by: Atty. Carolina Lim-Gamban These past weeks, our country has been bombarded by a severe tropical storm and strong typhoons – Kristine, Leon, and Marce. Not only that, Mt. Fuji of Japan remained snowless for the longest time in 130 years. Valencia, Spain had been experiencing severe flooding causing deaths of many and damaging both real and personal properties. The most surprising through is the first-ever snowfall in Saudi Arabian desert. These are just some of the effects the world is experiencing because of climate change – a consequence brought about by human actions without foreseeing the repercussions, and obviously a lack of value for the common good.
Although these effects can no longer be undone, it is not too late for us to act in small and big ways, and promote the common good. Our children are the extension of our lives, and so what we do today will be for them and for their future. In the case Oposa vs. Factoran which happened in the 1990s, minors represented by their parents pushed for the preservation of the country’s forest and prayed for the cancellation of all existing timber license agreements citing the “adverse and detrimental consequences of continued deforestation” which we are experiencing until today, in a yet higher level. The case is a clear manifestation of promotion of common good since the minors who filed the complaint assailed not only their right but also the whole of their generations and the generations yet unborn, emphasizing inter-generational responsibility. In promoting the common good, we must not be near-sighted, concerned only for those living in the present, but must also consider the common good of those after us - the future generations. What can we do now for the present and future generations? There are many ways, but let us cite a few simple examples and influence others to do the same for greater impact. Preserve. Conserve. Restore. Preserve or protect our forests, bodies of water, and natural resources from decay and decline. For many years, the mountain ranges in our country have been protecting us from many strong typhoons. They act as barriers, shielding us from the strong winds and rain brought about by the typhoons. Some are not preserved due to deforestation and mining that gradually alter the physical features of these ranges. Protect our bodies of water by keeping them clean and managing our wastes properly. Recycle to reduce waste. Conserve or use properly the resources that we have. Avoid wastage of water and electricity in our own little ways. Save some of our resources for the future. A good example is Joseph, the Prince of Egypt. He managed the resources well, which saved Egypt and the neighboring countries from famine. He did not allow all the harvest to be consumed. We can follow his example by not fully consuming the resources we have now. Save some for the future. Make way for the multiplication of the flora and fauna and other resources so that the generations to come will have something to use. Restore or rehabilitate what the previous generations or others have destroyed. Plant more trees and clean the waterways. Revive the values and virtues that promote the common good. Be an example for others to embrace the concern and promotion of the common good, not only for us in this generation but for our progeny. Amid climate change, we need men and women who genuinely care for our country and fellowmen, men and women who preserve, conserve, and restore; men and women who will promote the common good and change the current climate.
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by: Ame-Phil O. Saquiban
The answers to these questions reflect our reverence and fear of God. To live with such reverence and fear of God means that our lives should demonstrate a deep sense of awe and honor for God that we cannot afford to live a life of wickedness. When we genuinely uphold this value, we will avoid misbehaving and turn away from every form of evil. Instead, we will strive to live our lives purposefully, place ourselves under His authority, and walk in His ways. Living in righteousness becomes our driving force at all cost.
By consistently embracing reverence and fear of God, we can strive to create a peaceful community with less violence and fewer crimes. When everyone recognizes the authority of the One who is the Judge of All, people will endeavor to lead a holy life. This is one way we can demonstrate or put into practice one of our national mottos, which is being “Maka-Diyos” under Republic Act Number 8491. This, also, aligns with the preamble of our Constitution. In imploring the aid of the Almighty God signifies a recognition of His divine authority. While we are sovereign Filipinos, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of divine guidance in our lives. While it is a cliché to say that life is short, it really is. It is then important to make it count by living a life that is pleasing and honorable before God, our fellow Filipinos, and for our nation. by: Dr. Laurence C. Mascay The Collins Dictionary defines "original" as “something that existed at the beginning of a process or activity, or the characteristics that something had when it began or was made,” while "originality" means “the quality of being original” or “the capacity to think independently or be inventive.” Jim Jarmusch, who has an extensive history of original work across many mediums as a film director, screenwriter, actor, producer, and composer, argued, however, that “nothing is original” and “originality is non-existent;” instead, authenticity is. Austin Kleon adds, “What a good artist understands is that nothing comes from nowhere. All creative work builds on what came before. Nothing is completely original.” Nonetheless, this does not mean that we cannot create and accomplish something remarkable. On the contrary, we can, and we will, as we put into practice our God-given innovative skills and creativity.
