Elpidio

     Elpidio Rivera Quirino (1890-1956), the sixth President of the Philippines, was an authentic product of the American era's meritocratic potential, raising up from modest beginnings in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Quirino was the son of a poor family, and his childhood was filled with hard work and perseverance. He was going to law school. Later, he got a job as a court clerk, which he used to pay for his education. Eventually, he graduated with a law degree from the University of the Philippines in 1915 and also passed the bar exam that same year. His legal skills and sharp mind quickly allowed him to enter politics, and thus he began a long period of devotion to a nation that was becoming independent.

Quirino's political career began in earnest in 1919 when he became a Representative for Ilocos Sur and shortly thereafter in 1925 he was elected to the Senate for a long term stint. He became a confidant and a protégé of Senate President Manuel L. Quezon, and while he was working as Quezon's personal secretary, he also gained prominence as being one of the main players in the independence struggle. He was the first to speak of the Philippines in the United States up to 1934 when he was a member of the Independence Mission, which together with him helped the passage of the Tydings-McDuffie Act that granted the Philippines self-government and eventual full independence. He became Secretary of Finance and Secretary of the Interior in the Commonwealth period. However, this brilliant rise was sadly cut short by World War II when he came to be in the resistance movement. The war took a terrible toll on him personally: he lost his wife and three children during the slaughter in Manila in 1945. This family calamity highlighted the gigantic job of rebuilding that he was about to inherit. 

After the war, Quirino was appointed the first Vice President and Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the new Republic under President.

Children

     There's never been a more urgent time to rally a call to arms for our biggest responsibility. This year's National Children's Month Theme as November is National Children's Month is "End OSAEC-CSAEM: Fight for the Safety and Rights of Children!" In short, safety is not enough. For those of us who grew up in a world where we had to protect our children with concern for the worst of the worst, we now have to be not just concerned, but worried, about all of that and more, online and with a click of a button. We no longer need to shelter our children from perverts hiding in bushes on the corner; we need to be aware of how to safeguard them from Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM) - both offenses our children can groom from the safety of their homes and a click of a button.

It's not going to be easy. But the first line of defense the Philippine government has given is Republic Act No. 11930. This newly enacted proposed law is a comprehensive one-stop framework to define the offense, the offenders and what needs to be done to receive maximum life imprisonment - and I mean life imprisonment - for these offenders. Furthermore, it means maximum life imprisonment for the offenders, not punishment - for this comes second to those even given life without parole - best case scenario for international safeguards as the victimized children need access to rescue and immediate psycho-social medical and legal needs - guaranteed since this is more law enforcement and social justice based than offender punishment; restoration of dignity is key.

And thus, where legislation exists, it must be backed by law enforcement. This is where it gets sticky. And this is where the Philippine government has tried to engage all under the NCC-OSAEC-CSAEM, a multidisciplinary critical approach among agencies where everyone from the police tasked with online monitoring for victimized children, to the DSWD who helps survivors get back on their feet and are better equipped with this newly opened up population of survivors.

At the end of the day, it's about resources and education; sustainable budgetary allocations need to be passed so that people can notice signs of abuse, have access technologies readily available and can reach out to children in distress. More than this, it works when people are educated consistently through the archipelago and partner with technological providers for safeguards, awareness at every barangay level, and parents know what to look out for in their homes.

Therefore, National Children's Month has never been a more convincing time, an honored legacy for decades that we all have a stake in preserving a child's dignity. The Philippine government has created a legal avenue where exploitation will not be tolerated; it's up to communities and families to be the first line of defense through awareness and collaboration. It's up to all digital citizens to be aware and take on a community ethos that will not stand for exploitation so that "OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan" can come true.

Thematic

Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, is undeniably one of the most promising coastal municipalities in the Ilocos Region, asserting a harmonious blend of historical heritage, deep-rooted faith, and emerging tourism potential.

Historically, Caoayan’s identity was shaped by the Mestizo River, once a crucial trading route for the Galleon Trade. This history is beautifully juxtaposed with the town's unwavering spirituality, anchored by the Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Church of Caoayan is more than just a place of worship; it is a venerable landmark reflecting the town's enduring Catholic tradition and colonial past. I strongly believe that the preservation of this historical structure is essential for safeguarding Caoayan's cultural soul.

Today, the town is strategically positioning itself as a destination through its natural attractions. The unspoiled beauty of Choco Surf Beach offers a peaceful escape and burgeoning potential for water sports. Furthermore, the Pandan Baywalk serves as a modern community hub where locals and tourists alike converge to enjoy the stunning Ilocano sunset. I maintain the assertion that developing these public spaces will significantly enhance the quality of life for residents and boost the town’s economy by attracting more visitors.

The diligent people of Caoayan, known for their industry (epitomized by the Abel Iloko weaving tradition), are the driving force behind this progress. With its rich backdrop of faith and history, complemented by attractive public spaces, Caoayan possesses the necessary elements to transition from a quiet coastal town to a vibrant regional destination. Its past has laid the foundation, and its present is actively building a promising future.

Reflection

  In the second quarter, I learned about HTML tags, which are the building blocks of a website. At first, I thought making a webpage was complicated and only for professional programmers, but as our lessons continued, I realized that HTML is actually easy to understand once you learn the basic tags. Each tag has its own function, like creating titles, paragraphs, links, and images. I discovered how every tag works together to form the structure of a webpage, just like how sentences and paragraphs form an essay.

