Millenials Point of view to 2014 SONA of the Philippine President

Philippine President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 28, 2014 at the Batasan Pambansa in front of joint session of the Upper and Lower House of country’s Legislative Branch of Government. 

Philippine President Benigno Noynoy PNoy Aquino III had delivered his State Of the Nation Address for the fifth time on July 28, 2014 before the member of the congress, the senate, other political figures and dignitaries as well as to his "bosses", both watching on the hall of congress as well as to those who are glued on the television and radio channels.

This year's SONA was indeed being monitored by millions of Filipinos here and abroad amid many economic and political issues this country has been experiencing. It can be recalled that the Philippine are currently in the middle of PDAF-DAP controversies that jolt the political world of the country, dragging big names down to the jail. 

Calamities that brought the Philippines to international attention were also one of the major factor that leads Filipino in questioning the hope that the president instill on us from his last SONA.

On the SONA, the president said that the government services was improved without increasing the taxes on the country, excluding sin taxes - which was increased to lessen the vices of our countrymen.

The president also stated that the Philippine funds had increased due to the proper implementation of tax collection by the government through the Bureau of Internal Revenue. From 1.094 trillion pesos collected from 2010, the government had able to collect 1.536 trillion in 2013.

With the various economic growth, President Aquino had also broke the news that the next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit or APEC Summit will be held here on our country, another proof that the country is indeed again on the center stage for international business.

In regards to the Philippine infrastructure, the president boasted that the country had more than doubled the funds for infrastructure. From 200.3 billion on 2011, the government had now allotted 404.3 billion pesos on nationwide projects.

He addressed all the nurses, midwives, or doctors who chose to serve in the barrios; each graduate who has chosen to work for the government; each Filipino athlete who proudly carries the flag in any corner of the globe, each government official who renders true and honest service that they made the "change" possible.

In the end, PNoy repeated that what was once impossible is now possible. He said the SONA is not his, but of the Filipino nation.

There are more things that the president had mentioned during his speech, and I guess that they are too many to mention. But one thing that I noticed is that the most powerful man in the country had directly talk off the issues that were taboo from the last administrations like the issues of kotong on the government and had also laid facts supported by tangible records that supports to the government's claim of an improving country, not much like the worthless bangkang papel story of the other regime on their SONA.

Watching the militant's rally during the SONA, I can say that the saying "you cannot please everybody" is indeed true, but as I see and feel it, I am more far comfortable on this administration in compare to any other who came before it.

The Philippine President ended his speech with “To my Bosses: You are behind the transformation we are enjoying. You are the key to continuing all the positive changes we have achieved. I fully believe that, whether I am here or not, the Filipino is headed towards the rightful destination.”

"The Filipino is worth living for, the Filipino is definitely worth fighting for" -          President Benigno C. Aquino III

In my opinion, this was the best SONA of President Aquino in his 4 years of being the head of the country. It was simple and concise, and his appeal to the emotions was genuine and felt by the listeners, even his critics. He was also wise not to mention the Supreme Court and the three senators who are in jail for the pork barrel scam. 

And it was a relief that he did not blame this time the past administration of Gloria Arroyo for the problems the country now is facing.

Again, I feel bad that he skipped on tackling the Freedom of Information bill. It was one of his biggest promises in when he assumed office 2010, and with two years left in his term, he should make it a priority.

The Philippines has so many problems right now, and PNoy is right in rallying his 'bosses' -the Filipino people- to help him in continuing the positive transformation his administration has started and will be doing in the next two years.

As a reply to your SONA, your BOSS now says “STAND UP WITH YOUR ADVOCACY AND VALUES ... LEAD US ALL TO THE REAL TUWID NA DAAN.

Professionals' Professionalism

“Professionals' Professionalism”

By:  Avery Jan M. Silo

The most integral part of the teacher in the academe to stabilize his/her career path is bearing the integrity or professional wealth. Professionals are also called skilled, proficient, trained, etc. these terms which more likely emphasizes the veracity and valor of a certain being – professionals. Since, I am into the world of academic endeavor and I dare to commend my view in the field of my expertise. So, the focus here in terms of professionalism shall have the five fundamental aspects of human.

Professionals are Teachable (SOCIAL)

                           To educate is to become a better educated.  It is circular process that improves with time; I believe the responsibility of educators is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in academic, business and personal arenas. My teaching philosophy is based on the belief that education is a solution to many social problems. Education provides the tools to make informed decisions, synthesize ideas, and critically evaluate relevant issues and to enjoy life. Therefore pursuing knowledge and working to improve our skills as an educator are among our highest priorities and this can testify my professional awareness. But in the end teacher must learn how to be taught.

Professionals are Flexible (PHYSICAL)

                    We feel that we can inspire students to seek new knowledge and explore their own ideas by an enthusiastic presentation of both what is. And what is not known about subjects. When appropriate, the classroom setting should be expanded to include experience in the field. What better way to make the necessary connections among biological concepts than by observing how organisms interact with their environment?

Professional should be Respectful (EMOTIONAL)

A professional teacher should always to be respectful when dealing with differing opinions that may arise as product of scientific and critical thinking. Teacher should aim that students learn to think critically, not merely to accept my ideas and opinions; my drive to pursue higher education was due in part to several teachers who inspired catalyst for other people to pursue their dreams.

Professionals are Adaptable (MENTAL)

This characteristic I solely define to a professional is evident in a positive attitude towards change, the recogni­tion of and the respect for diversity and individual differences, and the ability to identify and suggest new ideas to address challenges creatively and effectively.

                The skill of working with others is evident in the ability to under­stand and contribute to group goals, understand and work with the culture of the group, plan and make decisions with others and support the outcomes of those decisions, respect the thoughts and opinions of others in the group, exercise “give and take” to achieve group results, seek a team approach where appropriate, lead when ap­propriate and mobilize the group for high performance.

Professionals are morally oriented (MORAL/SPIRITUAL)

                This is one of the most focal point of human being. One should know how to act, dress, speak, and think spiritually in way which one can possess the virtues of having basic principles of Christian living. We are in the world of existing laws – including moral law. This shall underscore the values of professional to follow why law is given to human.

                Finally, not all qualities or characteristics are pointed out in this context; it is just a summary of my gaudy cognizance to photograph and grasp the magnitude of this moment to the subject – professionals. The true meaning of being professional is not just a walk in the park or having an educational attainment; instead, one must craft himself/herself enough to be called professional in his/her current environment.

(Note: If there will be mistakes in grammar and other errors in this article, I welcome some critics and suggestions. Thank you)