From Adversity to Progress in Poverty Alleviation

Sarangani Province's recent strides in poverty alleviation paint a compelling narrative of resilience and progress. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the poverty incidence rate decreased from 40.8% in 2018 to 30.3% in 2023 (based on preliminary 2023 Sem1 data, referencing FIES) among families.  However, there was a temporary rise to 42.1% in 2021, which could be attributed in part to the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This significant overall decrease is a testament to the concerted efforts and effective strategies implemented by the local government and its partners.

The province's transition from being among the top 10 poorest provinces in the Philippines to witnessing such a notable reduction in poverty levels is a cause for optimism and celebration. However, amidst the positive statistics lies a sobering reality - a substantial portion of Sarangani's population still grapples with the harsh realities of poverty.

As Sarangani continues its journey towards economic empowerment and social progress, it is imperative for government leaders and decision-makers to remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts. While the recent improvements are encouraging, they should not breed complacency. The persistence of poverty among a significant segment of the population underscores the ongoing need for sustainable and inclusive development initiatives.

The trajectory of Sarangani's poverty incidence rates serves as a barometer of the province's socio-economic landscape and underscores the complexities of poverty eradication. The fluctuations in these figures reflect the multifaceted nature of poverty and the challenges inherent in addressing its root causes.

Moving forward, it is essential for Sarangani's leaders to sustain
their commitment to poverty alleviation, ensuring that the gains achieved
are not only maintained but expanded upon. By prioritizing targeted interventions,
promoting inclusive growth, and fostering community participation, Saranganican further enhance its resilience and create a more equitable and prosperous future for all its residents.

The journey from 40.8% in 2018 to 30.3% in 2023 (preliminary data) exemplifies Sarangani's determination to overcome adversity and chart a course towards sustainable development. While the road ahead may be challenging, with perseverance, collaboration, and a shared vision for progress, Sarangani can continue to make significant strides in its quest to uplift the lives of its people and build a more vibrant and inclusive society.

a message ...

Dear Students 

(who did not make it in the Licensure Exams)...

We understand that the outcome may not have been what you had hoped for,
and we share in your disappointment.
But we know that you are capable of achieving great things,
and we stand by you in this sad time. Akap. 🤗

Just take this time to reflect, to learn from this experience,
and to prepare for the journey ahead.
Failure as they say is not the end but a stepping stone towards success. 

Please know that you are not alone in this.
You have your friends and family,
you have a community,
and we stand together in times of trials.
Iyak lang ng todo at ilabas lahat ng frustration
then move on. Padayon! 💛

Just stay strong, keep believing in yourself,
prepare harder and smarter and never ever lose sight of your dreams.
Ipaglaban ang pangarap na yan, maaabot din. 

Your journey is far from over.
You will bounce back from this stronger
and more determined than ever,
claim na yan! ⭐

Laban lang always!

Practical Money Management: A Key Pillar to a Happy Married Life

The realities of daily life may not align with what we see in movies, but certain scenes do mirror the challenges faced by real-life couples, especially misunderstandings. While there's no secret formula for a perfect marriage, one core dimension that significantly contributes to a happy union is practical money management. In today's world, where social security and government support may not always suffice, financial wisdom and independence become paramount for both partners. I always say, we can't underestimate the importance of sound financial planning in fostering a strong and harmonious relationship and getting valuable advice to build a secure and blissful life together. 20+ years of marriage and I am still learning.

Communication is Key.
I'm not claiming that I have perfected this, because my husband Bito can be a bit hard of hearing sometimes. Effective communication however is one of the best foundations of a successful marriage, especially when it comes to money matters. Openly discuss your financial goals, concerns, and responsibilities. Create a joint budget that aligns with your shared aspirations, and regularly review it together. Avoid hiding financial issues from your partner, as transparency builds trust and allows both of you to face challenges as a team.

Establish Financial Goals.
You'll really laugh at this one because my biggest goal is just to pay the electric and water bills in advance (like prepaid), and that's okay with him. For him, it's at least saving 20,000 pesos for emergencies. Setting common financial goals is crucial to steer your marriage toward a prosperous future. Discuss short-term (travels) and long-term objectives (retirement) together. Working towards these goals together fosters a sense of unity and purpose in your relationship.

