Countdown: 2025

 A new year brings with it, of course, the feeling of a fresh start. My New Year's resolution is to make my life good and change my attitude. This light but impactful goal shall be my foundation in 2024, guiding me toward positivity and personal growth.

First and foremost, I'm going to work with my mind. I will be grateful each day for what I have instead of fretting over what is lacking. This change in perspective will make me more appreciative of life and resilient when faced with challenges. Likewise, I want to be more mindful of the way I speak and act in regard to good intention and understanding.

Improving my relationships is another priority. Whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues, I’ll make an effort to listen more, communicate better, and nurture meaningful connections. Building stronger bonds with others not only enhances their lives but also enriches my own.

Lastly, I will welcome growth by stepping out of my comfort zone. It would simply mean trying new things, taking up responsibilities that I used to say no to, and making mistakes along the way. Every step forward is a step in the direction of becoming the best version of me.

Watching the fireworks light up the night sky and usher in 2024, I felt hope and determination. This year is about celebrating every little and trying to make every day count. Cheers to a transformative year ahead!

Baby It’s Cold Outside, But You Filled My Heart With Warmth

Merry merry Christmas to all, This Christmas vacation was a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and my school. It was a perfect mix of relaxation, family bonding, and festive cheer, yet the vacation was short hehe. 

We began the season by adorning our house. Our salas was turned into a warm winter wonderland by the festive decorations, the aroma of pine from the Christmas tree, and the flashing lights. Everything seemed much more special because my family and I spent hours making handmade decorations. I spent days making my Christmas tree, full of decorations and lights with my tita. And for weeks i made my Christmas tree and with lights made out of basic electronics, which is my project in basic electronics.

We had a customary dinner on Christmas Eve. From honey-glazed ham to my grandmother's renowned fruit salad, the table was packed with foods that have been passed down through the centuries in our family. Before the night was over, we sang some caroling, laughed till our sides ached, and shared memories. And also Christmas eve, i played with my girlfriend and had a call with her for an hour. 

The morning of Christmas was lovely. It was touching to watch the happiness on everyone's faces as they opened their presents. The consideration that went into each gift was, in my opinion, more impressive than the actual gifts. Each present seemed like a sign of affection. We went to our mother and celebrated the morning Christmas with her. To feel her presence and to feel her spirit.

And my Christmas I completed all of my simbang gabi’s. We relaxed and reconnected for the remainder of the trip. We binge-watched holiday movies, baked cookies, and went on walks in the cold weather. I also took use of the time to think back on the previous year and make plans for the one to come. I was reminded of the value of family, thankfulness, and setting aside time for the things that really count during this Christmas break. 

End the Cycle: Empowering Change to Stop Violence Against Women and Children!

 

The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 and Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9262 in the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004, R.A. No. 9262, and its other related policies have a role in the yearly observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women in the Philippines. The campaign takes place from November 25 to December 12, reminding the public of the government's efforts in the elimination of violence against women and girls, and bringing issues on such violence into the consciousness of the people. The VAWC Act 2004 defines and penalises various forms of violence against women and their children, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse, and it specifically covers women who experience abuse in intimate relationships, particularly inside marriages or romantic partnerships. Of the main elements of VAWC law, its issuance of Protection Orders is essential in providing immediate relief to women and children who undergo violence, giving them legal protection away from their abusers. R.A. No. 9262 is important as it provides a legal framework to speak to the violence that women and children experience in private settings, such as in their homes. It speaks of the complexity of intimate partner violence; it is very clear that wherever violence occurs, it must not be tolerated. Also, the law facilitates the establishing of gender-responsive policies by local government units and institutions, which means that there will always be coordinated action to support the victims.

