When the Applause Fades, the Trash Remains

 

                                                (image: pep.ph)

Bisan hain manlabak basura…

On June 24, 2025, The Manila Standard’s Angelica Villanueva reported a moment both eye-opening and sadly familiar: actor Jericho Rosales, during a visit to Tandag City in Surigao del Sur, called on the public to take part in cleaning up the nation’s beaches after witnessing the piles of litter along the shoreline. While in town for a performance, Rosales took time to visit a nearby beach and was met not with pristine sands, but with the usual suspects of marine pollution: plastic cups, food wrappers, worn slippers, and used personal hygiene items, carelessly discarded by human hands.

He did what many celebrities with platforms should do: he documented the reality. Photos and videos of the beach’s condition made their way to his Instagram Stories, where his concern was laced with sarcasm. On a photo of a discarded deodorant bottle, he captioned, “Mabango nga kilikili mo, ang baho naman ng trato mo sa kalikasan.” Another jabbed, “Ang puti nga ng kilikili mo, ang itim naman ng budhi mo sa kalikasan.” Witty, biting, and accurate.

The online response was telling. While a few netizens acknowledged the gravity of his message, many defaulted to meme culture, making light of the issue, parodying the moment, or applauding his performance rather than his purpose. Ironically, it was during the very performance that Rosales reiterated his long-standing advocacy for responsible waste disposal. But in the age of instant entertainment, sincerity often gets lost in the scroll.

This writer was recently reminded of the consequences of such neglect during a visit to D’ Bone Collector Museum in Davao. Among the most chilling exhibits is the skeletal remains of a sperm whale, its death traced to the ingestion of a plastic alcohol container. Another display showed remnants of balloons found inside nearly extinct sea turtles. These are not distant tragedies; they are the results of thoughtless daily habits. The sea, once a sanctuary for both humans and marine life, is becoming a graveyard of our own making.

Jericho Rosales is more than an actor, he is a surfer who calls the ocean his playground. That personal connection fuels his advocacy, giving his message weight. But that message goes beyond celebrity influence. It echoes a scientific consensus: human activity, especially the rampant disposal of plastic waste, is pushing marine ecosystems to collapse. Jambeck et al. (2015) warned that millions of tons of plastic are dumped into the oceans every year, jeopardizing biodiversity and severing the cultural and emotional bonds communities share with the sea.

In that light, Rosales’ satirical captions serve a greater purpose. They peel back the layers of social posturing to expose the contradictions in our behavior. We pride ourselves on hygiene, image, and convenience, yet fail at the basic responsibility of disposing of our waste properly. His commentary, both humorous and scathing, holds up a mirror to a society that often prefers clean selfies over clean coastlines.

This incident is not just a celebrity moment: it is a slice of a national problem. If we continue treating environmental degradation as background noise, we risk normalizing the irreversible. Caring for the environment is not a grand act; it begins with simple, conscious choices. Rosales’ message, sarcastic as it may be, leaves us with an urgent question: Are we willing to change, or are we content to let the applause drown out the sound of the sea choking on our waste?

Cognitive Offloading

 

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Nahilakip pagbasa…

The Summit Express reported on June 20, 2025: During the 9th Regular Session of the City Council in Tuguegarao, a councilor solemnly led the opening prayer, reading from her cellphone. The prayer began with inspiring lines: “May Your Divine light shine upon us, guiding us in our endeavors and filling our hearts with hope and inspiration…”

However, the reverent mood quickly shifted to subtle amusement and bewilderment among the attendees. Some struggled to contain their chuckles, while others exchanged curious glances. One even leaned over to whisper to a seatmate after the councilor continued reading, unwittingly including a line clearly not meant to be spoken aloud:

“Feel free to modify this prayer or tailor it to your specific needs and benefits…”

This is a clear example of how excessive dependence on technology can diminish the role of critical thinking. Relying too heavily on Artificial Intelligence, such as ChatGPT, risks undermining an individual's intellectual engagement, as tasks are increasingly delegated to machines rather than processed through human reasoning. This growing reliance raises legitimate concerns, particularly when even lawmakers: those entrusted with crafting legislation for the common good, begin to favor convenient, AI-generated responses over thoughtful deliberation and informed judgment.

