Historical events of "Ciudad Fernandina de Vigan"

 Vigan city’s journey began as a small municipality under the Spanish rule, and is known for its beautiful colonial architecture and strategic location by the Abra River. Despite its cultural and historical significance, Vigan faced

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limitations. As a municipality, it lacked several resources and authority to be fully developed, which kept it from improving beyond a charming and small town. Though Vigan is rich in heritage, Vigan’s potential was hindered because of its lack of autonomy and infrastructure.

Today, Vigan is a very beautiful and a first-class city, having gained cityhood in 1999. With over 50,000 residents, it has become a major tourist attraction, attracting visitors with its World Heritage status and great tourist spots. Vigan brought new opportunities, allowing it to invest in modern infrastructure, healthcare, and education, funded by tourism industry. The city has balanced growth with preservation, ensuring that while it evolves, it remains deeply connected to its cultural roots.

Vigan has transformed from a quiet

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colonial town into a vibrant city. With its blend of rich history and modern development, it stands as a proud example of how a place can grow without losing the essence of what made it special.

New year, new beginning

In addition to my Christmas blog, Theres nothing much that really happened on my new year Eve. Me and my family started to buy some groceries and foods that will be needed for our meja notche. We made a prosperity bowl, cooked many pastries and shared our time bonding together with our loved ones. It was very noisy outside, a lot of people did a lot of things while the new year was near. My family and I started to take some pictures and waited till the time hit 12:00am. After that we played several games and did traditional things such as making a lots noises with the vehicles, lighting up the fireworks and picking up coins on the floor. This year I have a lot of plans and I promise to myself that I will do better from the past years that have gone by.

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

 This Christmas holiday was unlike any other I've experienced. It wasn't just about the delicious foods and colorful lights that made it special, it was the unexpected joy of reconnecting with your loved ones and experiencing giving and receiving gifts.

This holiday became a story of family, blessings, and a little bit of childhood excitement.

The most unforgettable moment of this Christmas holiday was when my mother came back home. After being away for so many years, her return felt like a dream come true. The moment we saw her, I felt a rush of emotions—happiness and relief. Seeing her beautiful smile and hearing her lovely voice again made everything feel right. We spent many hours catching up,

sharing stories, and laughing like we used to be. Her presence made this Christmas the best one I've had in a long time.Another special part of this holiday was the generosity of my tita, Tito, ninang, ninong. They each gave me money. Instead of just saving it, I decided to treat myself to a few things I had wanted for a long time. I bought new clothes and bicycle parts, something that I'd been dreaming about for months. Being able to buy these things made me feel gratefut. It's not just about the gifts but for the thoughtfulness of the people who care about me.

As the holiday came to an end , I took a moment to reflect on everything. My mothers return, the kindness of my relatives, and the simple joys of the season reminded me how blessed and I truly am. It wasn't just the material gifts that made this

Christmas special, it was the love and connection that came with it. This Christmas holiday will always hold a special place in my heart. It was a time of gratitude and joy, filled with moments I will cherish forever.

STOP THE VIOLENCE, SPREAD THE LOVE

 Our country observes the 18-day campaign to end the violence against women and children on the 25th of November and 12th of December each year. This campaign and the law Anti-Violence against women and children is a call for action to implement justice,

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awareness, and hope. The Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act or (RA 9262) is a law that gives protection to women and their fellow children from abuse. This law makes sure that are safe and they have the freedom. This law makes mistreating or hurting women and children illegal.

Several times, Violence against women and children was always considered as a private family matter which is often ignored or even tolerated in their home. The law

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R.A. 9262 gives the victims a voice and a chance to speak in order to get justice and protection. R.A 9262 punishes abusers and provides protection and support. 

During this 18-day campaign, we often head and learn about the stories or experiences of individuals who have faced hard times. People talk about how they were hurt in many ways like physically, emotionally or financially, but they managed to find strength through the law and the support of others. These stories remind us why laws like R.A. 9262 are important. This law

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makes sure that no one is ignored, and that everyone knows and has the rights to speak up and be respected. This is about a mother protecting her children, a daughter discovering her strength, and a community uniting to say, "No more." Each time that we act against violence, we move closer to a world where women and children don’t live in fear.

RA 8353 (Anti-Rape Law of 1997)

The Anti-Rape Law of 1997 has changed how we think about rape. It explains and says that rape is not just about breaking a moral rule but it is also considered as hurting someone’s dignity and their rights to control their own body. This law shows that rape includes any unwanted sexual act, even in marriage. It says that consent is important in every relationship. Rape is a serious crime, not just against a person's body but against their dignity.

RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act of 2019)

The Safe Spaces Act aims to protect people from harassment in public places and online platforms. It is implemented to stop activities that make fellow individuals uncomfortable such as catcalling, stalking, and digital bullying behaviors. The law says that everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, and no one should suffer abuse in silence. This law is in order to protect individuals from harassment in public and online places. It ensures the safety and respect of everyone and that they can live and interact without having a fear of being bullied or disrespected.

