By Herman M. Lagon Gender and development is a complicated and multidimensional topic of discussion. A shocking reality is revealed in a 2023 research by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Most Filipinos, particularly women, have prejudices against their gender. Women’s rights specialist Nathalie Africa-Verceles notes that internalized sexism and ingrained cultural standards are …
Impulses
Oxymoronic blues
By Herman M. Lagon The oxymoron, a figure of speech with contradictory terms fused for rhetorical paradox, mirrors the complexities and nuances of daily life, offering a lens through which we can explore and appreciate the beauty in the seemingly discordant. In the vibrant streets of Iloilo, where tradition and modernity — the past and …
The enduring spirit of Ilongga women
By Herman M. Lagon We honor the incredible achievements of Ilongga women — some “unwritten, unsung” — from different periods of Philippine history this March in observance of International Women’s Day. These wonder women exemplify multifaceted kinds of gravitas in all their endeavors. We highlight the tenacity of Ilongga women, drawing on the extensive research of the …
The Panay liberation legacy
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 …
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 …