Cognitive offloading was extensively theorized by Risko and Gilbert (2016), who defined it as "the use of physical action to alter the information processing requirements of a task so as to reduce cognitive demand" (p. 676). They argue that individuals increasingly rely on external tools—such as smartphones, search engines, and AI systems—to manage mental tasks that would otherwise require internal cognitive effort.

This behavioral shift, while efficient, raises concerns about the long-term implications for memory, attention, and critical thinking. As they point out, “As our tools become more intelligent and more connected, our ability to offload will become greater, possibly changing the very nature of human cognition” (Risko & Gilbert, 2016, p. 682).

This phenomenon is also observable in the educational setting, where both students and educators are increasingly dependent on artificial intelligence. A growing concern arises when even educational leaders frequently rely on their smartphones, potentially limiting their capacity to generate original ideas and insights. As cognitive tasks are increasingly delegated to digital tools, there is a risk that opportunities for practicing critical thinking may diminish, both within their own work and in the broader learning environment.

The growing reliance on artificial intelligence and digital tools in educational settings has raised concerns about reduced engagement in critical thinking and problem-solving. According to Ward (2013), the use of external devices to store and manage information, while beneficial for efficiency, can lead to diminished internal cognitive effort.

When educators and learners habitually turn to AI-driven tools for answers or ideas, they may gradually lose the habit of engaging deeply with content. Ward explains that "outsourcing memory and thought processes to external devices may alter the way we learn and solve problems over time" (p. 8), a notion that resonates with the increasing integration of AI in schools and universities today.

It is important for individuals to remain aware of their capacity for independent thought and to balance the use of convenient tools with opportunities to actively engage their thinking skills. Doing so can help support the continued development of cognitive abilities over time.

The incident involving a legislator unknowingly reading an AI-generated prayer, including placeholder text, serves as a striking example of how overreliance on technology can blur the line between convenience and carelessness. This reliance extends into education, where the habitual use of AI tools may gradually displace critical thinking among both students and educators. As digital aids become more embedded in daily life, the challenge lies not in rejecting them, but in ensuring that human judgment, creativity, and reflection remain at the center of decision-making and learning.

Beyond the Tasks

 

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Yay karajaw pakialam…

Bella Cariaso of the Philippine Star reported: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned of a “real and widespread learning crisis” in the Philippines, as recent findings revealed that a vast majority of students are falling significantly behind in reading and mathematics.

Citing data from a 2019 study, UNICEF Education chief Akihiro Fushimi said that 90% of Filipino children in Grade 5 cannot read at their expected level, while 83% continue to struggle with basic Mathematics.

What has become of Philippine education? Are we witnessing a systemic breakdown influenced by political dynamics, wherein leadership roles in the Department of Education are often filled based on political affiliations rather than professional merit? Or is the decline rooted in the growing tendency of some school heads to relegate instructional supervision to a secondary concern, rather than viewing it as a core responsibility essential to educational quality?

Recently, this writer had the opportunity to participate in a group analysis session focused on supervisors’ observations during the opening of classes. One of the most glaring concerns raised was the prevalence of erroneous and hastily downloaded lesson plans being used by teachers. According to some, these templates only add to their already overwhelming workload. But isn’t the lesson plan supposed to serve as the blueprint, the guiding framework, for effective teaching and meaningful learning?

Lesson planning is widely recognized as a fundamental aspect of effective teaching, serving as the blueprint that guides learning objectives, instructional strategies, and assessment methods (Orlich et al., 2012; Yinger, 1980). When done thoughtfully, it supports both teacher clarity and student achievement, but when treated as a formality, it can hinder rather than help the learning process (Shavelson & Stern, 1981).

It was also observed that some school heads tend to delegate a significant portion of their responsibilities to master teachers, resulting in diminished hands-on involvement in school operations. This practice, while perhaps intended to promote shared leadership, borders on over delegation, a hallmark of poor management that can lead to weakened instructional supervision and blurred accountability.

