Impulses

By Herman M. Lagon Following the destruction in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the globe came to understand the great and horrible force of nuclear weapons. These sad events, which destroyed whole cities and claimed tens of thousands of lives, highlight the immediate need for world peace and act as a sobering reminder of the terrible results …

By Herman M. Lagon Our country’s burgeoning debt is not new. Discussions about it began in the late 1960s, gained prominence in the martial law years up until the 1990s, and are the most urgent until now. The trend is ingrained in national policies and economic strategies, but it is one of the hardest to …

By Herman M. Lagon In the recent theater of Philippine politics, the Senate hearings have unfolded like a poorly scripted drama, showcasing a blend of theatrical admissions, political maneuvering and outright farce. Former President Rodrigo Duterte took center stage, delivering a performance that oscillated between admissions of his controversial drug war tactics and a series …

By Herman M. Lagon The National Achievement Test (NAT) has long been a cornerstone of the Philippine educational system, intended as a measure of student performance and school effectiveness. Still, like with many long-standing systems, its relevance and integrity have been hotly contested. Still very pertinent today, the scenario described in my 2009 article, “Are …

By Herman M. Lagon As the United States hurtles toward another consequential election, the world watches not merely as a bystander but as a deeply invested stakeholder. From the Philippines to Poland, America’s political trajectory holds a significant impact. And nowhere is this more acutely felt than among the tens of millions of Filipinos who, …

By Herman M. Lagon The term “resilience” has evolved from a badge of honor into a shield that conveniently deflects attention from persistent societal and governance issues. Hailed as a cultural trait, Filipino resilience is often invoked to praise the country’s response to frequent disasters. Yet the admiration for this resilience has grown to mask …

By Herman M. Lagon In the Philippines, early November is unlike any other time of the year. From bustling flower markets to candlelit cemeteries, “Piyesta Minatay” — All Souls’ Day — is a unique cultural event that honors departed loved ones while uniting families and communities. For many of us, these days are far from …

By Herman M. Lagon  Traditional weaving of piña fabric is a tangible, intricate and resilient way to unite a community. At Kaangtanan 2024, academics, artisans, advocates, and cultural workers discussed the significance of piña weaving in Western Visayas, revealing a rich history of resilience and innovation. This delicate but durable pineapple-based fabric has symbolized Filipino …

By Herman M. Lagon Being a leader is more than just having a title; it is an arduous — sometimes thankless and lonely — journey. The responsibilities of a student leader in a dynamic and complex school setting go far beyond planning events or chairing committees. It requires a unique blend of integrity, social awareness …

By Herman M. Lagon Once allies in the 2022 elections, the continuous conflict between the Marcos and Duterte dynasties has become an unsettling show that both fascinates and irritates the Filipino people. What the voters (at least 31 million of them) bought — a union of strong political forces supposedly for the good of the …