It seems that everywhere I turn these days, division and conflict are inescapable. From politics to religion, sports to the arts, it feels like we can no longer discuss any topic without it devolving into an argument. While differences of opinion are natural, the level of divisiveness we are experiencing today is not only unhealthy but counterproductive. We need to find ways to engage in discussions without allowing our differences to tear us apart.

I’ve noticed this growing tension in political discussions. Whenever the topic of government, elections, or leadership comes up, conversations quickly become charged with emotion. I’ve been part of debates where people stopped listening to each other, opting instead to defend their side with increasing hostility. It seems that the middle ground has been lost, and people would rather prove a point than understand where the other side is coming from. This deeply concerns me because, without dialogue, how can we hope to solve the complex issues that plague society? If we can’t talk without shouting, then we’re at a standstill.

Religion is another area that has become highly divisive. I’ve seen it firsthand in discussions about beliefs, spirituality, and faith practices. Instead of fostering mutual respect, conversations often morph into a battleground of “who is right” and “who is wrong.” While I respect the passion that faith can inspire, I also believe that it’s possible to have different beliefs without imposing them on others. In my view, the point of religion should be to unite people under shared values of compassion and kindness, not to drive wedges between us.

The sports world isn’t exempt from this divisiveness either. Take any major league event or even local sports discussions, and you’ll see fans who are so invested in their teams that they treat opposing views as personal attacks. I’ve been to games where fans were more interested in belittling each other than in enjoying the sport itself. This culture of “us versus them” is not only toxic but it ruins the joy and camaraderie that sports are supposed to foster. Sports should bring people together, but we’ve turned them into another arena for division.

Even in the arts, where creativity should reign supreme, division seems to be the norm. Whether it’s movies, music, or visual art, people are quick to judge and dismiss anything that doesn’t fit their particular tastes. I’ve had conversations with people who feel that their favorite artist, film director, or musician is the only legitimate one, disregarding the merit of others’ preferences. Art is subjective by nature, yet we’ve turned it into another battlefield where one’s choice is seen as superior to another’s, creating yet another layer of unnecessary conflict.

What strikes me the most is how these divisions reflect a deeper unwillingness to see the world through someone else’s eyes. I’ve caught myself, at times, being defensive over my opinions, but when I step back, I realize that this defensiveness comes from the fear of being misunderstood, not from a lack of belief in my viewpoint. In reality, the more I listen to others, the more I realize that our differences are not always so vast. Often, it’s our approach to the conversation that makes it seem that way.

In my opinion, we need to change the way we approach disagreements. I’ve found that when I go into a conversation with an open mind, looking to learn rather than to prove a point, the dialogue shifts. It’s not about giving up my beliefs, but rather about recognizing that others’ experiences have shaped their opinions too. I believe that this simple shift in mindset—one that prioritizes understanding over arguing—could make a significant difference in how we handle divisiveness.

At the end of the day, we all want to feel heard and respected, and that requires both speaking up and listening. In my experience, the more I invest in understanding where someone is coming from, the more fruitful and meaningful the conversation becomes. We need to embrace the idea that disagreements don’t have to be destructive. They can be constructive, allowing us to learn and grow in ways we might not expect.

In the process, we are losing our ability to have meaningful conversations because we’re so focused on defending our own positions. The best way to address this is to cultivate an attitude of empathy, respect, and openness in every discussion. It’s not about winning arguments, but about enriching our perspectives through dialogue. If we can learn to embrace our differences without letting them divide us, we will find ourselves in a much better place.

Safety is not merely a thread but a vibrant, interwoven pattern. It’s woven into the fabric of leadership, where leaders act as guardians, ensuring the well-being of their workforce. While safety regulations and protocols are essential, it’s the leadership that truly makes the difference in creating a workplace where people feel safe, valued, and empowered.
The journey towards a safe work environment begins with a fundamental shift in mindset: prioritizing safety as a core value. Leaders who truly champion safety understand that it’s not just a box to tick but a fundamental pillar of their organization’s success. This commitment manifests in various ways:

Investing in Safety Resources: Leaders allocate resources for safety training, equipment, and technology, demonstrating their commitment to creating a safe environment. This goes beyond the bare minimum; it’s about investing strategically to anticipate and mitigate potential hazards.

Implementing Robust Safety Protocols: Leaders establish clear and comprehensive safety protocols, ensuring that every employee understands their responsibilities and the procedures to follow. These protocols are not just written documents but are actively communicated, reviewed, and updated regularly to reflect evolving needs and best practices.

