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Power cooperatives in EV come to aid typhoon-hit Bicol to restore electricity

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TASK FORCE KAPATID. Boom trucks from Leyte II Electric Cooperative head to Catanduanes to support power restoration efforts in the province devastated by Super Typhoon ‘Pepito.’ Eleven power cooperatives across the region have united under Task Force Kapatid to assist in the recovery. (CIO)
TASK FORCE KAPATID. Boom trucks from Leyte II Electric Cooperative head to Catanduanes to support power restoration efforts in the province devastated by Super Typhoon ‘Pepito.’ Eleven power cooperatives across the region have united under Task Force Kapatid to assist in the recovery. (CIO)

TACLOBAN CITY — An 86-member team from all the 11 electric cooperatives across Eastern Visayas departed on Wednesday, Nov. 20, to help restore power in the typhoon-devastated province of Catanduanes.

Among the teams are linemen from the Leyte II Electric Cooperative (Leyeco II), which serves Tacloban City and the nearby towns of Palo and Babatngon.

In a statement, Leyeco II emphasized that their decision to send a crew to Catanduanes is a gesture of gratitude, recalling the assistance they received from various power cooperatives during the aftermath of Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ 11 years ago.

“As a recipient of the Task Force Kapatid Program years ago, Leyeco II is committed to giving back by lending a helping hand whenever electric cooperatives are ravaged by typhoons and other calamities,” Leyeco II stated.

Catanduanes recently bore the brunt of Super Typhoon Pepito, which caused extensive damage, including the province-wide loss of power supply.

The Leyeco II contingent, composed of 28 linemen led by Engr. Mark Gil Natan, will be stationed in Virac, Catanduanes, where they will work to restore power supply over a 20-day period.

“These brave men will spend weeks away from their families to respond to the call for help from our sister cooperative in the Bicol Region,” Leyeco II noted.

The team brought essential equipment, including two boom trucks and service vehicles, to facilitate their operations.

Task Force Kapatid is a collaborative initiative among electric cooperatives in the Philippines designed to help restore power in areas severely affected by natural disasters, such as typhoons and earthquakes.

Organized by the National Electrification Administration (NEA), the program mobilizes linemen, technical personnel, and equipment from unaffected cooperatives to assist those facing extensive power outages and infrastructure damage.

The initiative has played a pivotal role in disaster response and recovery efforts across the country, particularly in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda, which devastated Tacloban City and Eastern Visayas.

During that crisis, power cooperatives, including Meralco, helped expedite the restoration of electricity in Tacloban City.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)

Safeguarding democracy

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Our country has been facing a perilous crossroads where the enemies of democracy have infiltrated the very institutions meant to safeguard it. These individuals, some openly clinging to ideologies hostile to pluralism, remain intent on reshaping the government into a one-party regime. It is alarming that, despite the dangers, they continue to gain positions of power through elections, threatening to erode the foundations of freedom and governance.

This infiltration is no accident; it is the result of a calculated strategy. These groups have mastered the art of political survival, cloaking their true intentions in populist rhetoric and promises that resonate with disillusioned voters. By presenting themselves as champions of the marginalized, they exploit the frustrations of citizens desperate for change. But the cost of their rise is democracy itself. A government dominated by a single party, as they envision, would leave no room for dissent, debate, or diversity. History offers numerous grim examples of how such regimes crush opposition, silence critics, and consolidate power under the guise of serving the people.

The situation is made worse by the complacency of voters who fail to recognize the long-term consequences of their choices. Many see elections as popularity contests or opportunities to exact revenge on political elites, overlooking the importance of ideology and principles. This shortsightedness empowers those who seek to dismantle democracy from within. Each vote cast for these individuals is a step closer to their ultimate goal—a government where elections become mere formalities and alternative voices are systematically silenced.

Compounding the issue is the failure of democratic institutions to act decisively against these threats. Agencies tasked with upholding democratic principles often lack the will or capacity to address the growing menace. Weak enforcement of laws, leniency toward subversive activities, and an absence of accountability allow these individuals to operate with impunity. Even Congress, once a bastion of healthy political discourse, is increasingly influenced by figures whose agendas are anything but democratic, now in close alliances with prominent lawmakers.

The nation must wake up to the danger before it is too late. Education campaigns should be intensified to inform voters of the implications of their electoral choices. Institutions must be strengthened to enforce democratic safeguards and prevent the consolidation of power by those who threaten the system. Above all, citizens must prioritize vigilance and accountability, ensuring that democracy is not just a word but a living, breathing principle upheld by every Filipino.

Importance of a foundation

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DOMS PAGLIAWAN

When I see something crumbling—a house, a career, or a relationship—I often wonder what went wrong at the start. Everything, whether built with bricks or trust, stands or falls on its foundation. And yet, people often rush past the hard, gritty work of laying down something solid, too eager to see the walls rise or the dreams take flight.

