While the world believed that COVID-19 had relaxed its grip, another alarm sounded—the comeback of dengue in Southeast Asia, the bird flu epidemic in poultry farms, and the silent spread of measles infections among communities believed to be immune. It seems like the world is engaged in a perpetual rat race with diseases that continuously make a comeback. The sobering reality is that epidemics are less an anomaly and more of a pattern, and societal complacency has ensured that the cycle has become a nasty new normalcy.

The news comes around every few months with a spooky sense of déjà vu: hospitals at capacity, health care workers working round the clock, worried parents queuing up for jabs or meds. It’s like the world itself keeps sending new tests of stamina. But these epidemics are not acts of nature; they’re markers of how irresponsibly we’ve treated the world and our healthcare infrastructures. The climate has changed mosquito breeding patterns, deforestation has pushed wild viruses onto the doorstep of human settlements, and overpopulation in cities has made contagion a matter of daily life. We’re not just innocent victims of nature—also its coconspirators.

Take dengue, for instance. What was once seasonal is now operating nearly the whole year round in most tropical cities, including the Philippines. Gridlocked roads, untreated garbage, and clogged drains are ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes. Nevertheless, due to years of warnings, most communities are still deaf to the clamor for sanitation. The city’s fogging program and health advisories could only do so much with popular support still lukewarm. It is pathetic how something tiny—a mosquito—has managed to thrive on something enormous—our neglect.

New flu strains continue to mutate, evading our vaccines and frontiers. With each epidemic, the avian flu that was initially confined to chicken farms now poses the threat of leaping species. International trade, widespread travel, and the long-term human incursion into wildlife preserves render such leaps ever more possible. We inhabit an interconnected world in which a virus can spread faster than the airline refund. The same roads and flights that tie economies together are highways for disease.

There’s another contagion as lethal as complacency. People have gotten tired of health warnings. Post-COVID-19, everyone shrugged off the next epidemic as “just another flu.” Public attention to Danger has withered away, and governments are too consumed by politicking to prepare. Research, surveillance, and preventive healthcare budgets are regularly slashed to finance more visible projects that vote rather than save lives. The result is predictable: every new epidemic finds us unprepared, as if it were the initial time.

Even information crisis feeds the flames. Social media, rather than informing people, spreads misinformation quickly than any virus. Misinformation regarding vaccines, falsified cures, and unwarranted panic spread over the internet, undermining people’s trust in science and physicians. Wherever the truth can save lives today, falsehood is a costly luxury that kills. Health literacy ought to have improved following decades of worldwide pandemics, but superstition rather than science still takes the hearts of many people.

And amidst it all, epidemics lay bare not only our human frailty but also our ability to respond, adapt, and survive. Neighborhoods have begun organizing cleanups, governments have started incorporating disease monitoring into climate information, and doctors keep attending even when fatigue nibbles at their heels. There are rays of hope in the midst of the mayhem–hopes that humanity, though typically reckless, is still capable of mercy and penance.

But now it is time to cease reacting to outbreaks as temporary crises rather than permanent realities of our time. Prevention must be a habit, not an afterthought.

Sanitation must become a collective responsibility, not a campaign slogan. And public health must transcend politics because bacteria do not belong to a party. The sole means of stopping this heartless cycle of recurrent epidemics is to learn at last and once and for all what every epidemic has been struggling to instruct us—that survival is not merely a question of medicine, but of responsibility.

The farmers are the starting point of our entire food supply chain. They are very much important in our daily lives. So imagine the world without them—for sure we will have nothing to eat every day.

The farmers are definitely the driving force behind our agriculture development efforts. They are responsible not only for the food we eat but also for the stability of economies, the preservation of ecosystems, and the health of people and communities around the world.

