Mga aklat sa Pagpapalaglag ng Wikang Ayta Magbukun, inilunsad

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Inilunsad ang Urtugrapiya ung Ayta Magbukun (Ortograpiya ng Ayta Magbukun) at Hinup: Aklat Ung Ayta Magbukun noong 13 Hunyo 2025 sa pasilidad ng Bahay-Wika sa Brgy. Bangkal, Abucay, Bataan. Ang Urtugrapiya ay naglalaman ng mga tuntunin sa pagsulat ng wikang Ayta Magbukun. Binuo ito ng mga elder mulâ sa iba’t ibang komunidad ng Ayta Magbukun sa Bataan, mga guro ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon-Bataan, Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), at Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF). Samantála, mababasa sa Hinup ang mga kuwento, kanta, tula, diyalogo, at listahan ng mga salitang Magbukun. Mayroon din itong mga larawan na iginuhit ng mga miyembro ng komunidad. Ang dalawang aklat na ito ay binuo para makatulong sa pagpapasigla ng wikang Ayta Magbukun at magamit sa paaralan ang kanilang wika.

Bago ang paglulunsad ng dalawang aklat, isinagawa ang ebalwasyon sa ikaanim na batch ng programang Bahay-Wika at Master-Apprentice Language Learning Program (MALLP). Iniulat sa komunidad ang resulta ng progreso ng mga mag-aaral sa Bahay-Wika. Pagkaraan nito, nagsagawa ng Focus Group Discussion (FGD) sa mga guro, magulang, elders, masters, at apprentice upang masuri ang implementasyon ng programa sa loob ng isang taóng panuruan.

Isinagawa rin ang pagpaplanong pangwika ng komunidad. Target nila na sa loob ng sampung taón, mulâ 2025–2035, lahat ng Ayta Magbukun sa kanilang komunidad ay nagsasalita na ng wikang Ayta Magbukun. Naglista sila ng mga gawain at timeline kung paano ito maisasakatuparan.    

Dinaluhan ito nina Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Jay-r Reyes, Chieftain Rosita Sison, mga guro, mga elder, mga manunulat, at mga magulang. Pinangunahan ng KWF ang naturang gawain,  sa pamumuno ni Arthur P. Casanova, PhD, Tagapangulo, sa ilalim ng Sangay ng Lingguwistika at Aplikadong Lingguwistika kasama sina Lourdes Z. Hinampas, Punó ng Sangay, Jennifer S. Bactol, at Rolien Mark M. Balisi, katuwang ang Provincial Tourism Office ng Bataan kasama sina Ginette Lopez at Patricia Gail R. Miranda.

Rising from Poison: BAN Toxics Champions Community Action During National Poison Prevention Week 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

San Jose del Monte, Bulacan – A powerful wave of community action surged through the city as National Poison Prevention Week 2025 unfolded with a resounding call to safeguard Filipino families—especially children—from the growing threats of toxic chemical exposure. At the heart of this movement is BAN Toxics, a leading environmental justice organization determined to ignite change from the grassroots up.

With the stirring theme “Lasong Umahon sa Pabago-Bagong Panahon: Iba’t Ibang Sektor Magsitugon”, this year’s observance didn’t just mark a date on the calendar—it ignited a national consciousness. The weeklong campaign drew strength from Presidential Proclamation No. 1777, issued in 2009 by then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, declaring the fourth week of June as National Poison Prevention Week to stem the tide of poisoning incidents across the country.

But this was no mere commemoration. It was a call to arms, a rallying cry that BAN Toxics took straight to the people.

On June 26, 2025, BAN Toxics convened a Knowledge-Sharing Seminar on Poison Prevention at Home and in Schools at Benito Nieto Elementary School in Barangay Muzon. Over 80 participants—students, teachers, and parents—gathered for a crash course in survival in an increasingly toxic world, as part of the group’s Toxics-Free and Waste-Free Schools Program (TFSP).

“Preventing poisoning begins with awareness at the grassroots level,” declared Thony Dizon, the organization’s steadfast Advocacy and Campaign Officer. “Children are our most vulnerable citizens. They are exposed daily to toys, school supplies, and household products that could quietly endanger their health.”

The seminar painted a chilling picture. Dr. Annabelle Sinlao, Vice Chair of the Philippine Medical Association’s Committee on Environmental Health and Ecology, laid bare the harsh realities of poison risks in everyday life—especially in environments where children are supposed to be safe: homes and schools. Her presentation stressed the power of awareness, early recognition of symptoms, and community vigilance in creating safer environments.

Adding fuel to the urgency, BAN Toxics unveiled disturbing findings from their most recent studies:

A 2024 study revealed that 62.64% of 257 plastic toys tested contained alarming levels of toxic heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.

In a June 2025 market sampling, a children’s backpack displayed a staggering 18,900 parts per million (ppm) of lead, while a red water container tested at 12,000 ppm—both grotesquely exceeding the safety threshold.

