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AL ELLEMA
AL ELLEMA

It took humbugging for one to do a narration of unsolicited information that eventually pushed the storyteller to a deep hole. The revelation of what used to be well-kept secrets of the nationwide bloody war on drugs that was reportedly patterned from a template of Davao City uncovered a series of nefarious operations involving government law enforcers and politicians. The congressional investigation gathered vital information from invited resource persons and witnesses. One issue led to other issues that were interconnected based on the testimonies and documents that the congressional investigation collected in the series of hearings conducted. Witnesses came out to reveal many information involving the drug war and the system that was implemented by the former president.

The key to many concealed information was brought by no less that the former president who bragged about the use of methods that aimed at eliminating those who were found to be involved in drugs, either as users, pushers or bigtime operators who has the money to bring into the country huge amounts of prohibited drugs. The small operators were easily jailed if not silenced forever through what was dubbed as extra-judicial killings. The instruction from the then former president was for law enforcers to go after the suspected illegal-drugs personalities, nab them if possible, and never hesitate to shoot if the subject would resist the arrest and puts the law enforcement officer’s life in danger. Such instruction emboldened the law enforcers to abort the lives of many innocent persons who were suspected to be into the illegal drugs trade.

Verily, the method disregarded the fundamental tenets of due process and the constitutional provisions enshrined in the bill of rights, chiefly, the right to life and liberty anchored on the presumption of innocence that can only be overcome by conviction after trial by a court of competent jurisdiction. The suspect is presumed innocent of any criminal act and must be afforded his day in court before he can be held liable for the crime that he is suspected to have committed. Unfortunately, such rights are disregarded altogether by the law enforcers who act as judge by disposing pronto with the barrel of the gun. The act is a clear arrogation by law enforcers what ought to be the solve power of a judge.

In the course of the congressional investigation, it was adduced from no less than the former president’s narration that he took full responsibility in his order to kill drug suspects who would resist arrest. The law enforcers could not be blamed for following what they thought was an order from no less that the former president as well as superiors in the line of command, no matter if the order is unlawful. Indeed, the method emanated from what was dubbed as the Davao Death Squad that had been vehemently denied by the former president’s generals who showed their loyalty and willingness to do everything to protect their boss. Until the boss turned boastful about the success of his war on drugs and the existence of the alleged Davao Death Squad where he tagged his police generals as leaders. Truly, it took a chance to bare unsolicited information to disclose information that opened a deep hole to the self-perdition of no less than the digger.
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The soft skills edge: Why they matter more than ever in business education

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MARIA JENILEEN CORDERO-ALANO
MARIA JENILEEN CORDERO-ALANO

While technical skills are crucial in today’s tech-driven world, soft skills are increasingly becoming the differentiator for success in the evolving business landscape. These skills, often referred to as “people skills,” are essential for navigating complex interpersonal interactions, fostering collaboration, and building strong relationships – all critical for thriving in a dynamic workplace.

Here’s why soft skills development is paramount in preparing students for the future of business:

1. Adaptability and Resilience: The business world is constantly shifting. Soft skills like adaptability, resilience, and emotional intelligence enable students to navigate change, embrace new challenges, and bounce back from setbacks. They become more flexible and less prone to being overwhelmed by the rapid pace of technological advancements and market fluctuations.

2. Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration are key for success in any team-oriented environment. Students equipped with strong communication skills can articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and work effectively with diverse teams. This ability to build consensus, resolve conflicts constructively, and foster a positive team dynamic is invaluable in today’s interconnected business world.

3. Leadership and Influence: Leadership is not just about authority; it’s about inspiring and motivating others. Soft skills like empathy, integrity, and the ability to build trust are crucial for effective leadership. Students who develop these skills can influence their peers, build strong relationships, and create a positive and productive work environment.

4. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Soft skills like critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving are essential for navigating complex challenges. Students with these skills can analyze situations, generate solutions, and make sound judgments. They are more likely to adapt to changing circumstances and find innovative solutions to problems.

5. Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions effectively is vital fors uccess in business. Students with high emotional intelligence can build strong relationships, handle stress effectively, and navigate challenging situations with empathy and understanding. This ability to self-regulate, empathize with others, and build rapport is crucial for navigating the complexities of the modern workplace.