The Scripture states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” To create is to make something out of nothing; in Latin, it is ex nihilo, meaning "out of nothing." God was never created, and He is the only one who can create; therefore, He is the only true original. On the other hand, human work or “creation” is the application and outcome of the talents, skills, and knowledge God has bestowed upon us. It is also a reflection of the ingenuity of the Giver and Originator - God Himself. The apostle Paul says, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.” While “nothing is original,” this does not mean we should not acknowledge the work of others. We must do so, as failure to give proper credit could put us in jeopardy. For instance, we must recognize the source or author of a quotation or story when citing it, acknowledge the inspiration behind our work, and be authentic by not infringing on someone’s ideas. Moreover, Clive Staples Lewis, the author of The Chronicles of Narnia, says, “No man who values originality will ever be original. But try to tell the truth as you see it, try to do any bit of work as well as it can be done for the work’s sake, and what men call originality will come unsought.” by: Micah A. Tecne People will never understand and will never see something that is hidden. The validation of one’s thoughts will never be known unless spoken or shown. We will never see through a window with closed curtains unless we open it. In the medical world, a surgeon will never be able to know how to cure a patient until assessment and confirmatory tests and procedures are made. In this modern world, there are many improved procedures, apparatus, and other means to reveal the truth about something or someone. Lie detectors were made, background investigation systems were improved, QuickBooks and other accounting software were introduced to help reconcile incomes and expenses, CCTV cameras were installed, and other improved means to validate things and events. These innovations and inventions reveal the reality that we love knowing the truth. Who will never desire a transparent world with no vague areas and pretensions? Everyone would love to be in it, but the question is, are we living it? Are we men and women of transparency that we will be coming out clean in this world full of pretensions when checked and accounted for?
“What you see is what you get” is a common saying. It validates the authenticity of the person or a thing. In this time full of pretensions and lies, we are challenged to be someone who can be called genuine and transparent. Knowing that the truth will always come out in time, we desire to live a life of transparency, where people will see our purest intentions in our thoughts, words, and actions. People don’t need to solve us like a mathematic problem to see our genuineness. Every one of us will, in time, give account to someone who has authority over us. We may cover every misconduct, wrong record, lie, and pretension, but it will soon come out in time. The skeletons in our closets will quickly be discovered in time, so we are encouraged to always be transparent, knowing the truth will always come out to the God who sees and knows everything. Nothing is hidden in His sight. Everything will be exposed no matter how great our effort is to hide. As public servants, we are encouraged to serve in transparency, knowing that each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. by: Jesus V. Sison, PTRP Deputy National Director, CRFV “You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be My very own.”
For whom do we live and have our being? Could we still live our lives to the fullest during these challenging times? Saint Paul once wrote that in the last days perilous times will come, that dangerous and difficult days will be experienced. Why? Because men and women will deviate from that which they were created according to the image and likeness of God. For men will be lovers of themselves and lovers of money. People will become utterly self-centered and greedy for the things of this world. They will become boasters, contemptuous, and proud. They will start to scoff at God and become blasphemers. There will be those who would be disobedient to parents and have no regard for what their parents taught them as they fail to listen. There are those who are unthankful and utterly lacking in gratitude, unholy that purity is absent, and unloving that normal human affections are missing. There will also be people who would be unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, cruel, brutal, despisers of good or unprincipled, traitors, headstrong, haughty, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. People will be having a form of godliness and façade of religiosity, but their conduct denies its validity and rejecting the power that could change them to be godly. These things became prevalent and left unchecked through time that led to various social illnesses like graft and corruption, patronage and abused politics, immorality, lack of patriotism and loyalty, poverty and mendicancy, substance abuse and gambling, apathy and passivity, juvenile delinquency, factionalism and division; and rebellion and insurrection. Is there hope and a way to turn things around so that we could live our lives to the fullest? As mentioned, these situations came into being because the man and the woman changed their nature, diverging from the image and likeness of God. But we can go back to who we really are and reverse the effects of decay and decline in our society. If we start to respond to what the True Almighty God is saying, that we be holy as He is holy, and embrace godliness. Being holy means to live our lives in a way that reflects who God is and His glory, rather than conforming to the ways of the world. God calls us to be holy; to be set apart for Him. We live in contact with society but not contaminated by the prevailing negative norms. When we follow His commandments and rules, earnestly seek Him, and live in His lovingkindness, we certainly stand out in the world. Through the resurrected life of Jesus Christ in us and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are led and empowered to live an extraordinary lifestyle - a holy and godly life. We manifest in our thoughts, words, and actions the divine qualities of godliness and holiness. We express the nature of a changed life, be it in our respective homes, communities, and workplaces, that truly pleases God. To simply put it, we can say that holiness refers to our being or who we are on the inside our character; and godliness refers to our “doing” or our conduct and actions. These two can never be separated from each other. We cannot say that one is more important than the other, that we neglect to behold either one of them. As God declared that we are His, and indeed we are. For in Him, we live and move and have our being; we should only live our lives for Him in holiness and embrace godliness. We only have one life to live, let's live it in holiness. We have a society and a nation to build, let’s accurately build it in godliness. by: Atty. Carolina Lim-Gamban In the midst of numerous people, Solomon, who was still in his youth, was tasked to lead the people as the baton of leadership was passed on by King David. With wisdom and understanding, he was able to lead the nation to its glorious days where kings and queens all over the world came to see his marvelous works, and listen to his answers to difficult questions. However, in all Solomon’s achievements and accolades, the skills, knowledge, and wisdom did not come from his own effort. It was bestowed upon him by God Almighty – a wisdom that comes from Above.
