Elpidio Quirino: From Humble Beginnings to Postwar Philippine Leadership

 

Early Life and Education

Elpidio Rivera Quirino was born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, into a modest family. From a young age, he demonstrated remarkable determination and perseverance. While still in high school, he taught in his barrio in La Union to support his education. His drive eventually brought him to Manila, where he studied law at the University of the Philippines and passed the bar in 1915. These early experiences of self-reliance and hard work shaped Quirino into a leader who valued perseverance, responsibility, and public service.

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Political Career and Rise to Leadership

Quirino entered politics with steady progress through the legislative ranks, serving first as a House Representative from 1919 to 1922 and later as a Senator beginning in 1925. He contributed to the Philippine Independence Commission, which played a crucial role in securing the Tydings–McDuffie Act, paving the way for Philippine self-rule. During the Commonwealth era, he also served in key cabinet positions, including Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Finance under President Manuel Quezon. These roles helped him develop practical governance experience and establish a reputation as a committed public servant.

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Presidency and Achievements

Quirino became Vice President under Manuel Roxas in 1946 and assumed the presidency in 1948 after Roxas’s untimely death. His administration focused on postwar reconstruction, economic recovery, and strengthening international ties, particularly with the United States. To address internal unrest, including the Hukbalahap insurgency, he appointed Ramon Magsaysay as Secretary of National Defense, a decision that proved pivotal in restoring stability. Beyond security concerns, Quirino championed agrarian reform, housing programs, and social welfare initiatives, demonstrating a dedication to improving the quality of life for ordinary Filipinos.

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Legacy and Reflection

Elpidio Quirino’s life is a story of resilience, vision, and dedication to nation-building. Rising from humble beginnings, he guided the Philippines through a critical period of recovery and social development. While his presidency faced criticism and challenges, his efforts in reconstruction, social reform, and diplomacy left an enduring impact. Quirino’s journey reminds us that leadership requires perseverance, service, and the courage to rebuild in times of adversity.

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References

1. Britannica. Elpidio Quirino Biography.

2. ElpidioQuirino.org. The Life and Times of President Elpidio R. Quirino.

3. BusinessMirror. President Elpidio Quirino’s 125th Birth Anniversary.

4. National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Elpidio R. Quirino Marker.

Fighting for the Safety and Rights of Every Child

 This year’s National Children’s Month carries the powerful theme, “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!” or “End Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM): Fight for the Safety and Rights of Children!” This message reminds us of the urgent need to protect children from dangers, especially in the digital world. As technology continues to advance, so do the risks of online exploitation—and it is our shared duty to stand up for children’s safety, dignity, and rights.

The government has taken significant steps to combat these crimes. Through the Republic Act No. 11930 or the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM Act, stricter laws have been implemented to track, prevent, and punish those who exploit children online. Agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Philippine National Police (PNP) work hand in hand to rescue victims, provide counseling, and raise public awareness. These efforts show that the government recognizes how serious online exploitation is and is working to create a safer digital space for all children.

However, laws alone are not enough. Protecting children also requires the active involvement of families, schools, and communities. Parents must guide their children in responsible internet use, while schools should teach digital safety and values. When everyone participates, we create an environment where children can grow up free from fear and harm. It is only through unity, awareness, and compassion that we can truly uphold every child’s right to safety, respect, and a bright future.

Together, let us continue to fight for the protection and dignity of every Filipino child—online and offline. Their safety is not just a government responsibility but a national commitment.