Live Within Your Means.
This is where I have a master's degree! Avoid succumbing to excessive spending or living beyond your means. Learn to differentiate between needs and wants, and prioritize essentials while curbing unnecessary expenses. Embrace a frugal lifestyle when necessary, as financial stability and living debt-free contribute to marital harmony. So here goes the answer to the question: why not buy a car?

Emergency Fund and Insurance.
This one is scary but VERY IMPORTANT. Life is unpredictable, and unexpected events can take a toll on a marriage. Build an emergency fund to cover unforeseen expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. We've been through that, and it's tough! Consider investing in health, life, and disability insurance to protect your family's financial security in challenging times. Even if it's just something cheap, like the Red Cross for less than 1,000 pesos or the annual Sagip Kapamilya plan for 3,000 pesos if you're tight on budget. The important thing is to have something, then build from there.

Financial Independence.
We learned this the hard way. While marriage fosters unity, it's essential for both partners to maintain a degree of financial independence. Encourage each other to pursue individual career goals and personal development. A sense of independence can boost self-confidence and create a more balanced dynamic within the relationship.

Seek Advice.
Goodness, don't be shy to ask for help! If you find managing finances overwhelming or encounter significant financial decisions, seek guidance from a financial advisor. A professional, or an experienced friend can help you navigate complex money matters and provide personalized strategies to solve your financial problems or to achieve your financial goals together. The important thing is, you accept that there's a problem and there's a need for you to change, right?

ESDEGEES pain

In the name of fairness

some leaders convene,

A woman's voice echoes, echoes...

From the 70s to now,

the world has spun its wheel,

Yet the same old concerns,

they haunt, they steal.

Speeches we've heard, moves we've seen,

can you dance the dance?

A world in peril, given a second,

or a second chance.

Deep within, we know, we know the sting,

The solutions to problems are but

recurring, recurring things.

Our common home, it crumbles,

crumbles from within,

We portray ignorance, yet we know,

we know the sin.

You say it's not about money?

Oh, but it is,The poor can't buy in bulk,

a crisis, a crisis. Just cry sis!

In trying to adapt, we wound,

we wound our home, we call on phone.

The irony of life, in this global, global dome.

If only we had enough,

if they could truly see,

The pain, the struggle,

the desperate, desperate plea.

Some days are for dreaming,

some are for all the slap needed...

Unmet goals loom like specters,

as 2030, Oh 2030 is on its way.

Is it a beacon of hope or a cruel jest?

A world on the brink, on the brink,

put to the test.

The confusion of young and old,

it shifts, it sways, it stinks

Who will work, who will check,

who will dream for our days?

Is this an outburst, or a cry,

a cry for help, can't you see?

Better stop and think, or better yet

let it be, let it be....

--

END

PIECES OF PISCES - of life and AVR

 

His shadow lingers, a phantom's caress,

A father stolen, by darkness obsessed.

Tortured and broken, justice denied,

Decades slip by, where sorrows reside.

To causes and movements, his spirit took flight,

Leaving a family to grapple with night.

We tended our wounds, alone in our fears,

While he soared on wings, to unseen frontiers.

From distant horizons, his gaze might descend,

"You'll conquer," he whispers, "you'll transcend."

Struggles unmet, the path barely trod,

He battles still, for some celestial kind of God.

In his death, his wake, crowds gathered and praised,

But hollow those echoes, through memory's haze.

The father we longed for, a warmth never felt,

While wounds long suppressed for survival had knelt.

Pains deeply buried, their tendrils they seek,

Convenient silences, where truths dare not speak.

Yet hurt has its season, to blossom and weep,

And forgiveness we'll sow, where sorrows lie deep.

One day, on a dawn, echoing shadows will shine,

One day, these answers to questions will be the sign.

In a realm yet unknown, a future unfurled,

Our family awaits, in a much much simpler world.

There, a father's embrace, a mother's sweet care,

And siblings entwined, our laughter to share.