When King David died, it was difficult for Solomon to lead the people amid wars and contention within the family. At a young age, he was given difficult instructions by his father David before he died. If you were Solomon, how would you handle the situation? It is a good thing that King David had a covenant with God and one night, God came to Solomon in a dream and asked him what he wanted. If you were Solomon at that time, what could you have asked? Riches? Glory? Long life? Special powers? Whatever is in your mind, that is what is in your heart. God was delighted with what Solomon asked Him. He said, “Lord my God, You have now made Your servant king in my father David’s place. Yet I am just a youth with no experience in leadership. Your servant is among Your people You have chosen, a people too numerous to be numbered or counted. So give Your servant an obedient heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil.” He neither asked for long life, riches nor the death of his enemies, rather he asked for discernment to understand justice. With that, God granted him wisdom and an understanding heart. In the present, one may wonder if there could also be leaders who will bring the nation, the local government, or even agencies to its greater heights. This is not impossible if we ask wisdom from Above. It is written, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This wisdom that comes from Above is not the superficial wisdom or one that can be mistaken to be intelligence. Wisdom from Above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. It is one that heed to elder’s instruction, listens to advice, and accepts discipline. It is not boastful nor full of pride but is manifested by deeds done in humility and is seen through one’s good life. The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord – when we acknowledge that apart from Him, we know nor have nothing. Seek God and you will find wisdom, ask Him and He will give you generously. by: Dr. Laurence C. Mascay Charles Spurgeon, known as the "Prince of Preachers," said, "By perseverance the snail reached the ark." While we may not know for certain if a snail was actually on the ark, the point about perseverance is clear. As one of the slowest-moving creatures, the snail's journey required perseverance, and God, in His wisdom, allowed enough time for it to board the ark before the rains came and flooded the earth. Perseverance is defined as "the ability to keep doing something in spite of obstacles," and the snail's story beautifully illustrates this virtue.
The Scripture says, “Let us also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope”. The passage implies that even when we are surrounded by difficulties, we must continue to trust and thank God, knowing that these trials build perseverance within us, shaping a strong and resilient character, and preparing us for the best things God has planned for us. A perseverant person typically displays the following characteristics: First, determination - they stay focused on their goals, even when faced with challenges. Second, patience - they understand that progress takes time and are willing to wait without giving up. Third, resilience - they bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward despite difficulties. Fourth, self-discipline - they remain consistent in their efforts, even when motivation is low. Fifth, optimism - they maintain a positive attitude, believing they can overcome obstacles. Sixth, adaptability - they adjust to changes and find new ways to achieve their goals. Seventh, a strong work ethic - they put in the necessary effort and hard work to accomplish their objectives. Undeniably, these characteristics are essential for us as people of perseverance. As we live them out, let us remember to trust God and not try to figure everything out on our own. We'll find in the book of proverbs by King Solomon, "Listen for God’s voice in everything we do and everywhere we go." Finally, in his poem “Columbus,” Joaquin Miller describes Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the so called “New World.” A section of the poem that speaks to perseverance reads: Brave Admiral, say but one good word; What shall we do when hope is gone? The words leapt like a leaping sword: "Sail on! sail on! sail on! and on!" by: Micah A. Tecne In today's digital age, social media has become a ubiquitous platform for sharing personal experiences and causes. Charitable acts, from small donations to large-scale initiatives, are frequently showcased online, raising awareness of the needs of less fortunate individuals and inspiring others to give back. At its core, charity is a manifestation of our innate compassion and desire to help those in need. Whether it's providing material resources, offering kind words, or simply lending a listening ear, acts of charity are powerful expressions of love and empathy.
