An open letter to Ilagueños

Dear fellow Ilagueños,

Today, May 4, 2024, as we commemorate the founding anniversary of our dear city, let us pause to consider the path that has united us. Our city's history is intertwined with tenacity, cohesion, and steadfast spirit, from the modest beginnings of Ilagan in 1686 to the colorful and prosperous city we are today.

As we commemorate this momentous anniversary every year, we embrace the prospects of the future while also paying tribute to the past. Let us honor the memories of our forefathers, whose toil and devotion set the groundwork for our city. Let's also commemorate the victories and advancements we have made as a team, led by the values of unity and collaboration.

Let's reaffirm our commitment to creating a better future for Ilagan as we come together to celebrate this significant occasion. Let's keep collaborating to promote diversity, creativity, and sustainable growth in our neighborhood.

I hope that this foundation anniversary will serve as a constant reminder of our common history, our power as a group, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. Let us write the next chapter of Ilagan's history with pride, enthusiasm, and determination as a team.

Happy Founding Anniversary, Ilagan!

With warm regards,

Gerry Yabes

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.

Beat the hot weather this heat season

Experiencing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in the Philippines can be extremely challenging, as it poses health risks and issues such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Here are some suggestions for staying safe and cool in areas where temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celsius as follows.

1. Drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go.
2. Avoid caffeinated and sugary beverages: Limit consumption of caffeinated drinks and sugary sodas, as they can contribute to dehydration. Opt for water, coconut water, or electrolyte-rich drinks instead.
3. Eat hydrating foods. Eat fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and strawberries, to help replenish fluids and electrolytes.
4. Dress appropriately. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton to help keep your body cool. Light-colored clothing can also help reflect sunlight.
5. Stay indoors during peak hours: Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you need to be outside, seek shade whenever possible.
6. Use sunscreen. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you're sweating or swimming.
7. Take cool showers. Cool off by taking frequent showers or baths with lukewarm or cool water. This can help lower your body temperature and provide relief from the heat.
8. Use fans or air conditioning. If available, use fans or air conditioning to help cool indoor spaces. If you don't have access to air conditioning, use portable fans or create cross-ventilation by opening windows and doors.
9. Rest and relax. Take breaks throughout the day to rest and relax in a cool, shaded area. Avoid strenuous activities that can lead to overheating and exhaustion.
10. Monitor your health. Be mindful of signs of heat-related illnesses, such as dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, and excessive sweating. If you experience any symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, seek medical attention immediately.

Utilize fans or air conditioning to cool indoor spaces and wear lightweight, breathable clothing to help regulate body temperature. Plan outdoor activities wisely, scheduling them for early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. Take frequent cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature and stay informed about weather forecasts and heat advisories issued by local authorities.

Check on vulnerable persons, such as the elderly and those with health conditions, and make sure they stay cool and hydrated. If temperatures are excessively high, consider staying indoors in a cool, air-conditioned environment until conditions improve. By taking these precautions and staying vigilant, you can mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat and stay safe during hot weather conditions in our country.

MCGI starts mass indoctrination this April 2024

Are you searching for spiritual enlightenment? Do you seek to understand the pure doctrines of the Lord Jesus Christ? Look no further!

We are thrilled to invite you to join us for the MCGI Mass Indoctrination, a series of enlightening sessions where you can delve into the profound teachings of our faith. Whether you're a seeker, a skeptic, or a devout believer, everyone is welcome to participate in this journey of discovery.

At MCGI (Members Church of God International), we uphold the values of truth, love, and compassion. Through our Mass Indoctrination program, you will have the opportunity to explore the foundational principles of our faith, guided by the teachings of the Holy Scriptures.

Here's what you can expect from the MCGI Mass Indoctrination:

• Engaging sessions led by servants and workers who will share insights into the Word of God.
• A welcoming and supportive community where you can freely ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions.
• Accessible sessions available on different Social Media Platforms, catering to various languages for your convenience.

Whether you're seeking answers to life's big questions or simply curious about our beliefs, we invite you to join us on this journey of spiritual growth and understanding.

To register and learn more about the MCI Mass Indoctrination schedule, please visit our website www.mcgi.org or follow us on Facebook for updates.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore the profound teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ and embark on a path towards greater spiritual fulfillment. We look forward to welcoming you to our sessions!

Donate to Rapper, what's the effect?

