Climate Change and Resiliency of Filipinos

Climate change is now an immediate reality affecting the lives of many Filipinos, not just a future concern. The Philippines is among the countries most at risk from climate change, experiencing not only severe weather events such as typhoons and droughts but also significant disturbances to its ecosystems, economy, and communities. For Filipinos, climate change is not just about its environmental effects but also about their survival. 

The geographic location of the Philippines poses a major challenge. The nation is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which means it is at great risk for seismic and climate-related incidents like typhoons, floods, and landslides. Now, the country faced numerous destructive typhoons, like Typhoon Pepito, leading to significant damage, particularly places like Ilocos Sur. The severe events are made worse by higher sea levels, alterations in precipitation trends, and heightened temperatures, all connected to climate change. Many Filipinos have to face challenges that result in the loss of their homes, livelihoods, and lives.

Despite those challenges, Filipinos have shown impressive resilience in dealing with the impacts of climate change. Foe a better a future we must need a unity to make our mother earth healthy.

Reference:https://images.app.goo.gl/GwvxjPMf3sq2Yj78A

Stop the Prevalence, Prevent the Violence: Safeguarding Children, Building a Secure Philippines.

   

 While celebrating the 2024 National Children's Month, the theme underscores the continuous necessity for a united front in defending the rights and well-being of Filipino children: "Stop the Prevalence, Prevent the Violence: Safeguarding Children, Building a Secure Philippines." This year's focus underscores a pressing need for action, stressing the importance of safeguarding children not only from physical harm, but also from emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse. The theme's focus on ending violence against children shows a greater acknowledgement of how common this issue is.

   Recently, there have been several efforts in the Philippines to address the issue of child abuse and neglect. Nevertheless, even with these initiatives, the rates of violence against children continue to be troublingly elevated. Millions of Filipino children are still experiencing various forms of violence in their homes, schools, or communities, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority and child protection organizations. The physical and mental health of children is impacted by this violence, leading to both short-term and long-term effects that can create a cycle of trauma and dysfunction.

    Putting an end to violence against children necessitates using a variety of approaches. The government, local communities, and civil society need to continue working together on policy-making, establishing safe environments for children to express themselves, and promoting atmospheres where respect, dignity, and love are the top priorities. Furthermore, it is essential to have initiatives such as the National Children's Month event to promote a sense of responsibility among adults in safeguarding the well-being of children. The struggle to reduce violence is not only about enforcing stricter laws, but also about shifting societal mindsets, and it begins with every individual.

Reference:https://images.app.goo.gl/g5KGCvcJJPiisGPBA

Elpidio Quirino ,his early life, career and achievements

Elpidio Quirino was the President of the Philippines from 1948 to 1953. He was engaged in politics during important periods in Philippine history, such as the aftermath of World War II and the start of the Cold War. Quirino was recognized for his focus on reconstructing the nation post-war, his role in advancing the economy, and his work in promoting political stability.

Elpidio Quirino was born in Vigan, Ilocos Sur to a prominent family. His father, Don Mariano Quirino, worked as a lawyer and owned land, while his mother, Doña Gregoria Medina, was a teacher. Elpidio was highly influenced by the educated and politically connected Quirino family and their values of education and public service.

Quirino started his schooling in Vigan before transferring to Manila for higher education at the University of the Philippines. He obtained a law degree in 1915, and subsequently cleared the bar exam.

Following his bar exam, Quirino started his legal career in Manila. Nevertheless, his legal profession was short-lived, as he quickly transitioned into the field of politics. He initially served as a second lieutenant in the Philippine Scouts, a supplementary unit of the U.S. Army in the American colonial era. He spent a number of years in the military and participated in training and administrative tasks in the Philippine-American War.

In 1919, Quirino started working in public service as the assistant chief of the Bureau of Posts, marking the beginning of his career in the government. In 1925, he campaigned for and won a seat in the House of Representatives, serving the 2nd District of Ilocos Sur. In 1934, he was given a seat in the Senate and gained a reputation for his effective administrative abilities, which proved valuable during his presidency.

Political Career and Achievements

1. Public Service During the Commonwealth Period (1935-1941)
Quirino’s political career advanced significantly during the Commonwealth period under President Manuel L. Quezon. He was appointed as the Secretary of the Interior (1936–1938) and later as Secretary of Finance (1938–1941). During his tenure as Secretary of Finance, Quirino was instrumental in shaping the financial policies of the Commonwealth, which aimed to make the Philippines more economically independent from the United States. He also worked on revenue reforms and proposed key measures to increase government spending on social programs.

2. Role in the Japanese Occupation and World War II
During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines (1942–1945), Quirino remained active in the anti-Japanese resistance. He was a member of the Philippine Executive Commission, an emergency civilian government set up by the Japanese, but his activities were focused on the underground movement to aid in the liberation of the country. In 1943, he fled Manila after the Japanese discovered his ties to the resistance, and he continued working with guerrilla forces until the end of the war.

3. Vice Presidency (1946–1948)
After World War II, Quirino was appointed as the Vice President of the Philippines under President Sergio Osmeña following the country’s liberation from Japanese forces. During this time, he worked on various post-war reconstruction efforts, including helping in the rehabilitation of the economy, infrastructure, and the resettlement of war refugees.

Reference:https://images.app.goo.gl/4CdqtWaSZ5ZESPXy6

Indigenous Peoples Mont And 27th Year Indigenous Peoples Right Act (IPRA)

Every year in October, Philippines was celebrated the Indigenous People or IP which is the theme of "Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalana". The year from October 1-30 the theme"Mga Katutubo at Katutubon Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalana" reminds that we need to protect the rights and culture of the Indigineous People. Furthermore, In Republic Law 8371, known as the Indigineous Peoples Right Act(IPRA), was enacted in 1997. I has been praised for its support for the cultural integrity of Indigenous Peoples, the right to their lands and the right to self-directed development of these lands.   

By these events and programs, we are helping to foster greater awareness and appreciation of the Indigenous Peoples' (IP) contributions to the cultural, social, and environmental fabric of the Philippines. The observance of Indigenous Peoples Month serves as an important reminder not only to protect their rights but also to acknowledge the vital role they play in preserving biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and sustainable practices that are crucial to the country's future.

To sum up, Indigenous Peoples Month urges all Filipinos to acknowledge the significance of Indigenous communities and to pledge to safeguard and enhance their rights, cultures, and knowledge. Through coming together as a group, we can create a fairer and more peaceful community that honors the cultural history of Indigenous Peoples and acknowledges their valuable contributions.

Reference:https://images.app.goo.gl/CjB8kyRr6o9AnRQf7