Reflection in a New Direction

As a quarter passed us and I’ve gained the knowledge and experience about HTML coding. Learning this actively and collaboratively, the tags used in our Notepads seems clear to its specified special function. Such as its type, how, and when to use it. In our Notepad file, it witnessed it all. Through the activities done almost daily, there’s also a challenge for us. 

It was challenging to encode and understand each exercise. One time, I forgot to add the end tag of <u> for a 10-word sentence. This resulted in all of its content being underlined. The struggle to keep up with others' pace, I’ve learned to keep my pace with maximum learning in my station. I enjoyed adding images to my file and also I’m thankful for having the option to choose our desired colors on background, font color, and the like. When accomplishing its task and once I open it on display, there’s a brand new surprise. It was an error. 

As these challenges occurred, I addressed it with proper assistance with my group mates and through asking Ma'am. To improve my tasks, I’ve practiced it through learning from my past mistakes. To familiarize myself with the codes, I've visited my Notepad numerous times. To display a great output, behind it is a compiled code. I've discovered that despite the challenging progress and the steps forward, I can gain more knowledge by accepting my errors.

Moving on, I will continue to learn diligently. There is so much knowledge left to acquire. Learning independently and collaboratively, it is directed to strengthening my digital path. Through HTML Coding again, I’ll learn more of its complicated language. 

 

 

You want to be the Queencard?

 

As this world progresses and advances in technology and innovation, our world still lingers in a mental chasm of frustration. A land beneath our foot, catcalling still piercing on some streets, posters and placards are raised, gender roles tolls controls and so much more that some voices can’t be heard.  A screen which we hold, there are manipulated and shared inappropriate content remains existing in cyberspace. A diverse nation similarly to a peck of cards, would you want to play with a queencard?

Yet amidst these advances, we yearn for a way. Who wouldn’t want a nation that stands against such violence?

 

Our nation establishes a guard for all. The Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, or Republic Act No. 9262, stands as a glow for hope in the fight against domestic violence. Through this radiant glow, it’s a bright path towards justice for countless fellow women and children. Yearly, an 18-day campaign to End Violence Against Women emerges for public awareness. Wherein actions could speak louder than a million voices heard, it intertwines the survivors’ strengths that uncovers and heals from their challenging suffering. In this continuous journey, the law protects us against violence in all its forms.  

 

 

 “But a woman is a changeling, always shifting shape

Just when you think you have it figured out

Something new begins to take”

King by Florence & Machine

 

   

        As violence takes forms, our nation builds laws. In April 2019, the Philippines Republic Act No. 11313, known as the Safe Spaces Act began. This legislation calls for fostering a safer and respectful environment. Extending to streets, malls, schools, workplaces,cyberspace and more. Catcalling is not a charming language but  a harassing language beyond words and whistles. Even when going somewhere, public utility vehicle drivers are sneakingly offensive. As this law punishes them together with Land Transportation Office (LTO), it cancels their license of perpetrators found to have committed acts constituting sexual harassment. When our spaces begin to piece through among victims, the truth shall prevail as their card of hope. 

        In addition, the Philippines enacted Republic Act No. 10364, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act. In this law states to overcome the shadows of exploitation, it shall conquer survival for victims. Trafficking is still considered as violence. Filipinos are still the victims despite being far away from their home. Traffickers take advantage of many Filipino migrant workers in sex or labor trafficking across various sectors of industries whether in domestic work, janitorial service, and hospitality-related jobs. Even through the proximity at home, a cyberspace printing their digital footprint, traffickers have their hands on money. Our nation still observes poverty, one of the leading reasons for online trafficking of pornographic content. Was it ever worthy enough for one’s dignity? An alarming increasing number of victims possessed fear.

 

 

Through an 18-day campaign to End Violence Against Women, something new begins to take hold. The theme for this year, "VAW Bigyang-Wakas:Ngayon na ang Oras!" surrounds to lead and coordinate with fellows. Let’s remember that with our united stepping efforts in our land and screen, we can dismantle the walls of violence. To build a nation that can be free and safely is by choosing to play with the “queencard”.