In school settings, when principals excessively pass on their core responsibilities to master teachers, it dilutes their instructional leadership role and often leads to confusion among staff regarding decision-making processes (Lunenburg, 2010). Instead of fostering collaboration, this kind of delegation may signal disengagement, creating gaps in supervision and weakening overall school performance.

A concerning reality has emerged wherein some school leaders delegate substantial responsibilities to administrative officers, many of whom do not possess formal training or academic backgrounds in education. This practice not only blurs the boundaries of professional roles within the school but also poses the risk of these individuals assuming informal leadership positions, potentially undermining the authority and instructional focus of designated educational leaders.

While informal leaders can sometimes provide support in organizations, their unchecked influence in educational settings can lead to confusion, role ambiguity, and weakened formal authority. When administrative personnel without educational training begin to assume leadership functions, it can undermine the school head's instructional leadership and erode trust in the formal leadership structure (Owens & Valesky, 2015). Such dynamics may foster parallel systems of authority, ultimately disrupt decision-making and affecting school cohesion.

UNICEF’s recent warning to the Department of Education serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated systemic issues plaguing Philippine education. From the misuse of lesson planning to the over delegation of responsibilities by school heads, and the alarming rise of informal leadership among non-educators, the patterns point to a dangerous drift away from instructional integrity and accountability.

It is equally important to view our work not merely as a means of livelihood, but as a vital contribution to nation-building, one that centers on developing competent, lifelong learners. By aligning our daily efforts with the goal of nurturing critical thinkers and responsible citizens, we help lay the groundwork for a stronger and more capable society.

Those Who Enslave Us

 

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Bagan-o gajod ka gawasnon?

This writer has always held deep appreciation for the independence of the Philippines—a nation that proudly claims to uphold the ideals of democracy. But considering our current realities, can we truly say that we are completely free?

Are we genuinely free when we remain shackled by the cultural remnants of hiya, a deeply ingrained sense of shame inherited from centuries of colonial oppression under Spain and the United States? Are we free when we diminish our self-worth because of our brown skin, reaching for whitening products in a desperate attempt to conform to a beauty standard that was never ours to begin with?

And what of utang na loob? Have we become bound by a lifetime of obligation, even when kindness and assistance ought to be given freely, as an act of humanity and moral duty, not as leverage for eternal debt?

Why is it that when we assert ourselves, we are quickly branded as entitled? Is this not a democracy, a free nation, where every voice, no matter how inconvenient or unrefined it may seem to those in power, deserves to be heard? Isn’t freedom of speech and expression part of the very independence we commemorate today?

Our leaders must not only respect but embody the liberties they claim to protect. Why, then, is knowledge hoarded, and decisions made in isolation, as though wisdom is the sole possession of a select few? Can we confidently say that their actions reflect the true will and needs of the people they have sworn to serve?

And why is it that the burdens, whims, and privileges of those in power are so easily passed down to those beneath them? Is this not yet another form of enslavement: one masked in bureaucratic tradition, but exploitative all the same?

Today, we commemorate the 127th year of our independence. Yet, despite the passage of time, we remain bound, not by foreign conquerors, but by the systems and mindsets of those among us who have failed to evolve toward true self-actualization. These individuals treat others not as equals, but as mere pawns in their personal pursuits of power, pushing people around to mask their own insecurities, cloaking inferiority with a façade of superiority and leaving behind those they consider as collateral in their ambitions.

This cycle of oppression persists in part because many lack a deeper understanding of our identity as a race and as individuals. Without introspection and self-awareness, the chains remain invisible but tightly fastened. Some are quick to criticize those who take to the streets in protest, raising their voices against injustice, yet they fail to ask: What drove them to march? What pain or truth are they trying to express?

True freedom cannot be achieved through symbolism alone. It requires a collective awakening: a conscious effort to embody and internalize the sensitivities of our shared struggles and aspirations as a people. Only then can we begin to break the cycle and move toward a more genuine, inclusive liberation.

True independence is not marked by the date we were declared free, but by the moment we refuse to be complicit in our own oppression. Until we rise with clarity, courage, and conscience, our freedom remains unfinished.

Not The Monkey

 

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Mihamok an tagtapnan!

