How to get to competence in the Philippines?

Analysis and Opinion By JoeAm This blog is different. Rather than providing answers, I’ll provide a question. Answers may or may not be found in the discussion section of the blog article. We’ll see. Executive Cabinet agencies in the Philippines are notoriously incompetent, even as every web site for these agencies touts their accomplishments. It’s … Continue reading

Two ways to debate: for knowledge or for power

Analysis and Opinion By JoeAm I’ve observed that there are two debate styles on social media and in the bigger world and it is good to know which arena you are in. Let me call the two different styles “knowledge-seeking” and “power-seeking”. Knowledge-seeking The fundamentals of a knowledge-seeking discussion or debate are honesty, candor, and … Continue reading

Who exactly is the Philippines defending against?

Analysis and Opinion By JoeAm Color me confused. I don’t know who the Philippines is defending against. Setting global warming aside for now, there seem to be four main forces attacking the nation and her interests. I hope the fourth one wakes DepEd up.   Muslim terrorists Peace with domestic Muslims has been pursued by … Continue reading

The what and how of doing things

Analysis and Opinion By JoeAm The Philippines is putting together a 5.2 trillion peso budget for next year. Money is allocated here and there with education being the biggest chunk. Few would argue that improvement in education is sorely needed. That is the what of things. But how is the money to be spent? On … Continue reading

Amending the National Defense Act

Analysis and Opinion By Karl M. Garcia     The Vice President Elect and Concurrent Education Secretary wants to bring back ROTC and make it mandatory for Senior High School students. President Marcos reiterated this in his SONA. Now we have House Bill No 11 or the National Defense Act Bill refiled by four congressmen. The bill has a provision for Mandatory Military service with its registration … Continue reading