THIS was how Christ described the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees of his time. (cfr. Mt 23,23-26) This was a lamentation of Christ that can still be applicable nowadays.

And that’s simply because we cannot deny that there is a great majority of people today all over the world who are getting trapped in the details while ignoring the whole picture, or stuck in their earthly and temporal concerns while being unmindful of their eternal goal.
Many are lost in the technicalities of the things they are handling and do not realize that these technicalities are meant to bring them to the ultimate goal of their life. In the end, many are falling into the dynamics of self-indulgence without referring the things they handle to God.

We need to be aware of this constant danger that is made stronger and more vicious because of today’s more powerful technologies, sciences and ideologies that can so easily and irresistibly swallow us in their purely human and natural dynamics as to desensitize us from our true and ultimate goal that requires us to transcend the natural level to enter into the supernatural life of God as we are meant to share.

Yes, this worldly entrapment is actually a clear and present danger. But the intriguing part is that hardly anyone is aware of it. Many of us allow ourselves to be caught in the widening sticky web of the modern technologies which, while offering us a lot of conveniences, also hook us, with their clickbaits, into the dynamic of self-indulgence, with love for God and the others practically thrown out of the window.

We should train ourselves to have as our abiding and strongest passion, as our most precious treasure, the need and urge to be intimate with Christ. We actually cannot afford to be without Christ. The only thing to expect in that condition is to get into some form of disaster!

This will, of course, require of us a lot of effort, a tremendous dose of faith, hope and charity, to contend with our usual feeling of doubt and awkwardness with respect to this need of ours. But, to be sure, it would all be worthwhile! We just have to humble ourselves and remind ourselves to always pray, to always do things with Christ and for Christ. We should not take this most basic need of ours for granted.

We need to declare an unrelenting war against our self-indulgence which has become a very formidable problem we all have. Yes, this has always been a problem to us, but these days it is much more so.

Let’s make God the beginning and end of everything that we do. He should always be in our mind and heart, in our thoughts, intentions and desires, in our feelings and passions. He should always be in our deeds. And because of him and through him, the others should also always be in our mind and heart.

Without God and without the others, let’s be convinced that we are actually lost, even if we feel that we are conquering the world and are having a nice time. Let’s do everything that God and the others become the fixed reference points of our life. They are meant to lead us to our true maturity, our fulfillment and perfection, our joy.

We have to learn how to adapt to the new things without getting lost and confused about what is truly essential that will always be the same.

Now the phrase “ Politicizing “ had recently been trending. From the senate and congressional hearings to Vlogs . How can we go above all these politics?

In recent years, the Philippines has witnessed increasing political polarization, a phenomenon that threatens to divide our nation and hinder progress. However, as Filipinos, we have the power to rise above these divisions and work towards a more united and prosperous future.

Here are some ways we can achieve this:
1. Promote Civil Discourse
Engaging in respectful and constructive conversations is crucial. We must learn to listen to differing opinions without resorting to hostility. By fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, we can bridge the gap between opposing sides.

2. Educate and Inform
Misinformation and fake news contribute significantly to political polarization. It is essential to promote media literacy and critical thinking skills among the populace. Encouraging people to verify information before sharing it can help reduce the spread of false narratives1.

3. Focus on Common Goals
Despite our differences, Filipinos share many common aspirations, such as economic stability, improved healthcare, and quality education. By focusing on these shared goals, we can find common ground and work together towards achieving them.

4. Encourage Community Engagement
Grassroots movements and community initiatives can play a vital role in uniting people. By participating in local projects and volunteering, individuals can build connections and foster a sense of solidarity that transcends political affiliations.

5. Support Inclusive Leadership
Leaders who prioritize inclusivity and unity can help bridge the divide. Supporting candidates who advocate for the common good and demonstrate a commitment to bringing people together is essential for overcoming polarization.

6. Promote Empathy and Understanding
Empathy is a powerful tool in combating polarization. By putting ourselves in others’ shoes and understanding their experiences and concerns, we can foster a more compassionate and cohesive society.

7. Strengthen Democratic Institutions
Robust democratic institutions are crucial for maintaining a healthy political environment. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in governance can help restore public trust and reduce political tensions2.

Rising above polarizing politics requires collective effort and a commitment to unity. By promoting civil discourse, educating ourselves, focusing on common goals, engaging with our communities, supporting inclusive leadership, fostering empathy, and strengthening democratic institutions, we can build a more united and resilient Philippines. Together, we can overcome the challenges of polarization and work towards a brighter future for all Filipinos.

