The Filipino people from all nooks of the globe were awakened to a midnight rant of a brat whose family ruled a city and this country. The threats were ignited by the reality threat that she will lose her ambition of following her father’s high office as the country’s chief executive and commander-in-chief. It began with the breakup of the unity team that catapulted the magical president back into the palace by the river. The magical president had kept the political line for his family who are not keen on easily giving up the profitable seats of power. The long line of successors is waiting for their turn at the right time to be in their desired office simultaneously or alternatively.

That could have been the same setup that the dislodged ranting brat could have made had they remained in power. The fundamental law prohibits reelection for the president and so the successors had no choice but to seek the second highest post considering the seemingly unpreparedness to seek the presidency. It took the intervention of a queenmaker to setup the tandem, including the electoral system that could ensure their victory. Indeed, the outcome was as predicted, the counting machines spewing numbers ahead of the precinct count.

The ranting brat had in the beginning the good graces of the magical president, allowing her to take her choice cabinet seat and getting all the support she needed. The cabinet seat afforded her to introduce needed reforms that would improve the country’s educational system and be at par with other countries in the world. All programs were running well until she verged into promoting her hidden ambition in the guise of authoring a children’s book that only parents could have beneficial use while explaining the stories to their children. These parents are voters who are potential supporters to ensure the success of her presidential ambition.

Such ploy merited the probe of congressional investigation as a huge budget was allocated for its printing. The children’s book had the prominent name and photo of the ranting brat, deemed as an act of political move towards attaining her political ambition. Yet, she had the temerity to tell the congressional probers not to politicize her project for it is aimed to improve the early education of children.

Unfortunately, the investigators took the project as too costly and the book as too raw as it did not pass through the standard review by experts in the field. Eventually, the investigators moved to reduce the huge budget for education but loyal supporters of the ranting brat argued that the budget must be approved without scrutiny as a matter of practice and a show of respect to the office.

The probe led to other discoveries, chiefly the use of confidential funds that was found anomalous. Evading the hearings, she kept on sending representatives of her office even without invitation and authority. When her staff were brought into spilling the details of the anomalous use of confidential funds, she interfered by opting to stay in detention with her staff, a fellow lawyer who was found lying. Confronted with imprisonment after being cited for contempt by the quad committee of the house of representatives and four impeachment complaints, she now is in tandem with her father to stand as their own lawyers. Indeed, an arrogant display for their family’s vice.
comments to alellema@yahoo.com

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of education in preparing future business leaders has never been more critical. As industries undergo rapid transformation driven by technological advancements, globalization, and shifting consumer demands, the future of business education holds immense significance in equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to thrive in a dynamic environment. Let’s explore the importance of preparing students for a changing business landscape through innovative business education.

Adapting to Technological Advancements:

Technological innovations such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and blockchain are reshaping industries and revolutionizing business operations. The future of business education must emphasize digital literacy, coding skills, and an understanding of emerging technologies to prepare students for the tech-driven workplace of tomorrow. Equipping students with the ability to leverage technology for strategic decision-making and innovation is essential in staying competitive in a digitally transformed world.

Navigating Globalization and Diversity:

Globalization has interconnected economies, cultures, and markets, creating a need for business leaders who can navigate diverse environments and understand global trends. Business education should focus on fostering cross-cultural competencies, intercultural communication skills, and a global mindset to prepare students for international business opportunities and cross-border collaborations. Embracing diversity and inclusivity in business education enhances students’ ability to work effectively in multicultural settings and leverage diverse perspectives for innovation and growth.

Embracing Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility:

The future of business education must prioritize sustainability, ethics, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) to groom socially conscious leaders who prioritize purpose-driven business practices. Integrating sustainability principles, environmental stewardship, and ethical decision-making into the curriculum empowers students to address complex societal challenges, contribute to sustainable development, and create long-term value for both businesses and society. Educating students on the importance of ethical leadership and responsible business practices fosters a culture of accountability and integrity in the business world.

Developing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills:

In a rapidly changing business landscape, the ability to think critically, analyze complex problems, and make informed decisions is invaluable. Business education should cultivate students’ analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making skills through real-world case studies, simulations, and experiential learning opportunities. Nurturing a mindset of continuous learning, adaptability, and agility equips students to tackle unforeseen challenges, drive innovation, and lead organizational change effectively.

Fostering Entrepreneurial Mindset and Innovation:

Entrepreneurship and innovation are key drivers of economic growth and industry disruption. Business education should nurture an entrepreneurial mindset, creativity, and innovation capabilities among students to encourage risk-taking, experimentation, and entrepreneurial ventures. Encouraging students to think innovatively, identify opportunities, and develop solutions to complex problems cultivates a culture of entrepreneurship and fosters a spirit of innovation that propels businesses forward in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the future of business education plays a pivotal role in preparing students for a changing landscape characterized by technological advancements, globalization, sustainability, and innovation. By equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to thrive in a dynamic business environment, business education serves as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, organizational success, and societal impact. Embracing innovation, diversity, sustainability, and critical thinking in business education empowers future business leaders to navigate challenges, drive positive change, and shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for the business world.
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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!

INDEED, that is how true love is. It never says enough in its self-giving. If it would cost one’s life, so be it. It would always take the initiative, never waiting for some favorable conditions to start loving. It may involve some episodes of anger, but it would always end with mercy.

We can learn these qualities of true love from the first reading of the Mass of Tuesday after Epiphany Sunday. (cfr. 1 Jn 4,7-10) “Let us love one another, for charity is of God. And every one that loves, is born of God, and knows God,” it says.

And it describes the extent to which this love goes in this way: “In this is charity: not as though we had loved God, but because he has first loved us, and sent his Son to be a propitiation for our sins.”

It obviously would look like impossible for us to have that kind of love which we are meant to have since we are supposed to God’s image and likeness, sharers of his life and nature. We should not waste time worrying about that apparent impossibility. We are told that as long as we do our part, imperfect as it is, it would be God himself who would do it for us and with us!

If we truly love God and everybody else, with a love that is nothing less than a participation of the love God has for us and as commanded by Christ to us, then we will never say enough in our self-giving.

Even if such attitude would already seem to be going beyond common sense, our reason and other human and worldly standards that we usually use to measure our love, we would still go on giving ourselves, never saying enough. We would just give and give, even if we seem to consume ourselves in death.

This is, of course, an overwhelming prospect, but that is what true love is. It is some kind of madness that knows no limits. It is given without measure, without cost, without any calculation.

And even if such total self-giving is not reciprocated, it would still go on loving. It is purely gratuitous. Even more, even if it is not only unreciprocated but is also violently resisted and rejected, it would still go on loving.

Obviously, if we are to rely only on our own powers, there is no way we can have this kind of self-giving. This can only take place if we are truly identified with Christ, if we have his grace and are corresponding to it with all that we have got.

It’s only in this condition that that we can go beyond the limits of our natural self and above the usual drama in life. We of course have our limitations, physical, mental, emotional, etc. And yet, as long as we are truly with Christ, we can still manage to give ourselves unstintingly. The spiritual and supernatural in us through Christ would enable us to give ourselves despite our natural limitations and worldly conditions.

It is God’s grace that does the trick. It’s when we correspond sincerely to God’s love for us that we get a self-perpetuating energy to do our best in any given moment. It’s when we can manage to do the impossible.

We need to help each other to do and give our best in whatever task we have out of sheer love for God and neighbor. The appropriate training should be established in homes, schools and everywhere. The proper climate and environment should be created for this purpose.