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Spiritual childhood relevant in our complicated times

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FR. ROY CIMAGALA
FR. ROY CIMAGALA

“THE disciples approached Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, ‘Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.’” (Mt 18,1-3)
Definitely, these words of Christ are a call for us to live what is known in spiritual literature as spiritual childhood. We may already be an old person with a lot of knowledge and experience, but we should not forget that we ought to be always humble and simple like a little child if we want to maintain our true dignity as children of God, capable of entering heaven.

Especially nowadays when things are quite complicated and confusing, this spirit of spiritual childhood will protect us from being swallowed up in our now chaotic world. It would help us keep clearly and strongly what the essential things in our life are, what the real purpose of our life is. It will help us to stick with God always rather than be entangled in our earthly things.

It’s also when we are simple and humble as a child that we would attract God’s loving care for us. In this regard, let’s always remember what Christ said once: “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” (Mt 11,25)

We cannot deny that nowadays there are many things that can grab and steal our attention and can hook us into the dynamics of self-indulgence. There are just so many distractions that can ultimately lead us to our destruction. We truly need to be most discerning in the way we handle things, because they either give us good openings and opportunities or lead us to take sweet poisons.

And the secret is always to be closely united with Christ with whom we can put ourselves properly guarded. With him we would know what really comes from God and what comes from something else.

Let’s always remember that evil cannot stand on its own. It will always need the cover of something good to inject us with its toxin. We need to be clever, as Christ himself told us, without losing our innocence. (cfr. Mt 10,16) We should not be naïve. That is why we have to be most discerning of the spirit behind each thing that we handle and each event that can take place in our life. There is a good spirit and a bad one.

When we are with Christ, we would always be prudent in the use of things in general. There is always an element of detachment and of keeping distance even as we immerse ourselves in the things of the world. This detachment is for us to see if we are doing things according to God’s will and not being swallowed by the dynamics of worldly forces that can be very engaging and irresistible.

Let’s be wary always of the danger of self-indulgence that is clearly becoming widespread. There is a slippery slope toward it. For example, we can start going to the Internet for the legitimate purpose of getting information that we need. But along the way, we get distracted by something else that can appear to us as interesting.

We take a bite, and then another bite, until we fail to realize that we are already getting entangled and hooked. It is like being hijacked. We lose our sense of direction, and before we know it, we would already have forgotten why we went to the Internet in the first place.

“Unlocking your learning potential: Strategies for boosting learning ability”

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MARIA JENILEEN CORDERO-ALANO
MARIA JENILEEN CORDERO-ALANO

Enhancing learning skills is vital for personal and professional development. By incorporating effective strategies, individuals can boost their learning capacity and retention. These strategies are undeniably effective to reach the highest potential for learning.

Embracing a growth mindset is fundamental for cultivating and enhancing learning skills. This mindset encompasses the belief in the capacity to cultivate intelligence through dedication and consistent practice. It empowers individuals to confront challenges with resilience, persist in the face of setbacks, and perceive failures as stepping stones toward personal and professional growth. By adopting this perspective, individuals are encouraged to approach learning as a continuous journey of improvement, where obstacles serve as opportunities for development rather than barriers to success. This mindset not only fosters a proactive attitude towards learning but also instills a sense of resilience and perseverance essential for navigating the complexities of educational and professional pursuits.

In the realm of improving learning skills, establishing precise and attainable goals plays a pivotal role in achieving success. Clear objectives not only provide a sense of direction but also serve as a source of motivation, enabling individuals to break down larger aspirations into manageable milestones for effective progress monitoring.

Active learning emerges as a powerful technique for enhancing learning skills. Instead of merely absorbing information, active engagement through questioning, note-taking, summarizing, and engaging in discussions elevates comprehension and aids in better memory retention. By actively participating in the learning process, individuals can deepen their understanding and cultivate a proactive approach to knowledge acquisition.

Recognizing and adapting to various learning styles is crucial in educational contexts.

Exploring visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods helps individuals identify their preferred learning style. By incorporating visual aids, audio resources, and hands-on activities, the learning experience becomes more engaging and effective.

Implementing repetition as a learning technique is proven to be highly beneficial. Taking time to regularly review and revisit material strengthens ones understanding and improves long-term retention.

Teaching others becomes a powerful tool for consolidating knowledge. The need to explain concepts to others not only enhances personal understanding. Thus, it also reveals areas for one’s growth that can lead to a more profound grasp of what needs to be understood.
It’s important to take regular breaks during study sessions to stay focused and avoid burnout. These short breaks help improve concentration and productivity, allowing you to relax, engage in physical activity, or practice mindfulness.