As reported by The Philippine Star’s Dominique Nicole Flores, the Department of Health (DOH) has proposed the declaration of a national public health emergency amid the continued rise in HIV cases, an alarming development that averages 56 new infections per day. Between January and April 2025 alone, the DOH reported a 44% increase in HIV cases compared to the same period last year, totaling 6,703 new infections. As of April, the number of Filipinos living with HIV has reached 150,433, a sobering milestone that underscores the gravity of the situation.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized that the Philippines is now identified as the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the Western Pacific Region, a fact that should jolt both government agencies and civil society into urgent, coordinated action. The rise in cases, from a daily average of 21 in 2014 to 48 in 2024, now climbing to 56 in 2025, is more than a statistical anomaly; it is a call to arms.

Yet despite this grim reality, public discourse remains disproportionately fixated on the less deadly monkeypox outbreak. The DOH itself noted this disconnect, stating that the surge in HIV poses a far more serious and sustained threat to public health than monkeypox. This divergence in perception and response speaks volumes about where our priorities lie, and where they should shift.

According to the World Health Organization (2023), HIV specifically targets and weakens the immune system by attacking CD4 cells, leading to vulnerability to infections and diseases. Without timely treatment, it progresses into AIDS, a life-threatening condition. Transmission occurs primarily through unprotected sex, needle sharing, and vertical transmission from mother to child. While treatment and prevention methods are widely known, their effectiveness hinges on early detection, education, and consistent access to health services.

Since 2006, the most affected age group has shifted from those aged 35–49 to those aged 25–34, signaling a disturbing trend: a younger generation is now most at risk. This shift reflects not only behavioral changes, such as the normalization of casual sex and declining condom use, but also a troubling gap in education and values formation. Many young people view sex as transactional and risk-free, influenced by digital platforms that promote hookups while failing to promote responsibility.

Several factors fuel this surge: inadequate awareness, social stigma, misconceptions about transmission, and limited access to youth-friendly services (UNAIDS, 2023; WHO, 2023). If these factors are not addressed holistically, no amount of data will stop the spread.

This is where multi-sectoral action becomes non-negotiable. Families must take a more active role in open and honest conversations with the youth. Schools and communities must provide comprehensive, age-appropriate sexual health education. Faith-based organizations must reclaim their voice in values formation, especially across social media platforms where youth behavior is largely shaped. Meanwhile, the private sector can amplify advocacy efforts through digital influence, while the government must invest in systemic, long-term interventions, from testing accessibility to community-based prevention campaigns.

UNICEF (2022) and WHO (2023) both stress the importance of early education, parental involvement, and culturally grounded strategies in reversing HIV trends. We already know what works, the challenge is in doing it consistently and collaboratively.

Make no mistake: HIV, once it progresses to AIDS, is far deadlier than the physical scars left by monkeypox. It destroys from the inside out, and without urgent, strategic, and compassionate action, it will continue to claim lives at an accelerating pace.

This is not merely a health crisis, it is a moral and societal one. The question is no longer if we must act, but how fast are we willing to do so.

Beneath the Sewers

 

                                               (image: msn.com)

Taong imburnal.

Last May 26, 2025, William Roberts shared photos of a woman emerging from a sewer at the corner of V.A. Rufino and Adelantado Streets on Reddit. Authorities later found the woman and sealed the drainage (Nick Garcia, philstar.com, 2023).

In a Facebook post on Thursday, May 29, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that its personnel had interviewed the woman and assessed her situation to determine the appropriate support and intervention. Reports indicate that the woman allegedly received ₱80,000 in government assistance.

This sparked a backlash among netizens, some of whom sarcastically suggested finding a conspicuous sewer themselves in hopes of receiving a similar amount. Others criticized the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), accusing it of offering token handouts while ignoring the deeper issue—that some individuals are living in such extreme poverty that they have taken shelter in sewers. For these critics, the agency's actions represent a mere band-aid solution to the government's persistent neglect of the poor.

