Mula ICC Lists Hanggang sa 0.4% Crisis

Hindi ko alam sa inyo, pero kung feeling niyo ay medyo sabog ang utak niyo sa dami ng balita ngayong linggo, ang masasabi ko ay ---- SAME. Mula sa Batasan hanggang sa The Hague, at mula sa airport hanggang sa mga classroom natin, naging wild talaga ang mga kaganapan sa ating bansa.

Dahil weekend na, pag-usapan natin ang limang pinakamainit na isyu na dumaan sa feed natin mula February 8 hanggang ngayong araw ng mga puso. Disclaimer muna: Law student lang po tayo at hindi abogado. So everything I say is for analysis and discussion purposes lang, hindi legal advice. 

1. Justice: Ang ICC "Tag"

First on the list ay ang ICC Investigation. Ngayong linggo, naging official na ang balita na may mga high-profile senators na tayong "tagged" o kasama sa listahan ng ICC.

Ang main trend dito ay "Justice," pero kailangan din nating magtanong. Is this the "Rule of Law" working internationally, o pakikialam na ito sa ating sovereignty? Bilang law student, ang tinitingnan ko rito is the Principle of Complementarity. Ibig sabihin, "unable or unwilling" ba talaga ang ating local courts na mag-prosecute? Isang legal bombshell ito na siguradong magdidikta sa takbo ng 2028 elections.

2. Economy: Travel Tax Relief (HB 7443)

Pag-usapan naman natin ang wallet niyo. Sobrang init ng debate tungkol sa pag-alis ng Travel Tax. Sa ngayon, majority ng lawmakers ay pabor na sa bill ni Sandro Marcos.

Ano ang panalo natin dito? Isang malaking ₱1,620 na matitipid ng bawat Pinoy traveler. Usapin ito ng ating Right to Travel. Bakit ba tayo "pinu-punish" financially tuwing aalis ng sariling bansa? Mukhang nabubuo na ang consensus na dapat sa general budget na lang kinukuha ang pondo para sa tourism, hindi sa bulsa ni Juan Dela Cruz.

3. Tech/Gov: Blockchain sa DPWH

Infrastructure check tayo! Nag-launch na ang "Integrity Chain" portal. Gagamit na raw ng blockchain technology para sa mga DPWH projects.

Ito na nga ba ang ending ng mga "Ghost Projects"? Theoretically, oo. Ang tech na ito is all about Transparency. Pero gaya ng lagi nating sinasabi, ang technology ay parang flashlight lang. Kung wala ring huhuli sa mga "daga" na makikita natin sa portal, baka maging high-tech monitor lang tayo ng sarili nating pagkatalo.

4. Education: Ang 0.4% National Crisis

Heto naman ang pinaka-heartbreaking na balita para sa akin: ang EDCOM 2 Report. Lumabas ang data na 0.4% lang ng ating mga estudyante ang proficient o mahusay pagdating sa specific reading metrics.

Ang tinatawag nating "Professional Passing Lie" ay isa nang official national crisis. Hindi lang ito basta DepEd problem dahil national security problem na ito. Ang ARAL Program (RA 12028) ang tanging lifeline natin sa ngayon. We need to stop the "magic" sa grades at simulan ang tunay na "mastery" bago tayo mawalan ng isang buong generation.

5. Social: Ang "Weak Youth" Debate

Finally, pag-usapan natin ang "Generational Clash" sa social media. Trending ang diskusyon tungkol sa mga kabataan na "weak" daw. Sabi ng mga Old School o Boomers: "Kami noon, pinapalo at naglalakad sa putik pero matatag." Sabi naman ng Gen Z: "Mental Health matters. Resilience shouldn't mean suffering in silence."

Ang take ko rito? Ang resilience ay hindi tungkol sa kung gaano karaming pain ang kaya mong tiisin. It's about how well you can recover. Hindi natin dapat ginagawang "badge of honor" ang paghihirap. Pero at the same time, kailangan din nating turuan ang mga kabataan kung paano harapin ang "Rule of Reality." Hindi "weak" ang humingi ng tulong, pero kailangan ding maging "tough" para lumaban sa buhay.

Kung titingnan natin ang lahat ng isyung ito, iisa lang ang common thread: Accountability.

Kailangan natin ng accountability sa ating mga korte (ICC), sa ating budget (Travel Tax), sa ating mga kalsada (Blockchain), sa ating mga classroom (0.4% crisis), at accountability para sa ating sariling well-being (Mental Health).

