Misdirected, mismatched?

I've had this URL since May last year and had just published a single post since then. So my blog isn't necessarily in good shape and it is as sedentary as my lifestyle since I entered medical school. The past year has been very fast paced and I can't seem to document everything that has been happening. Hopefully through this post, I can get people updated.

UST Central COMELEC Executive Board 2014-2015

I got elected as the Vice Chairperson of the UST Central Commission on Elections. The UST COMELEC is arguably one of the three biggest organizations in the university. It handles all political parties and  college-based units in UST. I turned out to be a surprise to the organization when I ran for office because the representatives of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery are usually the more passive ones due to their busy schedules. But hey, no one is too busy for one not to care about issues that directly affect us. I want to prove that Medicine students can do it if they have the will and commitment to do it.  The organization breeds with potential even before I entered it. I, along with the other Executive Board members, have this vision of taking the organization to greater level of significance that can span the national level. We plan to do this by instituting reforms in the electoral process, innovating projects, and by having strategic partnerships with other organizations. Talks are currently ongoing for a big project for the 2016 National Elections and I am very thrilled with the opportunity of doing something concrete for the Philippines.

Aside from being elected, I also got pretty decent grades in my first year of medical school which qualified me for the Dean's List. Aside from the bragging rights, I don't really think this speaks a lot about myself. The more I stay in med school, the more I get the perception that grades only measure a part of a persons intelligence. It doesn't evaluate things like cooperation, creativity, and linguistics. I think medical school has misappropriated focus. I am not saying that technical education is bad. In fact, it is the lifeblood of medical education. However, I think there should also be a way of evaluating the other facets of a person.

Upon looking at the issues the world facing today, they actually stem more from problems with the emotional quotient (EQ). Territorial disputes, corruption, mindless politicking - can only be addressed not by technological advancements but by developing morally upright people. So when we look at the current problems and the current system of education, there is clearly a mismatch. We focus to much on how to make our lives better (through technology) but we fail to live better lives as a person.

My idea may not hold much water in other institutions as I am confined only to my experience in the university. As of now, I am not necessarily satisfied with  the institutionalized education I'm getting. I must continuously try to learn more than what the confines of medical school offers.

Epal Politicians, shot straight.

Two days of no work allowed me to devour on the text version of Eat, Pray, Love. I'm currently halfway through and there was this part of the story that struck me the most (Theology reflection paper ito?haha) It was when Giovanni, a friend of Liz who was the main protagonist of the story, was telling her that every place has its own word. A word that predominates the mindset of the people in one geographic location.  They go on telling each other words that describe the places where they came from; SEX for Rome, ACHIEVE for New York. 

This makes me think of a word that would describe the Philippines now that it's facing heavy flooding. 

Could it be UNITY? Surely, this tragedy showed how resilient Filipinos are. That feeling of bayanihan spreading all over the streets and social media. 12,000 inmates of Bilibid prison even skipped their meals to have something to contribute.  Celebrities doing dole out public service and mass information campaigns. Everyone in a complete and synchronized action toward public safety. It makes makes me feel good knowing that everyone is trying to do their part. 

How about HOPE? The government and relief operations seem to be more responsive. PAGASA is currently doing a good job by implementing new form of citizen alerts (Red, Yellow, and Green) and doing weather reports, not the most accurate but still very helpful. The MMDA gives instant information over social media about traffic and flood situations. I think we're getting better  at this disaster management thing. I see no trace of helplessness in Juan dela Cruz these past few days. I am ecstatic.

Unfortunately, some politicians night have another word to describe the Philippines now: OPPORTUNITY. 

Masbate Governor and congressman

While the victims of the flood highly value the relief goods donated by politicians, they do not need to see the donor's faces on their every meal. (Surely, these cans do not contain parts of their bodies in brine or tomato paste) Some say this was just black propaganda but if this was true, it's very surprising that they even thought of this initiative with all that's currently happening. Instead of using all the help they can use to pack more supplies, they use part of the manpower to individually place stickers on each can of sardines. Which I think is more tedious than placing everything in a plastic bag. Now that the original wrapper is gone, how will the people of Masbate even know if what they got is the original or spicy variant of sardines? 

Mayor Echiverri of Caloocan must've enjoyed this photo op for his upcoming political agenda as he was handing his Echiverri-branded relief goods to this woman. And I don't think this is just black propaganda

Mayor Echiverri and his branded relief goods

Looks like Mayor Echiverri wasn't alone in using this promotion strategy. Benjo Bernabe and Rico Golez also says "Yes!" to uncalled for campaigning and self-promotion. 

PNoy, Kris, and cabinet members in Muntinlupa

PNoy, having more visibility during times like these, visited an evacuation center in Muntinlupa. It might have been a well-meaning gesture if not for his entourage, who were allegedly future senatorial candidates. A report in Bandila said that PNoy was only with his sister and cabinet members. How come I see Risa Hontiverros in the picture? Hmmm. Probably if they just split up and went to different locations, they might have helped a whole lot more Filipinos. 

If this rubber boat is private property, ergo not funded by tax payer's money, a little break on self-promotion might help make this effort more sincere. Must public officials have their names printed on everything?

Castello

This practice had been going on for so long and nothing seems to have been implemented yet to address the issue except for that proposed "Anti-Epal Bill"  by Sen. Miriam Santiago. It a responsibility for public officials to serve their people. The public do not owe them anything for helping out. I wish that politicians would focus less on their selfish motives and rather live up to the public service that they campaigned and were elected for. 

Filipinos must be more vigilant and less tolerant with these kind of acts. If these officials want publicity for themselves, then lets go ahead give them the publicity they deserve. Something... like... this...

Here's the result:

While I was looking for pictures, I came across a group page in FB named Anti-Epal and a blog which feature your favorite politicians doing what they do best. The blog is even in need of Epal Hunters, volunteer if you wish :)

Erap's "EPIC FAIL" Statement

Last night, I watched a replay of the HARAPAN:The Presidential Forum on ANC. I would have watched the forum live since the venue was our own building at UST but I was already invited by my friends from the Conservatory of Music to watch their Christmas Gala Concert.

Back to the topic! The only thing I can say about Erap's statement on the right is the term most of us college students use nowadays, "EPIC FAIL".

I'm pretty surprised/shameful  that he even won a Presidential election. Surely, that statement would cost him a huge loss on votes.

In response to Eraps statement, "Kunwari si father, may anak 'to, gusto ding magpari, bawal ba yun?". Opo. Bawal na bawal.haha

 

 At pag nahalal yang si Erap ay baka magkaanak na rin ang mga pari.HAHA