But the question is: Are they getting the enough support that they direly need?
Perhaps, many of us would say yes! Mainly because we, in the DA, are relentlessly providing them various interventions such as quality seeds or seedlings, which are considered the foundation of successful farming. We also provide them fertilizers, agrochemicals, farm tools and equipment, irrigation systems, soil testing kits and services, livestock and poultry feeds, additives, and other biologics.

In short, we try to give every production support that we could think of so our farmers can produce more. But these are seemingly not enough.

Recognizing our farmers as the starting point in our entire food supply chain, they must be assured also in the proper disposition of their abundant or surplus produce. And that is where our agribusiness and marketing services come in.

With the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), the one taking charge of this main task or responsibility is the I-REAP—also known as the Enterprise Development Component.

I-REAP’s main concern and responsibility is to ensure that farmers’ produce is converted into cash or income so that our food producers can cope with their own socio-economic needs.

Hence, markets are an important part of the economy. They allow a space where government, businesses, and individuals can buy and sell their goods and services. But that’s not all.

They (markets) help determine the pricing of goods and services and inject much-needed liquidity into the economy.

The I-REAP Component aims to increase productivity and value addition and improve access to the markets of enterprise clusters through efficient, cluster-based agricultural and fishery productivity enhancement interventions. The component will fund small- to large-scale climate-resilient and climate-smart pre- and post-harvest, processing, logistics, and distribution facilities. It will also modernize and enhance operations efficiency and resiliency, ensuring quality produce, transport speed, and food safety to meet consumer demands in specific market areas.

Eligible subprojects under the I-REAP Component are, but not limited to, the following: Input Supply/Sourcing facilities (nurseries, seed banks, culture hatcheries, milling plants, breeding centers, fertilizer/composting centers); Production enterprises (crop, livestock, dairy, and fish production); Consolidation facilities (buying, consolidation, and packaging centers for high-value crops with logistics service facilities, hauling trucks, refrigerated vans, etc.); Post-harvest facilities (cold storage facilities, warehouses with drying and post-harvest equipment, silos, etc.);

Processing facilities (rice and corn processing centers, GMP-compliant crop/meat/dairy/fish processing facilities, non-food products processing facilities such as abaca, coco coir, rubber, etc.); and Marketing facilities (trading posts/centers, food terminals with cold or dry storage facilities, pre-processing/processing facilities, logistics facilities, and auction markets).

The implementing proponents of enterprise subproject proposals are the FCA, FCA Cluster, and, of course, the LGUs.

Right now, the new strategy or direction is to encourage all LGUs to submit project proposals and to connect proactively with clients or project proponents.

Technical staff from regular and special projects are advised to plan out, do something, and strategize or prioritize in order to really come up with tangible results. Through this, the agency can ensure and fast-track efficiency in program implementation.

But in the end, it takes two to tango. Meaning, both the implementing agency and target proponents or beneficiaries must work together—because, after all, progress can be achieved if all stakeholders responsibly work for it!

The “Goldilocks principle,” familiar from the children’s story, highlights the importance of finding the optimal balance in all things – not too excessive, not too deficient, but precisely right. This concept applies broadly, suggesting that extremes are rarely ideal, and that success often lies in achieving a harmonious equilibrium. Whether it’s the amount of risk taken in an investment, the level of involvement family members have in the business, or the degree of control exerted over operations, finding the “just right” balance is crucial for achieving optimal outcomes. Too much of something can lead to instability, while too little can result in stagnation. The Goldilocks principle, therefore, serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of moderation, careful planning, and strategic decision-making aimed at achieving a sustainable and balanced approach. This principle applies remarkably well to the art and science of mentoring, where the effectiveness of the relationship hinges on finding the perfect balance between various factors. A successful mentoring relationship isn’t about overwhelming the mentee with advice or leaving them adrift without guidance; it’s about achieving that “just right” level of support, challenge, and autonomy.

