TACLOBAN CITY – An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to government forces in Sogod, Southern Leyte, on Monday, September 2.
Joey Calinawan, also known by the aliases “Reden” and “Gerald,” was said to be a full-time member of Squad 1, Platoon 1, Island Committee-LEVOX (IC-LEVOX) under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), turned himself in to the 14th Infantry Battalion (14IB) of the Philippine Army, which operates under the 802nd Infantry Brigade (802IB).
Upon surrendering, Calinawan provided valuable intelligence on the activities of his former comrades, including the locations of their hideouts and arms caches.
This information led to the recovery of several firearms, including a Colt Elisco 5.56 M16 rifle, a 9mm pistol, magazines, ammunition, and subversive materials.
Lt. Col. Edgar Gabia, commander of the 14IB, attributed the success of Calinawan’s surrender to intensified military operations and ongoing efforts to engage with the families of active NPA members.
He also credited the cooperation of local government units, the community, and former NPA members who have abandoned the armed struggle.
Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802IB, emphasized the growing isolation of the NPA and the toll the continued struggle has taken on its members.
“The NPA leadership refuses to acknowledge that their members are exhausted, hungry, and separated from their families. They are no longer welcome in the communities, as the issues they exploited have been addressed by local government and community efforts,” Vestuir said in a statement.
The Army general renewed his appeal to remaining active rebels to surrender and return to the fold of the law.
“You have suffered too much under the deceptions of the communist terrorist group. Your families and the future of your children are at stake,” he said.
“The government offers programs like the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the Local Social Integration Program, and the newly proclaimed amnesty program to help you transition to a peaceful life. Our efforts will continue until every last one of you has chosen peace,” Vestuir added.(JOEY A. GABIETA)
As it goes, the country’s political landscape is marred by the pursuit of power and personal gain, overshadowing genuine efforts to address the nation’s pressing issues. This culture of excessive politicking, where leaders prioritize their interests over national welfare, has deeply disrupted governance and stunted progress. It is a systemic rot that affects every aspect of Filipino life, from economic development to social cohesion.
The never-ending power struggle among politicians, often marked by shifting alliances and betrayals, glaringly prevails. The recent chaos in the Philippine Congress, where leadership squabbles have delayed critical legislation, epitomizes this dysfunction. Instead of focusing on passing laws that could improve the lives of Filipinos, lawmakers are preoccupied with ousting rivals and securing positions. Similarly, local politics is rife with dynastic control, where families treat political offices as their personal property, perpetuating corruption and incompetence. The result? A government that is constantly distracted, failing to address urgent issues like poverty, unemployment, and disaster response.
The dire effects of this toxic political culture are evident in the country’s vulnerability to crises. Take, for instance, the inadequate response to Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, which revealed not just logistical challenges but also deep-seated political rivalries that hindered relief efforts. Instead of working together, local and national leaders were caught up in finger-pointing and blame games, leaving millions of Filipinos to suffer. The inability to transcend political differences during such critical moments demonstrates the dangerous consequences of prioritizing politics over people.
To end this destructive cycle, Filipino voters must take a stand. They hold the power to reshape the nation by electing leaders who are committed to public service rather than personal ambition. It is essential to move beyond personality politics and patronage, where votes are often swayed by temporary favors or empty promises. Voters must critically assess the track record, platforms, and integrity of candidates, rejecting those who perpetuate the status quo of self-serving leadership. This calls for a more informed electorate, willing to demand accountability and transparency from their leaders.
Our country’s stability and future depend on breaking free from this despicable culture of excessive politics. As the country approaches another election cycle, the Filipino people have a unique opportunity to steer the nation toward genuine progress. Reject the leaders who prioritize power over service; pave the way for a government that truly works for the people. It is time to rebuild trust, prioritize the common good, and put an end to the politicking that has long plagued the nation.