Encouraging Open Communication: A culture of safety thrives on open communication. Leaders foster an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting safety concerns, near misses, and potential hazards without fear of retribution. This open dialogue is crucial for identifying and addressing issues before they escalate into accidents.
Beyond these foundational elements, leaders play a critical role in cultivating a culture of safety. This goes beyond simply implementing policies; it’s about embedding safety consciousness into the very DNA of the organization.

• Leading by Example: Leaders are role models. Their actions speak louder than words. By consistently adhering to safety protocols and demonstrating a genuine concern for the well-being of their team, leaders set the tone for the entire organization.

• Promoting Safety Awareness: Leaders actively promote safety awareness through campaigns, training sessions, and regular reminders. They use a variety of methods to engage employees, making safety a continuous conversation, not just a one-time event.

• Recognizing and Rewarding Safety Practices: Leaders acknowledge and reward employees who demonstrate exemplary safety practices. This reinforces the importance of safety and encourages others to emulate those who prioritize it.
Finally, true leadership in safety involves empowering employees. It’s about recognizing that safety is not just the responsibility of management but a shared responsibility.

• Encouraging Employee Participation: Leaders actively seek employee input on safety matters. They encourage employees to share their ideas, concerns, and suggestions for improvement. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and empowers employees to be active participants in creating a safe workplace.

• Providing Safety Training: Leaders invest in comprehensive safety training for all employees, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely. This training goes beyond theoretical knowledge; it includes practical exercises and simulations to prepare employees for real-world situations.

• Creating a Culture of Respect: Leaders foster a culture of mutual respect, where everyone feels valued and listened to. This creates a safe space for employees to voice concerns, ask questions, and contribute to a safer working environment.
Remember that your employees are your allies in keeping your business afloat. It is crucial that you treat them in a way that encourages them to do their jobs that can help build your business. Creating a safe work environment is not a destination but a continuous journey. It’s about leadership that goes beyond compliance and embraces a holistic approach, prioritizing safety, fostering a culture of care, and empowering employees. By embracing these principles, leaders can transform their workplaces into havens of safety, where people feel valued, protected, and empowered to thrive.
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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!

Askers supporting the president in detention are equally wondering why the authorities arrested the former president without a warrant of arrest. That wayward question went viral and ignited a sentimental reaction from the gullible lot of blind followers. It ignited calls for supporters to rally behind their president in detention to call for his return home to the country that he wrecked with mayhem in a bloody war on drugs. It was a campaign promise that duped those who were victims of drug addicts wanting to end drug addiction in the country. They were swayed into a bandwagon that turned into a mob of blind followers ranting at the police and military officers who arrested their idol. The throng stayed behind while their idol was flown into space without details of its destination.

Getting confirmed information of their idol’s whereabouts, they directed their ire against the International Criminal Court (ICC) that issued the warrant of arrest. Likewise, they barked at the International Police (Interpol) that coordinated with Philippine law enforcement authorities to implement the warrant of arrest. Aside from the police and military officials who surrounded to protect the president in detention, the mob of blind supporters are barking at the magical president for cooperating with the ICC that resulted in arrest of their idol. All efforts went to naught as their idol was placed in detention had been subjected to pretrial under the ICC.

In the meantime, laymen came out to raise sentiments supporting the president in detention posing as experts in international law. The sentimental proposition mostly calls for humane treatment, portraying their idol as a victim of injustice and oppression for having been denied what they call as due process of law. It is the same due process of law that their idol president in detention deprived innocent victims of the bloody war on drugs. Hapless poor victims were butchered in that bloody war on drugs that were never given the right to be heard and defend themselves, much more the right to due process of law.

Peace loving people are united in the position that the president in detention must be afforded that fundamental due process of law. Lawyers who have true credentials as international law experts had opined that the president in detention was given his desired due process of law. The allegation that the law enforcers who arrested the president in detention was arrested without the requisite warrant of arrest is blatantly false. In many expert opinions, the arrest may be effected without the copy of the warrant and may be shown should the suspect require a copy. The opinion is in accordance with the rules and jurisprudence but there is one true common interpretation of existing laws, rules and rules that indeed the arrest was based on a valid warrant.
comments to alellema@yahoo.com

Amidst the Philippines’ varied cultural landscapes, the Waray people are pleased to be the custodians of a rich legacy that embodies fortitude, warmth, and a strong feeling of belonging. In addition to honoring the heritage of their ancestors, the Waray, who have their roots in the center of Eastern Visayas, have emerged to show off their extraordinary potential on a global scale.

The Waray, however, are still battling the age-old conflict between regionalism and tribalism, which both defines and threatens their identity in an increasingly interconnected world.

