The day after we welcomed the new year, an all-too-familiar sight confronted us: mounds of garbage in public spaces. Year after year, New Year’s Eve celebrations leave public spaces littered with various forms of plastic packaging for food and beverages, firecracker debris, paper wrappers,...
As 2025 beckons, the Philippines stands at a critical juncture. The nation’s political, economic, and social landscape is brimming with challenges, yet the opportunity for transformative change has never been more palpable. With the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections and the continuing...
As the curtains fall on 2024, we take stock of the year’s defining moments—political, economic, and socio-cultural—that have significantly affected the lives of every Filipino. This year was marked by significant gains and persistent challenges, all of which demand strategic action as we move...
In 1999, University of the Philippines professor Cesar Adib Majul penned a critique of historian Renato Constantino’s essay, Our Task: To Make Rizal Obsolete. Constantino argued that Jose Rizal, while historically significant, should be displaced as a model for contemporary nation-building...
The coming of a new year always inspires people to reflect on their lives and set goals to improve themselves. This annual ritual, known as making New Year’s resolutions, has become a tradition around the world. These goals reflect a universal desire to turn over a new leaf, yet...
Today, Dec. 27, the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness is observed around the world. And still fresh in our minds was the horror we experienced when the Covid-19 pandemic struck — upending lives, economies, and healthcare systems. For the Philippines, the health crisis...
As the world gets swamped by the sights and sounds of the Christmas season — twinkling lights, festive music, and the bustle of holiday shopping — it’s easy to become swept up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday atmosphere. Yet, as Christians, we have to reflect on the deeper...
The Department of Education (DepEd), in collaboration with the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, has reignited hope for addressing the chronic shortage of classrooms in the Philippines. Spearheaded by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, this...
The Philippines is on the brink of transformative growth, fueled by major infrastructure projects aimed at modernizing its ports and airports. These initiatives, such as the modernization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) by the San Miguel Corporation-led consortium, and the...
Today, millions of people around the world are on their way home to join their families for Christmas. From bustling airports to crowded bus terminals, the desire to reunite with loved ones transcends borders, religions, and cultures, reflecting humanity’s shared yearning for connection,...
Today is the sixth day of Simbang Gabi, a most cherished holiday tradition that shows no sign of being overtaken by end-of-the-year tasks. Churches for the dawn and evening masses are still full, and in many parts of the world where a Filipino community resides, Simbang Gabi is held...
The United Nations (UN), in 2005, declared December 20 each year as International Human Solidarity Day to reflect on the importance of unity and collective action. The observance is a reminder that solidarity is a crucial force that binds families, communities, and nations, guiding everyone...