In his seminal work A Theory of Justice (1971), John Rawls argued that a just society must prioritize the needs of its least advantaged members through fair and sustainable institutional arrangements. While the DSWD’s financial aid may appear compassionate, Rawls would likely critique it as insufficient if it does not address the systemic conditions that led the woman to live in such dire circumstances.

After receiving numerous brickbats and memes from netizens, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) defended its decision to give P80,000 in livelihood assistance to Rose – the woman who went viral on social media after she was spotted emerging from a sewer in Makati.

Sought for comment, DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said there is nothing unusual for their department to help poor people such as Rose. Dumlao said Rose underwent a case management process wherein the latter was interviewed and assessed by social workers, according to the latest report of Jose Rodel Clapano.

“When social workers asked Rose what she wants, she said she wants a sari-sari store to start her life over,” Dumlao said at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.

But what are the deeper implications of this situation? Can we simply turn a blind eye to the reality that there are individuals who are forced to scavenge through sewers just to survive? What has become of the very society we claim to uphold and protect? More importantly, is there a comprehensive and systemic intervention that can prevent such social injustices, often dismissed as mere 'eyesores', from continuing to afflict the Filipino people?

This phenomenon underscores the failure of existing social safety nets and raises urgent questions about the effectiveness of current poverty alleviation programs. According to Reyes et al. (2019), despite various government interventions, a significant portion of the Filipino population remains vulnerable to extreme poverty, particularly in urban areas. Turning a blind eye to such realities not only dehumanizes the marginalized but also reflects a deeper erosion of collective societal responsibility.

As Porio (2020) argues, urban poverty is not merely a result of individual failure but a manifestation of systemic neglect and unequal access to resources and opportunities.

A truly humane and progressive society cannot thrive while segments of its population are relegated to the margins. What is needed is not temporary relief, but sustainable, inclusive development strategies that prioritize human dignity, equitable access to resources, and long-term social investment. Only through such systemic and compassionate reforms can we begin to transform these grim images into narratives of hope and resilience.

Courtesy Resignations

 

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Simay na sab am lider baja?

On May 22, 2025, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. requested all Cabinet secretaries to tender their courtesy resignations, according to the Presidential Communications Office. The move, announced through the Philippine Information Agency, is meant to "recalibrate his administration following the results of the recent elections." This allows the President to evaluate each department’s performance and decide who will continue to serve based on his administration’s updated priorities.

Evaluating department heads can improve government efficiency and accountability by retaining only those aligned with the President’s goals. This builds a more effective team and enhances policy implementation. However, frequent evaluations and leadership changes risk destabilizing agencies and lowering morale, as officials face uncertainty and may shy away from long-term initiatives.

President Marcos said, “The people have spoken, and they expect results—not politics, not excuses. We hear them, and we will act.” But is this a case of appeasement leadership?

When leaders avoid making firm decisions out of fear of public uproar, they often prioritize self-preservation over conviction or vision. Such leaders lean toward appeasement, choosing inaction or compromise to dodge backlash. This can undermine their authority and hinder meaningful progress, eroding public confidence in times when courage and clarity are most needed.

Yet, appeasement leadership is not always negative. Dimuccio (1998) explains that while often criticized as weak or indecisive, appeasement can be a pragmatic strategy grounded in diplomacy and risk management. It can help maintain stability and prevent greater conflict, showing that appeasement sometimes reflects calculated statecraft rather than mere passivity.

But what about the programs initiated by secretaries who aim to help the people? These initiatives risk being cut short when new leaders take over. Incoming officials may lack the commitment or continuity to sustain projects, especially amid frequent turnover and short tenures. This instability threatens long-term progress and the lasting impact of valuable reforms.

Consider DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, who in his first 10 months faced the challenge of shifting the school calendar to June-March while enhancing the Senior High School Curriculum. A 2024 PSA report reveals nearly 19 million Filipinos aged 10 to 64 are functionally illiterate, emphasizing the need for urgent education reform. Angara has responded by strengthening Early Childhood Care and Development and National Reading Programs to boost literacy and develop graduates’ critical thinking—skills essential for a knowledge-based economy.

Yet, as the President said, “It’s time to realign government with the people’s expectations.” Whether this realignment leads to stronger leadership or mere appeasement remains to be seen.