Reference:

Council for the Welfare of Children (2025). National Children’s Month 2025 Theme and Advocacy. Retrieved from https://www.cwc.gov.ph

Chasing Mountains and Memories: My Unforgettable Journey to Bantay

 

Last weekend, I traveled from Buquig, Bantay to Tayac, a place known for its mountain views and peaceful scenery. Three of my friends live there, while one lives nearby, and I was the one coming from the farthest area. The place is surrounded by tall hills and trees, giving it a calm and refreshing atmosphere - a perfect spot to unwind. It was our long-awaited meet-up, and we were all excited to finally spend a fun day together in nature. At first, there were supposed to be seven of us, but there is a conflict from the schedule, so it became 10am. When I arrived, one of my friends was already waiting for me outside. After my brother left, I climbed onto a motorcycle, which was quite difficult because the seat was very high, it felt like a challenge to even get on! Since there were already two of us on the motorbike, we decided to fetch first the other who also knew how to drive. That way, we could use two motorcycles and travel comfortably together. The ride was full of laughter and excitement. We didn’t really have a clear destination at first, so we just explored the area, surrounded by mountains and trees. The air was fresh, and the scenery was breathtaking. While traveling, we saw a river and planned to go down, but the path was too steep and rocky, so we decided not to continue. Instead, we agreed to visit one of our friend’s houses to rest and eat first before going to our next stop. At the house, we shared a simple but happy meal together. We ate, sang, talked, and laughed - just like old times. The place was full of joy and stories, and we even started filming our vlog to capture every moment.

Afterward, we continued our trip to Tagaytay, a river located farther from town. The journey was long, but it was worth it because the water was clear, and the surroundings were filled with mountains and trees. It felt peaceful, like a hidden paradise.

After that, we decided to go to Bida-Bida, a small local spot where they sell delicious empanada and refreshing drinks. The place was beautiful and cozy - we ate under a roof made of kaoayan, shaped like a small triangular hut. It gave off a warm and rustic vibe, perfect for bonding with friends. While eating our empanadas, we chatted endlessly and laughed about everything that happened during the day.

The next day, our plan was to meet at 7 a.m., but I woke up late. We needed to start early because we were going hiking that morning. Around 10 a.m., we finally began our hike. The trail was steep and tiring, and the ground was wet, making it slippery and harder to walk on. Even so, the excitement pushed us forward. After several minutes of walking, we finally reached the top. The fresh air greeted us, and the view was absolutely beautiful despite the heat. We laughed, talked, and took lots of pictures to capture the moment. It felt rewarding to be surrounded by nature after all the effort it took to climb up. However, going down was the most challenging part of the hike. The path was sloped and uneven, which made it difficult to step safely. One of my friends was really scared to go down, while I tried to enjoy the moment — even though I slipped several times along the way! Two of my friends went ahead first, and we just followed carefully. Despite the difficulties, we managed to reach the bottom safely, though tired and sweaty. The one driving the motorcycle was already exhausted, so I decided to ride an e-bike instead to rest a bit before our next stop.

Our next plan was to visit a resort, but since none of us knew exactly where it was, we decided to stop by a karinderya to eat. We shared a simple but delicious meal while waiting for someone to pick us up for our next destination. That destination turned out to be another adventure — a hiking and aerial activity site. I have a fear of heights, so I was hesitant to join, but my friends encouraged me to try. My heart was pounding loudly, and my hands were shaking from nervousness. I tried to participate but couldn’t continue with the aerial activity because I was too scared. Still, I decided to conquer my fear a little by trying the zip line. Everyone was cheering for me, and even though I was terrified, I made it to the other side! I even got a small cut on my knee, but it was worth it. The feeling of accomplishment and the support of my friends made the day unforgettable. That second day in Tayac taught me a lot about courage and friendship. It wasn’t just about hiking or riding the zip line — it was about facing fears, pushing limits, and appreciating the beauty of nature with people who make every moment fun and meaningful.

Second Journey, Another Accomplishment

This second quarter has been both an exciting and challenging journey as I explored the world of HTML and web development. Through our lessons, I discovered how HTML serves as the foundation of every website and how tags are used to structure content properly. I learned that HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language, and it is composed of elements written inside angle brackets such as <html>, <head>, and <body>. These tags define how text, images, and links appear on a webpage. I also realized that HTML is not as complicated as I first thought—it simply requires understanding the structure and purpose of each tag. The most enjoyable part for me was learning to design my own simple webpage, inserting pictures, making links clickable, and formatting text using tags like <b> for bold or <i> for italics. This made me appreciate how web developers create the sites we use every day and gave me the confidence that I can build my own someday.

