As I look around at the vast stretches of idle farmland in the countryside, I can’t help but feel frustrated at the sheer waste of potential. These lands, which could be teeming with crops and providing for communities, remain barren and unused. It seems to me that land ownership, especially agricultural land, should come with a responsibility to the greater good. It’s not enough to simply own land and let it sit idle. If we are serious about addressing food security and poverty, we need to make it mandatory for landowners to put their farmlands to productive use.

I strongly believe that we should pass laws that penalize landowners who fail to cultivate their agricultural lands. Farmland is a precious resource that, in the right hands, could yield crops that feed the nation. I’ve seen too many cases where landowners simply let their properties lie dormant, either because they’re too lazy or because they see it as a future real estate investment rather than a source of agricultural produce. This kind of mindset is not just irresponsible—it’s harmful to our society as a whole. These lands should be cultivated for the benefit of everyone, not just hoarded for profit.

The way I see it, if a landowner refuses or is unable to make their land productive, then they should be required to give it up to someone who can. I’m not talking about outright land grabs or unfair seizures, but rather a legal mechanism that ensures that fertile land doesn’t go to waste. There are many farmers and agrarian communities out there who are more than willing to cultivate these lands if only they had access. We need to create a system where those who are willing and able to farm can do so, even if it means redistributing unproductive land.

For me, it’s not just about penalizing landowners for their negligence, but also about incentivizing productivity. If a landowner can’t meet certain benchmarks for agricultural output, then they should be allowed to lease or sell their land to someone who can. This way, there’s a clear path toward making sure our agricultural lands are being put to good use. It’s only fair that if someone is unable to contribute to the country’s agricultural needs, they should let go of their hold on that land.

The idea of letting unproductive land sit idle while people go hungry infuriates me. Our country’s food production should be one of our top priorities, and there’s no excuse for landowners to let their fields remain empty. To me, it feels almost criminal for someone to own fertile land and yet do nothing with it. They should be penalized heavily for such negligence, especially when so many hardworking farmers are struggling with land access.

If landowners can’t or won’t make the land yield, then they simply don’t deserve to keep it.
I also believe that by passing laws to enforce agricultural productivity, we would address some of the inequities in land distribution. Many of these idle lands are owned by a wealthy few who have the luxury of sitting on their property without feeling the urgency to cultivate it. Meanwhile, farmers who would love to work the land are forced to labor on small plots or even leave agriculture altogether. By redistributing idle lands to those willing to farm them, we could create a more just and equitable agricultural system.

This isn’t just about food production, either. It’s about creating jobs, boosting local economies, and preserving the rural way of life. If we put these farmlands back into productive use, we would generate employment for countless individuals in rural communities. I believe that this is the kind of progress we need—progress that isn’t just about increasing yields but about lifting people out of poverty and ensuring that our land benefits everyone.

I feel that we have a responsibility to ensure that agricultural lands are put to good use. By making it mandatory for landowners to cultivate their farmlands, and by penalizing those who don’t, we can help address food insecurity, poverty, and inequality. Let’s pass these laws and ensure that our fertile lands serve the people, not the profits of a few.

In the continuing congressional investigation on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) that had proliferated in various localities, mainly in Bamban, Pampanga where the suspended mayor Alice Guo reigned since 2022 to 2024. She was dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman for grave misconduct. In an order dated 12 August 2024, the Office of the Ombudsman also forfeited the suspended mayor’s retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from holding public office. It explained that the suspended mayor’s involvement in operations of raided POGO in her area of jurisdiction showed a willful intent on her part to violate the law or disregard established rules.

It found the series of acts to be interconnected, leading to the conclusion that they were committed with ulterior motive. There too is a quo warranto case that government lawyers filed and are pursuing. That case will proceed considering that the dismissed mayor may appeal the dismissal order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman. If the quo warranto petition will succeed, it will make Guo Hua Ping a.k.a. Alice Guo ineligible to run for any elective public office in the future. Meanwhile, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) lauded the Office of the Ombudsman for its decision to dismiss mayor Alice Guo.

The election of dismissed mayor Alice Guo had been the subject of an action from the election commission which is seeking the cancellation of her certificate of candidacy as her citizenship had been found dubious. If the action will succeed, the dismissed mayor will face possible administrative and criminal cases. It will also reinforce the order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman dismissing her from office and disqualifying her from holding any elective public office in the future. Such order would result in her ineligibility to hold any appointive position in the government.

Other government officials who were in cahoots with the dismissed mayor Alice Guo were also ordered dismissed for their participation in the offenses that the dismissed mayor was found guilty of. These developments bring gloom on the other government officials who cooperated with the dismissed mayor, mainly those who facilitated in the construction of the buildings that were found to have housed POGO operations.

Indeed, what started as a simple query on the identity of the dismissed mayor opened a proverbial pandora’s box that led to multifarious issues. The illegal entry of foreigners, mostly Chinese who were found to be involved in criminal activities. The quad show is bound to proceed and hog the limelight until the forthcoming elections,
comments to alellema@yahoo.com

Resilience is a crucial trait that empowers individuals to navigate life’s challenges, bounce back from adversity, and emerge stronger. Building resilience is a process that involves developing coping mechanisms, fostering positive thinking, and nurturing emotional well-being. In this 500-word article, we will explore effective strategies to build resilience and enhance one’s ability to face difficulties with strength and grace.

