, I feel a bit sad knowing that our class is almost over. Looking back, I realize how much I have learned in ICT during the 4th quarter, especially in our lessons about MS FrontPage and Networking.

One of the things I discovered was how to use MS FrontPage to create and design a website. At first, it seemed complicated, but as we did hands-on activities, I understood it better. I also found our Networking lesson easier since we already learned about it in Grade 8.

However, I still faced some challenges. I struggled with some features in MS FrontPage, and the interactive buttons on my homepage would not work no matter how many times I fixed and saved them. Some images also failed to load, which was frustrating.

 

To overcome these problems, I asked for help from Wilfranz and Ma’am Charleen— our practice teacher. They patiently guided me, answered my questions, and helped me understand what I was doing wrong. Because of them, I was able to fix my project and learn more.

Moving forward, I will continue to practice and explore MS FrontPage and other web design tools. I will also ask for help whenever needed and help others who might struggle like I did. This quarter was challenging, but it was also a great learning experience.

REFERENCE/S

Wikipedia contributors. (2024, August 28). Microsoft FrontPage. Wikipedia. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_FrontPage

Global, A. (2024, October 29). The Power of Networking in Business Success: Key Strategies. Abundance Global. https://www.abundance.global/the-power-of-networking-in-business-success-key-strategies/

Kannawidan Festival: Keeping Filipino Culture Alive

 "The greatness of a culture can be found in its festival."—Siddharth Katragadda. Does Kannawidan make our culture truly alive? The Kannawidan Ylocos Festival began in 2008, it celebrates the founding of Ilocos Sur. It takes place from the last week of January to the first week of February. It contributes to the social, cultural, economic, and religious aspects of life and is essential to the preservation of our history.

In Kannawidan, people from different places come together at Kannawidan, tourists, families, and friends gather to participate in various events and activities. Pageants such as Saniata ti Ylocos, fireworks, concerts, food festivals, pet exhibits, and other competitions are typically featured at Kannawidan. Cultural Ilocano tradition performances can be witnessed at Kannawidan, such as street dancing and festival dance showdowns. Despite modernization, these traditions are still not lost because of Kannawidan. The celebration also has a religious significance. Mass is the start of several celebrations and is a way for Ilocanos, particularly Roman Catholics, to show their deep devotion to their beliefs. 

This festival brings joy for everyone while contributing to the preservation of our history and shaping various aspects, including social, cultural, economic, and religious.

REFERENCE/S:

DepEd Ilocos Sur (2019, January 31). Kannawidan Ylocos Festival: Pride of the Ilocanos. 

https://depedilocossur.info/?p=2011

Provincial Government Of Ilocos Sur (2025, February 16) One Ilocos Sur Night.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/168LfChQm6/

Provincial Government Of Ilocos Sur (2025, February 15) Cosplay.

https://www.facebook.com/100083176937835/post /pfbid02R4zzsLM8mQujBrn8P977X1pP58oKruLAUyBRcMFxs9QTfhHpfdeJqD8SGbBtPMhjl/?app=fbl

Provincial Government Of Ilocos Sur (2025, February 15) Ilocos Sur Festival 2025 Bingo Night.

https://www.facebook.com/100083176937835/posts/pfbid0CP9JzyqrqyeDga6jZDiNYbMas4kNhp31Eb42ohBagFcirjFKcGMRb8SvXzLqWFMYl/?app=fbl

Provincial Government Of Ilocos Sur (2025, February 15) Dance Sports.

https://www.facebook.com/100083176937835/posts/pfbid0ubkebNzSraTQBoTtfv3pHPvHv5dyqN7HSt2B1GjDoperHsJFjPSgPL8npbjeSq7Ql/?app=fbl

Provincial Government Of Ilocos Sur (2025, February 12) Mister Ilocos Sur.

https://www.facebook.com/100083176937835/posts/pfbid029EKpiVWyKgmUGah45fihTwwWEX95dGkb8CsPVFd6RSrS47iQHXFrahpbFkyFimqFl/?app=fbl

