By Herman M. Lagon Millions of small-scale fishers depend on municipal waters. Therefore, the controversy over whether commercial fishing vessels should be allowed is more than a policy issue. The Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology (ISUFST) and the University of the Philippines-Visayas support the law prohibiting commercial fishing in municipal waterways. While …
Impulses
PhilHealth in code red
By Herman M. Lagon It is almost funny how politics, slowness and bureaucracy can hold health care, a human right, hostage. PhilHealth, the state health insurer, is again in critical condition and awaiting surgery. The new leader must rehabilitate, reclaim public trust and make universal health care a reality, not an empty promise. An entity …
The literacy lag
By Herman M. Lagon The country’s landscape of reading comprehension and writing skills mirrors a quiet crisis woven with silent struggles that too many students experience daily. In 2022, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) underscored this crisis, revealing that Filipino students ranked among the lowest globally in creative thinking, which is intertwined with …
Be your own Valentine
By Herman M. Lagon Valentine’s Day typically evokes romantic visions of lavish gifts, elaborate dinners and extravagant gestures to win over that “special someone.” However, what if this day also reminded you to treat yourself with the same respect and care? Why not take a moment to value yourself rather than concentrate solely on others? …
4 years behind in literacy
By Herman M. Lagon Our students are in an educational crisis with no clear solution. Despite years of education reforms, pandemic school closures and increased government spending, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) report shows the harsh reality: Filipino students are four to five years behind in literacy. The pandemic isolated students and …
The resign reflex
By Herman M. Lagon Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial looms large, but in the chess game of Philippine politics, resignation may be her best move to avoid checkmate. While she insists she’s staying put, history and realpolitik suggest otherwise. Politicians have a knack for saying one thing and doing another, and Sara Duterte is no exception. …
Where have all the brilliant Senators gone?
By Herman M. Lagon The Philippine Senate used to be the nation’s intellectual heart, full of brilliant statespersons and brave lawmakers who shaped the laws with knowledge and integrity. Lorenzo Tañada, Jose Diokno, Jovito Salonga, Joker Arroyo, Raul Roco, and Miriam Defensor-Santiago were not just senators but also national leaders, freedom warriors and democracy defenders. …
The college dropout dilemma
By Herman M. Lagon Even though the state wants to provide free tuition for all state university and college (SUC) students, four out of 10 students drop out. The government’s landmark Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act authored by Senator Bam Aquino changed the game for many, opening doors previously reserved for the wealthy. …
Beyond the ‘Balota’
By Herman M. Lagon Sitting with a tub of popcorn in front of my iPad, ready to watch another movie, I had no idea “Balota” would shake me so much. The satirical yet intense drama directed by Kip Oebanda felt like a mirror reflecting the grim realities of our election system and the ongoing abuse, …
Budget betrayal
By Herman M. Lagon We view the national budget as more than a technical document. It shows the government’s priorities and dedication to the people. As we approach the 2025 budget approval, it feels more like a betrayal than progress. Although inflation is high and many are struggling to make ends meet, this budget cuts …