Filipino teachers are being hired in droves across Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, where classrooms echo with their voices and students rise in academic rankings. Yet, back home, the Philippines is slipping to the bottom of international assessments, dragging its young. It is a funny but tragic paradox, and one that demands more than a shrug of the shoulders.
The truth is plain enough: our teachers are good, often among the best in the region, respected for their mastery of English and their ability to foster learning even with minimal resources. The irony lies in the fact that these very strengths are being leveraged by neighboring countries to uplift their own education systems, while ours remains stagnant, weighed down by systemic neglect and misplaced priorities. The country trains these teachers well, only to see them exported like prime commodities, leaving our own schools under-equipped and undermanned.

This pattern has deepened the decadence in our educational institutions. If our teachers can raise the standards of other nations, why can’t we seem to let them do the same here? The answer is not in their ability—it never has been—but in the lack of vision and support from policymakers who, for decades, have failed to provide our classrooms with the dignity they deserve. A teacher armed with brilliance but stripped of resources becomes like a farmer without seeds, brimming with skill but unable to harvest.

Look at the numbers: the 2022 PISA results placed the Philippines near the bottom in reading, mathematics, and science, while countries that once shared our struggles—Vietnam, for instance—now sit closer to the top. How did they do it? By welcoming Filipino teachers and giving them the support and environment to thrive. It is not just a skill they are harnessing, but a system that knows how to value and maximize that skill. Meanwhile, we are left navigating the consequences of brain drain, watching our best migrate while our children sit in overcrowded rooms with teachers spread too thin.

There is humor in this paradox, yes, but it is the kind of humor tinged with bitterness. It is like watching your neighbor grow fat on the meals cooked by your own mother while you, in your own house, go hungry. The absurdity is laughable only because it is so painfully true. And yet, Filipinos, known for their resilience, laugh anyway—even as the laughter betrays a wound that festers beneath.

At the heart of this contradiction is our government’s chronic underinvestment in education. UNESCO’s benchmark for education spending is six percent of GDP, but the Philippines consistently hovers far below that, evidence of the shallow regard given to education as a driver of national development. Contrast this with our neighbors, who, while not perfect, are deliberate in building the foundation of their nations through their youth. They understood early on what we still refuse to accept: no nation prospers without educated citizens.

The consequences ripple beyond rankings and statistics. When our children fail to meet international standards, their chances of competing in a globalized economy diminish. The result is a cycle of poverty and dependence that no remittance, no matter how large, can fully break. Our teachers may be shaping the minds of ASEAN’s next generation, but at the cost of our own children’s future. It is a trade-off that bleeds the nation quietly, one departure slip at a time.

If other countries can rise by valuing our teachers, then so can we. The best approach is not to beg them to stay but to make staying worth their while—better pay, lighter workloads, decent facilities, and a renewed sense of dignity in teaching. Only then will the paradox end, and only then will our laughter lose its bitterness, replaced by the satisfaction of finally enjoying our own nation’s rise.

The previous column, I heavily criticized the traffic realities of Tacloban, yet this time I am offering solutions and suggestions. Let me count the ways!

Tacloban City, the vibrant heart of Eastern Visayas, stands at a crossroads—not just geographically, but in its urban development. As the city continues to grow in population and economic activity, traffic congestion has become a daily struggle for commuters and residents alike. Yet within this challenge lies an opportunity: to transform Tacloban into a walkable city where movement is efficient, sustainable, and human-centered.

Reducing traffic in Tacloban requires more than just widening roads—it demands a shift in mindset and policy. Here are key strategies:

• Integrated Public Transport: Strengthening the city’s jeepney, bus, and tricycle systems with clear routes, schedules, and terminals can reduce reliance on private vehicles. A unified fare system and digital tracking would make commuting more predictable and appealing.

• Traffic Demand Management: Implementing peak-hour vehicle restrictions, carpool incentives, and congestion pricing in high-traffic zones like Benigno Aquino Avenue could discourage unnecessary car trips.

• Smart Infrastructure: Traffic lights synchronized with real-time data, pedestrian countdown timers, and designated bike lanes can streamline movement and reduce bottleneck.