Provincial Government Of Ilocos Sur (2025, February 11) Food and Trade Fair.

https://www.facebook.com/100083176937835/posts/pfbid02emWCmk3Yf2Gs1JXpLv2Nno4nR6nCuxRPvi1bgoesgWRxqQ8VRXvucTGXnGryF98Tl/?app=fbl

Provincial Government Of Ilocos Sur (2025, February 11) Street Dance Showdown.

https://www.facebook.com/100083176937835/posts/pfbid02PEnJpCbCnb8CkEZHrcjuM5ytSr6fSF667XjXapYkhBpaxr32WaYLw3Dq1jv1AdEl/?app=fbl

Hearts Day: More Than Just A Celebration

 "Love is the beauty of the soul."—Saint Augustine. Love is a deep emotion that connects people, and every February 14, Valentine's is celebrated, it's a day to celebrate and show love to everyone. Valentine's is not just about romantic relationships but also about love towards family and friends.

Valentine's Day is a reminder to take a moment to show our deep appreciation for the important people in our lives. There are many ways to express affection, it can be through handwritten letters, simple gifts like handpicked and paper flowers, or a simple celebration to spend quality time, giving simple compliments, or dedicating a song. Simple things mean a lot, it's not about the value of what you have given but the effort you give to make them feel loved.

Valentine's is more than just a celebration, the purpose of Valentine's is making others feel loved and appreciated in all ways. And for me, love should not only be celebrated on February 14.

REFFERENCE/S

Redirect Notice. (n.d.). https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vecteezy.com%2Ffree-photos%2Fbeach-sunset-couple&psig=AOvVaw0Z0Mp0OoRWRPVMRs2my0hM&ust=1739678984621000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBYQjRxqFwoTCNCI35bnxIsDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ

The Journey of Our Community-Based Research Project

     

After knowing our groupmates  and the focus topic for our CBR, Ashley was assigned as our leader. Ashley, our leader, took the responsibility of dividing the tasks among us. We gathered as a group and discussed our research topic, making sure that everyone understood their assigned roles to ensure each person had a fair workload. We also set deadlines to stay on track.

Third Quarter: A Quarter of Struggles and Growth

During the third quarter of ICT, we learned how to create ordered and unordered lists in HTML. We then focused on our community-based research (CBR) and applied our knowledge of HTML to design the webpage layout for our CBR.

Throughout this quarter, I encountered difficulties in completing my part of the CBR and was unable to contribute to the webpage layout due to a lack of resources, such as a laptop. Fortunately, I was able to overcome these challenges with the help of Ashley, who guided me in completing my CBR tasks. Additionally, Ashley and Shecinah stepped in to handle my part of the webpage layout to ensure our project was completed on time.

Moving forward, I will strive to be more involved in group activities and find ways to contribute effectively, despite any challenges I may face.

REFERENCE/S

Kean, K. (2023, December 31). 3 Types of HTML lists and how to use them. MUO. https://www.makeuseof.com/html-lists-types-how-use/

Chinese New Year: Connection Between Chinese and Filipinos

 Chinese New Year is celebrated in the Philippines every year. It is not just a celebration but an important part of Chinese culture. While it is primarily observed by the Chinese, many Filipinos also take part in the celebration.

Over time, celebrating Chinese New Year has become a tradition in the Philippines. People follow customs such as giving red envelopes, wearing red clothes, and preparing lucky foods. In 2012, the holiday was officially recognized as a special non-working day. Through Proclamation No. 295, issued in November 2011, President Benigno Aquino III declared Chinese New Year a special non-working holiday to allow both Filipinos and Filipino-Chinese to celebrate. He emphasized that this recognition reflects the country’s solidarity with the Chinese-Filipino community, which has long been an integral part of Philippine society.

In conclusion, Chinese New Year is more than just a celebration of traditions and gift-giving. It symbolizes the deep connections shared between the Chinese and Filipinos.