In the press conference that was purportedly called by Angelica Poquiz Yulo, the opening salvo was made by the volunteer lawyer Raymund Farsical A. Fortun. It took a huge chunk of time issuing a disclaimer that he is acting as the counsel of the Olympian’s mother. He took the trail of argumentation used by lawyer Herminio “Harry” Lopez Roque, Jr. that without a contract of his engagement as lawyer, there is no lawyer-client relationship to speak of. Such position was used by the volunteer counsel of the Olympian’s mother that his services are for free and there is no contract between him and Angelica Poquiz Yulo. In fact, all he is doing is to stop the unabated spread of false information as claimed by the Olympian’s mother.

The media people gathered in that press conference were made to understand that the Olympian’s mother is merely being assisted by the volunteer counsel. The purpose was to clarify the issues raised by Carlos Edriel Poquiz Yulo and his girlfriend Chloe Anjeleigh San Jose that appeared in social media. People were expecting the Olympian’s mother to state her sentiments straight from the proverbial bottom of her heart. Unfortunately, the statement came from a prepared letter that was read by Angelica Poquiz Yulo before the media and all people who were online. It brought to the fore the initial statement of the volunteer lawyer that his services was primarily offered as the Olympian’s mother had been issuing statements without the assistance of counsel.

With the scripted statement contained in the letter, people could not be lamed if they would entertain the thought that the statement had been influenced by counsel or anybody who the Olympian’s mother had talked to, listened and believed. Such perception was reinforced during the open forum when Angelica Poquiz Yulo became evasive in answering basic and simple questions needing straightforward answers. Notably, while the press conference was mainly called to clarify the issues raised by Carlos Edriel Poquiz Yulo and his girlfriend Chloe Anjeleigh San Jose, the Olympian’s mother would not like to answer the basic question on where she spent the money that her son was looking for.

When asked on what their family plans to do on the arrival of her bemedaled son, she flatly replied that their family have not talked about it. This, even as everyone are upbeat and excited to meet Carlos Edriel Poquiz Yulo upon his return from the 2024 Paris Olympics. It is indeed appalling that the aim to give clarification was held with much reservation, presumably following the counsel from many sources. People could only guess that the high-profile volunteer counsel may not be true in his statements that he is only giving free legal services to stop the spread of inaccurate information about some statements being attributed to the Olympian’s mother.

There appears to be mental dishonesty on the part of the Olmpian’s mother and some persons behind her that even the bemedaled Carlos Edriel Poquiz Yulo begged to obtain a sincere apology from his mother. All that the public wants is a sincere expression of the mother without the interference and influence of counsel.
comments to alellema@yahoo.com

In today’s evolving business landscape, sustainability is no longer an optional exercise but a critical component of long-term business success. As we transition towards a green economy, companies are recognizing that sustainability can serve as a significant competitive advantage. This essay explores how sustainability drives business success in the green economy.

The Green Economy and Sustainability

The green economy is characterized by business practices that promote economic growth while reducing environmental risks. It is an economy that values sustainable development without degrading the environment. In this context, sustainability refers to business strategies that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage

There are several ways in which sustainability can offer a competitive advantage to businesses:

Cost Savings: Implementing sustainable practices, such as energy efficiency and waste reduction, can lead to significant cost savings. These practices reduce resource consumption and waste generation, thereby lowering operational costs.

Innovation: Sustainability drives innovation. Companies that embrace sustainability are often at the forefront of developing new products, services, and business models that address environmental challenges. This innovation can lead to market differentiation and growth.

Brand Enhancement: Consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and prefer to purchase from companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. By adopting sustainable practices, companies can enhance their brand image, attract environmentally conscious customers, and increase customer loyalty.

Risk Management: Sustainability helps companies manage environmental and social risks that could disrupt their operations. By proactively addressing these risks, companies can ensure business continuity and protect their reputation.

Regulatory Compliance: As governments around the world implement stricter environmental regulations, businesses that adopt sustainable practices are better positioned to comply with these regulations. Compliance can prevent potential legal issues and penalties that can disrupt business operations.

How can companies effectively integrate sustainability into their business strategies?
To effectively integrate sustainability into their business strategies, companies should set clear objectives, conduct a sustainability assessment, engage stakeholders, integrate sustainability into business processes, invest in employee education and engagement, measure and monitor progress, collaborate and innovate, and communicate with stakeholders. By following these steps, companies can align their practices with sustainability goals, embed sustainability into their operations, track progress, foster collaboration, and enhance brand reputation. This integration allows businesses to drive positive environmental and social impact while ensuring long-term success in the green economy.

The green economy presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses. While the transition towards sustainability requires initial investment and restructuring, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. By viewing sustainability as a competitive advantage, businesses can drive innovation, enhance their brand image, manage risks, comply with regulations, and ultimately, achieve long-term success. Therefore, sustainability is not just about preserving the environment; it is a strategic approach that can drive business success in the green economy. As we move forward, businesses that embrace sustainability will be the ones leading the way in the green economy, setting an example for others to follow, and reaping the benefits of their foresight and adaptability.
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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!