A walkable city isn’t just about sidewalks—it’s about designing spaces that prioritize people over cars. Tacloban can embrace this vision through:

• Pedestrian Zones: Expanding car-free areas around Plaza Rizal, the Tacloban Boardwalk, and downtown markets would encourage walking and social interaction.

• Safe Sidewalks and Crossings: Wide, well-maintained sidewalks with shade trees, ramps for accessibility, and clearly marked pedestrian crossings are essential for safety and comfort.

• Mixed-Use Development: Encouraging buildings that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces reduces the need for long commutes and fosters vibrant neighborhoods.

Tacloban’s transformation into a walkable city isn’t just a logistical upgrade—it’s a cultural shift. It’s about reclaiming streets for people, fostering healthier lifestyles, and creating spaces where movement is joyful, not stressful. With visionary leadership, community support, and smart planning, Tacloban can shorten traffic—and lengthen the quality of life.Lets be hopeful in the City of Hope.

Life often presents a stark dichotomy: the relentless pursuit of ambition and the quiet joy of appreciating the present moment. Society constantly pressures us to achieve more, reach for greatness, and pursue upward mobility. Yet, amidst this relentless climb, it’s easy to forget the simple pleasures, the beauty of the everyday, the importance of taking time to “smell the roses.” This essay explores the delicate balance between aspiring to achieve something more and cultivating a deep appreciation for the present, arguing that true fulfillment lies in the harmonious interplay of both.

The human spirit is inherently driven. We are wired to seek challenges, to overcome obstacles, and to strive for something beyond our current reality. This ambition fuels innovation, propels progress, and allows us to achieve remarkable feats. Without this innate drive, we might remain stagnant, content with the status quo, and never realize our full potential. The pursuit of ambition, whether it’s mastering a new skill, launching a business, or contributing to a greater cause, provides a sense of purpose, direction, and meaning in our lives. It allows us to leave our mark on the world and create a legacy that extends beyond our own existence.

However, the relentless pursuit of ambition can be a double-edged sword. The relentless pressure to succeed, coupled with the fear of falling short and the constant comparison to others, can be utterly debilitating, leading to burnout, anxiety, and profound unhappiness. When our lives become solely defined by our accomplishments, we risk neglecting the simple joys that enrich our existence. We forget to savor the taste of a delicious meal, to appreciate the beauty of a sunset, or to connect meaningfully with the people we love. The constant striving can blind us to the beauty and wonder of the present moment, leaving us feeling empty and unfulfilled despite our achievements.

The cure for this constant striving is to appreciate the present moment, noticing the small things we usually miss. It’s about taking time to smell the roses, to appreciate the simple pleasures of life, and to cultivate a sense of gratitude for what we have. This practice isn’t about complacency or inaction; it’s about finding a balance between ambition and appreciation, between striving for the future and cherishing the present. It’s about recognizing that true fulfillment comes not just from achieving our goals but also from experiencing the journey, from appreciating the beauty and wonder along the way.

Mindful appreciation can take many forms. It could be taking a walk in nature, listening to your favorite music, spending quality time with loved ones, or simply pausing to appreciate the beauty of a sunrise. It’s about creating space in our lives for these moments of quiet contemplation, for disconnecting from the constant demands of the external world and reconnecting with our inner selves. This practice allows us to cultivate a sense of gratitude, to recognize the abundance in our lives, and to find joy in the simple pleasures that often go unnoticed.

The key lies in integrating these two seemingly opposing forces – ambition and appreciation – into a harmonious whole. It’s not about choosing one over the other but about finding a balance, a rhythm that allows us to pursue our ambitions with passion and purpose while simultaneously cultivating a deep appreciation for the present moment. This balance allows us to experience the joy of achievement without sacrificing the simple pleasures that enrich our lives. It’s about recognizing that the journey is just as important as the destination, that the process of striving is as fulfilling as the achievement itself.
In conclusion, the pursuit of something more is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, driving us towards growth, innovation, and self-actualization. However, a life solely defined by ambition can leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled. By cultivating a deep appreciation for the present moment, by taking time to smell the roses, we can find a balance that enriches our lives, fostering a sense of gratitude, joy, and ultimately, a deeper and more meaningful understanding of ourselves and the world around us. The symphony of life is played on two strings: ambition and appreciation. It’s in the harmonious interplay of both that we find true fulfillment.
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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!