Building Climate Resilience Together

 

     As September comes to a close, we honor Environment Month, focusing this year on climate resilience. This theme emphasizes our ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change while working to mitigate its effects. On September 28, 2024, I had the privilege of participating in a tree planting activity as a science club officer, contributing to our community's resilience against climate challenges.

 

Hiking to the Location

Our adventure began with a hike to the planting site. The beautiful landscape served as a reminder of what we are striving to protect and enhance through our efforts.

 

Planting Trees

 In this moment, I’m planting a young sapling, a small but significant step toward improving our environment and fostering climate resilience. Each tree will help absorb carbon and support local wildlife.

 

Group Picture of  the Science Club Officers

    Here’s a group shot of our dedicated science club officers. Our collaboration with the YES-O Club and Science Teachers reflects the power of teamwork in making a positive impact on our community's climate efforts.

Group Picture with the Community who participated

    We joined forces with community members who participated in the event. This collective effort underscores the importance of community engagement in building resilience against climate change.

 

    Together, these actions inspire hope and demonstrate that every effort counts in creating a more sustainable future. Let's continue to work towards enhancing our planet's resilience!

IMAGE REFERENCE: The ISNHS Science Club-https://www.facebook.com/share/p/QFoaJvjGqcKg59gF/?mibextid=oFDknk

Reflection

 

a. Learning/Discoveries Gained:

 During the first quarter, I explored the fascinating history of the Internet, discovering how it evolved from a military project into a global communication tool. I learned about the contributions of internet pioneers like Tim Berners-Lee, who invented the World Wide Web, and Vint Cerf, often referred to as the "father of the Internet." Understanding the significance of blogs as platforms for self-expression and information sharing also highlighted how the Internet democratizes content creation.

b. Problems/Challenges Encountered:

 One challenge I faced was grasping the technical aspects of how the Internet operates, including concepts like protocols and architectures. Additionally, the vast amount of information made it difficult to identify key figures and their contributions.

c. Addressing Challenges: 

To overcome these challenges, I utilized a variety of resources, including videos and interactive online tutorials, which clarified complex concepts. I also created a timeline of significant events and figures in Internet history, which helped me organize and retain information more effectively.

d. Moving On, I Will… 

Moving forward, I will continue to delve deeper into the technical aspects of the Internet to strengthen my understanding. I plan to engage more actively in discussions and projects related to emerging technologies and their impact on society, leveraging the knowledge gained to explore new areas.

Honoring the Heroes

 

National Teachers Month, a time for celebration and reflection, reminds us of the profound impact educators have on our lives and our nation's future. 

 

Teachers are more than just instructors; they are mentors, guides, and often, the first line of support for young minds. They nurture curiosity, foster critical thinking, and inspire a love of learning. Their dedication extends beyond the classroom, often going above and beyond to ensure their students thrive. They are the architects of tomorrow, shaping the minds that will lead our nation into the future.

 

However, the challenges faced by educators are numerous. From ever-increasing workloads to limited resources, teachers often shoulder a heavy burden. The "Together4Teachers" theme calls for a united effort to address these challenges. We must acknowledge their tireless efforts, provide them with the necessary support, and ensure they have the resources they need to succeed.

 

This National Teachers Month, let us take a moment to express our gratitude to the educators who have shaped our lives. Let us show our appreciation through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and tangible support. Together, we can create a more supportive environment for teachers, allowing them to continue their vital work of shaping the future of our nation.

IMAGE reference: of a teacher 

https://images.app.goo.gl/XHv8wutPxifSvjLZA

Building a Future Ready Philippines

 The Philippines is highly vulnerable to natural disasters due to its geographical location in the Pacific Ring of Fire and its exposure to frequent typhoons. This susceptibility is exacerbated by climate change, which intensifies the frequency and severity of weather-related events such as floods, typhoons, and droughts. Additionally, the country’s rapid urbanization and population growth place increasing pressure on its infrastructure and natural resources, making it more difficult to manage disaster risks effectively. Deforestation and environmental degradation further compound these issues by reducing natural buffers against calamities and increasing the likelihood of landslides and flooding. The combination of these factors creates a persistent challenge for the nation in mitigating the impacts of disasters and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.

