Impulses

By Herman M. Lagon Many believe that artificial intelligence (AI) is an impending force that will eventually replace human labor, upend entire industries and bring about a world run by robots. But if AI is accepted with open minds and careful thought, it has enormous potential to close learning gaps and solve issues in education, …

By Herman M. Lagon Teresa Magbanua’s legacy demands more attention, particularly now as we celebrate her birthday this October — though some may say it falls in November. What matters most is not the exact date but the impact of this Ilongga warrior whose bravery and leadership have stood the test of time. Teresa, known …

By Herman M. Lagon What truly killed democracy in the Philippines? Was it martial law, or had the system been slowly dying long before the declaration of Proclamation 1081? In his social media post “Failed Institutions” last September, UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano points out that Philippine democracy was already weak before martial law. He stresses …

By Herman M. Lagon With his “Walang Pagbabago” social media post over the weekend, former Secretary Rafael Alunan III presents a bleak picture of our government, characterizing it as ineffective, dishonest and self-serving. He draws attention to the systematic problems that have dogged the country for decades, whereby those more motivated in serving themselves have …

By Herman M. Lagon The essence of democracy lies in the competition of ideas, and nowhere is this more evident than during elections. In Iloilo City, recent developments in the political landscape between Representative Julienne “Jamjam” Baronda and Executive Assistant Raisa Treñas have highlighted what happens when that competition diminishes. Initially expected to face off …

By Herman M. Lagon Life is full of curveballs, and balancing ambition and grounding is difficult. We can navigate this path better by adopting a few big ideas. The first big idea is to accept struggle. Challenges are inevitable, but seeing them as growth opportunities can change everything, turning challenges into learning opportunities. This mindset …

By Herman M. Lagon It is common knowledge that meeting new people and developing meaningful relationships at work are equally essential components of a happy professional journey. Upon reflection, I appreciate the company of those exceptional people whose work values coincide so closely with mine. These people are the unsung heroes of the daily grind; …

By Herman M. Lagon In a society that is too fixated on wealth, power, fame, and the unrelenting quest for more, it is easy to forget the actual pleasures around us. These luxuries do not come with a price tag or a brand name, yet they hold the value that no money can buy. These …

By Herman M. Lagon Tragically, 703,000 people globally die by suicide annually on average (WHO, 2021). It is more than just a statistic; it is a loud warning about a problem silently invading homes, families and classrooms. The fact that among 15- to 29-year-olds, suicide ranks as the fourth most common cause of death should …

By Herman M. Lagon Many people see kindness as a form of self-sacrifice — that is, putting the needs of others before one’s own. Genuine kindness, however, is self-care so that one may more sustainably and effectively serve others. Under this perspective, self-care becomes a selfless deed that maintains the mental clarity and energy required …