  

 References:

Philippines - United States Department of State. (2024, June 24). United States Department of  State.                https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-trafficking-in-persons-report/philippines/

Republic Act 11313: Safe Spaces Act. (2018, April). pcw.gov.ph. https://pcw.gov.ph/republic-act-11313-           safe-spaces-act/

Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking In Persons Act of 2003, as amended by RA 10364 also known 

        as the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012. (2018). pcw.gov.ph. https://pcw.gov.ph/faq-        republic-act-9208/

 

Free Vector | Gender violence concept. (2020, June 27). Freepik. https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/               gender-violence-concept_8967837.htm#

        fromView=keyword&page=1&position=41&uuid=17e1c278-6be7-4b13-8c68-47233761a8c1

 

Online Sexual Exploitation of Children | IJM. (n.d.). IJM USA. https://www.ijm.org/our-work/trafficking-       slavery/online-sexual-exploitation-children

 

FlorenceMachineVEVO. (2022, February 23). Florence + the Machine - King [Video]. YouTube. https://           www.youtube.com/watch?v=L62LtChAwww 

 

Salengalaw. (2023, July 26). Understanding VAWC: Protecting Women and Children through RA 9262.             Salenga     Law Firm.  https://philippinelawfirm.com/other/understanding-vawc-protecting-

        women-and-children-through-ra-9262/

 

2024 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. (2024, September). Philippine Commision on             Women. https://pcw.gov.ph/2024-18-day-campaign-to-

          end-violence-against-women/

 

Elemia, C. (2018, October 8). Senate approves bill punishing catcalling, street harassment.                                  RAPPLER.https://www.rappler.com/philippines/213812-senate-approves-bill-vs-catcalling-street-            harassment/ 

 

BBC News. (2022, May 6). Leni Robredo: The woman leading the Philippines’ “pink revolution.” https://    www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-61318519

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sino: Ilokano’s Quirino

        Who was the first ever Ilocano president and the second president of the Philippines Republic. It's President Elpidio Quirino. He was born on November 16, 1899 in Vigan of Ilocos Sur at the Provincial Jail. Quite shocking right.? He’s the third among his siblings in which he loved his parents, Mariano Quirino and Greogoria Rivera-Quirino. A well-known nickname for him is “Pidiong".

        Before Pidiong became the president, he was a bright student. Brilliant at learning that only at the age of 16, he got a teaching job at Caparia-an in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur. Despite his 12-pesos monthly salary, his 5-peso savings from his occupation became a door to him to continue his education in Manila. In Manila, he finished with a Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Philippines. In his journey, his brother Ernesto supported him financially. God blessed his family with children and a jolly  marriage with Alicia Syquia, who belonged to the most prominent and wealthy Filipino-Syquia family in Ilocos Sur. 

In 1992 and 1931, he served as a senator. He’d experienced being the secretary of the Justice, Interior, and Foreign affairs department of the national government. However, during the war in our country, the Japanese imprisoned him in Fort Santiago as he refused to be a puppet Governor on charges of conspiracy with his guerilla brother, Antonio. As a result, the Japanese in Ermita, Manila killed his wife and three of his children, Armando, Norma, and Fe.

Due to the death of President Manuel Roxas on April 15, 1948, he became the president. His presidency involved controversies. Beside the 1969 elections where Ferdinand Marcos was elected president, the election that Quirino won was considered the most corrupt. He was the first ever president to face an impeachment trial for allegedly purchasing an exorbitant Golden arinola (chamber pots) with public funds. Regardless of the challenges he faced during his presidency, he’s known till this day as the “Father of Philippine Industrialization" and the “Champion of Philippine Sovereignty". As Ilokano, Pidiong who contributed to boost the economy, unlock employment, and the country's recovery from war, it's worth taking pride in.

 

Reference:

https://www.positivelyfilipino.com/community-news/commemorative-event-of-

president-elpidio-l-quirinos-60th-death-anniversary-at-philippine-center-new-

york 

Katutubo Roots to Honoring Routes

 

        The Indigenous Peoples Month and the 27th Year IPRA Commemoration was celebrated last October. October represents the rights and  culture of indigenous people in our people. Through the implementation of the rights act, it guarantees a recognition and respect of their one of a kind culture they embrace. Its uniqueness stands for their ancestors’ richness. In our country, Katutubos is full of treasures that are yet to be shared with respected distinction.

            Our culture will prevail regardless of how long or how far we've left. By the observance of the National Indigenous Peoples Month 2024, it further promotes  and protects the rights and culture of the Indigenous People. Well, how? Through preservation and  taking a part in. I remember the  last time we went to Baguio’s Mines View, I observed a friendly and positive bond between tourists and Katutubos. People can learn and experience about the culture they nurture. To fellow individuals, let's value their contributions too. Despite the lack of some  basic needs, their skills  in craftsmanship observes their resourcefulness and creativity. Through this, they adapt to the richness of biodiversity. At their incomparable history, we have to know so much more at which their roots display their one of a kind distinction. 