Not Too Hot: Avoiding Overbearing Mentorship

One common pitfall in mentoring is the tendency towards overbearing guidance. A mentor who is too involved, micromanaging every aspect of the mentee’s work and decisions, can stifle their growth and independence. This “too hot” approach can manifest in several ways:

– Excessive Control: The mentor dictates every step, leaving little room for the mentee to explore their own solutions or learn from their mistakes. This can create a dependent relationship, hindering the mentee’s ability to develop problem-solving skills and self-reliance.

– Overwhelming Advice: Bombarding the mentee with unsolicited advice, regardless of its relevance or the mentee’s readiness to receive it, can be overwhelming and counterproductive. It can lead to confusion and a sense of being overwhelmed, rather than empowered.

– Imposing Personal Beliefs: A mentor who rigidly imposes their own beliefs, experiences, and methods without considering the mentee’s unique context and aspirations can create friction and hinder the relationship’s effectiveness. Mentorship should be a collaborative process, not a top-down imposition.

– Lack of Trust and Autonomy: A mentor who constantly questions the mentee’s capabilities and decisions can erode their confidence and motivation. Trust and autonomy are essential for fostering a positive and productive mentoring relationship.

Not Too Cold: The Dangers of Detachment

On the other hand, a mentor who is too detached, offering minimal guidance and support, can leave the mentee feeling lost and unsupported. This “too cold” approach can result in:
– Lack of Direction and Feedback: The mentee receives little to no feedback on their progress, leaving them unsure of their strengths and weaknesses and lacking direction in their development. This breeds frustration and stagnation.

– Limited Engagement and Support: The mentor is unavailable or unresponsive, failing to provide the necessary encouragement and support to navigate challenges and celebrate successes. This can leave the mentee feeling isolated and demoralized.

– Missed Opportunities for Growth: Without regular check-ins and constructive feedback, the mentor misses opportunities to identify and address areas where the mentee could benefit from additional guidance or support. This can hinder the mentee’s overall development.

– Unequal Power Dynamics: A detached mentor can inadvertently create an unequal power dynamic, where the mentee feels unheard and undervalued. A strong mentoring relationship requires mutual respect and engagement.

Just Right: Finding the Optimal Balance

The “just right” approach to mentoring involves finding a balance between providing sufficient guidance and support while simultaneously fostering the mentee’s independence and self-reliance. This requires:

– Active Listening and Empathy: Understanding the mentee’s unique needs, aspirations, and challenges is crucial. Active listening and empathy allow the mentor to tailor their guidance to the specific context.

– Targeted Feedback and Coaching: Feedback should be specific, actionable, and timely to be truly helpful. Coaching techniques can help the mentee develop their skills and overcome challenges independently.

– Challenging and Supporting Simultaneously: Mentors should challenge the mentee to step outside their comfort zone while simultaneously providing the support and encouragement they need to succeed. This balance fosters growth and resilience.

– Regular Check-ins and Communication: Maintaining regular communication, through scheduled meetings or informal check-ins, ensures that the mentor remains engaged and aware of the mentee’s progress.

– Building Trust and Rapport: Mentorship thrives on trust and mutual respect. Open communication, honesty, and empathy are essential for fostering a positive and productive relationship.

In conclusion, the Goldilocks principle serves as a valuable framework for understanding the nuances of effective mentoring. Finding the “just right” balance between guidance and autonomy is crucial for fostering a successful mentoring relationship that empowers the mentee to achieve their full potential. By avoiding the extremes of overbearing control and detached indifference, mentors can create a supportive and challenging environment that promotes growth, resilience, and lasting impact.
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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!

THAT’S the lesson Christ wants us to draw from that gospel parable about a woman who persisted in asking a judge to render her justice—even to the point of disturbing him—and finally got what she wanted. (cfr. Lk 18,1-8)

Like that woman we should also persist in asking God for help so we can carry out our duty of resolving very difficult problems we are having in our country and in the world in general.

