“Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa”

        Department of Education (DepEd) and the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) lead the celebration of Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa on August 1-31, 2013, highlighted by the Linggo ng Wika in the first week of August, to focus on the significance of Filipino as the national language. The theme for this year’s Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa is “Wika Natin ang Daang Matuwid”.

         Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa aims to fulfil the following:

1. To fully implement Presidential Decree No. 1041, s. 1997

2. To encourage the different government agencies and the private sector to join programs as such that increases the language and civic awareness.

3. Motivate the Filipino people to value the Filipino language by being part of the activities in relation to Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa.

         Ang pangunahing tema ay nahati-hati sa limang tema, na magbibigay gabay para sa mga aktibidad na gaganapin ngayong buwan.

1. Ang Wika Natin ay Wika ng Katarungan at Kapayapaan

2. Ang Wika Natin ay Laban sa Katiwalian

3. Ang Wika Natin ay Sandata Laban sa Kahirapan

4. Ang Wika Natin ay Wika ng Mabilisan, Inklusibo, at Sustenidong Kaunlaran

5. Ang Wika Natin ay Wika sa Pangangalaga ng Kapaligiran

First Quarter

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as a subject in secondary schools helps the students to know more about computers. It is a tool in discovering new things.

During my first grading period in ICT, I learned about the internet and its history. We also learned how to create an account in Google. In ICT, we experienced how to create a blogger and how to use it. We even posted some like a letter to the president and our reactions with the fourth SONA of the president.

One problem I encountered is that our station is damaged. Also, we have no internet at home to open my account and post at my blogger. So, I have to wait for others to finish their work.

On the next grading periods, I will try my best to finish my works before the deadline. And to do everything nso that I can post my works even if there are problems I encounter.

The Fourth SONA

In the three years of President Benigno Aquino III's administration, several processes have been improved and shortened, but some remained. At his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22, 2013 at the opening of the first regular session of the Sixteenth Congress at Batasan Pambansa, President Aquino highlighted the accomplishment of different department of the government and the results of his promises during his SONA 2012.

            SONA this year were focused on the achievements of the government on his term such as approval of the Sin Tax Reform Law and “Responsible Parenthood Law” (RH Law), reforms in Education System(K-12), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), increase in number of TESDA graduates, increase in Philhealth enrolles from 62% to 81% and improved benefits, allocation of P6.2 billion for flood control in Metro Manila, completion of 9,377 housing units for Typhoon Sendong victims, 63% reduction in number of private armed groups, 21.4 increase in foreign tourist arrivals in 2012 and 7.8% GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth during the first quarter of 2013.

However, it also highlights some of the changes to hike SSS contributions and train fares.

"We believe that it is time to amend the SSS Pension Scheme. We must establish measures that remedy the outflow of funds. If we add 0.6 percent to the contribution rate, it will immediately deduct P141 billion from the unfunded liability," Aquino said.

The president’s fourth SONA inspired the Filipinos to strive more. The only thing is that, President Aquino forgot to mention the OFW’s who are working and suffering in other countries. But even if that’s the case, we all know that he will do everything to help the OFW’s with all his best.

Nutrition Month

Through Teamwork

          Hunger and malnutrition. These are some of the main problems of our country that we are facing today. Every year,there is a high increase on the percentage of hunger and malnutrition. Due to this, many people die.

          Our leaders are doing their best to conquer the problems we are encountering. They plan solutions to solve these problems and they prepare the youth to continue their path, as leaders, in solving such problems. That's why we are give a free primary education to enhance our ability and to learn things. Thus, we can contribute our ideas in solving problems and to help the country in aiming a better and brighter future.

          In our own little ways, we can help our country become progressive. We can solve problems such as hunger and malnutrition, especially, when we are working together and helping each other to end these problems. We can achieve ou goals and aims of our country through TEAMWORK.

Letter to the President

                                                                                                                   Bulala Centro

                                                                                                                   Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

                                                                                                                   June  25, 2013

Benigno Simeon Aquino III

President of the Philippines

Malacañang Palace

Dear Mr. President,

            Greetings!

            We all know that our country is rich in natural resources. One of these resources is black sand. There are some Filipinos who abuse the abundancy of black sand. Black sand concentrates often contain additional valuables, other than precious metals: rare earth elements, thorium, titanium, tungsten, zirconium and others. And some miners of black sand, consider it as their own. When literally, it is not because it is a property of the whole country, the whole citizen, not a single person or a family.

            In fact, in our municipality, this case is currently happening. Little by little, the sea is getting nearer and nearer at the houses. Our place may soon disappear due to this black sand mining if they continue to do this activity.

            I hope that you, sir as a leader of our beloved country, will do your best to make our country better and progressive. Even if the people behind this case are respected officials of our country, I hope that you will give a fair punishment.

            I know that you want the best for our country and you don't want to diappoint us. We trust you, sir. Thank you.

                                                                                                     Respectfully

                                                                                                     DESIREE ANNE B. RACCA

                                                                                                     Ilocos Sur National High School