In response to these challenges, the Philippines has undertaken various initiatives to enhance its resilience. The government has implemented policies aime
d at improving disaster preparedness and response, such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, which established the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Efforts have also been made to improve early warning systems and community-based disaster preparedness programs. International cooperation and support have played a significant role, with foreign aid and partnerships aiding in disaster response and recovery. Additionally, there has been a push towards integrating disaster risk reduction into development planning and investing in resilient infrastructure to better withstand natural hazards.

Despite these efforts, the Philippines faces significant challenges in building resilience. Limited resources and funding constraints can impede the implementation of comprehensive disaster management plans and infrastructure projects. There is often a lack of coordination between different government agencies and local communities, leading to fragmented and less effective disaster response efforts. Socio-economic factors such as poverty and inequality exacerbate the impacts of disasters, as vulnerable populations are less equipped to recover and adapt. Furthermore, climate change continues to present an evolving threat, requiring ongoing adjustments and innovations in disaster risk management strategies. Addressing these challenges demands a sustained and collaborative approach, balancing immediate relief with long-term resilience-building measures.

Letter to the President

 Dear Mr. President

I write to you today with a heavy heart, burdened by the growing anxieties and frustrations that plague our nation. While I acknowledge the complexities of governing, I cannot remain silent any longer. The current state of our politics and economy demands a voice of dissent, a voice that reflects the anxieties of countless Filipinos who feel their concerns are falling on deaf ears. The promises of unity and progress that marked your campaign seem to have faded into the background, replaced by a growing sense of disillusionment. The cost of living continues to soar, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet. The promises of economic recovery feel hollow as we witness the widening gap between the wealthy and the poor.

 

While I understand the challenges you face, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of resentment at the lack of tangible action to address these pressing issues. The political landscape feels stagnant, dominated by the same old narratives and the same old players, leaving little room for genuine change. The urgency of the situation demands more than empty rhetoric and symbolic gestures. We need concrete policies that address the root causes of our economic woes, policies that prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people, not the interests of a select few.

 

I urge you Mr. President, to listen to the voices of your people. To hear the cries of those struggling to survive, the anxieties of those who fear for the future. We need a leader who will stand up for the marginalized, who will fight for a more just and equitable society. We need a leader who will not be afraid to challenge the status, who will be bold enough to implement real change. We need a leader who will inspire hope, not despair.

Blood-Infused Ink

                                             "Writing is an intellect’s way of bleeding." - Gypsy-Nomadic-Soul

Writing is not merely a pastime for me; it is the essence of who I am. Hi, I am Ashley Nicole Agcarao, and writing is my sanctuary, my escape from the world. It is more than a hobby or a job; it is my means of coping, my way of processing the chaos around me. Through the      act of writing, I transform fragments of thoughts and experiences into poetry that speaks to my soul alone. For me, writing is a profound form of self-expression. It’s the lens through which I view the world, turning moments and scattered ideas into something meaningful. It’s in these written words that I find clarity and solace, capturing the intangible and making it tangible. Writing is my refuge and my voice, the very essence of who I am. 

Let me share a bit about my journey. I’m Ashley, a 15-year-old eldest daughter deeply immersed in the Science, Technology, and Engineering Program within the Special Science Class. This program has been both incredibly challenging and benifitial for my growth. It has shaped me into a perfectionist, overachiever, and grade-conscious student. Additionally, the highs and lows of this program have been intense; it’s hard to find words that fully capture the depth of my experiences. Despite the difficulties, it has pushed me to grow and become the best version of myself. Every failure and setback has been a lesson, encouraging me to persevere and rise above challenges. While it has often felt overwhelming, it has ultimately brought out my greatest strengths.

If you were to ask me what I want to be in the future, my answer would likely be "I don't know yet." Choosing a career path is challenging due to various factors that influence my decision. I dream of becoming a lawyer specializing in criminal law, driven by a desire to be the voice for the voiceless and the protector of the vulnerable. The idea of having "Atty." before my name is inspiring.

On the other hand, I also have a deep passion for psychology. I want to explore the complexities of human life and provide support to people on a mental, physical, and emotional level. This inner conflict between pursuing law and psychology makes the decision even more difficult. My mind urges me towards law, while my heart leans towards psychology. One possible solution is to combine both fields: pursuing psychology as a pre-law major and then continuing on to law school. However, the question remains—ultimately, which path will I choose? Psychology or law? That question, my friend will remain unanswered, see you in 10 years.