The landmark law in the Philippines was R.A. 8353, or The Anti-Rape Law of 1997, which redefined rape and made significant improvements in the manner of how it was addressed by the legal system. Under this law, rape is no longer defined only as the physical act of forced sexual intercourse but is expanded to include other forms of sexual violence, such as sexual assault and attempted rape. Marital rape is recognized by law, thus ruling out any claim for immunity from prosecution simply because a couple is married. It further introduces easier procedures to be followed during the prosecution of rape cases especially as regards the presentation of evidence and victim-blaming to encourage the victims to come and report the abuse. There are clear guidelines as regards the protection of the victim. The judicial process of a victim of sexual violence becomes better. The importance of this law is that it takes a holistic approach at sexual violence, ensuring no individual is exempt from the law, and thereby strengthening the notion that consent becomes central in all sexual endeavors. It has given the confidence to women and children to seek justice against sexual violence and empowered them to a broader legal protection. R.A. 7877, or The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, was the first law in the Philippines that directly addressed sexual harassment in the workplace and educational settings. It recognizes that sexual harassment can occur in professional, academic, and training environments and seeks to protect individuals from unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any form of verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that affects a person’s dignity, integrity, and equality in these spaces. Under the law, the employer or school administration is required to adopt measures to prevent and respond to cases of sexual harassment, and it holds perpetrators accountable. Employers and institutions are also mandated to establish clear grievance mechanisms and ensure that victims have accessible ways to report harassment without fear of retaliation. The law has been instrumental in shifting workplace and educational culture, creating safer spaces for women and marginalized individuals. It underscores the importance of creating safe spaces and the need for proactive measures to prevent harassment before it happens. Republic Act 11648, which amends the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, further strengthens the legal framework surrounding the crime of rape. One of the key amendments is the lowering of the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16 years old, which means that any sexual act involving someone below 16 years of age is considered statutory rape, regardless of whether there was consent. This amendment aims to better protect minors from sexual exploitation and abuse, particularly by adults in positions of power. The law also addresses sexual violence in the context of domestic abuse, further clarifying that sexual violence within relationships will be prosecuted in the same way as rape, without consideration for the relationship between the perpetrator and the victim. By expanding the scope of the law to include children under 16 years old, R.A. 11648 strengthens protections for minors, acknowledging the unique vulnerability of young people to sexual violence and exploitation.

R.A. 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act, is an all-encompassing legislation that seeks to address street-level harassment and further develop the legal framework in preventing gender-based violence. It acknowledges the fact that women and members of the LGBTQ+ are often harassed in public places, including streets, markets, parks, public transportation, and even online. The acts prohibited are catcalling, wolf-whistling, stalking, misogynistic remarks, and physical touching. Safe Spaces Act defines harassment beyond the walls of workplace and home, bringing acknowledgment about the prevalence of harassment within the public space. Penalties of offenders are clearly marked to give victims easy access for filing complaints against harassment cases. It also provides measures of prevention and punishment over cases of online harassment in modern times. This law is, therefore, a great milestone in shifting the attitudes of society to change regarding women's rights and public safety by addressing harassment as a public issue rather than a private matter. In this respect, it establishes that every citizen, man or woman, should have the right to be safe and respected in any public environment.

R.A. 11862 is an amendment to the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, which strengthens measures to combat human trafficking in the Philippines. The law seeks to improve the legal framework for the prevention, detection, and prosecution of trafficking crimes, focusing on the sexual exploitation of women and children, as well as the forced labor of vulnerable populations. The Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act introduces stronger penalties and creates easier processes for the prosecution of traffickers, especially those who engage in the online exploitation of children. For survivors, it also bolsters mechanisms for protection which include provision of shelters and rehabilitation and legal services. This law has taken vital steps to protect the most vulnerable members of society from exploitation and abuse while promoting greater international cooperation to curtail trafficking networks that operate within the Philippines and abroad.