Additional school items like crayons, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and plastic envelopes tested positive for arsenic, barium, cadmium, and chromium, all of which pose serious threats to children’s cognitive development, organ function, and overall health.

For BAN Toxics, these findings are not just data—they are a call to action. The group is urgently pressing for stricter implementation of Republic Act No. 10620 (Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013), and urging the 20th Congress to finally pass the Safe and Non-Hazardous Children’s Products Act—a long-overdue bill that languished during the Duterte administration despite unanimous approval by the 18th Congress in 2017.

“We need all sectors—parents, educators, policymakers, and industry leaders—to unite in this fight,” Dizon said. “Every child has a fundamental right to a clean, safe, and toxics-free environment. It is a responsibility we all share.”

As the country observes National Poison Prevention Week, the message is louder than ever: Toxic chemicals have no place in the hands of children, and it’s time the nation rises together to ensure a safer, healthier future.

With BAN Toxics leading the charge, the battle for environmental safety is no longer a niche advocacy—it’s a national mission that begins in every barangay, every classroom, every home.

How to Maximize the Potential of Your Outdoor Living Space

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

What if your backyard could become your favorite “room” in the house, without breaking the bank? Transforming your outdoor living space doesn’t require a massive renovation or luxury budget. There are countless ways to enhance its potential, and it all comes down to your type of backyard. With a few smart choices and a bit of creativity, even the simplest yard can become a relaxing and beautiful outdoor escape. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of what you already have with six simple tips.

Make the Most of Your Layout

Every great outdoor space starts with smart planning. Take stock of what you have and how it’s used before making any big changes. Consider how sunlight hits different areas, which spots offer privacy, and how people move through the space. This helps you decide where to place seating, plants, or cooking zones to optimize both function and flow.

Even small tweaks, like repositioning furniture or adding a privacy screen, can dramatically change how your outdoor area feels. The goal is to create a layout that feels open yet purposeful, no matter the size of your yard. Don’t be afraid to sketch a rough floor plan or rearrange temporarily to test what works. 

 

Create Zones for Relaxing, Dining, and Entertaining

Dividing your outdoor space into functional zones gives it structure and versatility. Designating areas for different activities makes even a small yard feel organized and intentional. Think of your yard as you would an open-concept living space. One corner could host lounge chairs or a hammock, another a dining area, and a third could be reserved for fire pits or outdoor games.

You don’t need to build walls. Simple elements like rugs, potted plants, or even different ground textures (stone, grass, decking) can help distinguish one zone from another without major renovation or cost. Portable furniture, folding screens, and planters on wheels give you flexibility to adjust zones as needed. 

Invest in Long-Term Features That Add Value

Smart investments now can elevate your outdoor living space for years to come. If your budget allows, consider adding permanent features that naturally extend your home's function into the outdoors. A pergola, built-in grill station, or an outdoor fireplace can be beautiful focal points, but few upgrades are as transformative as a well-designed pool. Not only does it offer year-round enjoyment, but it also becomes the centerpiece of your outdoor lifestyle.

This is why exploring custom pool construction designs can completely transform your space, turning it into a centerpiece of comfort and elegance. A custom design allows you to choose every detail—from shape and size to materials, features, and placement—so it fits your lifestyle and space perfectly. Beyond comfort and style, a well-executed pool project is also a smart financial move. Pools have been shown to increase overall property value, attract potential buyers, and give your home a competitive edge on the market. 

 

Don’t Overlook Lighting and Ambiance

Lighting transforms an outdoor space from ordinary to magical. Strategic lighting choices can extend the usability of your space well into the night. String lights, lanterns, solar path lights, or mounted sconces add warmth, visibility, and mood, especially in the evening. A well-lit space is more inviting and much safer for entertaining or relaxing after dark.

Add ambiance through elements like outdoor speakers, water features, or scented plants such as lavender. These finishing touches turn a functional space into an emotionally inviting one. Candles in hurricane jars, cozy blankets, and fire pits can instantly set the mood and create an environment that encourages people to stay longer and unwind.

Keep Maintenance in Mind

Low-maintenance design choices help ensure your outdoor space stays inviting, not overwhelming. Choose plants that suit your climate and don’t require constant attention. Opt for durable materials like composite decking, gravel, or artificial turf if you want a neat look without weekly chores.

Create a storage plan too, benches with hidden compartments or outdoor cabinets help keep things tidy without sacrificing style. If you’re a gardening enthusiast, raised beds or vertical planters can streamline planting while keeping everything contained. 

Your Space, Your Way

At the end of the day, your outdoor living space should reflect your lifestyle and bring you joy. Whether it’s a quiet reading nook, a weekend BBQ hub, or a play area for the kids, the choices are yours. Let creativity, comfort, and function guide you as you shape your ideal outdoor escape.