I remember the house my acquaintance had built years ago, a proud little bungalow that tilted after just one rainy season. He had skimped on the cement, convincing himself the savings were worth it. That house became a cautionary tale, one we still laugh about, though it’s not funny when you think about how avoidable it was. A good foundation isn’t glamorous—it’s unseen, buried beneath—but without it, everything that follows is just a future pile of rubble waiting for the right storm. I see the same thing in careers where people skip the learning phase, in businesses slapped together without clear plans, and even in friendships that crack under the weight of unmet expectations.

In my twenties, I thought I could wing my way through anything. I was bright, eager, and delusional enough to think talent alone would carry me far. Then came my first real job, where I botched a project because I didn’t understand the basics I should’ve learned in college. My boss—a kind man with a terrifying glare—called me out. “You can’t build a roof on air,” he said, and those words have haunted and humbled me ever since. It’s not that I lacked ability; I lacked groundwork, and it took failure to teach me that shortcuts don’t save time—they waste it.

The same principle applies to reputation, though its foundations are harder to see. Reputation, like wet cement, takes time to set. I once worked with a neighbor, a teacher everyone respected. Then I discovered she was falsifying grades. It’s not just her reputation that collapsed; it’s the faith her students had in her, the kind you can’t rebuild even if you apologize for a lifetime. That’s the cruel irony of a bad foundation—its cracks spread quietly, and by the time they show, it’s too late to fix them without tearing everything apart.

Relationships are no different. I’ve seen whirlwind romances that burn brightly and fizzle faster than a firecracker, simply because they skipped the slow, awkward process of knowing each other’s faults. A cousin of mine married a man she met two months prior. They had the chemistry of a rom-com, but when real life demanded patience and compromise, their relationship folded like cheap plywood. Love is wonderful, but it’s also work. The strongest couples I know are the ones who’ve argued over petty things and still showed up for each other the next day.

Even businesses built on charm alone collapse when a substance is lacking. I know someone who opened a restaurant with flashy decor and Instagram-worthy plates but couldn’t manage inventory to save her life. She laughed at advice to focus on the less glamorous side—like training staff or calculating margins. Six months later, she was bankrupt and furious at the world. But businesses don’t fail because of bad luck; they fail because their owners forget that fancy walls don’t make a building strong.

We live in a world obsessed with speed, where people want instant results without the bother of groundwork. Social media is a prime example. Everyone wants followers, likes, and viral moments, but few want to put in the years of creating meaningful content or engaging with their audience. It’s a glittery façade built on nothing but vanity, and sooner or later, it collapses under the weight of its emptiness.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best way to build anything—be it a dream, a house, or even yourself—is to start with the boring, back-breaking work of laying down a solid foundation. That means patience, planning, and sometimes looking like you’re going nowhere while you’re quietly building everything. You can’t rush the concrete to set. You can’t skip steps without paying the price. And when the storms come—and they always do—it’s the hidden, unglamorous work you did at the start that will decide whether you’re still standing.

 

Floods

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AL ELLEMA
AL ELLEMA

These are rainy days and we do not know how many people are well prepared for it. We have seen the devastation of many farms that were hit by the floods. The destruction of crops will surely affect food supply in the next few months. We cannot expect too much come harvest time as many of our plants, especially rice which is our staple food, had been washed by the heavy rains and floods. There still will be harvest time no matter what, but the produce of our farms will surely be lean as plants were inundated. Rice that already started bearing healthy grains were suddenly washed out by the floods.

If these are lean months where the supply of rice is low, causing prices of our staple food to rise almost on a daily basis, much more crisis is coming in the aftermath of the torrential rains. People must face the reality of an impending food shortage due mainly to the destruction of many plants, rice above all. But with the current crisis we are in, it is quite difficult for many people to save enough for the leaner months that is sure to come. While we can foresee the effects of the flood that hit the region, many will be unable to find means to prepare for such impending shortages in the supply of food and other basic needs.

We truly need to revive the basic lessons demonstrated by ants, that small creature that shows unparalleled industry and diligence in gathering enough stocks for the rainy days. It is truly unfortunate that we tend to conveniently forget such lessons, setting on a happy-go-lucky lifestyle, if not total laziness to gather enough for the occurrence of rainy days. We have so much time to produce the basic needs we need during better times of the year. Unfortunately, we prefer to enjoy the times of bountiful harvest without saving enough for the days when we cannot earn due to the rains.

It is sometimes awesome to observe our penchant to just keep singing in the rain. We tend to enjoy the moment by spending instead of saving every extra penny from our hard-earned money. This is evident in the proliferation of machines that our people love to croon to while away their time in the guise of leisure after work. We are caught with our inclination to be happy by our manifest preference for the videoke that eats money than buying tools of trade that produces money. These are fundamental reasons why we often fell yawning with empty bellies during rainy days and floods.
comments to alellema@yahoo.com

“The impact of celebrity endorsement on brand-building”

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MARIA JENILEEN CORDERO-ALANO
MARIA JENILEEN CORDERO-ALANO

Celebrity endorsement is a powerful marketing strategy that has a significant impact on consumer perception of products. When a well-known personality or celebrity promotes a product or service, it can influence consumer attitudes, preferences, and purchasing decisions. Riding on the popularity of a celebrity truly has a strong impact on a brand. This article delves into the various ways in which celebrity endorsement shapes consumer perception and drives consumer behavior.

