Senator Risa Hontiveros’ ascent in Philippine politics is not your everyday political trajectory. For a country historically led by dynasties and dominated by traditional power play, Hontiveros brings an unconventional mix of fearlessness and finesse, challenging the dominant narratives that have shaped the Senate. She confronts authority without fear, presents alternatives
November 15, 2024
Following the destruction in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the globe came to understand the great and horrible force of nuclear weapons. These sad events, which destroyed whole cities and claimed tens of thousands of lives, highlight the immediate need for world peace and act as a sobering reminder of the terrible results
November 13, 2024
Our country’s burgeoning debt is not new. Discussions about it began in the late 1960s, gained prominence in the Martial Law years up until the 1990s, and are most urgent until now. The trend is ingrained in national policies and economic strategy, but it is one of the hardest to solve.
November 11, 2024
In the recent theater of Philippine politics, the Senate hearings have unfolded like a poorly scripted drama, showcasing a blend of theatrical admissions, political maneuvering, and outright farce. Former President Rodrigo Duterte took center stage, delivering a performance that oscillated between admissions of his controversial drug war tactics and a series
November 9, 2024
Technology is rapidly changing education as we navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Despite the rise of innovation, humanistic values must underpin it. With its focus on ethics, empathy, and social justice, Ignatian humanism can guide you through this complex terrain. For innovative and meaningful education requires cutting-edge technology and timeless values.
November 8, 2024
The National Achievement Test (NAT) has long been a cornerstone of the Philippine educational system, intended as a measure of student performance and school effectiveness. Still, like with many long-standing systems, its relevance and integrity have been hotly contested. Still very pertinent today, the scenario described in my 2009 article, “Are
November 6, 2024
The term “resilience” has evolved from a badge of honor into a shield that conveniently deflects attention from persistent societal and governance issues. Hailed as a cultural trait, Filipino resilience is often invoked to praise the country’s response to frequent disasters. Yet the admiration for this resilience has grown to mask
November 5, 2024
As the United States hurtles toward another consequential election, the world watches not merely as a bystander but as a deeply invested stakeholder. From the Philippines to Poland, America’s political trajectory holds a significant impact. And nowhere is this more acutely felt than among the tens of millions of Filipinos who,
November 4, 2024
In the Philippines, early November is unlike any other time of the year. From bustling flower markets to candlelit cemeteries, “Piyesta Minatay”—All Souls’ Days—is a unique cultural event that honors departed loved ones while uniting families and communities. For many of us, these days are far from somber; rather, they embody
November 1, 2024
Rotary International, founded in 1905, has always been more than just a service club. It represents a timeless dedication to putting others first and a will to use action to help create a better world. The guiding principle of this vision, “Service Above Self,” has been a constant institutional refrain, connecting
October 30, 2024
Being a leader is more than just having a title; it is an arduous–sometimes thankless and lonely–journey. The responsibilities of a student leader in a dynamic and complex school setting go far beyond planning events or chairing committees. It requires a unique blend of integrity, social awareness, and innovative thinking—qualities that
October 28, 2024
Joey Ayala’s “Karaniwang Tao” is a rare and moving reminder of the hardships, resiliency, and inherent dignity of the ordinary Filipino in a society too dominated by noise and distraction. Written with a simplicity that belies its complexity, this song captures the life of Juan or Juana de la Cruz—someone who
October 26, 2024