Influential figures, organizations, and think tanks that shape policies on a global scale are constantly scanning the horizon for threats that could upend the fragile systems keeping our world in balance. As I consider their concerns, I can’t help but feel a growing unease myself because these worries aren’t just abstract concepts—they affect my future, too.
At the top of their list is the looming climate crisis, a slow-burning catastrophe that seems to be accelerating despite our best efforts. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting ecosystems are already reshaping lives across the globe, and the fallout won’t be contained within any single border. The thought of climate refugees disrupted food supplies. More frequent natural disasters are a sobering reminder that we are all connected, and what happens in one corner of the world can quickly spill over into the rest.
Economic instability is another major worry. The globalists are acutely aware that the world economy is more interconnected than ever, and a crisis in one major economy can trigger a domino effect. The aftershocks of financial crashes, like the 2008 recession, still reverberate today. With rising debt levels, the threat of inflation, and geopolitical tensions simmering, it feels like we’re all standing on a knife’s edge. We worry about what this means for our financial future, job prospects, and the stability of the world that I—and so many others—depend on. It’s unnerving to think that the security we strive for could be undermined by forces entirely beyond our control.
Another growing concern among globalists is the rapid pace of technological advancement, particularly artificial intelligence and automation. While these innovations promise efficiency and new opportunities, they also threaten to upend the job market and deepen societal divides. I can’t help but wonder what my role will be in a world where machines can outperform humans in an ever-expanding range of tasks. The potential for mass unemployment and the disruption of entire industries keep me on edge, especially when considering that many leaders are still grappling with how to regulate these technologies fairly and responsibly. The worry isn’t just about losing jobs but also about losing control—AI’s unintended consequences could be tremendous and irreversible.
Geopolitical tensions are another issue that keeps globalists up at night. The rise of nationalism, the erosion of international alliances, and the escalating competition between major powers like the U.S., China, and Russia create a volatile mix. The fear of conflict, whether it be trade wars, cyber-attacks, or even military confrontations, looms large. These tensions threaten global cooperation at a time when we need it most to tackle shared challenges like climate change and public health crises. I often think about how fragile peace can be and how quickly it can unravel, leaving ordinary people like me to bear the brunt of decisions made far above our heads.
Public health threats, particularly after experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic, remain a pressing concern for globalists. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in our global health systems, supply chains, and the fabric of everyday life. The idea that a new, potentially more dangerous pathogen could emerge at any time is not just a plot from a movie—it’s a real risk. I find myself alarmed not only about the immediate health implications but also about the broader social and economic fallout. A future where pandemics become more frequent would fundamentally alter how we live, work, and interact, and that uncertainty is deeply unsettling.
Social inequality is another issue that globalists are keenly aware of and that I find deeply troubling. The gap between the rich and poor continues to widen, fueling resentment, unrest, and political instability. I see this inequality in the disparities in access to education, healthcare, and opportunities, and it’s clear that the system is failing many. It’s hard not to feel a sense of injustice when the wealth of a few continues to grow while so many struggle to meet basic needs. This imbalance threatens social cohesion and the very notion of progress that we’ve come to expect.
Then there’s the erosion of trust in institutions, from governments to the media to big corporations. Globalists worry that this growing distrust could destabilize democracies and weaken the rule of law, as people become more susceptible to misinformation and populist rhetoric. I share this concern because it feels like we’re losing the ability to have rational, fact-based discussions about the most important issues of our time. When trust breaks down, it becomes nearly impossible to build consensus or take collective action, leaving us vulnerable to the forces that thrive in division and chaos.
As I look at the concerns of globalists, it’s hard not to feel a sense of shared anxiety about the future. The challenges we face are daunting and complex, often feeling far beyond my ability to influence. However, recognizing these concerns also strengthens my resolve to stay informed, engaged, and proactive in my way. Whether it’s advocating for sustainable practices, supporting equitable policies, or simply staying vigilant about the information I consume, I believe that my actions, alongside those of millions of others, can help steer us toward a better future. It’s a daunting task, but it’s also a reminder of the power of collective effort in a world that often feels beyond our control.
