DRUG-FREE. Officials from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency through its regional director, Jacquelyn De Guzman, led in the unveiling of a drug-free marker at the regional office of the Department of Interior and Local Government which is headed by Regional Director Arnel Agabe. (PHOTO COURTESY)
DRUG-FREE. Officials from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency through its regional director, Jacquelyn De Guzman, led in the unveiling of a drug-free marker at the regional office of the Department of Interior and Local Government which is headed by Regional Director Arnel Agabe. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-8) celebrated a significant milestone on Monday, August 12 with the unveiling of its drug-free workplace marker at the Regional Training Center on Kanhuraw Hill, this city.
This recognition was awarded to DILG 8 after all 70 selected personnel tested negative for illegal substances during a random drug test conducted by the DILG and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on July 31, 2024.
In his address, DILG Regional Director Arnel Agabe praised the collective efforts that led to this achievement and emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy and safe workplace.
“This is a great achievement for the department, but it doesn’t end here. We must continue to embody our core values of being ‘Matino, Mahusay, at Maasahan’ in everything we do, “he said.
PDEA Regional Director Atty. Jacquelyn De Guzman, who played a key role in declaring DILG 8 as a drug-free workplace, commended the DILG’s dedication and commitment.
“This marker reflects your commitment, especially as DILG stands at the forefront of the government’s barangay drug clearing program,” she said.
TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Visayas’ top Army official, Major Gen. Camilo Ligayo, has refuted Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ de la Rosa’s claim that New People’s Army (NPA) recruitment is once again active under the Marcos administration, suggesting a resurgence of communist insurgency in the country.
Ligayo countered the senator’s assertion, stating that the situation is actually the opposite.
Specifically, in Eastern Visayas, the insurgency problem has significantly weakened, and there is confidence that the issue will be resolved under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
“I don’t think so. They are still there, but they are not gaining strength. It is not happening here or even throughout the country that they are gaining strength,” Ligayo said on Tuesday, August 13, dismissing de la Rosa’s claim.
In fact, Ligayo, the commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar, mentioned that they are now applying the final touches to quelling the insurgency problem in the region.
“It’s just a matter of time for us to end this communist armed conflict. If this were a basketball game, we’re not just in the fourth quarter, we’re in the last two minutes,” he stated.
Sen. De la Rosa had claimed that NPA recruitment is gaining momentum under the Marcos administration.
The senator made this claim on August 6 during a Senate inquiry into the reported recruitment of students in schools to join the communist group.
Based on their report, the relentless campaign to eliminate the insurgency problem in the region under President Marcos’ administration has led to the surrender of 162 NPA rebels and the deaths of 94 others, 14 of whom were considered key leaders in the region.
Ligayo also mentioned that around 148 firearms were recovered from the rebels and that 284 of their camps had been dismantled.
He attributed the weakening of the insurgency problem to the rebels’ decision to surrender and return to the fold of the law, as well as the strong support from local government units and various government agencies in helping to solve the issue.
As Filipino youth are confronted with the challenges of the modern world, there is a growing need for role models who exemplify excellence, dedication, and resilience. Carlos Yulo, the first Filipino gymnast to win gold medals in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination.
At a young age, Yulo has already made history by becoming the first Filipino gymnast to bring home not just one but two gold medals from the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. His achievement not only highlights his exceptional talent and skill but also underscores the importance of perseverance and grit in the face of adversity. His dedication to his craft, coupled with his unwavering determination to succeed, proves the limitless potential that lies within every Filipino youth.
Yulo’s success on the world stage has not come without its fair share of challenges and setbacks. From financial difficulties to injuries and setbacks, Yulo has faced numerous obstacles on his path to success. However, it is his resilience in the face of adversity that truly sets him apart as a role model for Filipino youth. His ability to overcome obstacles with grace and determination is a valuable lesson for all young Filipinos to never give up on their dreams.
In a world where instant gratification and shortcuts are often glorified, Yulo’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. By emulating his work ethic and commitment to excellence, Filipino youth can set themselves on a path toward achieving their own goals and aspirations. He has proven the fact that with passion, determination, and unwavering dedication, anything is possible.
As the new school year starts, may his remarkable journey from a young gymnast with big dreams to a world champion serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Filipino youth. Young Filipinos should strive to emulate his athletic prowess in their own lives. By believing in their own potential, the youth can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness in their chosen endeavors. Let us all be inspired by Carlos Yulo’s achievement toward realizing our full potential as individuals and as a nation.
Images hold a powerful influence over our perception of reality. With the advancement of technology, images have become more editable than ever before, blurring the lines between what is real and what is not. This raises the question of whether reality itself has become an illusion in the age of editable videos and images.
Editable videos and images have revolutionized the way we perceive reality. With software like Photoshop and filters on social media platforms, anyone can alter and manipulate images to fit their desired narrative. This accessibility to image editing tools has given rise to a culture where reality is often distorted and embellished, leading to a skewed view of the world. We hardly are aware of the power and influence that images hold in shaping our understanding of the world around us.
The prevalence of edited images on social media has also had an enormous impact on our self-esteem and self-perception. With the rise of unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by edited images, individuals often feel pressure to conform to these unattainable ideals. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a distorted sense of self-worth. We might as well be attuned to the psychological implications of consuming edited images and the effect they can have on mental health.
Moreover, the spread of fake news and misinformation through edited images has become a growing concern in society. With the ability to manipulate images, it has become easier to deceive and manipulate people into believing false information. This poses a threat to the credibility of news sources and the trustworthiness of information presented to the public. We then should underscore the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in a world where reality can easily be manipulated through edited images.