Getting feedback from mentors, teachers, or peers is incredibly valuable for enhancing your learning skills. Constructive criticism provides valuable insights to help refine your strategies and boost your performance.

Self-reflection is essential for improving your learning abilities. By reflecting on your learning experiences, you can identify what works well for you and make the necessary adjustments to optimize your learning process. Sustaining motivation is crucial throughout the learning process. Finding intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, aligning learning with personal goals, celebrating achievements, and tracking progress are effective motivators.

Remember that improving learning skills requires the effective implementation of various strategies. Thus, embracing a growth mindset, setting clear goals, engaging in active learning, recognizing diverse learning styles, utilizing spaced repetition, teaching others, taking breaks, seeking feedback, reflecting on experiences, and staying motivated are all essential steps in unlocking learning potential and succeeding in educational and professional pursuits. Each of these strategies plays a vital role in the ongoing journey toward enhancing learning capabilities and achieving excellence in education and career endeavors.
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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!

Golden moment (Last of two parts)

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AL ELLEMA
AL ELLEMA

Unknown to many that Olympic gold medalist Carlos Edriel Poquiz Yulo started training at a tender of seven years old. He competed in school meets and shared happily his experience of failing to win in the Palarong Pambansa in 2009 at the age of nine years. He admitted of not having enough training and preparation when he represented the National Capital Region that year.

But he continued pursuing his dream of becoming an Olympic gold medalist someday. He had the support of his family starting from his grandfather who noticed his tumbling skills and brought him to a gymnastics tryout the Rizal Memorial Coliseum where he got the chance to observe other gymnasts. He was then introduced to the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines where he got formal training. It is perhaps an advantage that their family live in Malate, Ermita which is near to the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Since he began competing in the sport of his passion, he had won many medals from here and abroad. In his life story on the internet, his siblings where also into gymnastics which his sister was a member of the pep squad. This shows how their family was active in sports and athletics. They all got the support of their parents, chiefly their father Mark Andrew Yulo. Indeed, the support of his parents was vital in his journey to achieve his childhood dream.

He got a break in 2016, he got a scholarship from the Japanese Olympic Committee, a country known for its great gymnasts. The opportunity saw him moving to Japan in 2017 and got formal training from coach Munehiro Kujimiya. It was in Japan where he got the opportunity to pursue his college education. He eventually earned an associate degree in literature from the renowned Teikyo University in Tokyo. His stint in Japan was supported by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines and the Japan Gymnastics Association.

Like other families, theirs was not a perfect one as they too have their share of misunderstand and conflicts. The family problem caught many people by surprise, many expressing their support to Carlos Edriel Poquiz Yulo who at one time ran into conflict with his mother and sister. Reports on social media platforms bared the money owned by Carlos Edriel Poquiz Yulo was spent by his sister and mother without his consent. That caused the misunderstanding as the personal funds of Carlos Edriel Poquiz Yulo were hard-earned money from his winnings. Amid the challenges and family problems with his sister and mother Angelica Poquiz Yulo, he was never distracted from attaining his childhood dream.

With great motivation from his first gold medal, Carlos Edriel Poquiz Yulo went on to win his second Olympic gold medal by garnering as score of 5.6 for difficulty, 9.20 for execution, 15.433 for vault 1, 14.800 for vault 2 with 0.0 penalty for a total score of 15.116 in the artistic vault category. That placed him in the annals of our country’s history as the one Filipino to win two gold medals in this year’s Parish Olympics, winning a second gold as his shining golden moment.
comments to alellema@yahoo.com

DPWH completes off-carriageway, installs 56 solar lights in Laoang

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NSSDEO, Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, Northern Samar – Off-carriageway improvement in Barangay Burabud, Laoang, Northern Samar, has reached its 100 percent completion, implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSSDEO), providing better, wider, and illuminated road access to the travelling public along the national highway.

District Engineer Charlito S. Carlobos said that the improvement of the K0782+(-035.80) – K0783+573.80 section of the Catarman to Laoang Road has a budget appropriation of P30 Million funded under General Appropriation Acts (GAA) of 2024.

This project entails the concreting of 3,227.20 meters roadway and widening of 49 meters roadway, both sides. It also includes 56 solar LED street lights that will be installed to enhance visibility and safety along the route. Construction activities began in February 5, 2024, with a target completion date set on August 2, 2024, but as of July 20, 2024, the project was completed ahead of schedule.

The expanded carriageway will also enhance vehicle capacity and provide safe zones for pedestrians, while solar LED street lights were installed to provide adequate lighting and to reduce the occurrence of accidents in the area. Therefore, local traders can transport their goods and farm commodities to nearby public markets anytime of the day.