Waray culture is an intricate tapestry woven from threads of rich traditions, linguistic pride, and a fierce attachment to their homeland. This is beautifully reflected in their local cuisine, with delicacies like binagol (a rich, sweet coconut pudding wrapped in banana leaves) and moron (chocolate rice cake rolls). These culinary treasures speak to the Waray’s creativity and culinary ingenuity. Known for spirited festivals such as the Pintados-Kasadyaan in Tacloban City, which celebrates their ancestors’ tattooed warriors, and the Sangyaw Festival, which honors the cultural and religious heritage of the region, the Waray exude a spirit of joy and unity. These festivals are vibrant manifestations of their pride in their culture and history.
Beyond the celebrations and food, the Waray’s connection to their land is evident in the breathtaking locations that define Eastern Visayas. The majestic San Juanico Bridge, an engineering marvel that connects the islands of Leyte and Samar, stands as a symbol of unity and progress.
The Waray people have already made great strides in demonstrating their world-class potential. Michael Cinco, a Dubai based Designer and others had shown just that.
Their resilience, as seen in their response to challenges like Typhoon Yolanda, is a testament to their unwavering spirit. Their contributions in various fields, from arts to public service, further cement their place in the broader narrative of excellence and achievement.
To truly claim their place as a world-class people, the Waray must transcend the barriers of tribalism and view regionalism not as a dilution of their identity but as a gateway to greater opportunities. By showcasing their rich culture—through iconic dishes like binagol, festive celebrations such as the Pintados-Kasadyaan, and iconic landmarks like the San Juanico Bridge—the Waray can share their vibrant heritage with the world. With their inherent resourcefulness, creativity, and compassion, the Waray people have all the qualities needed to shine brightly on the global stage.
In a world that increasingly values diversity, the Waray people can lead by example, proving that a deep connection to one’s roots can serve as a foundation for reaching new heights. They are not merely keepers of a unique culture—they are trailblazers, ready to show the world that to be Waray is to be world-class.

THIS is what we can gather from that gospel parable about a certain man who planted a fig tree in his vineyard and who after 3 years sought for a fruit but did not find one. (cfr. Lk 13,6-9) Frustrated, he wanted to cut it down, but was appeased by the vineyard dresser to give the tree a grace period of one year.

Indeed, God expects us to bear the fruit of sanctity since he already has given us everything we need to achieve that goal. God had to become man in Jesus Christ so that we can be given “the way, the truth and the life” that we need in the context of our wounded condition here on earth.

We really have no excuse why we cannot achieve that goal, since with Christ any condition and situation in our life, including the worst scenario in our life, can be an occasion to gain and regain sanctity. As St. Paul once articulated, “all things work together for good to those who love God.” (Rom 8,28)

We just have to see to it that everything in our life—our work, for example—should have as its main purpose the achievement of holiness, and not just the fulfillment of some technical requirements and the attainment of some worldly goals, no matter how legitimate they are.
And the secret is always to do everything with Christ and for the glory of God. We should not just do anything with our own intention and on our own effort alone, because such way of doing things negates the plan that God, our Father and Creator, has for us. We should be guarded always against this strong tendency of ours to do things simply on our own.
It’s also interesting to note that the above-mentioned parable is preceded by a warning Christ gave to some people that we should stop comparing ourselves with others, especially when we think we are better than them, and thus, would feel self-contented.
Christ wants us to always acknowledge our need for repentance and conversion, since we cannot deny that in spite of the many good things we may already have done, we still are hounded by weaknesses, temptations and sin itself.

Let’s see to it that our work, for example, should have as its main purpose the achievement of holiness, and not just the fulfillment of some technical requirements and the attainment of some worldly goals, no matter how legitimate they are. Remember Christ saying, “What does it a profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul.” (Mk 8,36)
We should see to it that the Christ-and-Church provided instrumentalities lead us to have a living encounter with Christ, something that can happen only when we activate our faith, hope and charity through a functioning life of piety.

“Do you think that these Galileans were sinners above all the men of Galilee, because they suffered such things?” he asked those who told him about those Galileans that Pilate put to death. “No, I say to you, but unless you shall do penance, you shall likewise perish.” (Lk 13,2-3)

We can never over-emphasize this need for our conversion and renewal. In spite of our best intentions and efforts, we somehow would find ourselves in some irregular, imperfect if not completely sinful situation.
God will always welcome us back, even if we appear to be already abusing the goodness and mercy of God. We should just put our mind and heart to this fact of life that we are all sinners and that we need to convert.