By Sonny Angara Since the economy opened up after the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism has been a key contributor to the growth of the Philippine economy. Based on official data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, tourism made up 6.2 percent of the economy as measured by gross domestic product. The tourism sector is also an important …
OPINION
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 …
Dementia and oral health
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim (Second of two parts) There is emerging evidence from studies that people with dementia have poor oral health. However, the relationship between the two diseases is not clear, according to B. Daly, head of the Division of Public & Child Dental Health, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. …
Dementia and oral health
By Dr. Joseph D. Lim (First of two parts) The fourth of the reviews looked at the link between oral health and dementia. The results suggest that poor oral hygiene is associated with dementia, and more so among people in advanced stages of the disease. Suboptimal oral health (gingivitis, dental caries, tooth loss, edentulousness) appears …
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 …
Mythical Chinese dragons and ‘bakunawa’
By Dennis Gorecho I am usually among those who converge along the streets of Binondo to celebrate the Chinese New Year and for the special performances (dragon/lion dances), cuisine, lucky charms, prosperity fruits, and boxes of tikoy. Year 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon, beginning on February 10, 2024 while other dragon years include …
When the gift of prophecy is abused
By Fr. Roy Cimagala We cannot deny that we are now into some very tricky times, when the line between truth and falsehood is blurred if not erased, when men of the cloth can present themselves as prophets to push their own opinion, especially in matters of politics. Christ already warned us about this. “Beware …
Addressing the gaps on gov’t procurement
By Sonny Angara More than 20 years have passed since Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA) was enacted into law. Introduced by my father, the former Senate President Edgardo Angara, the GPRA was considered a world-class, landmark law for putting in place strong mechanisms to curb corruption in government procurement. In …
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 …