Neil Arce

Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and this past holiday season was no exception. The night before Christmas, my family and I kept things simple. We gathered around the dining table, enjoying a delicious meal together, sharing stories and laughter. After our meal, we settled down for the night, we didn't really waited for the Noche Buena and just went to bed. On Christmas morning, the atmosphere felt something so familiar, it was exiting. We kicked off the day by playing games, a tradition that always brings us closer together. Luck was on my side and I won over a thousand pesos during our friendly competitions. The thrill of the games added an extra drop of joy to the day, and I felt grateful for the fun we shared as a family. As December 29 approached, we prepared for a different kind of celebration. We traveled to Puro to partake in their fiesta. Fast forward to December 31, the last day of the year, we woke up early to attend church. After the mass, we headed to the mark...

 Reflecting on this past quarter, I’ve gained valuable lessons that have significantly influenced my perspective and approach to various aspects of my life. One of the most important lessons has been coding. For me, coding have been both enlightening and transformative.  I approached coding with a mix of excitement and apprehension, unsure of my ability to grasp the concepts. However, I choose to nourish and build my skills from each activities and assignments.                                     Source  As I look ahead, I am committed to applying these lessons to ensure continued growth and success. By integrating these lessons into my daily life, I am confident that I will be better equipped to face future challenges and seize opportunities that come my way.

 March, it is the National Women’s Month, a time to celebrate women's achievements and raise awareness about the critical issue of violence against women (VAW). The 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women highlights the urgent need for action against this pervasive social problem, with nearly 1 in 5 women experiencing violence from intimate partners, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.                                      Source Central to this fight is the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004, a landmark legislation that provides a comprehensive legal framework to protect women and children from various forms of violence. This law not only establishes laws for legal protection and support services for victims but also emphasizes the importance of education and awareness campaigns to inform the public about women's rights.     ...

 Elpidio Quirino was born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, to a well-off family of Chinese mestizo descent. He excelled academically, earning a law degree from the University of the Philippines. His early life was marked by a strong commitment to education, which led him to become a barrio teacher before entering politics.                                        Source Quirino's political ascent continued after World War II when he was elected vice president in 1946. Following the death of President Manuel Roxas in 1948, he assumed the presidency. His administration focused on postwar reconstruction, economic recovery, and social justice initiatives, including the establishment of the President's Action Committee on Social Amelioration (PACSA) to aid impoverished families.  In 1953 presidential election, Quirino sought re-election but was defeated by Ramon Magsaysay am...

 The observance of National Indigenous Peoples Month, particularly in 2024, serves as a advocacy for promoting and protecting the rights and culture of Indigenous Peoples. The theme “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalana” highlights the importance of valuing and preserving Indigenous knowledge and culture. By highlighting these traditional practices, the celebration presents a greater appreciation for the unique contributions of Indigenous communities to the cultural heritage of the nation.                                          Source Furthermore, events and activities like this encourages connection between Indigenous Peoples and the government, promoting collaboration in policy-making that respects their rights and aspirations. Last but not the least, it creates opportunities for education and awareness among the public. By engaging vari...

 Climate change poses significant challenges to the lives of many Filipinos, primarily due to the country's geographic location. The Philippines is located in a region prone to extreme weather events, such as typhoons and heavy rainfall, which have become increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change. These natural disasters lead to loss of lives. The impact of these events is felt most acutely by those in low-income areas, where resources for recovery are limited. Source Another one contributing to environmental changes is innovation and the increasing demand for energy. As cities expand and populations grow, the reliance on fossil fuels increase, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions. This not only contributes to climate change but also increases the vulnerability of places to flooding and heatwaves.  Lastly, the lack of effective leaders and implementation of climate adaptation strategies obstructs the Philippines' ability to respond to these challenges. While...