However, my learning experience was not always easy. One of the biggest challenges I faced was remembering all the different HTML tags and their correct placement in the code. Sometimes, I would forget to close a tag or accidentally type an incorrect symbol, which would make my entire webpage appear broken. There were also times when I felt overwhelmed by the details—especially when I tried adding images or links, but they wouldn’t show up correctly. Another problem was managing my time during class activities. Since coding requires focus and accuracy, even one small mistake could take a long time to find and fix. It was frustrating at first because I wanted everything to look perfect, but it took patience and practice to understand that mistakes are part of the learning process.

To overcome these challenges, I developed a few strategies that helped me improve my work and my confidence. I started by reviewing my notes after every lesson and experimenting with the tags we learned. Instead of just memorizing them, I tried applying them to create simple projects like my own “About Me” page. I also practiced using online resources such as W3Schools and YouTube tutorials to better understand how each tag works in real coding examples. When my code didn’t work, I learned to read it carefully line by line to find what went wrong. Asking questions from my teacher and classmates also helped me a lot because sometimes a small explanation made everything clearer. These efforts slowly helped me become more independent and more determined to solve problems on my own.

 Moving forward, I plan to continue improving my skills in HTML and expand my knowledge into other areas like CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and JavaScript. I know that these languages work together to make websites more creative and interactive. I also want to explore how web design can be used in education, communication, and even business. My goal is to create more professional-looking webpages and possibly build a small online portfolio to showcase my projects. I will continue practicing coding during my free time and stay curious about new digital tools that can enhance my creativity. This quarter taught me not only about HTML, but also about patience, problem-solving, and persistence—values that I can carry with me not just in ICT, but in life as well.

A Day to Honor Our Teachers

Every year, we celebrate Teacher’s Month to honor the people who guide and teach us. This year’s theme, “My Teacher, My Hero,” reminds us that teachers are not only our mentors but also heroes who help us reach our dreams. They give their time, love, and effort to help students learn and become better people.

To show our thanks, our class prepared simple surprises for our teachers. We gave them a cake and a bouquet of flowers. Yesterday, we made them laugh with a “lechon prank” — we gave them a box with flowers inside, and we danced with them. It was a fun and happy day that showed how much we love and appreciate our teachers.

Me and my ate in journalism also surprised our coach in journalism, he's not just my coach and teacher in Filipino, but a father and an inspiration to me. At first, I don't really have the courage to join in journalism, but this year I tried. We did training every weekends, it was hard for me to balance academics and being a journalist. I told my coach that I was thinking of backing off, but with his words, "A dream comes with a sacrifice," inspire me to continue the path I am taking now. I am learning more to him, he care and act as a father to us. By his guide, I hope we will win DSPC. I hope our surprised, make him happy.

They are not just a teacher, but a second parents. They guide us, help us, care us, and inspires us. So, they also deserve to be recognize and celebrate their day. 

Saying "thank you" to them, maybe a simple and just a words, so we showered them by gifts to show how we appreciate them.

Teachers are heroes because they work hard every day to teach us and care for us. They inspire us to do our best and never give up. Because of them, we have the courage to dream big and aim high.

I show my gratitude to my teachers by respecting them, listening to them, and doing my best in class. Saying “thank you” and showing kindness are simple ways to make them feel special. Truly, my teacher is my hero.

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Reference/Source:

Department of Education (DepEd). (2025). National Teachers’ Month 2025 Theme: “My Teacher, My Hero.” Retrieved from https://www.deped.gov.ph

Curiosity Fuels Innovation

This year’s National Science Month has the theme “Harnessing the Unknown: Powering the Future through Science and Innovation.” It reminds us that science is not just about what we already know, but also about discovering new things. Innovation helps turn these discoveries into tools that make life easier and better. The celebration teaches us to be curious, creative, and ready for new challenges because our future depends on how we use science.

