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>