REFERENCE/S

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand | Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok. (n.d.). Sindhorn Midtown. https://www.sindhornmidtown.com/things-to-do-in-bangkok/chinese-new-year-in-bangkok

Font, A. M. (2025, January 27). 2025, YEAR OF THE SNAKE: A GUIDE TO THE WONDERS OF CHINESE NEW YEAR — EAST WEST. EAST WEST. https://eastwestspace.com/ew-blog/chinese-new-year-2025

Philstar (2014, January 27). Why celebrate Chinese New Year? A look at Philippine, China economic ties. https://www.philstar.com/business/2014/01/27/1283587/why-celebrate-chinese-new-year-look-philippine-china-economic

From A Simple Municipality To A Thriving City

 Have you ever been in the best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town in Asia? The historic town of Vigan City, located in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is the capital city of Ilcoos Sur. In fact, Vigan City is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New7Wonders Cities.

The state of Vigan then was far from Vigan now. Up until 1999, before Vigan became a city, it was just a third-class town, and its popularity almost faded and disappeared. Despite Vigan's historic charm, it wasn't as popular and developed as it is now. One reason why it was not popular was that it was not easy to travel to Vigan. The roads in Vigan were not as developed as they are today. There were fewer paved roads. Second, Vigan lacked the resources to promote itself as a tourist destination. While it had many historic sites, such as Spanish-era buildings and churches, the town did not have the facilities or government support to preserve these sites or advertise them to a broader audience. As a result, it remained largely unknown to many Filipinos and foreign visitors; people outside the region didn’t know much about it. At that time, Vigan did not receive much attention, and many people didn’t realize its potential as a cultural and historical destination.

However, the conversion of the Municipality of Vigan in the Province of Ilocos Sur into a city on December 28, 2000 through Republic Act No. 8988, otherwise known as “An  Act Validating and Recognizing the Creation of the City of Vigan" strengthened its historical significance. This law officially recognized Vigan's status as a city, further highlighting its cultural heritage and historical importance. Vigan became popular and even garnered the recognition  as one of the New Seven Wonder Cities of the modern world in 2015. From then Vigan received more attention from the national government, gained access to more resources, including funding for infrastructure and public services. So they began to develop Vigan's roads, transportation systems, and tourist facilities.  With better accessibility, more tourists began to discover Vigan’s historical beauty. The local government officials of Vigan also took more steps to improve the City of Vigan, such as Mayor Eva Marie Singson-Medina. Under Mayor Eva Marie Singson-Medina in the early 2000s, Vigan expanded tourism beyond Calle Crisologo by promoting industries like loom weaving, jar-making, and terracotta crafting, accessible by horse-drawn carriages. She also initiated the Vigan Conservation Complex, which includes museums, a school for restorers, and a research center. The city developed streets parallel to Calle Crisologo to reduce congestion and strengthened heritage conservation through the Vigan Conservation Council. Vigan also earned recognition as a child-friendly city for three consecutive years from 2009 to 2011. It was only when Vigan started to develop more infrastructure and gained recognition for its preserved Spanish architecture that it began to attract more visitors

The transformation of Vigan from a municipality to a city has changed the journey of Vigan. From a municipality with a simple community to a city with remarkable historic beauty.

REFERENCE/S

Cabillen, J. (2024, July 17). Top 13 Vigan City Tourist Spots: Historic UNESCO World Heritage site. Guide to the Philippines. https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/what-to-experience/vigan-ilocos-tourist-spots

DepEd Vigan City. (n.d.)Our History | https://depedvigancity.com/index.php/our-history/#:~:text=8988%2C%20otherwise%20known%20as%20%E2%80%9CAn,plebiscite%20conducted%20in%20Ilocos%20Sur.