Taking responsibility for our nation is key. Hindi tayo "boring" na bansa, masyado lang tayong maraming kailangang ayusin.

Why the Celebration of the People Power Revolution in the Philippines Still Matters Today

The People Power Revolution, also known as the EDSA Revolution, was a historic event that occurred in the Philippines in 1986. It was a peaceful mass protest that resulted in the end of the dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos and the restoration of democracy in the country. The revolution was sparked by widespread discontent with the Marcos regime, which was marked by human rights abuses, corruption, and economic mismanagement. The peaceful nature of the revolution and the unity of the Filipino people in their call for change were key factors in its success.

The celebration of the People Power Revolution serves as a reminder of the importance of democracy and the sacrifices made to achieve it. It is a time to honor the memory of those who fought for freedom and to reflect on the lessons of the past. The revolution was a turning point in Philippine history, marking the end of a dark period of authoritarian rule and the beginning of a new era of freedom and democracy.

However, the fact that the son of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is now the president of the Philippines may lead to differing opinions on the significance and value of the People Power Revolution today. Some may argue that the election of Marcos Jr. is a step backward and that the country is at risk of returning to the same type of authoritarian rule that existed under his father's regime. Others may see it as a sign of forgiveness and a move forward, as the country has not seen any major human rights violations under his rule.

It's important to note that the People Power Revolution was not only a political event, it was also a social and cultural one. It was a moment when the Filipino people came together to demand change and assert their rights as citizens. It was a time when the people stood up for what they believed in and refused to be silenced by fear. The revolution was a powerful expression of the Filipino spirit and resilience.

Furthermore, the People Power Revolution should be celebrated as a reminder of the importance of civil society in promoting democracy and good governance. The role of civil society in the revolution was crucial in uniting the people, raising awareness of the issues, and providing support to the opposition. Today, civil society organizations play a significant role in monitoring government actions and holding elected officials accountable.

Celebrating the People Power Revolution is still significant and has value today. It serves as a reminder of the importance of democracy and the sacrifices made to achieve it. The revolution was a turning point in Philippine history, and it should be celebrated as a reminder of the strength of the Filipino people and the power of peaceful protest. The fact that the son of the late President Ferdinand Marcos is now the president of the Philippines may lead to differing opinions on the significance and value of the People Power Revolution. Still, it should not detract from the importance of the event and the lessons it holds for the future of the country.

The Conclusion of "Maria Clara at Ibarra" in Noli Me Tangere Story Arc

 (Episode 75 of Maria Clara at Ibarra)

The latest episode of Maria Clara and Ibarra concludes the story arc of Noli Me Tangere by bringing together the characters and themes of the novel. The episode begins with the reunion of Sisa and her son Basilio, who had been separated for a long time. Sisa, who had been driven to madness by the loss of her two sons and the injustices she has faced, was overjoyed to be reunited with her surviving child. However, their reunion was short-lived, as Sisa was shot and killed by the authorities. Her death is a tragic reminder of the human cost of oppression and corruption in Philippine society.

The death of Sisa is a mournful moment that highlights the novel's themes of injustice and the struggle against oppression. Sisa's reunion with Basilio and her subsequent death serves as a reminder that even in moments of joy, the struggle for justice and freedom is never truly over. The episode leaves a lasting impact on the audience, driving home the message that the fight for justice and freedom is a constant and ongoing battle.

As the episode progresses, we see Maria Clara and Crisostomo, the lead characters, bid farewell to each other. Their relationship has been a central theme throughout the novel, and their separation represents the end of an era.

The separation of Maria Clara and Crisostomo is a powerful symbol of the sacrifices that must be made for the greater good. Their love for each other was genuine and deep, but they both knew that their duty to their country and their people was more important. In this way, the episode serves as a reminder that true love and true patriotism are not mutually exclusive.

Overall, the episode is a fitting conclusion to the novel, tying up the themes and story arcs in a satisfying way. The death of Sisa and the separation of Maria Clara and Crisostomo drive home the novel's message of the importance of standing up against oppression and fighting for justice and freedom. The episode may leave a lasting impact on the audience and serves as a powerful call to action.

The Cultural and Religious Significance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene in the Philippines

Every year, on January 9th, the streets of Manila in the Philippines are filled with devout Catholics participating in the annual feast of the Black Nazarene. This event, also known as the Traslacion, involves the procession of a life-sized, black wooden statue of Jesus Christ carrying the cross, believed by many to be miraculous.

