Rivo Alconcel

 Elpidio Quirino: A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience Elpidio Quirino, the sixth President of the Philippines, is remembered as a leader who steered the nation through its post-war recovery. Born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Quirino's life story is a testament to perseverance and dedication. From humble beginnings, he rose to prominence through hard work and an unyielding commitment to public service, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s history. Early Life and Education Elpidio Quirino was born to a modest family, with his father working as a warden and his mother as a seamstress. Despite financial difficulties, Quirino excelled academically. He pursued his education at Vigan High School before moving to Manila to study at the University of the Philippines, where he earned his law degree in 1915. While in school, he demonstrated leadership and determination, qualities that would define his career. Career and Path to the Presidency Quirino began his career as...

 Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring: Celebrating Indigenous Peoples and Their Knowledge The observance of National Indigenous Peoples Month 2024, with the theme “Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at Parangalan,” coincides with the 27th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA). This annual commemoration highlights the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the Philippines and reaffirms the nation's commitment to safeguarding their rights, traditions, and wisdom. It is a vital reminder of the significant role IPs play in shaping the nation's identity and fostering sustainable development. The IPRA, enacted in 1997, is a landmark legislation that recognizes and protects the rights of Indigenous Peoples. These include rights to ancestral domains, self-governance, social justice, and cultural integrity. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of preserving Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP), which serve as a re...

 Climate Change and the Resiliency of Filipinos: Adapting to an Evolving Crisis The Philippines, with its archipelagic geography and location within the Pacific Ring of Fire, is one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change. Typhoons, rising sea levels, and extreme weather patterns have become more frequent and severe, disrupting the lives of millions of Filipinos. Understanding the root causes and amplifying resilience are essential to combating this global crisis. The primary contributors to climate change include deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and improper waste management. In the Philippines, deforestation due to illegal logging and land conversion has stripped the country of its natural defenses against flooding and soil erosion. Meanwhile, rapid urbanization and industrial activities have increased carbon emissions, leading to higher temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns. Mismanagement of waste, particularly plastics, exacerbates en...

 Breaking the Prevalence, Ending the Violence: A Call to Protect Children The 2024 National Children’s Month celebration, themed “Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines,” underscores an urgent and critical cause—protecting the nation's children from harm and ensuring their rights are upheld. This annual observance, held every November, serves as a timely reminder of the collective responsibility of society to nurture a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for every Filipino child. Violence against children manifests in many forms—physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, exploitation, and neglect. According to studies, such violence leaves long-lasting scars, not just on individual children but on society as a whole, as it hinders their potential and the nation's future progress. The theme calls for a united front to dismantle systemic issues contributing to this violence. It challenges families, communities, institut...