All of these laws are implemented in order to protect women and their fellow children from harm, whether physical, emotional, or online. By standing together, we can ensure everyone is treated with respect. Each step we take brings us closer to a world free from fear and abuse.

What I have gained

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Learning basic HTML coding has been an enlightening experience. It has provided me with a foundational understanding of how websites are structured and how content is displayed on the internet. I have learned to

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use essential tags like `<html>`, `<head>`, `<body>`, and others to build simple web pages. This process taught me the importance of hierarchy and organization in coding. 

Through creating headings, paragraphs, links, and images, I also realized how small details, like properly nesting elements and closing tags, are crucial to

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functionality. Moreover, I gained an appreciation for how coding empowers creativity and problem-solving, as it allows me to design and troubleshoot to achieve the desired outcomes. Overall, mastering these basics has sparked my curiosity and confidence to delve deeper into web develpment.

Father of Foreign Service

Who is Elpidio Quirino? Elpidio Quirino or also known as "Father of Foreign Service" , the sixth President of the

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Philippines, was a statesman whose life and work reflected resilience, determination, and patriotism. Born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Quirino’s journey from humble beginnings to the highest office in the country is a testament to his dedication to national service and his enduring impact on Philippine society.  

Quirino's early life was shaped by modest circumstances. The son of Don Mariano Quirino, a jail warden, and Gregoria Mendoza Rivera, a homemaker, he experienced firsthand the challenges of life in a colonial society. Despite these difficulties, Quirino demonstrated an exceptional commitment to education. He attended Aringay Elementary School and Vigan High School before enrolling at the University of the Philippines College of Law. Supporting himself as a teacher and a government clerk, he earned his law degree in 1915 and passed the bar exam the same year. This solid educational foundation became the stepping stone for his illustrious career in public service.  

Quirino’s political career began when he was elected as a member of the Philippine House of Representatives in 1919, representing Ilocos Sur. He quicky rose through the ranks, serving as a senator in 1925 and later as

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Secretary of Finance and Secretary of the Interior under the Commonwealth government. His work during this period showcased his dedication to economic reforms and the promotion of Filipino welfare.  

The turning point in Quirino’s career came after World War II. As the Vice President under Manuel Roxas, he assumed the presidency in 1948 following Roxas's sudden death. Quirino's administration focused on post-war reconstruction, economic recovery, and social reform. Among his notable achievements was the establishment of the Central Bank of the Philippines in 1949, which stabilized the country’s monetary system. He also prioritized infrastructure development, education, and housing programs to uplift the lives of ordinary Filipinos.  

Quirino’s presidency was not without challenges. He faced widespread corruption allegations and political opposition, which culminated in his defeat in the 1953 presidential election. Despite this, his contributions to rebuilding the nation and laying the groundwork for future economic progress cannot be overlooked.  

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Elpidio Quirino's life exemplifies perseverance and service to the Filipino people. From his humble beginnings to his impactful presidency, he played a crucial role in steering the nation through a critical period in its history. His legacy remains an enduring reminder of the importance of resilience, reform, and vision in public service.

"Protecting rights, honoring voices, uplifting Indigenous communities."

  

Recognizing the rich legacy and ongoing struggles of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the Philippines is made possible by the National Indigenous Peoples Month 2024, which has as its theme *"Mga Katutubo at Katutubong Dunong: Pahalagahan, Pangalagaan at

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Parangalan"* (Valuing, Nurturing, and Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Knowledge). The significance of defending their rights and maintaining their distinct cultural identity is highlighted by this year's commemoration, which marks the 27th anniversary of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA).

 

The main goal of this commemoration is to increase public awareness of the importance of the IPRA and the lives of Indigenous populations. This historic statute, which protects Indigenous Peoples' rights to their ancestral lands, self-governance, and cultural integrity, is yet unknown to many Filipinos. This event encourages everyone to comprehend and value the hardships, resiliency, and accomplishments of Indigenous cultures through educational initiatives and storytelling. It serves as a reminder of their legitimate position in the history and destiny of the country.

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In addition to increasing awareness, National Indigenous Peoples Month cultivates a respect for culture. Indigenous practices, such as their ceremonies, music, crafts, and eco-friendly practices, are invaluable relics that embody knowledge that has been transmitted across the centuries. Rather than being relics of the past, these traditions are living legacies that assist us in addressing contemporary challenges like environmental preservation and sustainable living. By remembering these, we emphasize once more how important it is to protect their cultures, especially for future generations.

 

This month also serves as a call to action. Land conflicts, prejudice, and marginalization are still problems for indigenous groups. By giving individuals a platform to voice their concerns and participate in decision-making, this event supports their fight for justice and equality. Additionally, it forces organizations to fulfill their

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obligation to uphold the principles of the IPRA in order to respect and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples. In essence, National Indigenous Peoples Month is a reminder of our shared responsibility to value, safeguard, and honor our country's Indigenous Peoples. Since their expertise and traditions strengthen our sense of national identity, their rights must be upheld as a matter of justice and the humanities.