        Peoples Month and the 27th Year IPRA Commemoration, let us take our routes to value, nurture, and honor indigenous people.  The vibrant traditions and wisdom of the Katutubos are not just treasures to be admired, it's worth appreciating with sincerity. By actively participating in the preservation of these cultures, we not only honor their history but also empower future generations to thrive and revive.

 

Reference:  

https://communities.dmcihomes.com/decorate-condo-local-indigeneous-products/

https://theebuckyball.wordpress.com/2014/10/22/katutubo-kaibigan-kadugo-kababayan/

A Change for Filipinos

 

 

        Our country faces challenges as it is geographically located within the Pacific Ring of Fire. Despite this, the reasons for sudden or progressive change in the environment greatly affected every Filipino. The challenges include an increase in frequent occurrence of typhoons, rise of sea level, and droughts. These are called challenges for a reason. Individual struggles to overcome and recover from damages. To overcome and recover, a switch up in our daily lifestyle is a key to a more environmental sustainability in our lives. Wherein our dreadful experiences meet our resiliency.

 

        According to the World Risk Report in 2022,  Philippines was ranked as having the greatest disaster risk among 193 countries or 99 percent of the global population. Today, with an increased rise in temperature, some schools in the country have to implement alternative learning modes for students.  The sea level rise leads to loss of habitats and storm surge can be worse. Farmers are greatly affected by the change in our climate. Drought brought them to a reduced yield of crops further impacting them economically. The list goes on and more. Yet, we’ve let it just go on. 

        In the fight against climate change, us Filipinos can do it through united efforts. We have the power.  We can do it by reducing waste, energy conservation, or practicing sustainable lifestyle. Let's transform this as an opportunity for us Filipinos to showcase our resilience and unity. Together, we can make a lasting difference for our planet and future generations.  

 

Reference:

https://manilastandard.net/?p=314427017

https://lafayetteledger.org/18293/news/the-impacts-of-climate-change-on-the-philippines/
 

Where Children can Play

 

   

"I’ve been prayin’ for, for the people to say that we don’t wanna fight no more. 

There’ll be no more wars, and our children will play."

 

    As this song echoed through the stage, we reflected  a youthful age. Performed with bright smiles reaching our shining achievements at school, there are some children who are under unfortunate circumstances. Children are growing and let’s not keep it hidden forever. As we acknowledge this month’s urging action for children, let our voices and hands in touch.

 

 

    Every child has the right to be protected from any form violence. Violence can take to various kinds and these are not small but are severely impactful to a child’s health and overall well-being. Over the years, the Philippines has been known for its high rates of violence against children, particularly in the form of online sexual exploitation, making it one of the major “hotspot” of this crime. As the term “hotspot” negatively defines our place, let’s ensure a safe spot for the children. To break the prevalence, end the violence through making a difference.     

    While National Children’s Month is being celebrated, I’ve been hoping too to hear that people don't wanna fight anymore. We’re still growing and thriving. Yet, I want to keep thriving too with cheerful children. 

 

Reference:

<https://www.ijm.org/news/study-reveals-dramatic-rise-in-the-prevalence-of-internet-based-child-sexual-exploitation-in-the-philippines>

 

 

 

   

Bloom in the Gloom (Thematic Output)

“Minsan nang naligaw, hahanapin pa rin ang ilaw”

♪ Payapa by dwta

 

    The sun rises, its charming shine captivates me. It’s always a warm beginning. Flower behind my ear, its sheer touch flutters. Recognizing these , Mother Earth is truly incredible. We are fortunate to have these beautiful natural gems, but we often overlook them. The clock is still ticking, we have the chance to make a change. We cannot get lost further in the hostile environment we’ve made.

    Let’s start from ourselves. Even the smallest actions can have such a big impact. Since elementary school, I've been thought to do the 3Rs;Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle. Today, it’s been added with Repair and Recover. Starting it even at home, our home can witness these positive differences. As we purchase products, let’s turn it green. In September, we participated with my classmates.Transforming recyclable materials into a handmade creation filled with joy. United through this activity, it’s not a mere competition to obtain victory. But a program that alarms us. As teachers and students organized this event, a sense of fulfillment that cannot be adequately expressed in words. ”Nagworth it ayang”. To ourselves into a united community. Tree-planting and Clean-Up drives are known environmental programs yet there’s limited liveliness. Exploring and taking part in these programs allows us to broaden and appreciate nature's wonders.