THE problem of secularism is that it promotes a social order this is neither connected to religion nor critical of it. It denies the influence of religion in our social order. It simply wants to be guided by a certain consensus derived from what is considered practical in the present life itself.

But religion is not simply a private affair. God is the author and ruler not only of individuals, but also of societies. While the relation of Church and State depends on a number of circumstances which cannot be determined by a general rule, truth is religion is a social as well as an individual and personal duty. It cannot and should not be ignored.

The so-called separation of Church and State should not be understood in an absolute way. While it’s correct that the State should not have a state religion nor promote or condemn any particular religion or religious viewpoint, developing a relation between State and the different religions should be promoted. The State should also respect the views of non-believers.

But the Church cannot renounce her mission to teach the truths she has received from her Divine Founder. While fully recognizing the value of the present life, the Church cannot look upon it as an end in itself, but only as a movement toward a future life for which preparation must be made by compliance with the laws of nature and the laws of God.

For Catholics and Christians in general, their belief that the present life is a preparation if not a testing ground for an eternal life that is a supernatural sharing of the very life of God, should be respected. And because of that, their moral teachings should be respected too.

The government cannot impose something that is considered immoral by their religion.
Secularism gives an opening to certain ideologies like Wokeism, neo-Marxism, etc. that actually are harmful to social justice and order. That is why we should be careful of secularism. Rather, we should intensify our religious and spiritual life, our relation with God, so that the proper social justice and order can be obtained.

Of course, the Church cannot impose its teachings on anyone, but it should be given a free space to be itself, to evangelize, to celebrate the sacraments, and to do the works of education, charity, mercy and justice without undue interference from the government.
Besides, the Church asks—and if necessary, demands—that the State respect the “sanctuary of conscience,” so that the Church’s people are not required by law to do things the Church teaches as immoral.

It’s unfortunate, for example, that in the US there was this “Contraceptive Mandate” issued in 2012 that turned the Catholic Church’s charitable and medical facilities into State agencies that facilitate practices that the Church believes are gravely evil.

Indeed, this delicate issue of Church and State relation should be thoroughly studied by our Church and State leaders, and appropriate agreements should be made. The separation Church and State should not be understood as a mandate to ignore each other. There has to be constant communication and consultation between the two, because both work for the same people or constituents, though in different aspects of life.

Though there is autonomy in both of them, it should be acknowledged that “there is no realm of worldly affairs which can be withdrawn from the Creator and His dominion.”

The list of candidates for the 2025 mid-term elections is done unless changes due to withdrawals and substitutions happen for the deadline set by the election commission. Very clearly, old politicians are back to regain their post or aspire for higher office. The trend had been as usual where family members are exchanging political positions after spending full terms and wasting taxpayers’ money at their disposal. The implementation of programs and projects are strategically done during the last stretch of their term to ensure public recognition of their deeds. The purpose is to clearly to sustain memory recall on the part of the gullible voters who are duped to forget the non-performance and irregularities during the greater period of their term. The practice puts a decided advantage over newcomers who could hardly cope with the propaganda by the incumbents.

The continued clamor for the passage of an enabling law on the ban of political dynasties had remained in the stranglehold of politicians in congress whose interest would be adversely affected if such law is passed. It would be noted that such anti-dynasty bills had been filed in congress over and over again but nothing had been done as the majority would easily suppress its passage. Only a few well-meaning legislators had been pushing for its passage but as the majority would brag, they have the numbers to prevail under our democratic setup. A constitutional delegate that crafted the 1987 Constitution expressed that the ban against political dynasties needs an enabling law which until now had not been passed.

Political dynasties are either committed simultaneously or successively. In the coming elections, we have three brothers, brothers and sisters running for senate seats. There too former senators making a comeback as if they have forgotten something during their previous terms. The same is true for local officials where family members are running for various elective offices as if the are the only ones with the right to such offices. The practice defeats the constitutional provision that affords equal access and opportunity to serve as elected officials. The situation is made worse by the commercialized nature of elections where votes are openly bought from voters who are too eager and willing to sell their votes to the highest bidder.

In some areas, elective political positions are negotiated among political clans as candidates run unopposed for positions had already been agreed upon. The practice deprives other persons to seek such elective office as they have already been cornered by the political clans in power. The voters have no choice but elect the unopposed candidate.

The strategy minimizes the expenses for vote buying as well as the violence that happen in contested electoral confrontations. As a consequence, vote sellers could not rake huge money unlike in opposed candidacies, especially when the aspirants are multi-party. But all such situations are inimical to the interest of the people and ruins the essence of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot. Clearly, the present crop of aspirants, chiefly those who are returning, are doing so not much for service but theirs is a return for gains.
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There is a dream that resides within the heart and minds of many individuals – the dream of financial independence. It is a concept that promises freedom, stability, and the ability to live life on one’s own terms. Financial independence is not merely the absence of financial worry; it is the state of being where one’s income and assets generate enough passive income to cover expenses and provide financial security for the future. In this article, we will explore the essence of financial independence, its benefits, and the steps one can take to achieve it.

