By Herman M. Lagon As we mark this Monday, March 18, the 79th commemoration of the Liberation of Panay, let us not only tag the day but also deeply reflect on a chapter of our local history that had a profound impact on our nation. The tale of Panay’s emancipation is more than a mere …
Impulses
Let’s flip the class
By Herman M. Lagon Nowadays, the flipped classroom is gradually becoming recognized as a shining example of innovation, especially in the fields of graduate school, college and senior high school education. This revolutionary paradigm promises a highly engaging and individualized learning experience. It is the result of the technological renaissance now, more than ever, driven …
Unleashing teacher creativity
By Herman M. Lagon There is a pressing problem in our basic education sector, where the smell of chalk is still there despite the digital revolution: The learning policies are restricting the inventiveness of teachers. The Department of Education (DepEd), with its confusing array of policies, procedures and directives, regularly stifles the creativity of our …
Cracking the toxic code
By Herman M. Lagon In the modern workplace, it is not uncommon to come across people whose conduct jeopardizes the unity and efficiency of the group. These are the toxic coworkers — people whose deeds and attitudes have the power to spread negativity to everyone in their immediate area. It takes more than just …
Mapping the soul of our islands
By Herman M. Lagon As I find myself halfway through a weeklong journey of cultural mapping training at INA Farm in Barotac Nuevo, the significance of our mission has never been more apparent. We are here, over a hundred strong, diving deep into the heart of Iloilo’s 4th and 5th districts, part of a larger …
Widow’s $1-billion mite
By Herman M. Lagon The remarkable $1 billion donation of widow Ruth Gottesman to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine stands out as a testament to the lasting power of pure charity in a world full of “quid pro quo” deals. This unprecedented deed, which aims to guarantee free tuition for all students moving forward, not …
The educator’s journey
By Herman M. Lagon Beyond the conventional classroom, educators have other more profound duties. In our local context, teaching is a vocation with unique significance because of its roots in the holistic formation of kids. Education is more than just teaching facts; it is about the entire growth of the intellect and character. In …
Toxic positivity among the youth
By Herman M. Lagon In a society where social media often sets the standard for emotional expression, the growing phenomenon of toxic positivity is pervasive and concerning, especially for youth. In a culture where uncomfortable emotions are habitually minimized or disregarded, our children’s mental health is gravely endangered. Poisonous optimism stems from the belief that …
Firing the hiring epidemic
By Herman M. Lagon (Second of two parts) But what are the possible solutions to this “lagay” (bribe or grease money) and “palakasan” (favoritism, including nepotism, its subset) social epidemic? Strict anti-corruption laws, transparent hiring practices, merit-based recruitment processes, whistleblower protections, and regular audits of hiring activities, among others, can stand as the bulwark against …
The hiring epidemic
By Herman M. Lagon (First of two parts) A pervasive epidemic has long infiltrated our government institutions, with “lagay” (bribe or grease money) and “palakasan” (favoritism, including nepotism, its subset) serving as the virulent pathogens. These unwelcome elements have transformed into a widespread contagion, deeply entrenched in public sector hiring practices, far outstaying their welcome. Sadly …