Hannah

          Elpidio Quirino, the sixth Philippine president, was a visionary leader who was essential to the nation's reconstruction after World War II. Quirino was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, on November 16, 1890. A self-made man, he worked hard to pursue education, eventually graduating with a law degree from the University of the Philippines in 1915. His modest upbringing as the son of a jail warden influenced his character and dedication to public service.  President Elpidio Quirino made important contributions to building solid relations between Japan and the Philippines. His forbearance and statesmanship with Japanese prisoners of war (POW) established the groundwork for the remarkable bilateral relationship that exists today.  Quirino started his public service career as a legislator, where he supported social and educational reforms. But he quickly rose to national recognition thanks to his abilities and moral character. He formed important f...

               T he month of October celebrates Indigenous Peoples Month in recognition and protection of the rights of indigenous communities in our country. The theme for this month’s celebration is entitled “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalana.” This celebration promotes the appreciation of the cultures and heritage of indigenous individuals. In addition, the event also marks the 27th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, a law that protects the rights to their territory, culture, and self-governance. This celebration raises awareness about valuing and preserving the cultures of our indigenous individuals and also recognizes their contributions to our country. Through events, exhibits, and discussions, the celebration encourages Filipinos to recognize and promote respect for their cultures and traditions. Indigenous Peoples Month 2024 is an important reminder of our shared need to prese...

In the Philippines, sudden typhoons, rising sea levels, and unpredictable weather patterns have become the new norm, indicating that climate change is a real threat. With continuous typhoons, frequent flooding, landslides, and hotter weather conditions, this indicates that climate change greatly impacts lives in a negative way. One of the main causes of the worsening impacts of climate change in the Philippines is deforestation. Communities become more vulnerable and prone to natural disasters as forests are cut down, removing natural barriers against landslides and flooding. The use of fossil fuels in everyday life such as energy consumption, and transportation with vehicles that use gas have also been one of the many contributors to climate change. Fortunately, despite these challenges, Filipinos continue to demonstrate resiliency. Local governments and community organizations have taken mitigation measures, such as replanting mangroves and providing disaster preparedness training, a...

          The 2024 National Children's Month event, which takes place in November, serves as a timely reminder of our shared need to safeguard our society's most defenseless citizens—our children. This year's campaign, with the theme "Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines," emphasizes how important it is to solve the ongoing problems of violence, neglect, and exploitation that many Filipino children deal with. A multi-sectoral strategy is needed to make the Philippines a safer place for kids. Families, communities, schools, and governmental organizations must work together to improve children's support networks. Important first efforts include raising awareness, enforcing child protection laws more strictly, and providing accessible counseling services. Moreover, educating kids about their rights and empowering them to report abuse against them are essential components of fostering a supportive and safe atm...