This road section is a vital arterial road in the Second District of Northern Samar since it directly links by land travel the municipalities of Pambujan and Laoang, which is also a route of the road users from Catarman leading to the Pacific towns.

It is expected to encourage more tourists to visit various scenic spot in Laoang, Las Navas, and Palapag areas which will help tourism and economic growth. Through this project, it will also ensure the safety and comfort of the locals and wayfarers.
(JOEMAR M.PATILAN,PIO-DESIGNATE/PR)

Bagong Pilipinas offers renewed hope for better beginnings, says So. Leyte Vice Gov. Mercado

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MAASIN CITY-Vice Gov. Rosa Emilia Mercado recognized the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) as an opportunity for people to keep high hopes and stand another chance in life for a fresh start.

Together with the provincial government, we are one with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Speaker Martin Romualdez in giving Filipinos a renewed hope for better beginnings through the Bagong Pilipinas campaign,” she said in her inspirational message on August 2 at the Tomas Oppus Pilot School Gym in Brgy. Mantahan, this city.

Mercado compared BPSF to the outreach program initiated by the provincial government called Project MIAN, which stands for Moving Initiatives and Actions Nearer to Southern Leyteños, among other service-oriented definitions.

Both programs aimed to bring government services directly to field locations in municipalities, making them more accessible to the people.

This approach saved time, money, and effort by reducing the need for individuals to visit government offices personally for various transactions or to access public services.

“In fact, in the provincial government, we have already done Project MIAN because we knew that the distribution of programs could be faster if the government went directly to the people. We are an ordinary province but do extraordinary things for our people. You, the people, are our number one priority for service,” she said.

At least 14 national government agencies participated in the BPSF in the province, simultaneously held in other provinces across the region.

The government aims to engage with communities and demonstrate that services are being delivered directly to the people at the national and provincial levels.

DOLE, TESDA, DOH, DTI, PNP, NBI, LTO, PHILHEALTH, GSIS, COMELEC, PSA, SSS, DICT, and PAO are among the agencies that collaborated with the provincial government.
Mercado and Jackie Maceda, the provincial focal person of Tingog Partylist, led the collaboration at the fair.

DOLE’s TUPAD workers, all wearing colorful uniforms, take turns signing their names on vouchers to receive the wages they earned after more than a week’s labor. The payout is one of the highlights of the BPSF. (Photo by PIA Southern Leyte)

During the event, Junel Respecia, 28, from Brgy. Sabang, Malitbog, secured his lost PhilHealth ID.

In addition, two elderly individuals from Padre Burgos town expressed gratitude to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for their inclusion in the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Disadvantaged (TUPAD) program and received P4,500.00 each. (AAC/MMP, PIA Southern Leyte)

Eastern Visayas farm sector gets P118.75-M anti-poverty projects

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TACLOBAN CITY – The implementation of the PHP118.75 million worth of anti-poverty projects for the agriculture sector in Eastern Visayas is now in full swing, benefiting 125 farmers’ associations, the Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office here reported on Thursday.

As of middle of 2024, the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) regional program management support office said that out of the P118.75 million allocation this year, a total of PHP88.7 million was obligated in the first half of the year.

At least 34.4 percent of the obligated outlay, or PHP30 million, had been disbursed. Eastern Visayas ranked 5th in overall performance in the mid-year review, according to the DA regional office.

“SAAD Eastern Visayas envisioned farmer groups by the year 2028 to be self-sustaining and successfully operating the enterprises under clustering, thus achieving food security and alleviating them from poverty,” DA-SAAD regional assistant focal person Larry Sultan said in a statement.

This year’s funding carried out 102 livelihood projects, 60 social preparation activities, 44 market-related training, and 54 specialized training for farmers’ groups across the region.
For 2024, SAAD Eastern Visayas, which covers 60 towns from the provinces of Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar, identified various livelihood packages related to corn, high-value crops, livestock, and poultry.
Sultan said they are committed to fast-track deliveries of production support, ensuring the timely allocation of funds for projects.

Market connections and other market-related training will also be completed by the third quarter of the year in preparation for the establishment of community-based enterprises.
This year’s allocation is higher than the P87.1 million budget last year for the 65 livelihood projects under the SAAD program in Eastern Visayas.

The program focuses on towns belonging to the 5th and 6th income classes, guided by four core components: social preparation, food production and livelihood, marketing assistance and enterprise development, and program management.

The project prioritizes the marginalized rural farming and fishing communities in the country, targeting two essential services that advance not only the welfare of the disadvantaged segment of the population but also the local agricultural development of the rural communities.
(SARWELL Q. MENIANO/PNA)

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