WE are reminded of this duty in the second reading of the Mass of the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. It’s from the Letter of St. James (2,1-5) There, St. James talks about the discrimination one practices when he treats a rich man with a lot of favor and privilege while asking the poor man to sit by the footstool.
Of course, to fulfill this duty is not easy, given our wounded human condition. But we can always do something about it. And the first thing to remember is that irrespective of our differences and conflicts, we are all brothers and sisters, all children of God. We are meant to love and care for one another.
This does not mean that we have to treat everybody in the same way. That we are all equal in the eyes of God does not mean that we have to treat everyone in the same way. What is meant is that we should love everyone, but according to how one is.
Like, the way you deal with an elderly person would be different from the way we deal with a youngster, or a child, or a baby. But it is the same love that we should give them.
In this regard, it is important that as much as possible we learn to really know each one we deal with. Our dealings should always be personalized, not mechanical or generic. This will require of us a certain open-mindedness that would enable us to be adaptive to how others are and to be versatile in our dealings with them.
For this, we should be ready to deal with the unavoidable differences and conflicts that we can have with others. In fact, we should be welcoming to them for they can occasion further development of virtues and deepen our capacity to live charity as expected of us.
Our differences and conflicts can give rise to the development of patience and compassion, and the pursuit for the truth and justice is guaranteed to be more authentic even if it is also arduous.
They can actually expand our world of knowledge and understanding, and trigger the dynamics of a more meaningful unity among ourselves, not in spite of but rather because of our differences and conflicts. The unity we are speaking of here is not uniformity, but one that is richly nuanced and capable of accommodating everyone.
Most importantly, they can give a tremendous growth in our spiritual life, freeing us from being at the mercy of our personal, earthly and temporal conditions. They contribute greatly in our effort to make ourselves more and more like Christ who is the pattern of our humanity and the savior of our damaged humanity.
Our differences and conflicts are a fact of life. They can spring from all kinds of sources—temperament, culture, socio-economic and political status. There are racial and religious differences, etc.
These differences and conflicts must be part of our human condition and are an integral element in the providence of God over all of us. We just have to learn to live with them and try our best to use them according to God’s providence. The general pattern of how to live and make use of them is given to us by Christ himself who had to go through the most extreme kind of difficulty and conflict.
We may sort them out to simplify things a bit, but we should never think that there will come a time when there will be no differences and conflicts among ourselves. Instead, what we have to do is to refer them to Christ to have an idea of how to handle them.
The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a pivotal force driving social and environmental change. Beyond profit-driven motives, businesses are increasingly recognizing their role in contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. This shift towards embracing CSR not only benefits society and the environment but also yields significant positive effects on businesses themselves.
Businesses can effectively communicate their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to customers by prioritizing transparency, utilizing storytelling, employing a multi-channel approach, incorporating visual content, engaging customers, forming partnerships, highlighting results, gathering customer feedback, sharing educational content, and maintaining consistency in messaging. By being transparent about goals and progress, sharing impactful stories, and involving customers in CSR activities, businesses can build trust, raise awareness, and inspire action. Through strategic communication strategies, companies can showcase their commitment to social responsibility, engage customers in meaningful ways, and drive positive change in society and the environment.
Enhancing Brand Reputation:
One of the primary impacts of embracing CSR is the enhancement of brand reputation. Consumers today are more socially conscious and actively seek out businesses that demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices and social causes. By engaging in CSR initiatives, companies can cultivate a positive brand image, build trust with customers, and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Attracting and Retaining Talent:
In a competitive labor market, companies that prioritize CSR often attract top talent and retain employees more effectively. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, place a high value on working for socially responsible organizations that align with their personal values. By integrating CSR into their corporate culture, businesses can create a more appealing workplace environment and boost employee morale and engagement.
