The recent barangay elections that were held for the old and the youth had exposed the corruption of the electoral process. It showcased the money contest that were only practiced in the higher levels of local governance, usually in the provincial, city and municipal levels which carried the candidates for congressional, provincial board members as well as city and municipal councillors. Those were the ugly commercialized elections were barangay officials merely acted as ward leaders. The huge money for vote buying were reportedly downloaded to the barangay level to ensure that votes are delivered and monitored at the precinct level where ward leaders who keep the funds for themselves are easily traced from the results at the precinct votes. Time has changed that the corruption had now invaded the barangay elections both for the old and youth candidates. Vote selling and vote buying had been rampant and at high prices for barangay and youth positions. What seems to be the benchmark was the honorarium that a candidate expects to get if elected for duration of the term. Other candidates include the possible gains that would be raked in from the implementation of programs, projects and activities. Never mind the platform of governance that candidates were forced to declare during the campaign period as a qualification issue of those wannabes for the various positions. Those who won are now preparing for recovery of their expenses and the amount to prepare for the next elections. Vote sellers and those who did not sell their votes have to bear with whatever kind of governance the purported winners by vote buying will do. Their right to complain for bad governance had been compromised by the corrupted elections. With barely two years in office, the honorarium the winners will receive would be barely a little more that the election expenses incurred. The excess would not even be enough to maintain the position in the next elections. Yet, the victors in the vote buying would have the gall to call themselves . . . winners? comments to alellema@yahoo.com

A good two days ago, Region Eight Administrators League (REAL) has conducted a conversation seminar on AI and Growth Mindset. And I promise myself I will write something about the subject, here is one.

In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various aspects of our lives has sparked both excitement and concerns. One area where this debate is particularly fervent is in education, with some predicting that AI could eventually replace teachers. While the idea of machines taking over the role of educators may sound futuristic, it is crucial to approach this topic with a balanced perspective, recognizing the potential benefits and acknowledging the indispensable role those human teachers play in shaping young minds.

Proponents of AI in education argue that these technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way students learn, providing personalized and adaptive learning experiences. AI-powered systems can analyze vast amounts of data to tailor educational content to individual student needs, offering targeted support and addressing specific learning gaps. This could result in a more efficient and effective educational experience, catering to the diverse needs of students.

However, the idea of AI replacing teachers raises legitimate concerns about the loss of the human touch in education. Teaching is not just about delivering information; it involves empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to understand the unique needs of each student. A machine may excel in delivering content and providing information, but it may struggle to understand and address the emotional and social aspects of learning.

Moreover, the relationship between teachers and students extends beyond the transmission of knowledge. Teachers serve as mentors, role models, and guides, helping students develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and a passion for learning. These human qualities are challenging for AI to replicate, as they are deeply rooted in the ability to form meaningful connections and provide nuanced support.

Instead of viewing AI as a threat to teachers, we should see it as a powerful tool that can enhance the educational experience. The integration of AI in classrooms should be guided by a collaborative approach, were teachers and AI work together synergistically. Teachers can leverage AI to streamline administrative tasks, assess student performance more effectively, and gain insights into individual learning styles. This collaborative model acknowledges the strengths of both humans and machines, creating an educational environment that is both technologically advanced and deeply human-centered.

In conclusion, the idea of AI replacing teachers soon may be more nuanced than it initially appears. While AI holds great promise in transforming education, it should be seen as a complementary tool rather than a substitute for human educators. Striking the right balance between technology and human connection is essential to ensure that the educational landscape evolves to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world while preserving the invaluable contributions of teachers in shaping the future generation.