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Festival of Devotion

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Fiesta of the conversion of st. paul is a cherished annual celebration in Ilocos Sur, honoring the transformative moment that changed the life of the apostle Paul and shaped the course of Christianity. Observed every January 25th in line with the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar, the feast holds special significance for the province, particularly in Vigan City where Saint Paul the Apostle serves as the patron saint. This sacred occasion brings together communities in a blend of solemn religious rites and joyful communal gathering, reflecting the deep spiritual roots that have woven through Ilocano culture for centuries. At its core, the festival pays tribute to longganisa, a staple of Ilocano cuisine known for its distinct garlicky, savory, or sweet profile. Different towns across Ilocos Sur bring their own specialty varieties to the celebration, from Vigan’s garlic-forward version to other regional takes on the cured sausage. The streets come alive with colorful parades fea...

Learning Journey

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During the 3rd quarter in ICT, I learned the basics of HTML and how HTML tags are used to create simple web pages. I experienced writing codes, using different tags, and understanding how a website is structured. This quarter helped me see how websites are built and made me more interested in web design and technology. , , , , , to , , and . I discovered how tags work together to organize content on a webpage. I also learned that correct opening and closing tags are important for the code to work properly Some challenges I encountered were forgetting to close tags, mixing up tag functions, and having errors in my code that caused the webpage not to display correctly. At times, it was also hard to remember the correct syntax of each tag. I addressed these challenges by practicing more, reviewing my notes, and carefully checking my codes. I also asked help from my teacher and classmates when I didn’t understand something. Rewriting the code and fixing errors helped me improve ...

Rizal's Legacy

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Widely recognized as the Philippines’ national hero, Jose Rizal’s most significant contribution to Philippine society was fostering a strong sense of national identity and solidarity among Filipinos amid Spanish colonial rule. Rather than advocating for armed conflict, he harnessed literature, education, and critical thought to shed light on colonial injustices and encourage his countrymen to pursue liberty and self-governance. Through his writings, speeches, and correspondence, he challenged existing power structures, questioned Spanish authority, and laid the groundwork for a unified Filipino community that bridged differences in region, social class, and ethnicity. His landmark novels Noli Me Tángere (1887) and El Filibusterismo (1891) played a pivotal part in this movement. These works powerfully depicted the poverty, corruption, and oppression endured by Filipinos under colonial rule, compelling both rulers and the ruled to acknowledge the era’s harsh truths. By composing in...

Christmas Essence

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 Across the globe, and particularly in the Philippines, the Christmas season stretches well beyond December 25. Its core meaning is grounded in both spiritual importance and cultural heritage—far more than elaborate presents or ornate displays, it centers on the spirit of love, solidarity, and care that unites people. In San Fernando, Pampanga, a city in Central Luzon renowned for its lively festive customs, families start their preparations as early as September. The simbang gabi dawn masses stand as a pillar of the season, helping communities uphold the values of faith, perseverance, and collective dedication.   The heart of Christmas lies in extending a helping hand to others. In Central Luzon, local efforts like community noche buena meals for underserved families and gift drives for orphaned children bring the season’s fundamental message of generosity to life. These gestures are more than just acts of giving; they forge stronger ties between residents, highlight the impo...

Tribe voices

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  The Philippines’ National Indigenous Peoples (IP) Month in December 2025, themed "Weaving Culture, Enriching Future: Empowering Indigenous Communities as Bedrock of Sustainable Development," strikes at the heart of what it means to build a truly inclusive and resilient nation. Indigenous peoples make up approximately 10-20% of the Philippine population, with over 110 ethno-linguistic groups across the archipelago, each carrying unique knowledge systems, practices, and worldviews deeply rooted in harmony with nature. This theme recognizes that IP communities are not just custodians of cultural heritage – they are vital partners in advancing sustainable development, as their traditional practices often hold solutions to modern challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security.   The metaphor of "weaving" in the theme is particularly powerful. Just as indigenous weavers interlace different threads to create strong, beautiful fabrics, empowering IP ...

Safe kids, Strong future!

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  As we commemorate National Children's Month this November 2025, the theme "OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!" resonates deeply. It calls us to confront the harsh realities of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) and to vigorously defend the safety and rights of our children. The government's role in safeguarding our children is critical. Laws such as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (Republic Act No. 7610) and the Anti-Child Pornography Act (Republic Act No. 9775) are vital frameworks. However, the effectiveness of these laws hinges on their rigorous implementation and adaptation to emerging threats in the digital age. Continuous updates to legislation, enhanced law enforcement capabilities, and proactive educational programs are essential to stay ahead of perpetrators. Beyond legislation, the government...

Quirino's Legacy Integrity and Nation-Building

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  Elpidio Quirino, the sixth President of the Philippines, was a figure of remarkable resilience and dedication to public service. Born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, his early life was marked by humble beginnings. His father was a warden at the provincial jail, and his mother was a primary school teacher. These early influences instilled in him a strong sense of justice and a commitment to education. Quirino worked his way through school, eventually earning a law degree from the University of the Philippines in 1915. Quirino's career began in law, but his passion for public service soon drew him into politics. He served as a representative of Ilocos Sur from 1919 to 1925 and then as a senator from 1925 to 1935. During his time in the legislature, he was known for his eloquence, integrity, and dedication to championing the rights of ordinary Filipinos. Before ascending to the presidency, Quirino also served as Secretary of Finance and Secretary of the Interior under Pr...