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

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.

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.

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

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.

That Time of the Year (Again)

 Do not allow yourself
to be pressured nor stressed
by what's on socmed
or what your friends/relatives say.

Accept invits
with the intention to reconnect,
recall happy times
and save on your meals. 

Be sure however
that you are happy doing so
coz if not,
better stay at home.

Now,
also make sure that
you still have more than enough
by January.

It is not good to start the year
with no supplies on the cupboard,
no bigbills on your wallet
or no funds in your e-accounts.

Agree?

pambangunan --> development [re-entry 2009]

My classmate told us recently that in Indonesia, 'development' is near-term to 'pagbangunan'. I can't help but notice that it has a similarity to our tagalog term 'pagbangon' which means 'to arise'...hmmm, then it must be how development is best viewed: to become better than before, to be more 'coz you are able to do more for more.

However, economic development does not dwell only in the quantitative aspects but on the other non-measurable aspects as well. Economic development is both a policy objective and a means to achieving other policy goals, such as full employment, poverty alleviation, egalitarianism, and social progress.

When asked by Dr. Loanzon to give our own views of development, my usual way is to somehow understand what it is not. I always insist that economic development, though closely related to, is not identical with economic growth. Growth in real GDP is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for development. An economy may show a sound growth rate but may still fall well short of development. Neither is a high per capita income an important indicator of development. There are Muslim kingdoms with a remarkably high per capita income but still lack in the prerequisites of development.

Moreover, I can not equate development with a term for 'equal-footing'. Narrowed gap between ‘have’ and ‘have-nots’ is both a component of the development process and its goal. It was possible for underdevelopment and egalitarianism to co-exist as in the case of primitive societies. Meanwhile, a highly developed economy may have gross inequalities, take US with a Gini of 40+.

What is economic development then? Economic development is growth in GDP accompanied by relevant social and institutional changes where growth can be sustained too. These changes include reduction in absolute poverty (or whatever it is you want to call it), a better quality of life (you know what I mean), development of physical and commercial infrastructure (even as it not sky-high), higher savings, increase in employment opportunities, high literacy level (the true one), improved productivity of labor and other factors of production, somewhat-sophisticated techniques of production, a more positive attitude towards life and work, and (please, please)a stable political system.

Now ain't that sounding very profound? Real question is: Can we...? Will we...? Are we...?