While the act of giving is undoubtedly important, true charity goes beyond mere performance. It is rooted in a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others, free from personal motives or expectations of reward. Unfortunately, the allure of public recognition and social validation can sometimes lead to instances of insincere charity. Some individuals may engage in charitable activities primarily to enhance their own reputation or gain personal benefits. While such actions may appear outwardly commendable, they lack the genuine intent that truly defines charity. This superficial form of charity can be particularly prevalent in today's social media-driven world. The desire for likes, shares, and followers can incentivize individuals to perform charitable acts solely for the purpose of self-promotion. This can dilute the true meaning of charity and undermine the efforts of those who genuinely care about making a difference. True charity, as emphasized by religious and philosophical teachings, is motivated by a sincere desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. It is a selfless act that transcends personal gain or recognition. As the Apostle Paul once wrote, " Do everything in love.." When we act out of genuine love and compassion, our charitable efforts become more meaningful and impactful. It is not about the size of the donation or the public recognition we receive, but rather about the sincerity of our intentions and the positive impact we make on the lives of others. Empathy is a crucial component of genuine charity. It involves understanding the experiences and perspectives of others, and feeling a sense of connection with their suffering. When we approach our charitable endeavors with empathy, we are more likely to provide the kind of support that is truly needed and appreciated. It is important to remember that charity does not always require large-scale initiatives or significant financial resources. Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on the lives of others. Whether it's volunteering your time, offering a helping hand to a neighbor, or simply listening to a friend in need, even the smallest gestures can make a difference. In addition to the immediate impact of our charitable actions, it is also important to consider the long-term sustainability of our efforts. This involves supporting organizations that are committed to addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, rather than simply providing temporary relief. True charity is about more than just performing good deeds. It is rooted in genuine love, compassion, and a desire to make a positive difference in the world. By understanding the dangers of superficial charity and focusing on the importance of genuine intent, empathy, and sustainability, we can ensure that our charitable efforts are truly meaningful and impactful. by: JESUS V. SISON, PTRP (Deputy National Director, CRFV) “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
This week, we celebrate National Heroes Day. We pay tribute to all the sung and unsung heroes, known or unknown heroes, and dead or living heroes. Such iconic men and women who sacrificially perfected their craft and selflessly laid down their lives for the nation zeroes into having “National Pride.” It is not only motivated by collecting milestones or establishing their name for fame. We can only highly imagine the likes of Dr. Jose P. Rizal and Andres Bonifacio. They did what they have done for them to become famous, but we would rather not because we don’t think they did it for fame, money, or material rewards. The dream of freedom, lasting peace, and progress for their fellow people fueled them to act. They were inspired by national pride in the struggle for national identity and independence. National pride triggers a strong will and determination to pursue a greater purpose and larger-than-life aspirations like the shared vision and dream for the nation. Under one God, one flag, and one name, it creates a strong sense of unity among citizens, bringing people together for an enduring relationship for a shared resolution. Just look at when we recently celebrated our Olympians and national athletes. The nation rejoiced as one beyond and above our diversified opinions, traditions, and ethnicities. The feeling of pride that we are Filipinos. National pride initiated an immense sense of national unity. Further, it became a catalyst for having a heart of greatness. Filipinos and those with Filipino blood or hearts around the world embraced an unprecedented admiration of who and what our nation is. National pride plays a role not only during times of triumph and festive mood but also during times of crisis and adversity. When difficult situations face us as a nation, the people turn to our country for comfort and care. We find solace in the thought that we endure because we stand and believe in our nation’s continuing pursuit of a glorious future. More so, we harness the power of every shared Filipino value to support each other. This sense of shared value, identity, and culture comes with national pride. It provides a powerful source of strength and resilience. It helps in sustaining morale and keeps spirits stirred with hope. Above all, national pride is derived from our national identity, which shows that we are a godly nation in this region. This nation was built on the foundation of values derived from the One and True Almighty God. These values identified us in Christ that a “Bagong Pilipinas” was born. We boast in God that we are His handiwork fashioned according to what He has declared concerning us as a people and a nation. A genuine national pride is not just a brand of government but our distinct character of who we are. We pride ourselves on being a nation with enduring values, and we are called a holy nation and His special possession. Mabuhay ka Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang ang bawat Pilipino. At ang bawat isa sa atin ay bayani ng ating bayan. by: Atty. Carolina Lim-Gamban Kamakailan lamang ay dumating ang ating mga atletang lumahok sa Paris Olympics. Karangalan, saya, at inspirasyon ang kanilang naiuwi dahil sa kanilang mga ipinamalas na kasanayan sa iba’t ibang larangan ng palakasan o sports. Ilan sa kanila ay nakapag-uwi ng medalya habang ang iba namang ay makikitang ibinigay ang kanilang lahat upang maitaas ang karangalan ng ating bansa. Paano nga ba natatamasa ang tagumpay na ito? Disiplina at kaayusan ang ilan sa mga kasagutan dito. Bawat atleta na ipinapadala sa Olympics ay tiyak na pili at may natatanging kahusayan. Hindi biro ang kanilang pinadaanan upang maging Olympian dahil kaakibat nito ay ang matinding pagsasanay na kinakailangan ng disiplina at kaayusan, di lamang sa pisikal, kundi pati sa usaping emosyonal at pangkaisipan. Di biro ang mawalay sa pamilya upang tumutok sa training at sumunod sa nakatalagang iskedyul araw-araw na may iba’t ibang pagsubok mula sa kanilang tagapagsanay.