Driving Innovation and Long-Term Growth:
CSR initiatives have the potential to drive innovation within organizations and foster long-term growth. By addressing social and environmental challenges through creative solutions, businesses can unlock new opportunities, access untapped markets, and stay ahead of industry trends. Moreover, a strong commitment to CSR can lead to cost savings, operational efficiencies, and enhanced risk management, positioning companies for sustainable success in the long run.
Strengthening Stakeholder Relationships:
Through CSR efforts, businesses can strengthen relationships with its key stakeholders, including customers, employees, investors, and communities. By actively engaging in initiatives that benefit society and the environment, companies demonstrate a sense of social responsibility and accountability, fostering trust and goodwill among stakeholders. This, in turn, can lead to stronger partnerships, increased loyalty, and a more resilient business ecosystem.
The role of businesses in driving social and environmental change through Corporate Social Responsibility is a transformative journey with far-reaching effects. By embracing CSR as a core aspect of their operations, companies can not only make a positive impact on society and the planet but also unlock a wealth of benefits for their own business. From enhancing brand reputation and attracting talent to driving innovation and strengthening stakeholder relationships, the power of CSR in driving positive change underscores the immense potential for businesses to be agents of sustainable progress in a rapidly evolving world.
Driving change through Corporate Social Responsibility is pivotal. It’s not just about profits but about purpose, people, and the planet. Every company has a responsibility to make a positive impact. Embracing CSR isn’t just a choice; it’s a powerful catalyst for a better world.
————–
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!
Unlike the appointed son of god who claims he has the power to stop seismic forces, the magical president ordered the concerned government agencies to stop all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) but there too has no effect thus far. The claim of fugitive appointed sone of god has been a laughing matter to people in their normal senses. On the other hand, the order issued by the magical president is a serious matter that must be followed by all concerned government agencies. The order is an urgent matter but its actual implementation may not be as urgent as needed.
The clamor to stop POGO gained public support when the senate investigation kept on unearthing more illegal activities by foreign nationals, mostly Chinese who were operating in the buildings reportedly owned by suspended mayor Alice Guo. The discovery of documents leading to the true identity of the suspended mayor and her family led to more issues regarding her and her siblings birth records. It appeared that the certificates of live birth were falsified as there was another Alice Guo with the same birthdate, place of birth and parents. The other Alice Guo had a passport which bear a different picture but whose signature and thumbprint are similar with that of the suspended mayor.
Expanding the probe into the system of birth registration led to the discovery of more chines nationals having acquired certificates of live birth through the late registration system. Surprisingly, the investigation identified a municipality in Mindanao where the reported face certificates of live birth were issued. It caused the investigating committee to invite resource persons from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) which is the government agency that keeps a registry of such documents. A deeper look into the system merely resulted in the usual procedure where such documents emanate from the local civil registrar of the various local government units. The role of the PSA was merely ministerial as the documents are recorded without verifying its authenticity.
Further investigation bared that every falsified certificate of live birth that the local civil registrar is able to fabricate bears a cost as high as three hundred thousand pesos. The corrupted late registration system could led into those Chinese nationals to obtain other government documents such as a Philippine passport, driver’s license, permit to carry firearm or even into contracts. The investigators could hardly obtain accurate data as to the exact number of those who were able to obtain fake certificates of live birth, much more passports considering that there are many government agencies authorized to issue passports.
The complexity of the problem is too alarming and the investigating committee could not yet pinpoint the people who could be held liable. Even those who were involved in the production of fake certificates of live birth are still free. They could be enjoying the huge sum they were able to rake from the foreign nationals who availed of their illegal services.
In the meantime, the government agencies tasked to stop POGO operations are too far from complying with the urgent order issued by the magical president during his State of the Nation Address. It is now over a month since such order and the prospect of its happening appears farfetched. The public is waiting for POGO to really stop. comments to alellema@yahoo.com