6. Digital Literacy and Collaboration: While technology skills are essential, they are often amplified by soft skills. Effective collaboration and communication skills are crucial for navigating virtual teams, managing online projects, and harnessing the power of digital tools.

7. Future-Proofing Skills: Soft skills are future-proof. As the business landscape continues to evolve, these skills will remain essential for success. They are transferable across industries and can be applied to a wide range of roles, making students more adaptable and resilient in the long run.

Conclusion:

Investing in soft skills development is an investment in the future of business education. It equips students with the essential skills to navigate a rapidly changing world, build strong relationships, and contribute meaningfully to their chosen fields. By fostering these skills, business education can empower students to become adaptable, resilient, and effective leaders in a dynamic and challenging business landscape.
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!

U.S. Embassy to host bootcamp for Southeast Asian content creators

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Manila-The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with Out of The Box Media Literacy Initiative, invites emerging digital content creators in Southeast Asia to participate in a Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) media literacy and content creation workshop from April to June.

The “Creators Co-Lab: YSEALI Bootcamp for Digital Creators” is designed to equip young content creators with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s dynamic media environment.

Interested participants are invited to submit their applications by January 31 through the following link: https://bit.ly/creatorsco-lab.

Through virtual sessions on April 5 and 6, followed by an in-person workshop in Manila from May 28 to June 1, experts in media, technology, and the academe will train participants on using their platforms to promote media and information literacy, creating engaging online content, and tapping the latest tools in brand development, audience engagement, and analytics.

During this program, participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas on pressing issues such as disinformation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, and collaborate with fellow emerging content creators from across Southeast Asia to foster regional cooperation and innovation.

The “Creators Co-Lab: YSEALI Bootcamp for Digital Creators” is open to citizens of ASEAN member-countries and Timor-Leste, aged between 18 and 35 years old. Applicants should have at least 1,000 followers on any social media platform and should have been actively creating online content for the past three months.

After the bootcamp, participants will be eligible to apply for grants amounting to Php224,000 ($4,000) and mentoring support to implement new digital content projects. Participants will also become a member of the U.S. international exchange alumni network that will open them to unique opportunities, including grants and networking.

YSEALI is a U.S. government program that strengthens leadership development and networking in Southeast Asia. Since its launch in 2013, YSEALI has been developing the capabilities of Southeast Asian youth to promote civic engagement, environmental and natural resource management, education, economic development, and good governance through a variety of programs, including U.S. educational and cultural exchanges, regional exchanges, and seed funding.

For more information about YSEALI, visit https://yseali.state.go. (PR)

Leyte 4th DEO embraces culture with ASEAN and Filipiniana attire

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Ormoc City – Employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) wore ASEAN and Filipiniana-inspired attire on January 6, 2025 in accordance to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular No. 16, s. 2024 which aims to showcase Filipino culture through the office dress code.

The said memorandum aligns with the Republic Act No. 9242, also known as the Philippine Tropical Fabrics (PTF) Law, which mandates the use of locally-sourced Philippine tropical fabrics for government uniforms. This directive supports local weavers and promotes sustainable practices while celebrating the nation’s cultural heritage.

Moving forward, the Leyte 4th DEO employees will wear ASEAN-inspired attire every first Monday of the month while the second to fourth Mondays will feature Filipiniana-inspired attire. This dress code will be followed while awaiting the procurement of new DPWH uniforms which will adhere to the guidelines outlined in the CSC memorandum circular. (PR)

Shared service facilities improve MSMEs productivity, competitiveness in Eastern Visayas

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TACLOBAN CITY-The Department of Trade and Industry-8’s Shared Service Facilities (SSFs) are crucially improving the productivity and competitiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.

In DTI’s year-ender Shared Service Facility Summit in Eastern Visayas, the agency reported that the SSF program has been providing MSMEs across the region better access to technology and more sophisticated equipment that has boosted productivity and improved efficiency.

According to DTI-8, there are already 156 SSF projects established across the region in 2024, 109 of which are operational, 19 are partially operational, and 36 are non-operational.

MSMEs often struggle with the high costs of purchasing state-of-the-art machinery or specialized equipment. These SSFs offer a shared access model where small businesses can use these resources at a fraction of the cost. This access allows them to produce higher-quality products, reduce production time, and enhance operational efficiency.