The Black Nazarene, also known as the Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, has a long and complicated history dating back to the 17th century. It is believed that the statue was originally brought to the Philippines by Spanish missionaries in the early 1600s and has been venerated as a religious relic ever since.

The statue, which is housed at the Quiapo Church in Manila, is believed to possess healing powers and has a devoted following among the Philippine population. The annual Traslacion is a highly anticipated event, with many Catholics participating in the procession as a form of penance or to give thanks for the blessings they have received.

The Traslacion is a significant cultural event in the Philippines, with devotees often traveling from all over the country to participate in the procession. It is a testament to the deep Catholic faith that is ingrained in Filipino culture, with Catholicism being the dominant religion in the country.

However, the Traslacion is not without controversy. The event has been marred by violence in the past, with some participants becoming overly passionate and causing harm to others. The Philippine government has implemented measures to try to ensure the safety of those participating in the procession, but the huge crowds and the fervent devotion of the participants can make it a challenging task.

Despite the challenges, the Traslacion remains an important cultural and religious event in the Philippines. It is a celebration of faith and a time for Catholics to come together and pay tribute to the Black Nazarene. For many Filipinos, it is a deeply personal and meaningful event that holds great significance in their lives.

In addition to the cultural and religious significance of the Traslacion, the feast of the Black Nazarene also has a strong social aspect. It brings together people from all walks of life and serves as a platform for them to express their devotion and seek blessings.

One unique aspect of the Traslacion is the use of "Andas," or the carriage used to carry the Black Nazarene statue during the procession. These Andas are often elaborately decorated and have become a source of pride for the various organizations and groups that participate in the Traslacion.

The Traslacion is also a time for Filipinos to show their solidarity and unity as a nation. It is not uncommon to see people from different socio-economic backgrounds and regions coming together to participate in the event, showing the power of faith to bring people together.

In recent years, the Traslacion has also gained international attention, with visitors coming from all over the world to witness the event and learn more about Filipino culture and religion.

In conclusion, the feast of the Black Nazarene is a significant cultural and religious event in the Philippines, with a rich history and deep significance for the Filipino people. It brings together Catholics from all walks of life and serves as a testament to the enduring faith and devotion of the Philippine population. Despite the challenges, the Traslacion remains an important and beloved event that is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture.

The Sogie Bill (An Opinion)

 The Sogie Bill, also known as the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill, is a proposed legislation in the Philippines that aims to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. The Sogie Bill has been the subject of much debate and controversy in the Philippines, with supporters arguing that it is necessary to protect the rights of LGBT individuals, and opponents arguing that it goes against traditional values and religious beliefs.

One of the main arguments in favor of the Sogie Bill is that it is necessary to protect the rights of LGBT individuals. The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country, and LGBT individuals often face discrimination and violence due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. The Sogie Bill would provide legal protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and would allow LGBT individuals to access services and opportunities without fear of discrimination.

Another argument in favor of the Sogie Bill is that it would help to promote inclusivity and equality in the Philippines. The Sogie Bill would recognize the rights of LGBT individuals and ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect. This would help to create a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone is able to live freely and without fear of discrimination.

However, there are also arguments against the Sogie Bill. One of the main arguments is that it goes against traditional values and religious beliefs. Many opponents of the Sogie Bill argue that it goes against the teachings of the Catholic Church, and that it undermines the traditional values of the Filipino people. They also argue that the Sogie Bill would infringe on the religious freedom of individuals and organizations who hold traditional beliefs about sexuality and gender.

Another argument against the Sogie Bill is that it would create confusion and conflict in society. Opponents of the Sogie Bill argue that it would create confusion about gender and sexuality, and that it would lead to conflicts between individuals with different beliefs and values. They also argue that the Sogie Bill would lead to a loss of traditional values and cultural norms, and that it would undermine the social and moral fabric of the country.

Overall, the Sogie Bill is a complex and contentious issue. While it has the potential to protect the rights of LGBT individuals and promote inclusivity and equality in the Philippines, it also raises concerns about traditional values, religious beliefs, and social and cultural norms. It is up to the people and government of the Philippines to carefully consider the pros and cons of the Sogie Bill, and to decide whether it is the right path forward for the country.

