Malia

    The Christmas holidays have always been a special time for my family. Every year, we come together to decorate the house with lights and ornaments, making it feel warm and festive. We wait until midnight on Christmas Eve to start celebrating, building excitement as the clock gets closer to 12. When it finally strikes, we exchange gifts and laugh, enjoying the simple joy of being together. After exchanging gifts, we sit down for a big Christmas meal, enjoying every dish that’s been prepared. It’s a tradition that makes Christmas feel magical. On Christmas Day, we wake up early to open presents, and there’s always a sense of surprise and  happiness in the air. We love seeing the thoughtful gifts we’ve picked for each other, and it’s a moment filled with joy. Afterward, we relax and share stories, enjoying each other’s company. The day is filled with laughter, love, and the simple pleasure of being together. By the end of it, we feel grateful and at peace.   Wha...

  As I look back on the second quarter of Grade 10, I feel like I’ve learned so much about myself and what I’m truly capable of. The beginning of the quarter wasn’t easy. The excitement of starting a new school year had worn off, and now it felt like the real work had begun. With every test, assignment, and project, there were moments when I questioned myself. “Can I really handle all of this?” I asked myself more times than I care to admit. At first, it seemed like the second quarter was going to be harder than the first. The lessons were more challenging, and the pressure started to build. There were nights when I stayed up late, feeling overwhelmed by everything I had to do. It was easy to feel like I wasn’t good enough or that I wasn’t keeping up. But this quarter, something changed in me. I started to realize that these struggles weren’t signs of failure, but rather signs that I was learning and growing. It wasn’t supposed to be easy, and that’s what made it worth it. The do...

  The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004 and Republic Act (RA) No. 9262 are pivotal laws that address the pervasive issue of violence against women and children in the Philippines. These laws aim to protect women and children from various forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological violence, particularly within intimate relationships. The VAWC Act provides victims with vital protective measures such as Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs) and Permanent Protection Orders (PPOs), and promotes coordinated efforts across law enforcement, social services, and legal aid. The law acknowledges the multi-dimensional nature of violence and underscores the importance of addressing the impact on children who are exposed to or directly experience abuse. Among the other significant laws addressing violence against women is RA 8353, known as The Anti- Rape Law of 1997, which redefined the crime of rape to include not just penile-vaginal ...

  Elpidio Quirino, the sixth president of the Philippines, is often remembered for his leadership during a crucial period of recovery following the devastation of World War II. Born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Quirino came from humble beginnings. His family’s modest means didn’t prevent him from excelling in his studies, and he went on to become a lawyer, passing the bar in 1915. His deep commitment to public service soon led him into politics, where he would spend over three decades contributing to the country’s political and economic development. Quirino’s political career began in earnest when he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1919. His rise continued when he was appointed Secretary of Finance in 1939 under President Manuel L. Quezon. In this role, Quirino’s skills in governance were put to the test, especially in managing the country’s economic recovery during the years leading up to World War II. Despite the challenges of wartime, Quirino proved...

  October marks a significant time in the Philippines: Indigenous Peoples Month, a celebration that runs from October 1-30, honors the rich cultures, wisdom, and rights of the country’s Indigenous Peoples (IP). This year’s commemoration is particularly meaningful as it coincides with the 27th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA)—a landmark law that recognizes the rights and welfare of Indigenous communities. The theme for 2024, "Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalana" (Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge), calls us to reflect on the invaluable contributions of IPs, urging society to protect their cultural heritage and preserve their ways of life for future generations.   For over two decades, IPRA has played a crucial role in advocating for the recognition of Indigenous rights in the Philippines. Before this law was enacted, many Indigenous communities were marginalized and ofte...

  Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a present reality. The Philippines, an archipelago in the Pacific, is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. From typhoons and floods to rising sea levels and extreme temperatures, climate change is intensifying the challenges faced by millions of Filipinos. Yet, despite these harsh realities, the resilience of Filipinos continues to shine through. As the world grapples with environmental crises, the Filipino spirit remains steadfast in facing the evolving challenges posed by climate change. One of the predominant reasons for the progressive environmental changes we are witnessing is the alarming rate of deforestation and urbanization in the Philippines. Deforestation, particularly in critical watershed areas, leads to increased flooding, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. The rapid expansion of urban areas without proper planning exacerbates these issues, often encroaching on vulnerable coastal...