I never thought I would see the day when the Philippines would face a problem that seemed so foreign, so distant from our shores. The dwindling population was something we often associated with countries like Japan and South Korea—nations struggling with an aging society and shrinking workforce. It felt like their problem, not ours. Yet, here we are, slowly but surely inching toward the same demographic cliff.

The evidence of this can be somehow seen in our schools: the decreasing number of students in nurseries, kindergartens, and grade levels onward is telling us a story that we have perhaps been too preoccupied to notice. As I browse the records of some schools, I can’t help but notice this. Gone are the days when parents would line up with their little ones, eager to begin a new school year. Teachers, once overwhelmed by bustling classrooms, now find themselves with fewer students to manage. The impact is not just confined to a few classrooms; it is systemic, cutting across various levels of education. Some schools are even merging classes or closing certain grade levels altogether due to a lack of enrollees. This trend is alarming because it’s not just a statistic—it’s a glimpse into our future as a society.

The reasons behind this decline are complex but undeniable. Many young Filipinos today are prioritizing their careers over starting a family. And who could blame them? The rising cost of living, housing, and education makes the idea of raising children daunting, if not downright impossible, for some. I have friends who have chosen to delay marriage or opt out of parenthood altogether, not because they don’t love children but because they want financial stability and personal fulfillment first. They often say, “Maybe later,” but as the years go by, “later” becomes more uncertain.

Even for those who do decide to marry, the mindset around family size has shifted dramatically. Unlike previous generations where having a big family was almost a given, many couples now intentionally limit the number of children they have. One or two seems to be the norm, a conscious decision driven by a desire to provide a better quality of life for a smaller brood. I see it in my family circles—relatives who once dreamed of large families now settle for just one child, focusing their resources and attention on raising them in the best possible way.

Compounding the issue is the fact that a significant portion of our population now embraces diverse gender orientations that do not traditionally result in childbirth. This is not a criticism but an acknowledgment of a societal shift. More people are openly identifying as LGBTQ+, and many are choosing to build their lives in ways that do not involve having children. It’s a celebration of individual freedom and love, yet it also subtly contributes to the overall decline in our birth rate.

The consequences of this demographic shift may not be immediately visible, but they are brewing just beneath the surface. Teachers, a once highly sought-after profession, are finding fewer students to teach. Schools are struggling to fill classrooms, and some are even forced to shut down certain grade levels due to insufficient enrollment. The ripple effects extend beyond education; they touch every aspect of our society. A dwindling population means a shrinking workforce, fewer taxpayers, and eventually, a heavier burden on social services as the population ages.

If we continue on this path, we will find ourselves facing challenges we are not prepared for. An aging population without enough young people to support it can lead to economic stagnation, increased healthcare costs, and a diminished quality of life for everyone. We must begin to have honest conversations about this issue—not to shame anyone’s personal choices but to understand and address the broader implications of a shrinking population.
The question that haunts me is this: How do we balance the dreams and aspirations of the individual with the needs of society as a whole? There are no easy answers, but acknowledging the problem is the first step. The dwindling number of students in some classrooms is a silent alarm bell ringing in the background. We can choose to ignore it, or we can start thinking about what kind of future we want for the Philippines—and what we are willing to do to ensure it is a bright one.

It is exactly one year over two scores since policemen behind former Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. who was being escorted down the stairs leading to the tarmac of the then Manila International Airport (MIA) shouted “pusila! pusila!” a bisayan word which means “shoot! shoot!” and followed by deafening gunshots that were fired in that fully secured area. What was dubbed as “the murder of the century” is now being purposely over-glossed by the magical president whose namesake of a despotic father declared martial law.

That murder shook this nation by the fall on the MIA tarmac a man in white who braved coming home from exile to confront the dictator and his martial law. His return to the country was a journey taken against the advice of many people who cared most for his safety and liberty. The man was granted by the dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos, permission to leave the country and take time out of prison to undergo a triple bypass operation in the United States of America.

It bears noting that he was jailed for more than seven years on trumped up charges that he protested with a hunger strike for forty days, detesting the brazen injustice of his trial before a military commission that was was acting under the command of the commander in chief. He was the staunchest political figure of the opposition, a presidential timber who was considered the undisputed challenger and successor of the dictator. Keeping faith in the Filipino, he risked his life on a homecoming that had a tragic ending.

