“Hey university students: I’m calling you out! You’re not doing your job to take care of the Philippines!”

Posted by JoeAm on August 26, 2015 · 260 Comments 

As an outsider, I have no place to make demands here. If I were a properly papered insider, a citizen, I could righteously try to shake some social fruit from the Philippine cultural trees. And, to be frank, I get mighty upset with student apathy and negligence in the Philippines, the negligence being that young people, … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Education, Family/Parenting/Children, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

All young children born in this country

Posted by JoeAm on August 23, 2015 · 155 Comments 

w A letter to future generations about corruption in the Philippines by Andrew Lim Congratulations. You have been born into a country blessedly rich in resources, from the fish in the sea to the farms that bear fruit and produce, all sun-kissed to perfection. Its islands are like jewels strewn across the sea, providing home … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Education, Family/Parenting/Children, Laws and Ethics

“Dear Sec Luistro: We have a disconnect here”

Posted by JoeAm on July 7, 2015 · 104 Comments 

Some statements cause me to sit up straight in my chair and pay attention. They clash with what I think or do. One of these clashes came from Department of Education Secretary Armin Luistro during his recent speech to graduating students at the University of the Philippines. The speech was headlined in an Inquirer article … Continue reading →

Category Blogging/Journalism, Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Education, Family/Parenting/Children

The Philippine Constitution: is it set in cement or is it a living, growing document?

Posted by JoeAm on July 2, 2015 · 44 Comments 

The Supreme Court of the United States last week ruled on two ground-breaking cases, one preserving President Obama’s national health care program, the other permitting same-sex marriages. The rulings were groundbreaking because they were “liberal” findings among a court stacked by former presidents to be conservative. What happened? Why? What does it mean to the … Continue reading →

Category Citizenship/Patriotism, Culture and Arts, Education, Laws and Ethics, Philippine Government

Missing in action: Philippine youth against Binay

Posted by JoeAm on June 23, 2015 · 156 Comments 

We often find that democratic nations see their university students providing a kind of forward looking idealism that drives change toward better values. Universities teach good values. Students understand that their own futures are being defined by what the “olds” are doing with their nation. Student organizations are already in place, making communication and rallies easy. And so they protest for change or against wrongs. … Continue reading →

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