We know that in the end, God will always give in to grant our petitions, even as we also should be ready to do what God would want us to do. We should just persist, never giving up, because we need nothing less than divine, and not just human, intervention. Difficult and complicated problems require difficult and complicated solutions as well.

We cannot deny that we are facing very complicated problems and issues—widespread poverty, injustice, a culture of ingrained corruption in all levels of government and society in general, etc.—and we just cannot be indifferent to them even if at the moment we seem to be helpless.

We have to heed what Christ told the apostles once: “Duc in altum,” go to the deep, (cfr. Lk 5,4) unafraid of the challenges along the way. We know that God will take care of everything even if we have to meet and carry the cross.

Like Christ we should not even be afraid to offer our life. Let’s remember that our human redemption was achieved through the cross. We should expect the cross to come. More than that, we should love it.

The first thing to do is to pray, to connect ourselves with God who knows everything and has the solution for all our problems and difficulties. In this regard, let’s pay attention to what St. Paul once said: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thes 5,16-18) We need to be strong in the faith to fuel our hope of a better tomorrow.

It’s when we pray when more than us talking to God, begging for some favors, it is God talking to us. It’s more a matter of listening to God and carrying out what he will be telling us or showing or insinuating to us.

Definitely, to tackle the daunting challenges and immense difficulties we are facing today, we really would need to study well the doctrine of our faith and know the as much as we can the facts on the ground, the actual situation of the issues involved.

We have to make plans and strategies as well as learn to coordinate with the involved parties, the stakeholders, key players and those who in one way or another can collaborate with us.

We should not be afraid to complicate our life. We should not be afraid when our life gets complicated. As long as we are with God, we even would be willing to complicate our life. I think that is the proper attitude to develop in ourselves. We should not just wait for our life to get complicated. We somehow should complicate by truly involving ourselves in the mission of resolving the serious problems of our country and of the world.

Obviously, we should try our best to be properly prepared for this unavoidable condition in our life. Let’s prepare ourselves for this physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and morally. For this, we need to avail of all possible and appropriate means.

Danay kinahanglan sunogon an tuna para may maupay nga mga tanom, maupay nga pag tubo ngan pag bag o!

Waray- waray folks know the sentence and it is NOT naïve, it is straight to the point!
The flames eradicate the weeds, pests, and remnants of unsuccessful harvests — preparing the soil for something new and improved. It is a painful yet purifying endeavor. Today, the Republic of the Philippines finds itself at a similar juncture.

Recent disclosures of corruption — ranging from the misuse of public funds to systemic power abuse — have once again revealed the decay that clings to the foundations of our institutions. These incidents are not isolated. They are indicative of a more profound issue: a culture of impunity, a tolerance for dishonesty, and a political framework that frequently prioritizes loyalty over integrity.

Just as a farmer must determine the right moment to ignite the field, the Filipino populace must now ponder: how long will we permit these undesirable crops to flourish? How many harvests must be tainted before we opt for renewal instead of decay?

Corruption transcends mere political concern. It is fundamentally a moral issue. It robs the impoverished, undermines trust in governance, and hinders national advancement. Every peso lost to graft represents a classroom that remains unbuilt, a hospital that is understaffed, and a road that stays impassable. Furthermore, every official who evades accountability conveys a message that justice is negotiable — that the law is pliable for those in power.

However, there is a glimmer of hope. The act of burning is also an act of bravery. It necessitates conviction, unity, and the readiness to endure discomfort for the sake of future growth. Citizens must insist on transparency, support whistleblowers, and cast their votes not for personalities, but for principles. Institutions must be strengthened, not politicized. Moreover, leaders — particularly those who profess to serve the populace — must be held to the highest standards, rather than the lowest common denominator.

The field will not purify itself. It is our responsibility to ignite the flame.

Let this be the season of reckoning. Let the flames of truth rise high enough to scorch the roots of corruption. And when the smoke dissipates, may we discover fertile ground — prepared for a new crop of leaders.