Maria Erika

The 2025    National Children’s Month theme,   “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!” , perfectly captures the urgency of protecting c hildren in today’s digital world. Online spaces can be both empowering and dangerous, and this theme reminds everyone that children’s safety and rights must always come first. It encourages awareness , action , and responsibility from every part of society, especially in fighting against online sexual abuse and exploitation. The government continues to play a big role in creating programs and laws that aim to protect children. There are clear efforts to raise awareness and strengthen protection systems, but these efforts should always reach the communities that need them most. Protecting children means giving them real access to justice , education , and safe spaces where they can grow without fear. It also means ensuring that every child feels valued and respected in every environment. As part of Generatio...

⋆.˚ ────୨ৎ──── ⋆.˚ Vigan City , located in Ilocos Sur, is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved heritage sites in the Philippines. Walking through its cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time; with Spanish-era houses, vintage lamps, and horse-drawn calesas passing by. ⋆.˚ ────୨ৎ──── ⋆.˚ Beyond its timeless charm , Vigan is also alive with local culture and creativity . Along Calle Crisologo, you’ll find shops filled with handmade crafts , woven fabrics , and souvenirs that show the skill and passion of Ilocano artisans. Food lovers can enjoy the city’s famous empanada and longganisa , best paired with a stroll through the busy town plaza. ⋆.˚ ────୨ৎ──── ⋆.˚ Every corner of Vigan has something to tell. It’s a city that proudly carries its past while continuing to grow and inspire new generations. Whether you’re exploring its heritage streets, visiting local museums, or simply watching the sunset by the plaza, Vigan gives you a sense of calm and connection to ...

The second quarter is wrapping up, and looking back, it really pushed me in different ways. I got to explore different topics in almost all my subjects, but what stood out the most was how I improved in managing my time. Juggling schoolwork, projects, and personal stuff wasn’t easy, but I found ways to keep myself organized. It felt rewarding to see small improvements in how I handled my tasks and deadlines. Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, especially during weeks when multiple tests and projects were due. Sometimes, I procrastinated and then had to rush to finish everything on time, which only made things more stressful. I also struggled a bit with staying focused, especially when distractions were everywhere, making it hard to be productive. To get through these challenges, I started setting priorities and breaking big tasks into smaller steps. I used reminders on my phone and made to-do lists to help me stay on track. When things g...

In every classroom, a teacher plants seeds of courage , wisdom , and hope . They speak not only through lessons, but through their presence; calm in chaos, steady in doubt. As we celebrate Teacher’s Month with the theme “ My Teacher, My Hero, ” we are called to look back at every moment a teacher helped us rise when we stumbled, listened when we were unheard, and believed when no one else did. Their dedication speaks through actions more than words. It shows in the long hours spent preparing lessons, in the firm but kind corrections, in the encouragement behind every achievement. They do not ask for praise, yet they continue to give their time , their energy , their hearts , all for the sake of shaping our futures. In their everyday work, we can surely find the spirit of true heroism. I express my gratitude through effort — by learning with purpose, by treating others with the respect they taught me, and by carrying their words into the choices I make. Sometimes a simple greeting, ...

The 2025 National Science Month, with the theme “ Harnessing the Unknown: Powering the Future through Science and Innovation” , invites and encourages us to reflect on how science can illuminate the dark corners of our understanding and drive societal progress. In recent decades, we have witnessed breakthroughs like gene editing and AI to renewable energy, and space exploration--that once were considered far-off dreams. Yet much remains unknown. This month’s theme challenges us to celebrate what we already know, and to cultivate a culture of curiosity and exploration, telling society that the unknown is not a barrier but rather a frontier. In the years ahead, the connection between science and society needs to grow stronger and more meaningful. Science shouldn't stay hidden in labs or only appear in academic papers. It must connect with real-world problems, consider ethical issues, and be available to everyone. As new technologies like genetic engineering, advanced robots, climate...

Climate change is one of the biggest problems we’re facing today, and sadly, the Philippines is feeling its impact more than most countries . We’re seeing hotter days, stronger typhoons, longer droughts, and unpredictable weather All of this is mostly caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests, and not managing our waste properly. Because of this, a lot of Filipinos are at risk, especially when it comes to their health , safety , and way of living .   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We’re already seeing the impact firsthand. Severe flooding during typhoons and intense heat waves are becoming more common. We’re already feeling these changes in real life. Heavy flooding during typhoons, intense heat during the summer are just some of the signs. Aside from damaging houses, stronger storms also affect farming an...