Bilang isang mamamayan, marami rin tayong mithiin para sa ating sarili, pamilya, at komunidad. Nais nating maging matagumpay sa ating karera, pag-aaral, pagtaguyod ng ating pamilya at iba pa. Ngunit upang makamit ang tagumpay na iyon, disipilina at kaayusan din ay kailangan. Mayroon tayong mga layunin at targets na ating itinakda o nais makamit bilang sukatan ng ating progreso at tagumpay. Sa ating napiling karera, maaring nais natin magkaroon ng promosyon, gantimpala o pagkilala. Ngunit hindi ito mangyayari kung tayo ay late na pumapasok, hindi sumusunod sa mga alituntunin at regulasyon ng opisiona, o hindi sumusunod sa mga iskedyul ng pagsusumite ng mga ulat. Hindi makakamit ang nais na pansariling pag-unlad kung walang disiplina sa paghahatid ng mahusay na serbisyo o walang disiplina sa paghatid nito nang maayos sa takdang oras. Sa ating pamilya, nais natin ang ating mga anak ay lumaki nang maayos at sya ding matagumpay. Ngunit, ito ay hindi mangyayari kung hanggang kathang-isip lamang. Bilang magulang, tayo ang itinalaga sa tahanan upang matutunan ng mga anak ang disiplina at kaayusan. Sabi nga sa Banal na Aklat, “Turuan mo ang bata sa daan na dapat niyang lakaran, at pagka tumanda man siya ay hindi niya hihiwalayan.” Payo ng isa naming tagapagturo, bago mo paluin ang bata sa kanyang pagkakamali, siguraduhin na siya ay naturuan muna at nasabihan na ang gawaing iyon ay mali. Bilang magulang, tayo rin ay modelo sa tahanan, kaya naman, kung ano ang nakikita ng mga anak sa atin – ang ating pag-uugali, pagpapahalaga, at paggawa, siya ring tutularan ng mga anak. Kaya naman kung ikaw ay magulang na mapag-mahal, may disiplina at kaayusan, mataas ang posibilidad na ang mga anak ay may ganoon ding pag-uugali at pagpapahalaga. Sa ating bayan, marami tayong ninanais na pagbabago at mga pangarap na sana’y maging kalagyan nito – maging maunlad, malinis ang kapaligiran, kahanga-hanga, at iba pa. Ngunit, ang isang bayan ay sumasalamin lamang sa mga mamayang nakatira at nagpapalakad nito. Aasahan ba natin ang isang malinis na bansa kung ang mamayan nito ay hindi marunong magtapon ng basura sa tamang tapunan? Na pagkakain ng kendi ay siya na lamang itatapon sa paligid na walang pakialam? Aasahan ba natin ang isang matiwasay at payapang bansa kung ang mga mamayan nito ay hindi marunong sumunod sa alituntunin at mga batas? “Bawal tumawid rito” ngunit nandoo’t tumatawid ang ilan. Loyalty to the Republic of the Philippines, ngunit naroon ang opisyal, nangunag ipinagkanulo ang bayan sa kamay ng banyaga. Sabi ng ani Lee Kuan Yew, isa sa tagapagtatatag ng bansang Singapore, “A nation is great not by size alone. It is the will, the cohesion, the stamina, the discipline of its people and the quality of their leaders which ensure it an honourable place in history.” Kung nais natin ang bansang Pilipinas ay bumangon, ang pagbabago ay nagsisimula sa ating lahat, hindi sa iilan lamang. Sabi nga ng isa sa mga presidente ng Pilipinas, “Sa ikauunlad ng bayan, disiplina ang kailangan.” |
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