The complexities fade, the torments unbind...

In that place beyond time, a haven we'll find.

---------------------------------------------

DUCKS ON YOUR HEAD

In kindness, there was a weariness profound,

A shifting mind, too often lost, then found.

Amidst the chaos, troubles, and strife,

I yearn for peace, a pause from this life.

Breathing, once easy, now feels like a chore,

Understanding, once clear, now lives here  no more.

Sights, sounds, feelings, overwhelming as they call,

Concerns that aren't mine, yet I think of them all.

In motion, such weariness so deep,

In waiting, a tiredness that steals my sleep.

Always there for others, I forgot my heart,

Denying myself the freedom to err, to restart.

Weariness has found a home in me,

Oh I'll find rest, when tiredness sets me free.

(Version 1/Safe Version)

Sakura Magtanggol, 2024

----

i have gotten tired of being kind

i have gotten tired of changing mind

i have gotten tired of all the mess and troubles i need to check 

and solve and be just done after not breathing (almost) to keep up

i have gotten tired of breathing

i have gotten tired of understanding

i have gotten tired of seeing, listening, feeling all those concerns 

that sometimes i think, (no, i know) doesn't even concern me at all

i have gotten tired of moving

i have gotten tired of waiting

i have gotten tired of being always there for everyone, 

and not giving myself chance to err or snoooze for a little while.

i have gotten tired. 

i am not resting until this tired gets tired of me.

(Version 2/ Sane Version)

Sakura Magtanggol, 2024

echoes and sketches, 1995

(far beyond far,
deep beyond deep,
still beyond still)

and the people cry, goes
“make them see, make them feel!!!”

and the poet spake, so low
“they are all but fools! How can I?
no jesus christ to stand tall amidst…
even then
have eyes, but didn’t see
have ears, but didn’t hear
have system, but didn’t feel…”

“nonsense!”, the people cried
“you might as well try”

and the poet spake, so low
“i might as well do, i’m afraid
no jesus christ i am to suffer amidst…
even then
his most high reverence
his kingdom and glory
his power everlasting

and they walked together, the poet and the people
believing to have conquered all the fears within

and they shouted to the highest
“we will be ! we shall be !
far beyond far like echoes in the night
even then
deep beyond deep as jesus christ’s
still beyond still as sketches in the wall
we will be! we shall be !”

and the people soon felt infirm
one by one they faced the last breath

and the poet wondered
“how could this be ? i’m left alone.
how can i? no jesus christ to die so others may live
even then
so he wrote deep lyrics beyond deep
so he sent echoes of emptiness, far beyond
so he drew sketches of nothingness still

and the poet wandered
clutching lyrics…echoes…sketches

just as i thought
no jesus christ he was
but he lived ‘til the end, the people he passed
even then
life held in love worked far beyond far
deep beyond life, beautiful nothingness
still beyond life, beautiful emptiness

and the people see
and the people feel.

New Year Message for Fellow Marista Educators

As the curtain closes on a year fraught with trials, let us not dwell on the shadows, but rather bask in the light of lessons learned and triumphs we have achieved.

Like St. Marcellin Champagnat, who led his flock through adversity with a shepherd's heart and a burning torch of education, we too have overcome, emerging stronger, wiser, and ever more devoted to our Marist mission.

But our journey, my dear friends and colleagues, is far from over. The second semester unfolds before us, promising fresh challenges and the boundless potential for growth. And in this endeavor, we stand not as individuals, but as a united #kapitBCg family.

To the faculty, whose tireless dedication sculpts young minds, to the adjuncts who bring their unique brilliance to our classrooms, and to the acads & admin team, who ensure our ship stays steady--- my deepest gratitude.

In the days ahead, let us be guided by the spirit of St. Marcellin. Let his humility be our compass, his faith and his love for education the wind that propels us forward.

Together,
let us create a learning haven where students blossom, where they feel seen, heard and loved, where dreams take flight, and the marista flame burns ever brighter.

May this New Year be a testament to our collective passion, may our efforts bear fruit a hundredfold. I am yours, with heartfelt appreciation.