Elpidio Quirino's Trials and Triumphs

 When Elpidio Quirino came into the world, I, of course, was not yet alive. However, it prompts the question: who exactly was he? What contributions did he make to our country? How effective was his leadership? In this blog, let us explore his legacy and the impact of his work on our nation—His Trials and Triumphs.

Elpidio Quirino came into this world on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. His Parents are Mariano Quirino and Gregoria Rivera. Studied at Vigan Elementary School, San Juan de Letran College, University of the Philippines College of Law

 

Let me share his Political Careers!

He was a Congressman (1919-1922) which he Represented Ilocos Sur's 1st district. A Senator (1925-1935) He Served two terms. Secretary of the Interior(1935-1938) He was Under President Manuel L. Quezon. Secretary of Finance (1938-1940) He was again Under President Manuel L. Quezon. Became Vice President (1946-1948) Under President Manuel Roxas Lastly He became President (1948-1953), Sixth President of the Philippines

His Achievements Include:

* Reconstruction after WWII - Led efforts to rebuild and recover from war devastation

* Economic reforms - Implemented policies to stabilize the economy and promote growth

* Agricultural development - Initiated programs to improve agricultural productivity

* Social welfare - Established the Social Welfare Administration (now DSWD)

* Education Increased funding for education and established new schools

* Infrastructure development - Constructed roads, bridges, and public buildings

* Foreign policy - Strengthened relations with Asian countries and participated in regional organizations

* National defense - Modernized the armed forces and established the National Defense Act

* Constitutional reforms - Proposed amendments to the 1935 Constitution

I’m absolutely thrilled that he hails from Ilocos Sur! He’s got an incredible list of achievements that just keeps getting better!

 

His Legacy continues:

 

* Leadership during tumultuous times - Guided the country through post-war reconstruction and economic challenges

* Advocate for social justice - Championed the rights of the poor and marginalized

* Visionary statesman - Fostered regional cooperation and international relations

* Institution builder - Established key institutions for economic development and social welfare

Awards and Recognition

 

* Quezon Service Cross - Highest civilian honor in the Philippines

* Legion of Honor - Awarded for outstanding public service

* Order of the Golden Heart - Recognized for humanitarian contributions

 

Image sources:

https://www.positivelyfilipino.com/community-news/commemorative-event-of-president-elpidio-l-quirinos-60th-death-anniversary-at-philippine-center-new-york

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elpidio-Quirino

Reference:

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elpidio-Quirino 

"Empowering Voices: Indigenous Peoples Rights and Culture"

 "Empowering Voices: Indigenous Peoples Rights and Culture"

Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous People and Knowledge

In October, the Philippines observes Indigenous Peoples Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the diverse cultures, knowledge, and contributions of the nation's Indigenous Peoples. This year’s theme, "Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge," I found this Interesting, and by reading this year's theme it emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and supporting the rights, traditions, and wisdom of Indigenous people and communities. It serves as a reminder of the need for care and respect towards these cultures and the invaluable knowledge they offer respect for Indigenous communities and their age-old wisdom. This knowledge, rooted in sustainable living and harmony with nature, is especially relevant today as the world faces environmental challenges such as climate change which was my recent blog  "Climate Change: A Growing Concern".

PHILSCA celebrates the Indigenous Peoples Month and the 27th Year Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) Commemoration from October 1-30 with the theme “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalana.” (Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge). This momentous event is led by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

The October celebration will culminate the activity of honoring the Indigenous Peoples who are prime movers and champions for IPRA, practitioners, and advocates in the preservation/safeguarding of the Indigenous people's culture and transfer of Indigenous knowledge, systems, and practices to younger generations.

To sum this all up, observing National Indigenous Peoples Month 2024 could reveal fascinating insights into how cultural celebrations and awareness initiatives empower Indigenous communities, preserve their traditions, and advocate for their rights in contemporary society.

Reference: https://www.philsca.edu.ph/announcement/indigenous-peoples-month-celebration-and-the-27th-ipra-commemoration/

Image Reference: https://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/opinion/pieces/958-honoring-ips-and-their-aspirations-for-self-determination#:~:text=The%20theme%20for%20this%20year's,and%20their%20age%2Dold%20wisdom.

Climate Change: A Growing Concern

 Climate Change: A Growing Concern

Climate change has been a pressing issue for many years, impacting countless lives, particularly those of farmers. Just recently, the Philippines has faced a series of devastating typhoons that wreaked havoc across the country. My father, a dedicated farmer, has felt the brunt of these challenges firsthand. Watching him navigate the struggles brought on by climate change is both heart-wrenching and eye-opening. The changing weather patterns not only threaten his livelihood but also the future of farming in our community. It’s a stark reminder that climate change is not just a distant threat; it’s a reality that affects families like ours every day.

