Red-Tagging

Since the beginning of the New People’s Army (NPA) in 1969, red-tagging has been used by the
government to determine which individuals or groups should people look out for. As the name
suggests, red-tagging is used to “tag” people as communists or terrorists or sometimes, even
both. Being red-tagged is literally having your name on the death note. Once you get red-tagged,
you might get harassed by the police or worse, killed.

But what is the problem with red-tagging that concerns many? The biggest concern with red-
tagging is that people who use their right to freedom of speech to advocate for something they
strongly believe in and somehow criticize or oppose the government’s actions in a way become
victims of red-tagging. Activists, lawyers, journalists, even students can become red-tagged
when they use their voices. This is why we should call on the end of red-tagging. Innocent lives
are being destroyed and the number of people who speak up and take a stand are decreasing day
by day. It isn’t right that people get target signs on their backs just because they fight for what
they believe in. It is deadly and unjust, and that is why I call on you to take a stand with me
against red-tagging. Let us have a community where we are able to speak up without having to
fear for our lives.

Climate Change

There is no doubt that climate change is one of our biggest problems, if not the biggest today,
and we, humans, are the reason why. We may not know this, but the acts of deforestation, excess
consumption and the biggest contributor, burning fossil fuels, all lead to the destruction of our
world. Maybe, you’ve felt the effects of climate change but do not know that it is indeed because
of climate change. The hotter temperatures, the stronger storms and the longer droughts. These
are all because of climate change, and they may not seem too concerning now, but we need to
understand it is affecting us in so many ways. Our lives, our health, our future.

Recently, scientists all around the world took part in the climate change protest where they risked
their careers and lives to warn the people that we need to do something by 2025 to save the
Earth. They were arrested and in tears, fighting to save all of humanity. That is our wake up call.
We need to understand that climate change is happening and it is going to kill us one day if we
do not start changing and calling for change. And the most important thing we can do is to hold
accountable those big corporations, fossil fuel companies and the governments. It is one thing for
everyone to start using eco-friendly products, save energy and use bikes or public transport, but
if those people who are major contributors to climate change are not held accountable for their
actions, what is going to happen? Nothing. So, yes, change starts with us, but we can’t save the
Earth if they won’t be responsible for their actions. It takes one to destroy the world, but it will
take all of us to save Earth from Climate Change.