Building Credibility and Trust: Celebrities are often seen as credible and trustworthy figures in the eyes of consumers. When a celebrity endorses a product, their association with the brand can enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of the product in the eyes of consumers. Consumers may be more inclined to trust and try a product that is endorsed by a celebrity they admire or respect.

Creating Brand Awareness and Visibility: Celebrity endorsements can significantly increase brand awareness and visibility. The star power and popularity of the celebrity can attract attention to the product and help it stand out in a crowded marketplace. Consumers are more likely to notice and remember a product that is endorsed by a celebrity, leading to increased brand recognition and recall.

Influencing Consumer Attitudes and Perceptions: Celebrity endorsements can shape consumer attitudes and perceptions towards a product. The positive attributes associated with the celebrity, such as attractiveness, likability, and success, can transfer to the endorsed product. Consumers may perceive the product more positively and favorably due to its association with the celebrity, leading to a more favorable attitude towards the brand.
Enhancing Brand Image and Positioning: Celebrity endorsements can help enhance the brand image and positioning of a product. By aligning with a celebrity who embodies the values and characteristics of the brand, companies can strengthen their brand identity and differentiate themselves from competitors. The celebrity’s persona and image can influence how consumers perceive the brand, positioning it as desirable, aspirational, or high-quality.
Driving Purchase Intent and Sales: Celebrity endorsements have the power to influence consumer behavior and drive purchase intent. Consumers may be more motivated to purchase a product that is endorsed by a celebrity they admire or follow. The association with a celebrity can create a sense of desire, aspiration, and social status, prompting consumers to make a purchase decision.

Engaging and Connecting with Consumers: Celebrity endorsements can help brands engage and connect with consumers on a deeper level. The emotional connection that consumers have with their favorite celebrities can be leveraged to create a strong bond between the brand and its target audience. Consumers may feel a personal connection to the brand through its association with a beloved celebrity, leading to increased brand loyalty and advocacy.

In conclusion, celebrity endorsement plays a significant role in shaping consumer perception of products by building credibility, creating brand awareness, influencing attitudes, enhancing brand image, driving purchase intent, and fostering consumer engagement. Companies can leverage the star power and influence of celebrities to connect with consumers, differentiate their brand, and ultimately drive sales and success in the competitive marketplace.

That qualities of a celebrity do you look for to support a particular brand?
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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!

Are we alone?

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CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III

There are hundreds of structures made in the ancient times but cannot be replicated today, in spite of advanced technology that we have.

Are we alone in this wide cosmos? For centuries we were told that we are. It seems that we are special and we are the only living race inhabiting the Earth or any Planet. Lately, these was proven to be false and that after all these years we were actually wrong.

People have pondered whether or not there are other intelligent beings in the universe for a very long time. One of science and exploration’s most exciting and contentious projects has been the search for extraterrestrial life. However, certain shocking findings in recent years have questioned our preconceived notions and raised the possibility that there may be other life forms present in this huge universe besides ourselves.

One of the most intriguing findings was the detection of a mysterious object that entered our solar system in 2017, named ‘Oumuamua. This object, which was dubbed a “scout” from the Hawaiian language, had a very unusual shape, size, and trajectory. It was also moving at an extremely high speed, faster than any known asteroid or comet. Moreover, it seemed to be propelled by an unknown force, as if it had some kind of engine or sail. Some astronomers have speculated that ‘Oumuamua could be an artificial probe sent by an alien civilization to explore our region of space1.

Another shocking revelation was the presentation of alleged alien remains in the Mexican parliament in 2023. A group of lawmakers claimed that they had obtained several specimens of humanoid creatures that were found in different locations in Mexico and Peru. They said that these beings had three fingers on each hand, elongated heads, and unusual internal organs. They also showed X-ray images that supposedly revealed the presence of eggs, ovaries, and implants made of rare metals in some of the bodies. They argued that these creatures were not related to any known life form on Earth, and that they were evidence of extraterrestrial visitation.

A third remarkable discovery was the observation of a potential ocean world orbiting a nearby star called K2-18. Using the powerful Webb Telescope, astronomers detected signs of water vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of this planet, which is about 17% larger than Earth. These are some of the key ingredients for life as we know it, and they suggest that this planet could have a liquid water ocean beneath its clouds. This would make it one of the most promising candidates for hosting alien life in our galaxy4.
These three examples are just some of the many indications that we are not alone in the universe, and that aliens may have already visited or even inhabited our planet. The implications of these findings are profound and far-reaching. They challenge our assumptions about our place and role in the cosmos, and raise new questions about our origins, history, and destiny. They also invite us to rethink our relationship with other forms of life, both on Earth and beyond. How should we react to the reality of alien life on Earth? How should we communicate and interact with them? How should we protect ourselves and our planet from potential threats or conflicts? These are some of the questions that we need to address as we face this new era of discovery and exploration.

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