Learning HTML taught me to be more careful and organized when coding, because even a small mistake like forgetting a closing tag can affect the whole output. It also helped me appreciate how websites are made and how much effort goes into designing something we see every day on the internet. I enjoyed creating my own simple webpage and seeing it come to life through the codes I typed.

Overall, this quarter made me more interested in web design and programming. HTML may look simple, but it is a powerful tool that opens doors to creativity and digital skills. I’m proud of what I’ve learned and excited to explore more about web development in the next quarters.

Teachers day

 The 2025 Teacher's Month Celebration, themed "My Teacher, My Hero," serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact educators have on our lives. This theme resonates deeply because teachers truly embody heroism in its purest form—not through grand gestures or fame, but through daily acts of selflessness, patience, and unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds. They stand at the frontlines of nation-building, often working beyond their job descriptions, investing emotional labor and personal resources to ensure that every student has a chance to succeed. In a world that frequently overlooks their contributions, this celebration rightfully places teachers on the pedestal they deserve.

Expressing gratitude to our teachers requires more than ceremonial acknowledgment; it demands genuine recognition of their sacrifices and dedication. Simple yet heartfelt gestures—a sincere thank-you note detailing specific ways they've influenced our growth, active participation in class, or even checking in on their well-being—can profoundly touch an educator's heart. Beyond individual acts, we can honor teachers by advocating for better working conditions, supporting educational reforms that lighten their administrative burdens, and promoting a culture that values teaching as one of society's noblest professions. Respecting teachers also means being receptive to their guidance, applying the lessons they impart, and becoming living testaments to their hard work.

The theme "My Teacher, My Hero" challenges us to reflect on how teachers shape not just our academic capabilities but our character, values, and worldview. They are the ones who believe in us when we doubt ourselves, who see potential where others see limitations, and who plant seeds of knowledge that bloom throughout our lifetimes. Every doctor, engineer, artist, and leader owes their success to teachers who guided them along the way. As we celebrate this Teacher's Month, let us commit to showing our gratitude not just in October, but every day—by striving to be the best versions of ourselves, by paying forward the kindness they've shown us, and by ensuring that future generations of teachers receive the support and appreciation they rightfully deserve.

Climate change

 Climate Change and Filipino Resilience: Understanding the Drivers of Environmental Shift

 

    The Philippines, an archipelago nation, stands at the forefront of climate change's destructive impacts. Filipinos frequently grapple with the adverse effects of environmental shifts, from intensified typhoons to prolonged droughts and rising sea levels. Understanding the predominant reasons behind these sudden and progressive changes is crucial for building effective resilience. While the nation's geographical location inherently exposes it to natural hazards like seismic activity and tropical cyclones, human-induced factors, both global and local, significantly exacerbate these vulnerabilities, leading to profound consequences for lives and livelihoods.

 

Globally, the primary driver of progressive environmental change is the escalating concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, predominantly from the burning of fossil fuels for energy, industrial processes, and deforestation. Developed nations, with their long histories of industrialization, bear a significant historical responsibility for these emissions. However, the Philippines, despite its minimal contribution to global emissions, suffers disproportionately from the resulting global warming, which manifests as more extreme weather patterns. Locally, unsustainable practices such as rampant deforestation for agriculture and logging, illegal mining, and rapid, often unplanned, urbanization contribute to land degradation, increased flood susceptibility, and reduced natural buffers against environmental shocks.

 

These intertwined factors lead to a cascade of adverse effects on Filipino communities. Intensified typhoons and monsoon rains cause widespread flooding and landslides, displacing thousands and destroying infrastructure and agricultural lands. Coastal communities face the dual threat of sea-level rise and storm surges, leading to salinization of freshwater sources and loss of valuable land. Furthermore, changes in temperature and rainfall patterns disrupt agricultural cycles, threatening food security and the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk. The cumulative impact extends to public health, with increased incidence of vector-borne diseases and heat-related illnesses, and significant economic losses that hinder national development.

Reference:Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2023). Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report. IPCC.

 

Science month

Science Month

 I hope that the science month would be a great experience to everybody and would give knowledge to everyone, and I hope to see new innovations and technologies during this month

The relationship between science and society in the coming decades is poised for a profound and transformative shift. Instead of a one-way street where scientific discoveries are simply presented to a passive public, we are entering an era of increasing collaboration, co-creation, and shared responsibility. The rapid pace of technological change, from advancements in artificial intelligence and genetic engineering to the urgent need for climate solutions, is forcing a closer integration of scientific inquiry with societal values and needs. This new dynamic will redefine how knowledge is created, how decisions are made, and how the benefits and risks of innovation are distributed.

One of the most significant trends will be the rise of "citizen science." As digital tools and data collection methods become more accessible, ordinary people will be empowered to participate directly in research. This could range from contributing to large-scale environmental monitoring projects to helping analyze astronomical data. This democratization of science will not only accelerate the pace of discovery but also foster a deeper public understanding of the scientific process, rebuilding trust and bridging the gap between experts and the general populace. This engagement will also influence research priorities, as scientists become more responsive to the challenges and questions that are most relevant to communities.

However, this closer relationship also brings complex ethical and social challenges. As science provides us with the ability to manipulate life, data, and our environment on an unprecedented scale, society will be forced to grapple with a host of new moral questions. Who owns the data generated by personal health trackers? What are the ethical boundaries of gene editing? How do we ensure that the benefits of AI and automation are shared equitably and don't exacerbate social inequalities? These are not questions for scientists alone to answer. They will require ongoing, multi-stakeholder dialogues involving policymakers, ethicists, community leaders, and the public to ensure that scientific progress aligns with our collective values and aspirations for a just and sustainable future.