Just Saying 01: House Speaker Arroyo

Isa sa mga natutunan ko noong ako ay nasa kolehiyo ay ang pag galaw ng ekonomiya at politika sa bansa. Bago pa man mahalal si PNoy na bilang pangulo ay saludo na talaga ako kay #PGMA sa mga economic reforms na ginawa nya.
There was a financial crisis on 2008 pero hindi ito masyadong naramdaman ng ating bansa. Ang paglago ng  ekonomiya during the time of #PNoy ay resulta ng mga economic policies and reforms na ipininatubad nya habang siya ay pangulo. Dumami ang mga dayuhang namumuhunan sa ating bansa sa pagkalipas ng 9 years ng kanyang adminiatrasyon, malayo sa lagay ng ating bansa noong 1997-2001 kung saan ang ating bansa ay umiinda sa naganap na Asian Financial crisis... Sa panahon ni #PDu30, ang mga nararanasan ng ating ekonomiya ay maiuugnay natin sa pamumuno ng mga nakaraang administrasyon. Ang pagbabago sa mga polisiyang ito ay hindi agad nararanasan, kung hindi ang mga serbisyo at benipisyong ipinangako ng mga pagbabagong ito ay mararanasan natin sa paglipas ng panahon... Walang instant solution sa mga problema... Kaya kung gusto mo ng pagbabago, don't be a part of the problem, be one of the solutions for it.

There are no perfect leaders. Marcos might be great, but he committed many crimes.  C. Aquino, brought back democracy but she brought crisis. Ramos was great, but Asian Financial Crisis hit so hard to our country. Erap, was just Erap. LOL. Arroyo fixed the economy but was accused of so many crimes and was imprisoned.  N. Aquino fought for West Philippine Sea, eradicate the use of Wangwang but failed in many aspects of good governance and leadership.  And now, Duterte with his economic reforms, war against illegal drugs, build^3 programs, eradication of Endo we still look for his wrong doings.  Our leaders are not perfect.  We are not perfect.  They do damn things just like the rest of us.  Is it be okay to support them for all the good things that they are doing right now instead of complaining for the things that we want that they are failing to give us?

The button line is PGMA is perfect for the position of Lower House Speaker.

Just saying.

Rediscover Romblon: A Hidden Paradise

Summer is coming people! Marami na sa atin ang naghahanda at nagpa-plano kung saan maaaring magtungo ngayong tag-init. Kabi-kabila na naman ang mga fiesta sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa na dinarayo, hindi lamang nating Pilipino, kundi pati na rin ang mga dayuhan.

Alam n’yo ba na may isang lalalawigan sa gitna ng archipelago na may mga tinatagong ganda?

Ito ang Romblon, isang arkipelagong lalawigan na makikita sa MIMAROPA Region o Region 4B. Ito ay may tatlong pangunahing kapuluan, ang Tablas, Romblon, at Sibuyan.

Tablas ang pinaka malaki sa mga pulo at dito rin makikita ang karamihan sa natatagong ganda ng probinsya. Ilan sa mga ito ay ang Binucot beach sa Ferrol,ang Tinagong Dagat, Lapos-lapos at Paksi Cove sa Calatrava, Marine Fish Sanctuary sa Looc, Mablaran Falls sa San Andres, Mainit Falls sa Odiongan, Blue Hole sa San Agustin at marami pang iba.

Hindi nalalayo sa Tablas, makikita ang bayan ng San Jose sa Carabao Island, kilala rin bilang Hambil ang mapuputing buhangin sa dalampasigan na maaaring  itapat sa kapitbahay nitong Boracay. Labintatlong minuto lamang ang layo nito mula sa Boracay at isa at kalahating oras naman mula Santa Fe, sa Tablas lulan ng mga motorized boat.

Sa isla naman ng Romblon, makikita ang naggagandahang mga dalampasigan tulad ng Bonbon, Cobrador at Tiamban at ang Fort San Andres na dating ginagamit ng mga kastilaupang protektahan ang isla sa mga pirata.

Sa bandang Hilaga ng isla ng Romblon ay matatagpuan ang isla ng Banton. Dito makikita ang Macat-ang, Tabunan and Tambak Beach at ang Banton's Guyangan Cave System, isa sa mahahalagang Cultural Treasure, kung saan makikita ang Banton Cloth.

Sa isla naman ng Sibuyan, makikita ang San Fernando. Dito makikita ang Cresta del Gallo, isa sa pinaka sikat at maganda na diving spot sa lalawigan.

May dalawang paraan para makapunta sa Romblon, maaaring sumakay sa Barko at Eroplano.

May dalawang shipping lines na bumabyahe papuntang dito, ang Montenegro Lines at ang 2Go Travel na nagmumula sa Batangas.

Bumabyahe naman papuntang Tablas ang Cebu Pacific apat ba beses sa isang linggo.

