Mark

Elpidio Quirino, the 6th President of the Philippines (1948–1953), was a beacon of resilience and progress in a nation recovering from World War II’s devastation. Born on November 16, 1890, in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Quirino’s journey from a humble Chinese mestizo background to the highest office exemplifies determination. He balanced law, politics, and public service, earning his law degree from the University of the Philippines in 1915. His early career as a teacher, law clerk, and congressman laid the foundation for a legacy of leadership.  Quirino’s political ascent began as a Representative (1919–1925) and Senator (1925–1935), where he championed social justice and economic reforms. He played a pivotal role in drafting the 1935 Philippine Constitution and securing the Tydings–McDuffie Act, paving the way for independence. As Vice President under Manuel Roxas, he shaped foreign policy, and upon Roxas’ death in 1948, he assumed the presidency. His administration prioritized post-war ...

  The 2025 National Children’s Month theme, “OSAEC-CSAEM Wakasan: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!”, underscores an urgent call to address the pervasive threats of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse materials (CSAEM). In the Philippines, where over 500,000 children were reported as victims of online sexual exploitation in 2021 alone, this theme is a rallying cry for systemic change. It challenges us to confront the intersection of technology and exploitation, where predators exploit gaps in digital literacy and law enforcement. The government’s role in safeguarding children’s safety, dignity, and rights must evolve to match the sophistication of these crimes, ensuring that legal frameworks and social protections keep pace with the digital age. The Philippine government has made strides in combating OSAEC-CSAEM through legislation such as the Anti-OSAEC Law (RA 11930) and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 11862),...