Why ROTC is absolutely the wrong idea about what the Philippines needs

Posted by JoeAm on December 4, 2018 · 111 Comments 

By JoeAm President Duterte has proposed making ROTC mandatory for grades 11 and 12 in the Philippines. A number of notables like Senators Ejercito and Gatchalian have signed onto the idea, citing it as a good way to instill patriotism and discipline among the youth of the Philippines. Excuse me! You mean the rote instruction … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Education, Foreign Affairs and Defense, Philippine Government

Paano Natin Pauunlarin ang Buhay ng mga Magsasaka?

Posted by Wilfredo G. Villanueva on December 3, 2018 · 49 Comments 

Second of two parts. (Link to Part 1) by Wilfredo G. Villanueva Will: So, paubos ang farmers? Samantalang kailangan natin ang farmers for food security? Erin: We have to break that mindset. Why are farmers in other countries well off? Pa’no natin papaunlarin ang buhay ng magsasaka? Walang mapag-utangan. Walang support service. Walang pambili ng … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Economy, Education, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

“Importanteng Maisama sa Conversation”—Erin Tañada

Posted by Wilfredo G. Villanueva on November 30, 2018 · 110 Comments 

(First of two parts) by Wilfredo G. Villanueva An activist who talks like he’s in the halls of academe. An oppositionist who still calls President Duterte “pangulo” without a hint of disdain or sarcasm. Took the bar exams doggedly three times to pass, simply because he wants to be a lawyer. He. Wants. To. Be. … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Crime/Corruption, Education, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government, Philippine Politics

Wading through the Philippine information swampland

Posted by JoeAm on November 16, 2018 · 31 Comments 

By JoeAm Have you ever hiked through a Philippine jungle swampland? It’s dangerous, plants that slice like razor blades or snag like fish hooks, nasty little bees that attack in swarms, always going for the eyes, large brown snakes dangling from the branches, crab holes just waiting to snap a leg, cobras slithering among the … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Education, Family/Parenting/Children, Technology/Internet

Idealism versus pragmatics

Posted by JoeAm on October 29, 2018 · 73 Comments 

By JoeAm I’ve long held the view that there is some idealized form of a more perfect Philippines. A lot of the articles and much of the discussion here has oriented around understanding “the way it is”, and then proposing the actions that are needed to get to a richer, healthier, more secure, and more … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Education, Philippine Politics