Ano pang hinihintay nyo? Tara na at ating tuklasin ang natatagong ganda ng lalawigan na tinaguriang “Marble Capital of the Philippines”!

COLORING SHADOWS (ver. 2)

by Yuehnd Familara

On the day that gods conquered our land
Our freedom, wealth, and soul devoured by guns.
The color of Red flooded the earth
That drifts beneath our raging Sun.

People fought and died for IT;
Against the monstrous tyranny from the EAST
Blood, Toil, Tears, and Sweat were offered
To regain the stolen freedom of our past.

With the aim for freedom, a Flag was weaved
With the sun and three stars that made us amalgamated;
The color of red that conveys strength for those who tussled
With a shade of blue that tells us that we are united.

Then a hymn was sung on 12th of June 1898
Uttering meaningful words that declare sovereignty
An anthem that was sung on that historical balcony
And a flag that symbolizes that we are now FREE!

From FEAR to GLADNESS people celebrated
For that short-lived freedom that was never accepted
Months later a gun fire was heard
Commencing another threat coming from the buyer.

Once again we, the natives were conquered;
By new gods that promised education for everyone
Ships started to arrive with TOMMIES inside
That trained us to bark like BOW-WOW-WOW

 Years have passed, the Brown was covered by white
And started to live in the shadows of our New Gods
We now to hate for the things that we have
Even the brown color of the skin we possess

Hundreds of Years under the colonizers
We now lost our identity that came from our forefathers
A shade of GREY was left from our vibrant rainbow,
That once shined from our clear blue sky.


Hope from the Orient once again renewed
That on few years’ time their land will be liberated
From those who made us thinking
That WHITES are superior human being

Then a plane from the sky flew over the Capitol
A bomb was dropped on a lovely harbor
Armies of gods from our neighbor
Forcibly took the control from our buyers

Women were raped, Children were bayoneted
By the monsters from the land where the Sun Rises
Killing innocent lives to those who blocked
Making GARDENs grew to like how the mushrooms bloom

For the next THREE years people suffered;
FEAR once again ruled over those grieved
HANDS that once was FREE were now knotted
By the gods came from the north of the Earth.

Then A-Bombs were dropped to the land of the occupiers,
That forced them to left on the land that writhed
Leaving the ROSES on the lonely hills
That WEPT on the GARDENS that the gods have created

A PROMISE that was made by a man from the EAST
The ORIENT was freed, granting freedom at least
On the Day they called independence of the WEST
The SONG of the BROWNS was sung on its best.

Change The Way You See, The Hidden Paradise of Calatrava, Romblon

When we say nature adventure, most of us would say, Baler, Mt. Pulag, Siargao, Cagayan de Oro, and Boracay. There is a province on the center of the archipelago that is home to beautiful landscapes that are yet to be discovered by most of us.
It is Romblon,  a province where our purest marbles came from and also a home of many hidden paradises.

Going there is not that hard as it is only 1 and a half hour road trip from the Municipality of Odiongan and 30 mins boat ride from the principal port of Calatrava to Paksi Cove, Lapos-lapos and Tinagong Dagat. While having a road trip, you may also enjoy the beautiful scenic views of Tablas Island and its surrounding waters.

These photos were taken in Calatrava, Romblon using a smartphone camera, but having a smartphone that is more advanced than your typical smartphone camera is a great advantage that you may not bring your heavy and bulky DSLR cameras.

Huawei P9’s camera is co-engineered with Leica. It has dual lenses that produce high-quality photos and allows users to take amazing monochrome, slo-mo, colored, light painting photos among others.

13 Points of SONA 2016

July 25, 2016 | Manila – President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his first State of the Nation Address also known as SONA in Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City. His first SONA marks as the first unorthodox address that does not dwell on the past as what the known commentators said.

Here are the thirteen important highlights of his address consolidated by ABS-CBN News.

1. The War on Drugs

“We will not stop, until the last drug lord, the last financer, and the last pusher, have surrendered and put behind bars… or below the ground, they so wish. Do not do drugs."

2. Human Rights

“Human Rights… must work to uplift human dignity. But human rights cannot be used as an excuse or shield to destroy the country.

3. West Philippine Sea Disputes

“We strongly affirm and respect the outcome of the case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration as an important on the ongoing efforts to pursue the peaceful resolution and management of our disputes.”

4. Ceasefire with the Rebels

“I am now announcing a unilateral ceasefire with the CCP, NPA, NBF.”

5. Taxation Reform

“We will lower personal and corporate income tax...”

6. Reproductive Health

“The implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law must be put into full force and in effect.”