                                                            References:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpcw.gov.ph%2Ffaq-republic-act-9208%2F&psig=AOvVaw3HT9ELMSCxcb71U1-3tBxh&ust=1733751133518000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCIDGj7WkmIoDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwlbonline.org%2Fsafe-spaces-act-design-campaign-posters-and-stickers%2F&psig=AOvVaw2iZYJTH4FmYPdiQEZVtaRR&ust=1733751231640000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCPCt7eOkmIoDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpcw.gov.ph%2Ffaq-ra-8353-an-act-expanding-the-definition-of-crime-and-rape%2F&psig=AOvVaw3pYBnwz6SOrrWpH0sohOlO&ust=1733751245173000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCMCnjOqkmIoDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2F1564224437171655%2F%3Flocale%3Dtl_PH&psig=AOvVaw3tFtp8HrQXDpHa4GYrJICp&ust=1733751257324000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCLiJ9--kmIoDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

It wasa good journey, QUARTER 2!!!!

 The HTML lesson in the ICT class was a really good start on the foundational blocks in which web development was based on. Being a first timer to coding, the structure and syntax of HTML seemed logic and easy to comprehend in that they provided an understanding for how websites were constructed.

The most fundamental thing learned from the lesson was that how HTML tags and elements interlink in the formulation of a webpage structure. HTML or hypertext markup language, is used for defining contents and structure on a webpage. Everything put up on the webpage is between tags which include <html>, <head>, and <body> tags. HTML specifies that where the document for an HTML document begins; the metadata of the webpage is stored in the head tag where the title for the webpage and links are provided. The <body> tag is where the visible content of the webpage is placed, such as text, images, links, and other elements.

What stood out to me the most was learning how to organize content using tables. While tables are primarily used for displaying data, they are an essential part of web design. The tag that defines an HTML table is <table>. A table's contents are made up of rows, defined using the <tr> (table row), table data by the <td> tags, and the header for tables by the <th> tags. That simple design makes it easier to make data presentation straightforward and clean, which would be ideal for most web sites - especially those featuring a list or statistics or heavily content-filled pages.

Understanding how rows and columns work in HTML tables was a huge "aha" moment for me. For instance, every row in a table is represented by a <tr> tag, and within each row, the individual data cells are represented by <td> tags. These cells can contain text, images, or other HTML elements. The <th> tag is used to create header cells, which are usually bolded and centered. This gives the table a clean and readable structure that users can easily navigate.

However, I also came to a realization that tables for designing purposes are now outdated in current web development. The advancement of CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) allows designers and developers to design more versatile and responsive layouts without table structure. Nonetheless, studying tables is still essential due to the fact that there are still a lot of applications of tabular data and other content that is arranged in rows and columns for display.

One problem I faced while teaching the lesson was making sure to nest tags correctly and then close them properly. HTML requires opening and closing tags correctly, otherwise, even the smallest mistake may prevent a page from rendering. In addition, while HTML elements are pretty intuitive, the lesson went on to explain attributes, in this case, class and id. These attributes attribute specific styles or JavaScript functions to certain elements. To me, this was also a bit confusing, but in the back of my head, I thought, yeah it's just a lot but it gets important when going further in the development process.

In summary, the HTML lesson was an important step in my journey toward mastering web development. I am more comfortable understanding how websites are structured and how HTML elements work together to create functional, readable pages. While there is much still to learn, especially regarding integration with CSS and JavaScript for styling and interactivity, this lesson provided a solid foundation on which to build. More challenging elements in HTML, and create my well-designed websites will definitely be very exciting as I continue to practice.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.codingdojo.com%2Fblog%2Fwhat-is-html&psig=AOvVaw2CqDOBhKncsDwkNVYrysZy&ust=1733749754293000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCMi08KOfmIoDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAO

ILOCANO’S HERO!

 Elpidio Quirino, the sixth president of the Philippines, played a pivotal role in the nation's recovery after the devastation of World War II. Born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Quirino was raised in a family that valued education and public service. His father, Don Mariano Quirino, was a respected provincial official, while his mother, Doña María, was a strong influence in his life. Quirino’s early exposure to governance and his family's strong moral values would shape his future career as a public servant. His academic journey took him to the University of the Philippines, where he earned a law degree with honors, and eventually passed the bar exam in 1915. This solid foundation in law would serve him well as he moved into public service.

