Kate Bernice

President Elpidio Quirino, the sixth President of the Philippines, served from 1948 to 1953. Born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, he was of Chinese and Ilokano descent. His parents, Mariano Quirino and Gregoria Rivera, instilled in him values such as hard work and love for the country. Quirino graduated from the University of the Philippines and became a lawyer in 1915. He started his political career as a representative of Ilocos Sur in the House of Representatives from 1919 to 1925, and later became a senator from 1925 to 1931. As a senator, he championed workers' rights and pushed for economic reforms. As President, Quirino implemented programs for the country's rehabilitation and development after World War II. He established Quezon City as the new capital, launched infrastructure projects, and freed farmers through agricultural reforms. He also implemented economic policies to stabilize the economy and strengthen international relations. Despite facing challeng...

The 2025 National Children's Month (NCM) theme,  “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!”  (End Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials: Fight for the Safety and Rights of Children!), is a timely and critical call to arms. This theme, shaped by consultations with Filipino children themselves who highlighted the pervasive risks of social media, underscores that the threat to children's safety and dignity has fundamentally shifted to the digital space. The focus on  OSAEC-CSAEM  recognizes that the internet, while a tool for learning and connection, has become a frightening new frontier for abuse and exploitation. This observance is vital for mobilizing not just government agencies but also parents, educators, and the private sector into a unified front to dismantle the infrastructure of online child abuse. The Philippine government's commitment to protecting children's safety, dignity,...

  Stepping onto Calle Crisologo is like walking into a meticulously preserved 16th-century masterpiece; the cobblestone path instantly silences the modern world and transports you to the Spanish colonial era. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is defined by its iconic ancestral Bahay na Bato houses, which fuse Filipino, Chinese, and European architectural styles into a magnificent display of history and wealth. The street is a cherished pedestrian zone, where the rhythmic clip-clop of the kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) is the loudest sound, enhancing the authentic, old-world charm. Beyond its stunning architecture, the street pulses with the vibrant energy of Ilocano culture, serving as a hub for local crafts and famous regional cuisine. Wander through the heritage homes, many of which now house quaint souvenir shops offering abel hand-woven fabric and antiques, or stop to indulge in the crispy, flavorful Vigan Empanada and Bagnet. While the daylight offers clear views of the capiz-she...

The 2025 Teacher's Month theme, "My Teacher, My Hero," serves as a vital recognition that our educators are true heroes—not the kind celebrated in movies, but those who perform daily, selfless acts of courage. They stand on the frontline of progress, pouring their patience, emotional energy, and personal resources into nurturing young minds. Often unseen and undervalued, they are the tireless nation-builders who consistently work beyond their assigned tasks, driven by an unwavering commitment to ensure every student, regardless of background, has the light of opportunity. This celebration is our chance to finally place them on the pedestal they have always deserved. Expressing our gratitude demands more than a simple ceremony; it requires a genuine recognition of their sacrifices. We must touch their hearts with simple yet powerful gestures: a heartfelt note detailing how their guidance shaped us, active engagement in their lessons, or a sincere check-in on...