7. Traffic in Metro Manila

“The revival of the Pasig River Ferry Service System is a viable option… For the LRT, the operating hours shall be extended from 9:30PM to 10:30PM… So marami pang mga batang uuwi n’yan (Because many students are still going home at that time).”

8. Airport Decongestion

“Different approaches are being considered to decongest NAIA including the possible transfer of the general aviation… I’m offering Sangley Point… kasi kaiihihan ko ang isang runway (because I can’t hold my pee on a traffic runway), I can make a brand new runway there. I assure you.”

9. THIS WILL BE A CLEAN GOVERNMENT

10. Cutting the Red Tape

“Processing time in issuing permits and licenses shall be reduced to the barest minimum. In my City (Davao City), it is only three days for the local government.”

11. Media Killings

“This government does not condone violence and repression of media…”

12. Improve Internet Speed

“I have also ordered the newly created DICT, Information and Communication Technology to develop National Broadband Plan to accelerate the deployment of the fiber optics, cables and wires and other technologies to improve internet speed…”

13. Free Wi-Fi Access

"Wi-Fi access shall be provided at no charge in selected public places including parks, plazas, public libraries, schools, government hospitals, train stations, airports, and seaports. ‘Di ba (isn’t it)?"

PH Education System Towards Better Tomorrow

Philippine Education system has been gone to various paradigm shift and developments, from informal to formal system. We could see that there are huge differences among the education system that the country have used since then.

It is almost Five years since the first implementation of the enhanced basic education program. We saw changes of the curriculum and the grading system that the teachers are using. BEC to RBEC and now the K12 Curriculum. Grading system also undergone into various transformation, since then, teachers used numeric grades to assess the learners’ progress until the KPUP grading system was introduced on academic year 2014-2015 with letter grade used as the final rating of the students’ progress until discontinued a year later and replaced with WWPTQA grading system. (READ: New system; is this the key to a quality education?)

Changes are foreseeable and unstoppable, so teachers are continuously undergo trainings, workshops and seminars keep them competent to handle the changes on the system.

Reasons Why Teachers (in the Philippines) Demands For Higher Salary: Non-DepEd Teachers

photo by Patrick Familara

Many people ask why do teachers are asking for a higher salary. A lot of them think that teaching is an easy job that is meant to be paid less than those who work in the field of business, medicine, and judiciary. But, they are wrong. To teach is not as easy as peeling a banana. The future relies on the people who teach. Teachers are what we called them. They are the one who trains the mind, the heart and the skills of each individual in our society. Our future is on their hand.

Salary of the teachers here in the country is very low. Many Non-DepEd schools pay the basic salary of 6,500 a month for newly hired teachers. How far thus 6,500 pesos can go? This makes the purchasing power of them low. Many can’t afford to buy new sets of dresses and even to live in a decent house for those teachers came from another province.

 Having low salary doesn’t pay the hardship and dedication of the teachers who extend their work at home.

Teachers don't have an overtime pay. So every time you see teachers staying in school late, always think that they stay for their students. Because they care for them.

I think that it is the time to increase the salary of a teacher and to give them an overtime pay not just for the public school teachers but as well as to the teachers of the private schools. Teachers are not different from others. They have bills to pay, family to feed and a health to take care of.

Ano ang Pink sa Filipino?

I-like ang WIKApedia Facebook page para sa mga aralin sa Filipino. Maaari ding mag-post ng inyong mga katanungan sa...

Posted by WIKApedia on Sunday, July 26, 2015

Ang Heograpiyang Pantao at Kultural ng Daigdig

Witty Ways of Announcing Class Suspension : Only in Cavite

For the past years, social media become an information hub for announcements that is being made by the government and many private sectors, both local and national. This new way of disseminating information helps people get in touch for the latest announcements especially times of bad weather.

Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter is being used for this. Announcement like suspension of classes  is done using the two social media site.

The Governor of Cavite, Jonvic Remulla , uses both Facebook and Twitter for this. 

Announcements done by the Governor is usually written in formal form.

I've been monitoring the weather updates from all sources. Classes suspended in all levels. Take all precautions for heavy rains and floods.

— Jonvic Remulla (@jonvicremulla) July 5, 2015

Weather reports have a strong possibility of heavy rains in the afternoon. Classes are suspended as of 11am today. Stay safe everyone.

— Jonvic Remulla (@jonvicremulla) July 8, 2015

Weather reports have a strong possibility of heavy rains in the afternoon. Classes are suspended as of 11am today, July 8. Stay safe!

