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
Traditional weaving of piña fabric is a tangible, intricate, and resilient way to unite a community. At Kaangtanan 2024, academics, artisans, advocates, and cultural workers discussed the significance of piña weaving in Western Visayas, revealing a rich history of resilience and innovation. This delicate but durable pineapple-based fabric has symbolized Filipino
October 25, 2024
Once allies in the 2022 elections, the continuous conflict between the Marcos and Duterte dynasties has become an unsettling show that both fascinates and irritates the Filipino people. What the voters [at least the 31 million of them] bought—a union of strong political forces supposedly for the good of the country—has
October 24, 2024
Many believe that artificial intelligence (AI) is an impending force that will eventually replace human labor, upend entire industries, and bring about a world run by robots. But if AI is accepted with open minds and careful thought, it has enormous potential to close learning gaps and solve issues in education,
October 23, 2024
Teresa Magbanua’s legacy demands more attention, particularly now as we celebrate her birthday this October—though some may say it falls in November. What matters most is not the exact date but the impact of this Ilongga warrior whose bravery and leadership have stood the test of time. Teresa, known as the
October 21, 2024
What truly killed democracy in the Philippines? Was it Martial Law, or had the system been slowly dying long before the declaration of Proclamation 1081? In his social media post “Failed Institutions” last September, UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano points out that Philippine democracy was already weak before Martial Law. He stresses
October 19, 2024
With his “Walang Pagbabago,” social media post over the weekend, former Secretary Rafael Alunan III presents a bleak picture of our government, characterizing it as ineffective, dishonest, and self-serving. He draws attention to the systematic problems that have dogged the country for decades, whereby those more motivated in serving themselves have
October 18, 2024
The essence of democracy lies in the competition of ideas, and nowhere is this more evident than during elections. In Iloilo City, recent developments in the political landscape between Rep. Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda and Executive Assistant Raisa Treñas have highlighted what happens when that competition diminishes. Initially expected to face off
October 16, 2024
Life is full of curveballs, and balancing ambition and grounding is difficult. We can navigate this path better by adopting a few big ideas. The first big idea is to accept struggle. Challenges are inevitable, but seeing them as growth opportunities can change everything, turning challenges into learning opportunities. This mindset
October 14, 2024
It is common knowledge that meeting new people and developing meaningful relationships at work are equally essential components of a happy professional journey. Upon reflection, I appreciate the company of those exceptional people whose work values coincide so closely with mine. These people are the unsung heroes of the daily grind;
October 12, 2024