According to this article:

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (20 February 2024) — The impacts of climate change, including slow and sudden onset weather events, are reducing the ability of countries to meet their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a report released today by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“The Asia and Pacific region has made steady progress in increasing food security, reducing the prevalence of malnutrition, and making improvements in health and well-being,” said ADB Managing Director General Woochong Um. “However, further gains are being hampered by multiple crises, including the increasing effects of climate change, the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis.”

The report, People and Planet: Addressing the Interlinked Challenges of Climate Change, Poverty, and Hunger in Asia and the Pacific, notes that more frequent and severe climate-related hazards will result in reduced agricultural and labor productivity, loss of livelihoods, and human displacement. These strain socioeconomic and environmental systems, and hinder efforts to promote food security and alleviate poverty, especially for poorer countries and vulnerable communities.

There are promising solutions for the Asia and Pacific region that reflect the interlinkages between climate, poverty, and food insecurity. One example is food systems approaches that, designed properly, could support sustainable livelihoods for millions of farmers, ensure food security, and reduce the environmental and climate impacts of food production.

Current global and regional policies do not adequately support the integration of climate priorities with efforts to address poverty and hunger. There is an urgent need to develop stronger social protection systems for vulnerable people, to help tackle the underlying causes of poverty and food insecurity, and to strengthen their adaptive capacity to the impacts of climate change. Other key enabling factors for integrated action are increased knowledge and skills development, institutional capacity building, funding and investment, and multistakeholder partnerships. Regional cooperation is especially important, given the speed and scale of needed climate actions.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.

Reference: https://www.adb.org/news/climate-change-impacts-severely-impede-sdgs-says-adb-un-report

Image Sources: https://nonawoman.com/en/blogs/nonas-thoughts/dampak-perubahan-iklim-terhadap-menstruas

https://www.wfp.org/publications/2024-innovative-solutions-climate-change-adaptation-and-disaster-risk-reduction

2024 National Children's Month Celebration

"Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines" 

This theme highlights the different forms of violence that children may encounter, as well as the systemic issues that contribute to the perpetuation of such violence. It emphasizes the innovative strategies that are being developed and implemented to address these challenges. By examining the roles of community involvement, government policies, and grassroots movements, we can uncover inspiring stories of resilience and positive change. Ultimately, this exploration underscores the critical need for creating safe environments for future generations.

According to this article, we will know more about the National Children's Month Celebration:

In the Philippines, National Children’s Month (Buwan ng Kabataan) is celebrated annually as a way to honor the importance of children in society and promote their rights and welfare. Established by Republic Act No. 10661, this month-long celebration ensures that Filipino children have access to quality education, healthy environments, and adequate healthcare. It also raises awareness about children’s rights and encourages communities to create spaces where children can thrive.

When is National Children’s Month?

National Children's Month is observed every November. During this month, various activities and programs are held nationwide to raise awareness of the challenges children face and promote their rights, protection, and overall well-being.

History of National Children’s Month

National Children’s Month was first celebrated in the Philippines in 1992. The celebration was later institutionalized through Republic Act No. 10661, signed into law by then-President Benigno Aquino III in 2015. The law officially designates November as National Children’s Month, in commemoration of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which was adopted in November 1989.

Significance of National Children’s Month

NCM plays a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and welfare of Filipino children. Its importance can be seen in several ways:

• Raising Awareness of Children's Rights: NCM promotes understanding of the UNCRC, ensuring the public is aware of children’s rights to protection, survival, development, and participation. This advocacy protects children from abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
• Highlighting Child Protection and Welfare: The celebration draws attention to pressing issues like child labor, abuse, and neglect, encouraging government bodies, communities, and organizations to take action on policies that protect children.
• Promoting Education and Development: Activities focus on the importance of education and holistic development, encompassing moral, emotional, and social aspects that are key to nurturing well-rounded children.
• Strengthening Family and Community Support: NCM encourages families and communities to foster safe, nurturing environments where children can flourish. It emphasizes the collective responsibility of society to protect children’s rights and ensure their well-being.
• Empowering Children: One of NCM's core aims is to empower children by giving them a platform to express their thoughts and concerns, helping them become active participants in society rather than passive beneficiaries of adult-driven programs.

National Children’s Month Activities

To celebrate NCM, a variety of activities are held throughout the country. These may include:

• School and Community Events: Schools and communities often organize storytelling sessions, art contests, and forums that focus on children’s rights.
• Media Campaigns: National and local media outlets broadcast educational programs to spread awareness about children’s issues.
• Outreach Programs: Various organizations conduct feeding programs, medical missions, and donation drives to support children, especially those from underserved communities.

Reference: https://www.twinkl.com.ph/event/national-childrens-month-2024

Image References: 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/photos/73389

https://www.facebook.com/share/1AqAsfdjR9/?mibextid=WC7FNe

https://www.unicef.org/thailand/what-is-crc