By Herman M. Lagon Every country has a hero whose life has a lasting impact that spans centuries and connects the past and present with unwavering courage and moral convictions. One such person who stands tall is Gat Andres Bonifacio, a revolutionary whose spirit lives on 161 years after his birth. Even though the nature …
Impulses
The NAT trap
By Herman M. Lagon The sorry state of external assessments in basic education — like the National Achievement Test (NAT) — is a story that needs to be told. For years, we have relied on such exams to gauge the learning outcomes of millions of Filipino students. Yet, as journalist and education advocate Estanislao C. …
Sweeping claims ahead
By Herman M. Lagon One tendency that appears far too frequently in the whirlwind of political discourse is hasty generalization. This logical fallacy is common in daily discussions, news articles, and — unsurprisingly — political campaigns. It entails drawing general conclusions from sparse data. Fallacies can range from the harmless — like when a vendor …
Beyond the algorithm
By Herman M. Lagon Let us face it. As students, professionals or creatives, most of us have already been exposed to digital tools for writing. Whether it be grammar checkers or content generators — the support is a click away. This is not anything new — each decade has had its tech breakthroughs, from scientific …
Shadows of insecurity
By Herman M. Lagon Has someone ever cut you off in the middle of a meeting while you confidently presented an idea, making himself the center of attention while downplaying yours? Places of work are like this all over the world. In addition to misbehaving, those who put down others to elevate themselves are also …
More than grades
By Herman M. Lagon Joining student organizations, clubs, councils, and school papers is more than just a way to pass the time in college; it is an experience that forms you. Imagine this: You graduate with Latin honors and a picture-perfect transcript, but how do you respond when the job market calls for leadership, empathy …
Wokeness unplugged
By Herman M. Lagon Some years ago, “woke” was a positive term. In African American Vernacular English, it called for racial awareness and “vigilanteism.” The Black Lives Matter movement popularized “stay woke” to combat systemic racism. As it became popular, the term expanded to include gender and economic inequality. Recently, “woke” has become negative. As …
Ink, grit, impact
By Herman M. Lagon Equipping students with the tools for responsible journalism extends far beyond academic training — it is an essential step in nurturing ethical voices dedicated to truth. Recently, the orientation and training workshop for the ISUFST RSCUAA PR Committee offered an invaluable opportunity to prepare student journalists not only for the upcoming …
Philippine education reimagined
By Herman M. Lagon The recent reports from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) paint a complex picture of the current educational landscape in the country. Each finding sheds light on longstanding challenges and pinpoints key areas for reform. These issues highlight a pressing need for transformation across the sector, from curriculum design …
Balancing technology and humanity in education
By Herman M. Lagon Technology is rapidly changing education as we navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Despite the rise of innovation, humanistic values must underpin it. With its focus on ethics, empathy and social justice, Ignatian humanism can guide you through this complex terrain. For innovative and meaningful education requires cutting-edge technology and timeless values. …