In the next years, science will continue to change society. New inventions like artificial intelligence, better medicine, renewable energy, and modern technology will affect the way we live. For example, AI can help doctors check illnesses faster, and renewable energy can help fight climate change. But these also have problems, like fairness, privacy, and equal access. This means people must use science wisely so that it benefits everyone.

Learning science in school is very important. But it is also important that we apply science in real life. Groups like the National Academy of Science and Technology (Philippines) help connect scientists, leaders, and communities so that science can solve real problems. Students like us can also take part by learning more, sharing ideas, and using science in good ways.

The theme “Harnessing the Unknown” reminds us not to be afraid of things we do not yet understand. Instead, we should face them with teamwork and curiosity. Science and innovation can build a brighter tomorrow, but it is up to all of us to use them for the good of everyone.

References:

Department of Education Lucena. (2025). Division Memorandum No. 305, s. 2025: National Science Club Month Celebration. Retrieved from DepEd Lucena

BBC Science Focus. (2025). Future Technology: 22 Ideas About to Change Our World. Retrieved from BBC Science Focus

BBC Science Focus. (n.d.). Future technology: 22 ideas about to change our world. Science Focus. Retrieved September 26, 2025, from https://www.sciencefocus.com/future-technology/future-technology-22-ideas-about-to-change-our-world

VectorStock. (n.d.). Science innovation: Future tech & smart solutions. VectorStock. Retrieved September 26, 2025, from https://www.vectorstock.com/royalty-free-vector/science-and-innovation-future-tech-smart-solutions-vector-33158348

Afzal, I. (2020, July 30). The intersection of science and technology: Shaping our future. Medium. Retrieved September 26, 2025, from https://medium.com/@ibrahimafzal/the-intersection-of-science-and-technology-shaping-our-future-63ec845cb7d3

Filipinos, Battling the Tide during the Impact of Climate

Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is a reality that Filipinos face every day. Sudden disasters such as super typhoons and flash floods, as well as gradual changes like sea level rise and prolonged droughts, continue to disrupt lives and livelihoods across the country. These environmental shifts are often linked to human activities such as deforestation, industrial emissions, and irresponsible waste disposal, which worsen global warming and weaken the natural defenses of communities.

One of the main reasons for these adverse changes is the intensification of extreme weather events. Typhoons have become stronger and more destructive, causing widespread devastation to homes, crops, and infrastructure. Meanwhile, slower but equally damaging changes—like saltwater intrusion into farmlands, coral reef degradation, and reduced water supply—affect food security and long-term economic stability. For a country whose population relies heavily on agriculture and coastal resources, these impacts are deeply felt.

Yet, despite the destruction, Filipinos have consistently shown remarkable resilience. Communities unite to rebuild after disasters, practice bayanihan during crises, and adapt through innovations such as climate-resilient farming and coastal protection projects. This resilience reflects the strength of the Filipino spirit, but it should not mask the urgent need for stronger climate policies, international cooperation, and sustainable lifestyle choices to lessen the root causes of the crisis.

In conclusion, climate change remains one of the greatest challenges facing the Philippines today. It has both sudden and progressive effects that endanger lives, homes, and the economy. However, the resilience and unity of Filipinos provide hope that with proper support, preparedness, and collective action, the nation can rise above the storm and build a future that is safer and more sustainable.

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Reference:

• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2023). Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report. https://www.ipcc.ch

• Associated Press. August 28, 2017. Typhoon Haiyan death toll in Philippines officially at 942, expected to climb beyond 10,000

• Melvin, Joshua, Romero, Purple. September 17,2018. Farmers risk death to save crops from killer 'Ompong'

• Schueman, Lindsey Jean. May 30, 2024. Six projects restoring vital mangrove forests around the world