The sinister plot was carried out amid tight military security. The trigger was pulled in broad daylight at an elevated staircase in an open space tarmac. More than the shock caused by the fatal gunfire was the sudden blindness of military officers who failed to witness the true detail of the gruesome murder. Everyone saw was a fall guy assassin who was shot in rapid-fire fashion who appeared bloodless on the same tarmac near the body of the former senator who was dripped on his own blood.

A fact-finding commission never got into the bottom of the assassination. While murder charges sent military men who were charged for conspiracy in the double-murder of the senator and his fall guy assassin, many believe that the mastermind of that murder of the century is still free. It even took a retrial after the murder charges against the military officials were dismissed during the end days of the dictator.

The retrial was ordered on the basis of a mistrial, by the new Supreme Court during the term of the widow of the fallen senator after the famous bloodless People Power Revolution of 1986. But even the retrial did not bring the real mastermind to justice. It is indeed appalling that even the catapulting into the presidency of Cory Aquino, government still failed to serve justice on her martyr husband.
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In an increasingly competitive business environment, having a motivated and engaged workforce is integral to an organization’s success. Employees who are engaged are not only more productive but also more likely to be loyal and committed to their organizations. This article explores various strategies that leaders can employ to motivate and inspire their teams, thereby fostering higher levels of employee engagement.

Understanding Employee Engagement

Employee engagement is the emotional commitment an employee has towards their company and its goals. It is a measure of how employees feel about their jobs, their workplace, and their organization. Engaged employees feel a sense of passion for their work, a deep connection to their company, and they spend their days driving innovation and moving their organization forward.

Strategies for Motivating and Inspiring Your Team

• Empowerment: Empowerment is about giving employees the authority to make decisions and encouraging them to take ownership of their work. When employees feel empowered, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated and productive. It is not difficult to spare some time to listen to what the employees want to share especially when they think that their ideas can be beneficial for the company. Business owners should allow their employees to speak their mind and then think it through if the ideas, recommendations, or suggestions can actually be something that the company can work on.

• Recognition and Reward: Recognizing and rewarding employees for their achievements can greatly enhance motivation. It shows employees that their work is valued, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity. Just like a son or a daughter who did a good job in school, showing appreciation for their hard work enables them to do better each time.

• Communication: Effective communication is vital for employee engagement. Regular updates, feedback, and open dialogue foster a sense of transparency and trust, which can boost employee motivation. Having a weekly meeting with the employees do not only contribute to a better work environment. It also becomes a medium of exchanging of ideas, not only with their individual works, but as well as, knowing each employee’s capabilities and weaknesses.

• Professional Development: Providing opportunities for professional growth and development can also enhance employee engagement. By offering training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities, organizations can show their commitment to their employees’ success, thereby fostering motivation and loyalty. Do remember that an employee will not stay in a particular position his whole life. Allow each one to grow and discover what else they can do.

• Workplace Culture: A positive and inclusive workplace culture can significantly influence employee engagement. A culture that values and respects all employees, promotes teamwork, and encourages work-life balance can lead to a more engaged and motivated workforce. Sometimes, it is not enough to focus on each of the employees’ responsibilities in the company. Strengthening the relationship of each one helps them to become more productive and foster a positive environment.

• Leadership: Effective leadership is key to fostering employee engagement. Leaders who inspire, lead by example, and show genuine care for their teams can significantly enhance employee motivation and engagement. Leaders provide guidance, direction, and clarity on organizational goals, strategies, and expectations. Employees look to their leaders for insights on how to navigate challenges, make decisions, and achieve success in their roles.
Entrepreneurs can effectively communicate their vision to inspire their team by being clear and concise, using storytelling, leading by example, engaging in two-way communication, providing context and relevance, communicating regularly, and offering support and resources. By conveying the vision in a clear and relatable manner, sharing stories that illustrate its impact, leading by example, actively listening to team members, and providing support, leaders can inspire their team members to align with the vision, feel valued, and contribute towards its realization. This fosters motivation, engagement, and a shared sense of purpose, ultimately driving the team towards success.

Employee engagement is not merely a buzzword; it is a crucial aspect of organizational success. By implementing strategies that empower, recognize, and communicate with employees, promote professional development, foster a positive workplace culture, and inspire leadership, organizations can motivate and inspire their teams. The result is a workforce that is more engaged, productive, and committed to their organization’s goals. Therefore, fostering employee engagement is not just beneficial; it is essential for organizations looking to thrive in today’s competitive business environment.
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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!