As one would expect from the early years of the then-young lawyer, Quirino first gained distinction in the practising profession. However, he began to rise to national prominence when he entered politics. In 1919, at the age of 29, he was appointed as a member of the National Assembly, where he was known as highly intelligent, indefatigable, and honest. He would go on to serve in several important government positions, including as Secretary of Finance under President Manuel Quezon. During his time as finance secretary, Quirino adopted policies meant to bring stability to the ailing economy of the country that had been drastically crippled by the effects of World War I. He was a highly experienced financial and economic policy expert who made him a trustworthy figure in the government, hence readying him for the higher challenges he would face in the future.

In 1941, Quirino was elected vice president of the Philippines and served under President Manuel Quezon during the looming World War II. The position enabled him to gain experience in governance at the national level, and during the outbreak of the war, he and President Quezon formed the government in exile during the Japanese occupation. Post-war, Quirino was an important player in the rebuilding of the country from the atrocities wrought by the war. He was made Secretary of Finance but now his focus would be to rebuild the economy in the war-torn regions. His fiscal policies slowly steered the country towards economic stability again, and he was also responsible for delivering the Philippine Rehabilitation Act from the United States which allocated funds to rebuild infrastructures and industries.

Quirino succeeded as the president of the Philippines in 1948 after the death of President Sergio Osmeña. The revivalist phase of rebuilding marked his presidency since the Japanese occupation left the country absolutely devastated and in shambles. One of Quirino's primary tasks included dealing with war veterans and war survivors, most of whom became destitute and could hardly piece their lives together. His administration provided reparations to war veterans and supported war-displaced citizens under his administration. Quirino's government started the most massive infrastructure projects, rebuilt schools and hospitals, and set about trying to repair the country's industrial infrastructure. His administration was one of healing and rebuilding the nation, which was no small task.

Quirino led social welfare and public health, one of the great accomplishments made during his presidency. He supported programs intended for ordinary Filipinos, the rural poor, whom he believed in helping. His focus in his government was on expanding education and health facilities, and he initiated reforms to upgrade social services of the country. His notable achievement was the establishment of the National Economic Council in 1950 that helped simplify the country's development plans and brought together government efforts in the stimulus of growth. His vision is both for economic reconstruction and social progress that gives all Filipinos a better way of life by upgrading their standard of living.

Despite the criticisms and challenges hurled against him during his presidency, Quirino's legacy endures as he worked hard to rebuild a battered Philippines with its foundations strengthened by working on more conventional areas such as education, social welfare, and infrastructure. His leadership in a period of national crisis displayed his strength, persistence, and commitment to his country. Even after his presidency, his influence continued to be felt, and he remained an important figure in Philippine politics. Elpidio Quirino's tenure as president may have been marred by controversies, but it was also a period of significant progress that set the stage for the Philippines' future growth and development.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FElpidio_Quirino&psig=AOvVaw3XxbiZT7JGE2E-ULqg2T6o&ust=1732707134268000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBcQjhxqFwoTCKiP3pvz-YkDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

Honoring Indigenous Wisdom: Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Month and the 27th Anniversary of the IPRA

 The Philippines holds National Indigenous Peoples Month every October, a very important occasion as a recognition of the heritage, rights, and contributions of the IPs in the country. This year, as we mark the 27th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), the theme "Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalana" (Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge) underscores the protection of not only their culture but also of the ancestral knowledge of these communities. This protects not only the land and resources but their deep-rooted traditions and wisdom as well.