The concept of reality becoming an illusion in the age of editable images raises ethical dilemmas about the authenticity and truthfulness of visual media. How can we trust the images we see when they can be easily altered to fit a particular agenda or narrative? We should be conscious of the ethical implications of using edited images and the responsibility that comes with presenting truthful information to the public.
The rise of deepfake technology, which allows for the creation of realistic fake videos using artificial intelligence, further blurs the line between reality and illusion. With the potential to create videos of public figures saying and doing things they never actually did, deepfake technology has the power to sway public opinion and manipulate the masses. Let’s be concerned about the implications of deepfake technology on the authenticity of visual media and its potential to deceive the public.
Indeed, the age of editable images has ushered in a new era where reality itself has become an illusion. The prevalence of edited images in society has distorted our perception of reality, leading to a culture where authenticity is often sacrificed for aesthetics. We should be acutely aware of the impact that edited images have on our understanding of the world and the need for vigilance in discerning truth from manipulation. We must approach visual media with a critical eye and advocate for transparency and honesty in the portrayal of reality.
Being a part of a business association can greatly contribute to the growth and development of a business by providing access to valuable resources and training opportunities. As we commonly hear the saying, “No man is an island”, building a network can greatly increase your chances of succeeding in the business. Let me explain how:
1. Resources: Business associations often have a wealth of resources that can benefit their members. These resources may include research reports, industry data, market analysis, and best practices. By being a member, businesses can tap into these resources, gaining valuable insights and information that can help them make informed decisions and stay competitive in the market.
2. Training: Business associations frequently organize workshops, seminars, and training programs tailored to the needs and challenges of their members. These training opportunities cover a wide range of topics, such as leadership development, marketing strategies, financial management, and technological advancements. Participating in these programs can enhance the skills and knowledge of employees which can ultimately improve the overall performance and productivity of the business.
3. Peer Learning: Business associations provide a platform for networking and peer learning. Through various events, conferences, and forums, businesses can connect with industry experts and experienced professionals. This allows for the exchange of countless of ideas, inspiring and amazing experiences, and valuable lessons.. Learning from others in the same industry can provide valuable insights and perspectives that can be applied to one’s own business, fostering growth and innovation.
4. Access to Funding and Opportunities: Some business associations have partnerships with financial institutions or investors, which can open doors to funding opportunities for their members. Additionally, associations often have connections with government agencies, trade missions, and international organizations, which can provide access to potential business partnerships, collaborations, and export/import opportunities.
Being a part of a business association carries a weight of immense importance and is a crucial step for any burgeoning or established business. This is due to the wide array of benefits it provides. Firstly, it creates a platform for networking, enabling businesses to forge beneficial relationships and partnerships with other entities within the same industry.
The exchange of ideas and experiences can lead to innovative solutions and strategies. Secondly, business associations often provide access to resources and training, which can facilitate the continual growth and development of a business. Furthermore, these associations also advocate for business-friendly policies on behalf of their members, providing a unified voice that can influence legislative or regulatory changes. Lastly, membership in a business association can enhance a company’s reputation, as it signifies a commitment to industry standards and quality. Thus, the importance of being a part of a business association is multifold, and it can be a pivotal factor in the success and sustainability of a business.
Exchanging of ideas and concepts with like-minded people can affect how you manage your business. Being guided by tenured entrepreneurs allow us to realize unending possibilities in which if we could not have thought about on our own. Indeed, there are a lot of resources that we can find by merely using the internet, but knowing first-hand experiences is a ton of knowledge. The business association is not created for the benefit of socializing during events, but meeting different people can play a significant part in growing any business.
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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!
CHRIST said that of himself. “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (Jn 6,51)
We need to savor these words of Christ if only to strengthen our belief that in the Holy Eucharist, in the Blessed Sacrament, in the Holy Communion, what we have is the real and living Christ and not just a symbol of him.
We need to level up our awareness of this reality which, of course, can be accessed only if we have faith that is nourished by real piety and devotion. We need to realize more deeply that what Christ offers in the Holy Eucharist is he himself who wants to be with us to the extent of wanting to enter into our own body, so he and us can be made one, as we should be.
Yes, when we receive him in Holy Communion, we actually would have the eternal life already with us, although still in a tentative, not yet in a definitive, state. This is a truth of our faith that should always be kept alive and vivid in our mind and heart so that we learn to live the life that is proper to us, that is, as God our Father and Creator wants it for us.
We need to be aware of the real dignity that we have, a dignity that God is giving us, a dignity that brings us to the level of God, no matter how unworthy we feel we are. We should just “force” ourselves to believe this truth since there is no way we can understand it if we simply rely on our natural reasoning.
We should just follow the example of Mary who, upon being told that she was going to be the mother of the son of God, asked how it can be. But when it was told to her that the Holy Spirit would overshadow her and she would conceive the son in her womb, she simply said, “Be it done according to your word,” even if she definitely did not quite know how that would happen. She just “forced” herself to believe out of faith.
It’s this kind of faith that we ought to have with respect to the real presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament or to Christ as the Bread of Life who wants to be taken by us, so we can have eternal life.
It is once again the time to enliven our faith, suspend for a while our human perception of things and allow Christ to tell us things, since he truly tells us nothing other than the ultimate truths that can go over and above what we, with our human and natural powers, can perceive, much less comprehend.
We have to realize that in spite of our best efforts to know and understand things, we know that we cannot apprehend everything, much less understand things fully and with finality. And yet we somehow can discern that the reality that governs us goes beyond what we can perceive and understand.
That is simply because of the spiritual character of our nature that would somehow enable us to have at least an inkling, an intimation of the spiritual, let alone, supernatural realities. These are realities that go beyond the sensible world. More than that, these are realities that are poised to make us enter into the supernatural realities since we know we have to contend with mysteries.