1. Developing a Growth Mindset: Cultivating a growth mindset is essential for building resilience. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, learning from setbacks, and believing in one’s ability to overcome obstacles are key aspects of a growth mindset. By reframing setbacks as learning experiences and focusing on personal development, individuals can build resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

2. Building a Strong Support Network: Establishing meaningful connections with family, friends, and community members is vital for resilience. Having a support system that offers empathy, understanding, and encouragement can provide a sense of security and belonging during challenging times. Sharing experiences, seeking advice, and receiving emotional support from trusted individuals can help individuals navigate difficulties more effectively.

3. Practicing Self-Compassion: Self-compassion entails being kind, understanding, and accepting towards oneself when facing difficulties. Participating in self-care practices, embracing mindfulness, and recognizing emotions without criticism are key elements of self-compassion. By nurturing self-compassion, individuals can enhance resilience and inner fortitude to navigate stress and challenges.

4. Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can enhance resilience by promoting emotional regulation, stress reduction, and mental clarity. Mindfulness techniques help individuals stay present, focus on the moment, and cultivate a sense of calmness amid life’s challenges. Through nurturing self-compassion, individuals can foster resilience and inner fortitude to manage stress and overcome challenges.

5. Setting Realistic Goals and Taking Action: Establishing clear goals, breaking them down into manageable steps, and taking proactive measures to address challenges are essential for building resilience. By setting realistic objectives, individuals can create a sense of purpose, direction, and motivation to overcome obstacles. Taking decisive actions, seeking solutions, and making progress toward goals empower individuals to build resilience and navigate difficulties effectively.

6. Embracing Change and Adaptability: Resilience involves embracing change, adapting to new circumstances, and staying flexible in the face of uncertainty. Being open to new experiences, learning from failures, and adjusting to unexpected situations are key aspects of resilience. Individuals can develop resilience and flourish in the midst of life’s obstacles by fostering adaptability and welcoming change.

7. Practicing Gratitude and Positive Thinking: Fostering a positive outlook, expressing gratitude for blessings, and focusing on the good in life can enhance resilience. Positive thinking, optimism, and gratitude help individuals reframe negative situations, maintain hope, and cultivate resilience in the face of adversity. By practicing gratitude and positive thinking, individuals can build resilience and navigate difficulties with resilience and optimism.

In conclusion, building resilience is a transformative journey that involves developing coping strategies, fostering positive thinking, and nurturing emotional well-being. By incorporating these strategies into daily life, individuals can enhance their ability to bounce back from adversity, overcome challenges, and thrive in the face of difficulties. Developing resilience is an ongoing journey that enables individuals to confront life’s unpredictability with fortitude, bravery, and resilience.
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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!

THIS should be one goal we should try our best to pursue and train ourselves for. Given the human condition we have in this world, hounded by all sorts of challenges, trials and difficulties, we should just try our best, with God’s help, of course, to be of help to others despite the cost it may involve.

We should just have a strong faith in Christ’s ever-ready assistance in this regard. Let’s remember that we cannot be Christ-like as we should be if we do not have the very compassionate heart of Christ.

While it’s true that we have to be prudent in our actuations, we should not either forget that following Christ will always involve self-denial, carrying the cross, all of which can be translated into our willingness to give whatever we can even if in the process we ourselves and those with us—our family, especially—would suffer some loss.

Let’s always remember that Christ has given us the best deal, such that whatever may appear as a loss to us because of following and loving him will always redound to a much greater gain later on.

Compassion starts in the heart, in our thoughts and desires. In this level, there is no limit in what we can do. Obviously, when we try to translate these prayers, thoughts and desires into action and material things, we can be greatly limited. But insofar as prayers and sacrifices are involved, the possibilities are unlimited.

We need to examine ourselves more deeply to see if indeed we are always thinking, praying and wishing others well. We have to be wary of our tendency to let our thoughts and desires be dictated only by self-interest, usually done in a most subtle but effective way. For this, we have to do regular examinations of conscience.

We have to expand our heart to be make it more universal, as well as broaden our mind so we can understand different people and different things more deeply and extensively. And this even if those involved are very different from us.

Let’s examine ourselves more thoroughly so as to be more aware of our biases and preferences that can get in the way of our effort to adapt and our pursuit for a more universal compassion. Let’s train ourselves how to rise above our unavoidable biases and preferences if only to be of help to others.

We have to learn how to go through the process of changing, improving and growing in our spiritual life. This can be painful and tedious, but it is always worthwhile. Not only that. It is necessary, if we have to be realistic. We should just think of what Christ has promised us if we are willing to make sacrifices for others.

Compassion should not be exclusively associated with the sweet and tender moments of pity, sympathy and empathy. It demands sacrifice and self-denial which we should be willing to give. In fact, if there is no sacrifice involved, we should be suspicious if we are truly compassionate.

For this, we have to be willing to complicate our life. There surely will be some need for adjustments in our attitudes, in the way we understand things and view different kinds of people. We have to hone up our skills at versatility, which should not only be a matter of theatric performance but rather that of genuine love for God and for souls.