The IPRA, known for its full implementation in 1997, is a landmark law that was determined to acknowledge the existence and rights of Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines: the right to self-determination, the right to ancestral lands, and the right to cultural integrity. The observance of Indigenous Peoples Month is always an annual chance to revisit and reflect on the importance of these rights and how far the country has come in promoting and upholding them. What's more important, however, is that it should become an avenue for raising awareness about issues and challenges that communities today are facing, such as those attending to displacement, marginalization, and erosion of their traditions and knowledge systems.

The theme for 2024 is particularly significant in the context of the ongoing struggle for the recognition of Indigenous knowledge. In many Indigenous cultures, traditional knowledge, including sustainable agricultural practices, medicinal plants, and community governance systems, has been passed down through generations. This knowledge is invaluable not only for the communities themselves but for the broader society, offering solutions to contemporary environmental and social challenges. Through valuing, nurturing, and giving honor to such knowledge, we are reminded of the imperative to preserve it for posterity as well as validate its legitimacy and relevancy to the current world we live in today.

This month-long commemoration of a month through programs and activities undertaken by the government, civil society, and even the private sector come together to heighten awareness of rights and culture of Indigenous Peoples. Schools, local government units, and cultural institutions have the responsibility of teaching people the value of Indigenous culture and their rights toward its protection. Finally, by making sure people protect these communities, we move closer to a more inclusive and just world for everyone.

https://sinaunangpanahon.com/indigenous-peoples-rights-act-ipra-of-1997-a-comprehensive-overview/

The Threat of Climate Change: A Growing Challenge for Filipinos

https://www.amnesty.org.uk/philippines-country-most-risk-climate-crisis 

 Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing the Philippines today, a country already vulnerable to natural disasters due to its geographical location. Situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire and the typhoon belt, the Philippines experiences an alarming number of climate-related disasters such as     

typhoons, floods, droughts, and sea-level rise. In recent years, the frequency and intensity of these events have been exacerbated by the changing climate. Rising global temperatures, deforestation, and unsustainable development practices contribute significantly to environmental degradation, making the lives of many Filipinos increasingly precarious.

The impacts of climate change are felt most acutely by marginalized communities, particularly those living in coastal areas, upland communities, and urban informal settlements. Typhoons, for instance, not only destroy homes but disrupt livelihoods, from farming and fishing to small businesses. The World Bank expects climate change to push millions of Filipinos into poverty due to loss of income and greater vulnerability because of increased extreme weather incidents. That is quite pathetic for the country, especially the farmers, whose agricultural outputs are directly affected by changes in rainfall patterns, soil quality, and extreme heat. These shifts jeopardize food security and economic stability, increasing the burden Filipinos must endure while recovering from one calamity to another.

That aside, Filipinos have proven to be remarkable in terms of resilience over the mounting challenges caused by climate change. Local communities have learned to adapt to shifting environmental conditions over time through traditional knowledge and innovative practices. For instance, a lot of coastal communities have established mangrove reforestation programs as a natural barrier against storm surges and coastal erosion. In the agricultural sector, there are farmers applying climate-friendly technologies and practices such as drought-resistant crops, rainwater harvesting, and practices in maintaining soil conservation.

The Philippine government has also, at a larger scale, taken efforts toward building climate resilience. There are programs that have been aimed at helping communities prepare and be ready in case of any disaster such as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (R.A. 10121). Moreover, in calling for worldwide responsibility to address the root causes of climate change, as well as stronger support and financing for vulnerable nations, the Philippines has been a spirited advocate for international climate action. Battle against climate change still raging, and more concerted efforts are necessary, from local to global levels, to reduce emissions and safeguard both these and future generations into a life of sustained development. In the face of serious challenges to the country due to climate change, one has no choice but to praise the resiliency of Filipinos as against the strength and determination of the people. However, resiliency is not enough: it is time for the government, businesses, and communities to come together and mitigate the effects of climate change and build sustainable solutions. Such a future may be built in which long-term adaptation strategies, environmental protection, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions create success instead of mere survival for Filipinos, especially for the most vulnerable.