— Jonvic Remulla (@jonvicremulla) July 8, 2015

But, not all the times. In some cases the governor makes it humorous to clear-up the bad atmosphere brought by the weather. In his recent post, students from Cavite lauded the governor for his witty and humorous way of announcing the suspension of classes in response to their prior comments.

I'm very sorry to everyone. Unfortunately tomorrow will be a day of studying....AT HOME!!! Classes for all levels... http://t.co/5ET5AGRXQy

— Jonvic Remulla (@jonvicremulla) July 8, 2015

Should I announce the suspension of classes in all levels for July 10 now? Or do I wait til all of you get your "baon" and take a bath?

— Jonvic Remulla (@jonvicremulla) July 9, 2015

Yes...classes are suspended in all levels. Please take a bath everyone!

— Jonvic Remulla (@jonvicremulla) July 9, 2015

Underdevelopment in the Philippines

by B.P. Familara (2013)

We live in a country that is struggling to rise from the ashes of poverty. A country that was exploited by the whites for the last four hundred years and undergone a series of wars. We were educated far beyond what is needed for development. Spaniards tough us to be afraid of the friars, memorize prayers, and live with the gospels of the saints. Americans, indeed help us to uplift the kind of life we have today. They introduced public education system that was patterned to them. They make sure that the Filipinos are educated according to their will. The downside of this is that, they miseducate us. They let us forget who we are and forcibly change our customs.

Americans flooded our country by their products and spare no one in making their local business to grow. We became a country of buyers wherein we buy more that we produce. Our economy used to be very dependent to the economy of America, but this path slowly fades nowadays.

On the past centuries, the pillars of economy and socio-political have collapsed that makes the gap between rich and poor wider. The rich becomes richer while the poor becomes poorer.  If we illustrate, we could draw a triangle divided into three. The upper is the rich  /BILL PATRICK FAMILAR (c) /people, the middle is the working class, and the bottoms are the urban and rural poor. The unequal distribution of wealth in our country affects great to the development of our economy. The amount of assets that our economy produces is not enough to follow the level of sophistication of the technology that is being used by the mainstream. The result of this is that our locally made product cannot compete to the world market due to the durability and price differences, imported good often cheaper than homegrown / locally produced goods, that often resulting to bankruptcy of local businesses.

This event creates a vicious circle or what other may say, poverty trap. We study hard, but when we graduate there are lesser opportunities on the field that can be found in our country. It is for the reason that we have a mismatch labor force in our society. We produce more scholastic graduates like accountants, engineers, nurses, and ITs but what our country really needs are the skilled labor force that can easily fit in to the needs of in the country and overseas.

History and Underdevelopment

 By B.P. Familara (2013)

After World War 2, most of the countries in Asia, America and European countries were destroyed. Far East Asia and the Pacific territories were greatly affected as the bombing persist decades long. Major cities were bombed like Hiroshima, Pearl Harbor and Manila. Korea and Vietnam were in great tension when the spread of communism spreads and civil wars broke in. This was the darkest time in eastern and south eastern part of Asia.

Before the war, there were only few countries developed faster in terms of economy; Japan who leads in Asian industrialization, China who leads in wide range trade across Asia, Europe and Americas and Philippines that has a strong tight to its central government, the United States.

Philippines used to be one of the most powerful countries in Asia next to Japan. Korea was stocked on a very traditional country as well as Vietnam and Thailand. After the mass destruction of the main cities and the collapsed of the economic foundation resulted by the aftermath of the war, each countries had a hard time to re-establish it. Series of trials of different economic ideals and theories were tried. Some, closed its doors to the world and some let it opened so many foreign direct investments would come to aid the large scarce of the resource, the funds.

During Marcos time, The Philippines was one of the leading countries that can cope up and re-established its economic foundations. With the help of his wife, got very strong ties to the Arab countries that main product is oil. He successfully invited many foreign investors and the economy float.

Fifty years have passed; this was altered when series of unhealthy government and weak governance took over the country. The Philippines was left behind from its neighboring country. China, South Korea and Japan are now the largest manufacturers of electronic devices that is being used around the world. Thailand and Vietnam surpasses Philippines in terms of Economic advancement which are still stocked on agricultural economy.

There are many factors to consider why this event happened. First, the culture, does the history of the country affects the attitudes of the people? My answer is yes. It is because for almost 400 years, the Philippines were under many colonizers like Spain, Britain, Japan and America. We were taught to be workers and the idealism of pwede na yan were e inculcated to our mind that hinders perseverance in terms of development.

