It’s a unique and often heartbreaking paradox playing out within many families, particularly those originating from impoverished backgrounds. The narrative frequently unfolds this way: a clan member, through sheer grit and determination, manages to escape the clutches of poverty and achieve a degree of economic success. This success, however, doesn’t bring the expected liberation. Instead, it transforms the individual into an unwitting, and often overburdened, bank for their extended family.

Once financial stability is achieved, a relentless stream of requests for assistance begins. Relatives, burdened by their own financial struggles, turn to the successful family member, viewing them not as an individual who has worked hard to improve their circumstances, but as a readily available source of funds. This isn’t necessarily born out of malice, but rather a deeply ingrained cultural expectation of mutual support within the family unit. The successful individual becomes the anchor, the safety net for everyone else.

The pressure is immense. Refusal to help is often met with accusations of selfishness, a betrayal of family ties, and even blame when things worsen for those who sought assistance. The successful individual is trapped in a cycle of providing for others, their own hard-earned money slowly eroding away as they shoulder the financial burdens of numerous relatives. It’s a cruel irony; the very act of escaping poverty becomes a reason for further financial strain.

The strong sense of family and community, while admirable, can become a significant impediment to individual progress. The expectation of reciprocal support, while often genuine, can easily transform into an unsustainable burden for those who manage to achieve a higher socioeconomic status. The system, in essence, lacks a formal safety net, leaving the successful individual to fill that void.

While the successful individual struggles to meet the constant demands, his own financial security gradually diminishes. The relentless requests chip away at his resources, leaving him vulnerable to unexpected setbacks. The very act of helping others inadvertently sets the stage for his own potential downfall. The cycle of poverty, instead of being broken, is merely transferred.

When the previously successful individuals finally face their own financial crisis, they are frequently met with a stark lack of reciprocal support. Those who received assistance in the past are often unable or unwilling to return the favor, leaving the generous individuals to navigate their difficulties alone. The system, built on unspoken obligations and cultural expectations, ultimately fails those who were once its pillars.

From this scenario, we see the urgent need for a systemic change. The creation of robust social safety nets, access to affordable financial services, and education about responsible financial management are crucial steps towards breaking this cycle. Addressing the underlying economic inequalities that fuel this dynamic is paramount to ensuring that individual success isn’t synonymous with perpetual financial servitude.

The clan member who becomes a family bank is a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between culture, economics, and individual agency. It highlights the need for a more equitable and sustainable system, one that values individual achievement without sacrificing the vital bonds of family and community. A systemic change should break the reality of this paradox.

As the torrential rains fell on an extended 3 week straight downpour, I am certain that Pulmonary maladies will be on a rise. A thought on the sickness and environmental problems came across my thoughts and I became worried.

Eastern Visayas has been on the forefront of Media Attention the past year, perhaps the bad roads, typhoon onslaughts, flooding and sadly, killings. The School Press Conferences from Area SPC, to Division SPC and Region SPC then National Schools Press Conference focuses on issues of the locale as subjects for News Writing, Essay and Features. Perhaps, these are valid issues that can be delved into.

This year, as schools of all levels embark on that positive practice of having the intramurals of scribes, school paper writing, my wish is that we can focus on environmental issues. The one that we can ultimately influence to be better on, to amplify the point and raise concerns for possible positive action going forward.

Unlike corruption issues that are watered down by the spin doctors of some administration, nature’s wrath knows no political alliance, nor does catastrophe respect due process, it cannot and will not be delayed by motion for reconsiderations. If the catastrophe needs to fall it will, Murphy’s Law is the rule for natures vengeance, it surely comes.

Now that the Press Conferences are in-season, lets take time to include or prioritize the case for our natures conservation, the case of the on-going Homonhon Mining that threatens the demise of the flora and fauna the people included on that historical island in Eastern Samar. Why not delve on the previous Ginsaugon St Bernanrd and Pilar Abuyog Landslides? Perhaps the obvious Microplastics and Garbage problems of our seas and oceans? Or perhaps the obvious yet under the radar Mining in many areas in the Region, legal or not these are environmental cancers, operating with wanton disregard and humping with abandon and no care for our next generations?

Yes, these issues must dominate our airwaves, our newsletter and even the discussions of the Press Conferences, the students must know how miserable and how dangerous their lives would be, because of the greedy capitalists who holds our land, sea hostage.

IF we wonder why Christ had to be baptized by St. John the Baptist, the quick answer is that Christ wanted to institute the Sacrament of Baptism through which we would be recreated from our wounded human nature due to the sin of our first parents to a new man, a redeemed man in Christ where the Spirit of God gets to animate our spiritual soul.
Thus, St. John the Baptist said, “I indeed baptize you with water; but there shall come one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to loose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” (Lk 3,16)

Now that with baptism we receive the mold of Christ our redeemer in us, we need to flesh it out. And the second reading (cfr. Titus 2,11-14.3,4-7) of the Mass of the Feast of the Christ’s Baptism which ends the Christmas season gives us an idea of what to do and how we ought to be.

St. Paul tells it to us clearly: “For the grace of God our Savior has appeared to all men; instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly and justly, and godly in this world, looking for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and might cleanse to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works.” (Titus 2,11-14)

We need to meditate on these words if only to put ourselves on the proper path here in this world, having the proper attitude, outlook and lifestyle. We cannot deny that with how the world in developing these days, we tend to live a worldly, self-centered life, steeped only in the worldly values of convenience, practicality, pleasure, consumerism, etc.
With all the technological advances we now have, we cannot deny the fact that we are always tempted to try them, spending precious time and exploring the plethora of possibilities with them.

This is a good development, of course, but only if we are prepared for it, adequately equipped and clear as to their ultimate purpose. Otherwise, we would just be blown and swept away by the storm of novelties and curiosities they offer.

Thus, while they help us to be more driven in life, they also ask us, nay, require us to be properly grounded. A certain kind of sobriety is needed, since our tendency to be intoxicated is now always teased and provoked.

There is always a need to be careful and sober, since the pull of distractions can be both strong and subtle. It’s a daily struggle that has to be contextualized in one’s interior life itself or in one’s vital relation with God. It could not be anything less.

It’s this interior or spiritual life that enables one to see things from the point of view of God, and not just from any human point of view, cultural, social or economic. Sadly, this reality is often ignored by many people. There’s a need to restore the crucial role the spiritual life plays in our lives.

So, I always recommend that one submits himself to a clear plan of life that includes practices of piety spread out all throughout the day that would help him keep a lively spiritual life and a working supernatural outlook.

This lifestyle obviously requires sobriety, that effective self-control that involves knowing how to deal with our impulses and urges that need to be rationalized and later infused by faith and charity.

This is how we live our baptism into Christ!

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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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!