By sharing expensive resources such as machinery, tools, and even office facilities, the MSMEs in the region has significantly reduced capital expenditure and operational costs, it was learned. This shared economy model has ensured that small businesses do not have to bear the financial burden of purchasing or maintaining expensive equipment.

Tito Cabintoy of the Barangay Cabacungan Multipurpose Cooperative, Merlina Lumakin of the Sto. Niño de Plaridel Multipurpose Cooperative, and Rammel Sacobos of the Baybay Dairy Cooperative, are among the three successful cooperators in the region who shared during the summit on the positive impact that SSF program has brought to their cooperatives.

They said, the program has thus far been sustained by faithful stewardship of the facilities that has been granted and entrusted to them by the government, maximization of the training and market interventions provided by DTI, and commitment to meeting the requirements for facility turnover.

They also highlighted the importance of the organization’s structure and policies, the members’ strict adherence and commitment, and scrutiny in keeping their documents.
The DTI-8 and its provincial offices vow to ensure that every SSF established will remain operational.

DTI has supported the creation of SSFs to foster growth and development in MSMEs. These facilities are typically located in strategic areas, offering services such as marketing, production assistance, and financial guidance.

By addressing key challenges such as access to capital, technology, and expertise, SSFs are playing a pivotal role in helping MSMEs scale up their operations, reduce costs, enhance their overall productivity, and ultimately, contribute to their long-term sustainability and success in the competitive market.
(ACR/PIA Eastern Visayas)

A unified effort for the future: PSA Leyte kicks off National ID Rehistro Bulilit campaign across seven municipalities in the province

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Bringing the community together! A fun and productive day spent with the kids at the National ID Registration event through the collaborative efforts of PSA Leyte and the Local Government Units in the province.
Bringing the community together! A fun and productive day spent with the kids at the National ID Registration event through the collaborative efforts of PSA Leyte and the Local Government Units in the province.

TACLOBAN CITY– The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Leyte Provincial Statistical Office has officially launched the National ID Rehistro Bulilit Campaign in the last quarter of 2024, bringing the National Identification System closer to young Filipinos across seven (7) municipalities in the province.

This initiative, aimed at facilitating the enrollment of children aged 1 to 4 years old in the National Identification System, is a key step at enhancing the registration process for young children and forms part of PSA’s ongoing efforts to ensure that every Filipino has access to their National ID, further promoting inclusivity and national identity in the digital age.

The campaign has been rolled out in the municipalities of Tunga, Jaro, Burauen, Isabel, Matag-ob, and Dagami, and in Ormoc City all of which benefit from the timely and efficient registration process. The initiative focuses on simplifying the registration for children, ensuring that they are included in the national database as part of the country’s efforts to achieve full National ID coverage.

On 28 November 2024, Tunga, Leyte, hosted the inaugural launch of the National ID Rehistro Bulilit Campaign at the municipal gymnasium. This was followed by a series of launches in Jaro, Burauen, Ormoc City, Isabel, Matag-ob, and Dagami on November 30, December 1, December 2, December 5, December 6, and December 7, 2024, respectively.
Each event saw a vibrant turnout, with hundreds of children and parents actively participating.

Local officials expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the long-term benefits of the National ID system in providing easier access to government services, healthcare, education, and other essential services for Filipino families. The initiative aims to secure identities while ensuring that communities can enjoy more efficient and accessible government services.

PSA Leyte officials emphasized the importance of making the registration process as easy and efficient as possible. The Rehistro Bulilit campaign provides a dedicated, child-friendly process that ensures parents and guardians are well-informed and that children are registered safely and quickly.

The National ID Rehistro Bulilit Campaign will continue through 2025, with PSA Leyte targeting even more municipalities in the coming months. This effort is part of the national government’s goal to create a fully digitized identification system that will enhance public service delivery and promote socio-economic development across the country. With the expansion of the campaign in Leyte, PSA is hopeful that more municipalities will join in the initiative, ensuring that all children are included in the ongoing registration.

The campaign not only aims to register children but also hopes to raise awareness about the importance of the National ID and encourage other communities across the region to take part in the ongoing registration process. It is also part of the broader vision of enhancing the delivery of public services and improving the country’s digital infrastructure. This registration campaign is another step toward ensuring that no one is left behind. (PR)

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