Salary increase is not a solution, here's why

When Senator Risa Hontiveros said that the salary increase is good news, she thinks that she's already brilliant if she finally gets want she want? She thinks that she's doing her job in the Senate? Even if we add thousands of pesos for the minimum wage in the whole country, nothing much will change. The unfortunate workers and the public in general will still be stuck in the vicious restrictive economic environment.

The move to this increase in the minimum wage will result to the reduction of manpower of local businesses that can't afford the increase. Hontiveros, being a co-sponsor needs to hear the side of small entrepreneurs first.

In our country where competition is limited, simply increasing salaries may not be an effective solution for several reasons. Proponents of this measure should consider these reasons why:

• Cost Constraints: Many businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), may struggle to afford significant salary increases due to tight profit margins and financial constraints. Increasing salaries without corresponding increases in revenue could lead to higher operating costs and potential layoffs or business closures.
• Inflationary Pressures: Salary increases without corresponding improvements in productivity or profitability can contribute to inflationary pressures. This can erode the purchasing power of consumers, especially those on fixed incomes, and exacerbate socio-economic inequalities. NEDA reported that salary increase will affect inflation.
• Lack of Productivity Gains: In a market with limited competition, businesses may not face sufficient pressure to improve efficiency, invest in innovation, or enhance productivity. Without productivity gains, increasing salaries could strain company resources without yielding commensurate benefits.
• Skill Mismatch: Simply raising salaries may not address underlying issues related to skills gaps or mismatches between the qualifications of workers and the demands of available jobs. Investing in education, training, and workforce development programs may be more effective in addressing these challenges.
• Competitiveness Concerns: In industries where international competition is a factor, unilaterally increasing salaries without corresponding improvements in productivity or quality could erode the competitiveness of Philippine businesses in global markets. Our country should focus reforms in the economic policies, specialy in opening our country to foreign investors who can bring job opportunities and higher salaries here.

Instead of relying solely on salary increases, policymakers (like Risa Hontiveros, Juan Miguel Zubiri, etc.) and businesses should pursue a multifaceted approach to address labor market challenges and promote sustainable economic growth. This may include improving the business environment to foster competition, investing in infrastructure and technology to enhance productivity, promoting skills development and education, and implementing targeted social welfare programs to support vulnerable workers.

To present a better solution to this, is to have our economy open to Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) through economic charter change. NEDA said that we could have attracted investments if only Philippines is more open. Doing so, the increase in salary comes naturally even without legislation which is just a waste of people's tax money. This will make our country attrative to foreign investors. Doing so, the increase of salary will follow naturally without making a legislation. It's just simple as Law of Supply and Demand, in case these Senators don't know it.

Earthquake preparedness

Introduction

Earthquakes can happen anywhere, at any time. It's important to be prepared in case of an earthquake, and that's why we've put together this comprehensive guide on how to be earthquake prepared.

Inside, you'll find tips on how to create an emergency kit, what to do during and after an earthquake, and how to protect your family and property. So, whether you're a first-time homeowner or a seasoned earthquake veteran, make sure to read through this guide and put our tips into practice. You never know when the next big earthquake will hit.

You're probably wondering how to be earthquake prepared. And that's a good question—because earthquakes can happen anywhere, at any time.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about being earthquake prepared. From creating a disaster plan to stocking up on supplies, we'll walk you through the steps you need to take to make sure you and your loved ones are safe during an earthquake.

The Science Behind Earthquakes

earthquakes happen when two plates of the Earth's crust rub against each other. The force of the movement creates an earthquake.

The Earth's plates are always moving. But sometimes they move too quickly and that's when we get earthquakes. The force of the two plates rubbing against each other creates an earthquake.

Most earthquakes happen along the Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped area that runs around the Pacific Ocean. It's where most of the Earth's earthquakes happen.

Earthquake Preparedness Basics

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from an earthquake is to be prepared. That means having a plan and being ready to take action when the shaking starts.

There are some basic preparedness steps that everyone should take, regardless of where they live:

• Know the evacuation routes from your home, work and school.
• If you live in an earthquake-prone area, have a disaster kit packed and ready to go.
• Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and First Aid kit in your home.
• Practice drop, cover and hold on. When an earthquake starts, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.

What to Do During an Earthquake

If you're indoors when the earthquake hits, the first thing you should do is drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on to it. If there isn't a piece of furniture nearby that you can use for cover, sit against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your hands and arms.

If you're outdoors, find an open area away from buildings, trees, power lines, and anything else that could fall on you. Once you're in an open area, drop to the ground and assume the fetal position to protect your vital organs.

If you're in a moving vehicle, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Once you've stopped, put your parking brake on and stay in the vehicle until the shaking stops.

What to Do After an Earthquake

After an earthquake, it’s important that you check for injuries and get to a safe location. If you are indoors, stay there until the shaking stops. Drop down to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on to it until the shaking stops. If there is no table or desk nearby, sit against an interior wall and protect your head and neck with your arms.

If you are outdoors, stay in the open away from buildings, trees, streetlights, and power lines. Once in the open, drop down to the ground and stay there until the shaking stops.

If you are in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as possible and stay in the vehicle. Do not attempt to drive over a bridge or through an area with downed power lines or damaged buildings.

Conclusion

To sum up, being earthquake prepared means having a plan and being ready for whatever comes your way. It's important to have supplies on hand, know how to turn off utilities, and be aware of potential hazards.

Although it's impossible to predict when or where an earthquake will strike, by being prepared, you can minimize the risk of injury and damage.

Keep from the ashes

Photos not mine but from workmates. Keep safe everyone who is affected for the explosion of Taal Volcano. You may try to visit the link here to learn more the benefits of Volcanic eruption and its ashes.