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This paper determined and analyzed the difficulties faced by the foreign students of National University in learning the Filipino language. Data gathered from ten (10) selected foreign students through interview were analyzed to find out the difficulties faced by the participants. An evaluation of the responses yielded the following difficulties: (1) difficulty of learning two languages at the same time, i.e., the English and Filipino (they recognized it as Tagalog) languages which are used as media of instruction; (2) reluctance of other students to communicate with them; (3) lack of any professor to provide enough time to teach them Filipino; (4) absence of any friend to assist them in translating Filipino sentences to English; (5) non-existence of a Filipino course to specifically address their language needs; (6) semantical and interpretational differences between Filipino and English; (7) lack of knowledge on the structure of Filipino language; (8) inadequacy of language learning materials such as books, modules, etc.; (9) embarrassment in speaking in Filipino; and (10) cultural differences. In line with the foregoing, a quadratic model of language learning has been specifically developed for the difficulties faced by the participants. Notwithstanding the difficulties, foreign students in National University are still eager to learn more about the Filipino language to keep up with the flow of conversation among campus students.

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Disasters strike globally, but their impacts are often more severe on socially and economically marginalized sectors like women. This is one of the main justifications behind the 2010 Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, which promotes gender equality and inclusivity in all strategies to combat the adverse effects of natural hazards, especially on underrepresented populations. However, gender-based discrimination during disasters is still prevalent in local communities of the Philippines. Thus, this study attempts to unfold the struggles of displaced mothers in Talisay, Batangas, because of the Taal Volcano’s eruption in January 2020 and worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic that began in March 2020. Specifically, this study identifies the direct impacts that impede survivors’ capacity to recover from the disruptions brought about by the aforementioned catastrophes. Findings, through mothers’ narratives, reveal six (6) key themes that reveal insecurity in livelihood, shelter, education of their children, food, health and nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). This only proves that displaced mothers face socio-economic issues aggravated by the changing climate that the local government of Talisay needs to address towards a gender-inclusive DRRM.