The Kasambahay Law

This info-graphic material is prepared by Rose-An Jessica Dioquino  and designed by Analyn Perez for GMA News and cited from the Official Gazette (www.gov.ph)

Irrational in Politics

Media is one of the biggest factors why there are many irrational in our politics. In decades, media people always talked about Imelda Marcos, how she dressed, and how elegant she was during the time of the Marcos Era and the late president Cory Aquino especially when the 1st EDSA Revolution celebration is near. Documentaries about the Marcoses and the Aquinos often aired on televisions. We can see the influence of the two in our society there are what we called Imeldific and the color of Yellow that symbolizes unity, courage and democracy. These two people have what we called “Appeal or Charm” which we could not deny that they give great contribution and influence to the people.

Our politics, nowadays, is exhausted of charismatic leaders. We have presidents, senators down to the lowest government position that loved by the people. Erap Estrada for example, an actor, college drop-out was elected as the president of our country and should have won again in the 2010 presidential election if Cory Aquino did not died that resulted to the candidacy of her son Noynoy Aquino. We already known Erap, how he run the government and how he handles issues in our country. Despite of this, still 9,487,837 (according to 2010 election results) people wanted Erap be back in the office. It only means that Erap magic is not dead, magic in the sense that his charismatic appeal to the people is still strong.

As an educated person we don’t only consider the charismatic side of any political candidate. We often demand public debates and political platforms for every candidate in order to ensure that we can choose the right person that we will elect. But we should put in our mind that almost people living in poverty line is much bigger than us. They don’t care about the credentials and the political capability of the person to lead but they usually look into a good looking, charming and already known people they also tend to choose people based on a certain characteristics that respond to their own unrecognized desires. That is the reason why there are many politicians in the country came from the showbiz industry like Erap, and the Revilla clan. The candidates used this charm to win the seat of the office.

In politics, it is not enough to be bright or intelligent, it is also important to have the right faces, faces in terms of personal appeal to others. It is also the reason why the candidates often get celebrities to campaign them for the election, they using the charm or the appeal of the artist to gain popularity. We can’t take away irrational in politics, but we can get along with it and learn how to deal with it so we can still choose a good leader that will serve to their fellowmen seriously and wholehearted.

Remoralizing the Goverment

The graft or corruption didn’t exist before. Public officers are expected to get money and enrich their wealth from the taxes of the people and do not give the needs of his followers. It was not illegal. There was no graft in the conventional society that was ruled by customs. We can review our history that there are no public officers that was put into jail because he uses the money of the people for their personal stuffs. But it is always immoral.

In modern times, way back at the start of heating of the fire of nationalism, democracy and other ideology, morality took over legality. Most immoral acts (depends on the culture) was illegalized. That was the time when graft became illegal.

In the Philippines, many issues regarding with the dishonesty of the public official to their fellowmen can be read and hear in the public media. Series of exposé has been published in the news papers and been aired on TV and radio. One of the hit news about this is the cases of our former presidents namely, the late Ferdinand Marcos, Erap Estrada, and Congw. Glora Aroyo. Though Erap case is different, I may say that it also degrades the dignity of us, Filipino as a Nation. Marcos and Aroyo, both are excellent presidents of our country tried to rebuild our nation. They both have brilliant programs that supposedly   lift our state from the ashes of poverty, but it all went wrong. Funds that were lend from the other countries and other international funding organizations were misused and suspiciously lost. Overpricing of materials and ghost projects have been reported and exposed to the people. Though these presidents somehow does not involved in such issues, the mere fact that it happens under their administration, as the head of state, it reflects how they are serving the country.

Due to this issue, the government is very serious fighting this kind of corruption in all public offices. Laws was passed the “REPUBLIC ACT No. 3019 also known as ANTI-GRAFT AND CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT of 1960”  that will punish and imprison all public officials that will commit such action. Two former presidents were put in jail after the court proved that they’ve stolen money from the government’s funds.

According to the report of ABS-CBNnews.com in 2009, The Philippines ranked 139th among 180 countries included in the index, up from its previous 141st ranking in 2008. The nation scored 2.4 in the TI index, compared to 2.3 in 2008, which ranked it equal to Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Baltic state of Belarus.

The current administration is very serious in cleansing the government and uplifting the country’s dignity that is almost 10 feet off the ground due to corruption. People became conscious to the action of their leaders, and the people themselves are the one who do the report whenever they saw or know any anomalies in the government.

It is the time for us to reshape our future. We should change ourselves for the betterment of the succeeding generation.