Fabulous and erudite, the discussions were not only mindful and demure as she said, its awe inspiring. It was a vivid description of Atty Rowena Candice M. Ruiz, LLM , CESO I the Executive Director V of the Government Procurement Policy Board -Technical Support Office.

The existing law on government procurement or Republic Act 9184, is slowly yet surely transitioning to the New Government Procurement Act which is Republic Act 12009.
The said law was approved July 20, 2024, the date of publication was July 29, 2024 and Date of Effectivity was on August 13,2024. The Implementing Rules and Regulations are on the works and soon, it will be a new way of doing things.

Atty Rowena Candice M. Ruiz , LLM , CESO I the Executive Director V of the Government Procurement Policy Board -Technical Support Office is on its 3rd day of a Master Class Focused Procurement Reform and Policy Discourse as part of the Gabay sa Paglilingkod Batch 50 as sponsored by the Career Executive Service Board.

Fabulous and erudite , the discussions was not only mindful and demure as she said , its awe inspiring.

Usec. Ruiz emphasized the need to make things better for all. Although, she also emphasized that things are constantly changing that is simply one reason why the RA 9184 must be changed to keep abreast with the times.

The NGPA, boosts of Sustainable Procurement with some projects not only inclusive of the purchase of goods but also the disposal, According to USec. Ruiz, new efforts to have Procurement Practitioners, one that can be trained and regulated by the Professional Regulation commission. She was adamant about Agility of leaders to change ways to make procurement ahead of the collusion and corruptors.

Further the Governing Principles still includes Enhanced Transparency, Improved Competitiveness, Increased Efficiency, Proportionality, Enhanced Accountability, Participatory Procurement, Sustainability and Professionalism.

In all, the new law is still in transition, and it was emphasized that the old RA 9184 is still in effect until 2025 or whenever the new IRR is out.

But we see the best times for Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability coming our way due to the new NGPA. We are looking at the end of the days when the 35 percent lost to corruption in our government must be put to stop.

IT’S amazing that Christ had to excuse himself from his very busy schedule in order to pray. He is God himself. He should have no need to pray. But as the gospel many times say, he had to go somewhere to talk to the Father.

As the gospel narrates, “Jesus departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.” (Lk 6,12) Why did he have to pray, we might ask. And the answer, to be blunt about it, is nothing other than that Christ is also man who needs to be always in vital and constant connection with his divinity.

He is actually showing us that we as man, created in the image and likeness of God, and meant to share in the life and nature of God, also need to be vitally and constantly connected with God. And this is what prayer is all about.

Prayer is the most basic thing we ought to do to be with God who is be-all and end-all of our whole existence. All the other necessities we have can only be attended to properly when this need for prayer is first met. Otherwise, everything else would just be waste of time.

We need to pray, and at these times, we need to pray more than ever, given the increasingly deteriorating conditions of humanity. Prayer, of course, is our sublime act of worship, of thanksgiving, of asking for pardon and favors. It is what keeps us spiritually alive, vitally connected with our Lord, and in a very mysterious way what keeps us properly linked to everyone else.

What eating, drinking and breathing do to our physical organism, is what prayer does to our spiritual soul which is the more important component of our humanity. It animates us, since it exercises our faith, hope and charity that are the lifeblood of our soul. Without these theological virtues, we would just get lost in life, left kaput spiritually and morally.

When we pray, we dispose ourselves to receive the wisdom and power of God, so important as we cruise through our very confusing world and contend with the frailties of our flesh, the wiles and temptations of the devil, the sweet but deadening allurements of the world.
The challenges of the times simply urge us to pray even more. A quick look around already gives us very sobering thoughts and compelling appeals for prayer.

If understood and done properly, praying actually gives us joy always. It enables us to see and understand things better. More importantly, it helps us to have a glimpse of God’s will, where everything starts and is governed and led to its proper end.

Praying processes and finds the answers to all our needs. In good times and bad times, when we are healthy or sick, when we enjoy successes or suffer defeats or are tempted, praying comes as our natural way of coping with everything that our spiritual life needs just like breathing does with our bodily needs.

To those who are afraid that praying just gets in the way of our human activities and concerns, the contrary is true. If anything at all, praying tremendously helps us in putting our activities and concerns in another level so they acquire a spiritual, moral and supernatural value, which is proper to us, since we are God’s image and likeness, and children of his.

This truth should be spread out quite widely these days, since many now are the factors and elements that tend to deny the indispensability of prayer in our life.