While donations can be beneficial for sustaining independent journalism, there are potential negative effects associated with relying heavily on public donations, particularly for a news organization like Rappler which the orgnization asks donation for several years ago. Let me share some of the negative effects regarding this.

Donate to Rappler screengrab from Rappler.com website.

1. Dependency on Donors' Agenda: Well that's depends on the size and influence of donors, there is a possible risk that Rappler's editorial decisions could be influenced by the preferences or agendas of those providing donations. This could be an oligarch, a business elite, a politician, etc. You name it. This could compromise the news organization's independence and objectivity.
2. Perception of Bias: Public perception may be influenced by the perception that Rappler's reporting is biased towards donors. There's also possiblity that certain topics are covered more favorably due to financial support. This could undermine trust in the organization's credibility and impartiality. Since June 2023, the trust rating of 47% has been declining, even netizens calling it as crappler. Even confirmed by Politiko.com.ph of such dwindling trust rating.
3. Financial Instability: Relying heavily on donations can make Rappler financially vulnerable, as donation levels may fluctuate over time due to changes in economic conditions or donor priorities. This instability could impact the organization's ability to sustain operations and maintain staffing levels. Philippine government ordered to close the news organization in June 2022 due to various reasons.
4. Pressure to Please Donors: Rappler may feel pressure to cater to the preferences of donors in order to maintain their support, potentially leading to self-censorship or the prioritization of certain topics over others based on donor interests rather than journalistic merit.
5. Loss of Editorial Independence: If donations become a primary source of funding for Rappler, there is a risk that the news organization could become overly reliant on donors' support, potentially compromising its editorial independence and ability to report on sensitive or controversial issues without fear of repercussions.

Overall, while donations can provide valuable financial support for news organizations like Rappler, it's important for them to carefully consider the potential negative effects and take steps to ensure transparency, accountability, and editorial independence in their fundraising efforts.

Absurd 1987 Philippine Constitution

Whatever is happening in the Philippines is a result of implementing an absurd constitution that centralizes everything in the country, and forcing everyone to migrate from any part of the Philippines to Metro Manila. This is what is happening when all of the 82 provinces of the archipelago are neglected, despite all of them are tax payers.

The development of local economies are impaired by monopolies, and doupolies that past administrations since 1987 prioritize their oligarch and elite friends, at the expense of all Filipinos. Definitely, EDSA-pwera!

When there is no foreign direct investments (FDIs), there is also no competition in the economy and everyone leads to mediocrity. No competiton means minimum wage for local workers, no purchasing power of the masses to afford basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing and nothing luxuries at all.

Those imperialists in Metro Manila and the Tagalog elitists hoard almost all of the national budget and development for decades, then the same who gatekeep the development of 82 provinces as if non-Manila residents are not entitled to it. In the national level, all of the provinces are always in the losing end in terms of infrastructure development. You're truly ignorant if you don't know these matters and even opposing charter change in the country!

No question then that our 1987 constitution is flawed, outdated, defective, rotten and even irrelevant documents by its stupid framers in 1986 in today's modern world.

_________________________

Further readings:

• Mapping the Philippines’ Defective Democracy, by Julio Teehankee and Cleo Calimbahin, December 2019
• It’s the fault of the 1987 Constitution, by Hermenegildo C. Cruz, November 9, 2021
• Irrelevant Constitution, by Tony Lopez, January 30, 2024

It's 22nd Sabbath anniversary

It's a happy 22nd Sabbath Anniversary in the Church of God as written in the Bible! This milestone marks not only a significant passage of time but also a journey of spiritual growth, reflection, and dedication to the common faith. Over the past 22 years, undoubtedly you experienced a profound connection with God  and his people and have deepened your understanding of His teachings and principles.

A birthday greetings from MCGI Symphony Orchestra

As I commemorate this special occasion, taking the moment to reflect on the countless blessings and lessons I have received throughout my journey in the Members Church of God International (MCGI). Each Sabbath has been an opportunity for me to come together with brethren, to worship, to learn, and to be spiritually nourished by the word of God in the Bible. With God's help, I will continue to be committed in doing good works to everyone I meet each day.

Looking ahead to the future, may God will guide as I continue the journey in the Church of God be filled with abundant blessings, spiritual growth, and more opportunities to do good work to brethren and fellow men. As I embark on the next chapter of my journey, may God guide our leaders Bro. Daniel Razon through the wisdom and grace of God, and may he continue to be a leader of light and inspiration to those around us. It's my 22nd Sabbath anniversary, and may God's love and blessings be with us always!