Nation's Treasure

    Boracay was originally inhabited by the Ati people, even before the Spaniards came to the country. Around 1970, tourism started to come to the island due to it's sugary white sand and clear waters. A number of leisure activities are offered on or near Boracay, namely scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, and more. By 2012, it has been reported that Boracay sits second best beach in the world; and by 2014, it stands high  on the Best Islands in the World. Effective April 26, 2018, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the full closure of the said island for six months in order to resolve the island's worsening environmental condition.

     Although the island's closure aims to resolve it's worsening condition, the decline in the island's condition showed the government's neglect. This issue was addressed during the President's 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA), this July 23, 2018. The President admitted his share of fault and mentioned that he "could not allow the decay to continue." The protection of the environment and ensuring the health of the population were also concerns of the Presidents. He then encouraged the local government units to participate and promote the protection and conservation of the environment. More over, he urged them to do their part, and enforce  the laws and not to wait for others to do or complete their tasks. As soon as they will get finished in fixing Boracay, the will put their attention on other places that need rehabilitation.

     It is a big help that the government is making a move to help preserve the nation's treasure. No matter what happens, let us always put into consideration the betterment of Boracay and the whole country.

Together We Can, and Together We Will

     Our organs and tissues need proper nutrition to work effectively. Without good nutrition, our bodies will become more prone to poor performance, fatigue, and disease. This is one major reason why a balanced diet is important. A balanced diet mainly consists of nuts, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Most of these fruits and vegetables can be grown in our backyard or garden. That being said, we come to celebrate the 2018 Nutrition Month with the theme, "Ugaliing Magtanim, Sapat na Nutrisyon Aanihin!"

     The National Nutrition Council selected this year's nutrition month theme to be "Ugaliing Magtanim, Sapat na Nutrisyon Aanihin!" It promotes the idea of family food gardening. In addition to this, it's goal is to improve the consumption of healthy foods by Filipinos. Families are encouraged to start developing their own food garden in order to be self-sufficient as possible. Having their own food garden would be beneficial as (1) there is food production at home; (2) some fruit and vegetables can be sold for additional income; and (3) this can assure the food security not only of the family but as well as the community. So let us start farming and be farmers ourselves.

     It is of great help not only to the community, but to the whole country, if families would start constructing and maintaining their own garden. These little things we can contribute can make a great difference. So develop a plan and pick up your tools. Together we plant, and together we will reap enough nutrition.

Letter to the President

Rodrigo Roa Duterte

President

Republic of the Philippines

Malacanang Palace, MANILA

Mr. President,

Greetings!

I am Joachim Drexel Reyno, a Grade 10 student of the Special Mathematics Program of Ilocos Sur National High School. This letter aims to give my thoughts on your programs.

I would like to express my appreciation for the efforts you've exerted in the past 2 years of your service as the Philippine President. You have always considered the betterment of our country and its citizens. One of which is the will to eradicate drugs in the country. You have shown dedication in erasing drugs for Philippines to be a drug-free nation. In addition to this are your ideas and actions regarding the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, specifically the Spratly Islands, which the Philippines eventually won. I would also like to mention your Executive Order No. 2, or the Freedom of Information Order, giving Filipinos access to some information, records, and official documents, except for matters that may affect the national security. Not only these, but all of your projects and actions are very much appreciated.

My interest is piqued when talking about your future projects such as the "Build, Build, Build" Program with Php 180 Billion budget, with the aim of improving the country's economy. I hope that this will be deemed a success.

I look forward to your great leadership. Thank you and may God bless you.

Yours respectfully,
Joachim Drexel Reyno

Thou Shall Not Forget

     Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo; Andres Bonifacio's KKK and as the Father of Katipunan; Apolinaio Mabini's courage amidst his disability; Gregorio Del Pilar at the Battle of Tirad Pass; all of them were a part of the spark of revolution. They came hand in hand to fight for Her freedom. They worked to the best of their abilities to serve Her right. They  fought even if it meant sacrificing their own life. They succeeded. They were free. And as we celebrate our 120th Independence Day this June 12, 2018, we come to commemorate all of their efforts to give Her freedom- Philippines' freedom.

     Whether fighting with their pen or their itak, all of our heroes should be thanked at and acknowledged for without them, we would have been under colonizers for a longer period of time. Their contributions may be different, but all had important roles in attaining what our beloved country longed for- freedom and independence. But are all of these recognized? Are all of their efforts known by the population? How can we acknowledge them when we are all imprisoned in Social Media's cell? Social Media should not be controlling us- instead, let us use Social Media as a weapon in reviving our nationalism. we can use it to post articles that raise awareness of our National Heroes, or share ones that do the same. Let us use it as a platform for our own betterment.

     "We are all in debt to those who have given their lives that we might be free." And to pay these debts, let us celebrate, commemorate,and show respect to our beloved heroes this Independence Day.