At its core, financial independence is about having control over one’s finances and not being dependent on others for financial support. It grants the ability to make choices based on personal desires and values, without being bound by the constraints of financial obligations. With financial independence, one has the freedom to pursue passions, spend time with loved ones, and engage in activities that bring fulfillment and joy.

One of the primary benefits of financial independence is peace of mind. Knowing that your financial future is secure allows you to live without the constant anxiety and stress that often accompanies financial uncertainty. This peace of mind can have a positive impact on both mental and physical health, as it reduces the burden of financial worries and allows individuals to focus on other aspects of their lives.

Financial independence also provides the opportunity to retire early. Traditional retirement often involves spending decades working, saving, and investing, with the hope of finally enjoying life in old age. However, financial independence allows individuals to retire on their terms, whether that means retiring early or pursuing a different career path that aligns with their passions.

So, how does one achieve financial independence? While the specific path may vary for each individual, there are some fundamental steps that can be taken:

1. Set clear financial goals: Define what financial independence means to you. Determine how much passive income you will need to cover your expenses and achieve your desired lifestyle.

2. Create a budget: Monitor both your earnings and expenditures to comprehend your financial outflows. Pinpoint areas for potential cost reductions to elevate your savings rate and enhance your overall financial well-being.

3. Save and invest: Develop a consistent savings habit and invest your savings wisely. Broaden your investment portfolio to reduce risk exposure and target sustained growth over an extended period, maximizing the potential for long-term financial gains. Maximize your contributions to retirement accounts and take advantage of employer matching programs, if available.

4. Reduce debt: Pay off high-interest debts and avoid accumulating unnecessary debt. Being debt-free is an essential aspect of financial independence, as it eliminates financial obligations and frees up more resources for saving and investing.

5. Increase your income: Look for opportunities to increase your income, whether through career growth, side hustles, or passive income streams. Explore different avenues and leverage your skills and knowledge to generate additional revenue.

6. Continuously educate yourself: Stay informed about personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship. Enhance your financial literacy and seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge. Explore books, podcasts, workshops, and courses that can help you improve your financial decisions.

7. Stay disciplined and adaptable: Achieving financial independence requires discipline and perseverance. Stick to your budget, resist the temptation of instant gratification, and consistently make smart financial choices. Be adaptable and open to adjusting your plans as circumstances change.

Financial independence is not an overnight achievement; it is a journey that requires time, effort, and dedication. However, the rewards are profound – the freedom to pursue your passions, the security of a stable future, and the ability to live life on your own terms. So, start today and take the necessary steps to unlock the path to financial independence.
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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!

Skills vs. Diploma, would one be hired by one or the other?

Its not here yet but one day SKILLS would be the primary reason why one will be hired . And soon , they will outweigh the Diploma , Here are the reasons why;

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving job market, the traditional college diploma is no longer the sole indicator of one’s skills and qualifications. As industries rapidly adapt to technological advancements and new demands, the need for a more flexible and targeted form of education has emerged. Enter micro-credentials—small, focused certifications that validate specific skills and knowledge. These credentials are revolutionizing the way we approach education and professional development, offering a viable alternative to the traditional college diploma.

One of the primary advantages of micro-credentials is their flexibility. Unlike traditional degree programs, which often require a significant time and financial commitment, micro-credentials can be earned relatively quickly and at a lower cost. This makes them accessible to a broader range of individuals, including working professionals, parents, and those who may not have the resources to pursue a full-time degree. Moreover, micro-credentials can be earned online, providing learners with the convenience of studying at their own pace and from any location.

Micro-credentials are designed to address specific skills and competencies that are in demand in the job market. This focus on industry relevance ensures that learners acquire practical, job-ready skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace. Employers increasingly recognize the value of these credentials, as they provide a clear indication of an individual’s ability to perform specific tasks and adapt to new technologies. This alignment with industry needs makes micro-credentials a valuable asset for both job seekers and employers.

In a rapidly changing world, the ability to continuously update one’s skills is crucial. Micro-credentials support a culture of lifelong learning by allowing individuals to acquire new skills and knowledge throughout their careers. This ongoing professional development is essential in fields such as technology, where new tools and methodologies are constantly emerging. By earning micro-credentials, individuals can stay current with industry trends and maintain their competitive edge in the job market.

Micro-credentials represent a dynamic and innovative approach to education and professional development. They offer a flexible, accessible, and industry-relevant alternative to the traditional college diploma, supporting a culture of continuous learning and personalized education. While challenges remain, the growing acceptance and recognition of micro-credentials by employers and educational institutions indicate a promising future for this mode of learning. As the job market continues to evolve, micro-credentials will play an increasingly vital role in preparing individuals for the demands of the modern workforce.