Flores, J., Dela Cruz, M.(n.d) VIGAN: a THRIVING HERITAGE CITY. League. https://www.league.ph/items-8/vigan%3A-a-thriving-heritage-city

Patrick. (2024, April 25). Vigan City Visitors Guide. Discover the Philippines. https://www.discoverthephilippines.com/vigan-city-visitors-guide/

Walker, J. E. (2021, May 14). Travel & food stories. Travel & Food Stories. https://travelandfoodworld.wordpress.com/

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

Together Let's Raise Awareness and Stop Child Violence

 

"Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future." – John F. Kennedy. This month we celebrate the national children's month with the theme “Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines."

Unfortunately, in the Philippines, violence against children is very prevalent. Undersecretary Angelo Tapales, executive director of the CWC, informed reporters at the DSWD Media Forum on October 31 that 18,756 allegations of violations of children's rights were received by the Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center in 2023. And in that 18,756 allegations of violations of children's rights, 17,304 reports are cases of violence against children, or what we call child abuse, including rape and acts of lasciviousness. Since 2016, these have been the top three violations against children. Any form of violence can affect a child's mental, emotional, and physical health. It can cause trauma and make children scared. And no child deserves to feel that way; we all deserve to be happy, feel safe, and feel protected. This is a serious problem that needs immediate response. As a youth, I believe that we can all contribute to breaking the prevalence of violence. 

The government should focus on this issue because they have the higher ability to combat this problem. And they should implement more laws about violence against children and make budget funds for programs for children who are victims of violence. Parents should further practice positive parenting. It is also important that we are aware of our rights and know how to protect ourselves from any types of harm. Let us all take this opportunity to spread awareness and remind ourselves to respect others. 

 REFERENCES

 
CWC exec-Department of Social Welfare and Development. (2024, November 1)32nd National Children’s Month seeks to end all forms of violence against children. https://www.dswd.gov.ph/32nd-national-childrens-month-seeks-to-end-all-forms-of-violence-against-children-cwc-exec/

ChildFundPhilippines (2024, November 4). X (Formerly Twitter). https://x.com/ChildFundPh/status/1853348178499867116

UNICEF East Asia and the Pacific Regional Office, UNFPA Asia and Pacific Regional Office, and UN Women Asia and Pacific Regional Office ( 2024, November)Ending Violence against Women and Children in the Philippines
https://www.unicef.org/eap/reports/ending-violence-against-women-and-children-philippines

United Nations (n.d.) UN Study on Violence Againts Children
https://violenceagainstchildren.un.org/content/un-study-violence-against-children

Protection Through Small Actions

 September is the celebration of National Clean-up Month and World Clean and Green Week, starting from 17th to 24th of September. This serves as a reminder that every human being has a responsibility for his or her environment. It reminds us to take care of our environment, take actions on the different environmental issues and encourage us to clean and conserve our environment for a cleaner, greener, and safer environment. This blog highlights how I contribute to the protection and care for the environment by engaging in different activities.

In this picture, I am planting on the side of our house. Trees provide us with clean air and food and also protect us from the effects of different disasters. Since I live in Barangay Sarsaracat, which is in the mountains, if this grows, it will surely help us to avoid soil erosion.

I enjoy taking care of our garden and assisting my Dad with his plants. Gardening is a sustainable hobby that helps reduce waste, keeps the soil healthy and purifies the air while providing natural beauty and enhancing aesthetics to a home.

Me and my schoolmates participated in a clean-up drive in school. We are separated and were assigned in different areas. We are enjoying and having fun talking while picking up some trash. In this way, we have time to bond together while helping the environment of the school.

We participated in the RECYCRAFT contest of YES-O CLUB, wherein we turned bubble wraps, trash bags, food wrappers, used courier pouches and a broken umbrella base as an Umbrella. In this product, we helped reduce waste and contribute to sustainability for the environment. 

Since I often use social media, I spread awareness through sharing post about the environmental issues we are experiencing. It can encourage other people to take care of our environment, take actions and be educated about what's happening around us. 

 

"We don't have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world."

—Howard Zinn

IMAGE REFERENCE

 ISNHS YES-O FACEBOOK. (2022, September 15) . https://www.facebook.com/share/p/XBS96fkG91YqyFwn/