Cayetano envisions Philippines as sports tourism leader

PRESS RELEASE

June 19, 2024

“We will be a sports tourism powerhouse."

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano confidently proclaimed the Philippines' future as a leading sports tourism destination as he joined the ceremonial ball turnover for the country’s solo hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in 2025.

“What makes us a perfect venue for hosting multiple teams and multiple sports [ay] ang hospitality ng Plipino. Iba talaga,” Cayetano said on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, as the country opened its hosting of the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Men’s Tournament.

“We really care, we really treat them as family. Kahit makakalaban mong team, aalagaan mo,” he added.

Leading the ceremonial turnover was Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor, who invited Cayetano, the Chairman Emeritus of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), on stage along with the co-chairpersons of the local organizing committee, Vincent Marcos and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.

Also present were Senator Pia Cayetano, PNVF President Ramon Suzara, Pasay City Mayor Emi Rubiano, Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino, FIVB Australia Head of Technical and Development Steve Tutton, and Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) President Rita Subowo.

Cayetano expressed high hopes for future sporting events, saying the country’s past experience in hosting have been valuable learning opportunities that refined the Philippines' hosting capabilities.

“Ang isang challenge natin of course ay ang facilities. We’re learning. But the basics for a good community are also the basics for good hosting,” he said.

“I think there’s one thing we should focus on: supporting our own athletes. Pag ginawa natin ‘yan, sports tourism will grow,” he added.

The VNL Men’s Tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena this week serves as a prelude to next year’s grand solo hosting of the FIVB. The ongoing Manila semifinals will showcase an exciting lineup of eight teams, including fan favorites such as Japan, USA, Brazil, Germany, France, and Canada.###

Magiging sports tourism leader ang Pilipinas: Cayetano

“We will be a sports tourism powerhouse."

Sa kanyang pagdalo sa ceremonial ball turnover para sa solo hosting ng bansa sa FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, buong kumpiyansang sinabi ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano na magiging isa sa mga pangunahing destinasyon para sa sports tourism ang Pilipinas.

“What makes us a perfect venue for hosting multiple teams and multiple sports [ay] ang hospitality ng Plipino. Iba talaga,” wika ni Cayetano nitong Martes, June 18, 2024, sa pagbubukas ng Volleyball Nations League Men’s Tournament o VNL Men’s Tournament sa bansa.

“We really care, we really treat them as family. Kahit makakalaban mong team, aalagaan mo,” dagdag niya.

Nanguna sa ceremonial turnover si Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor, na siyang nag-imbita kay Cayetano, ang Chairman Emeritus ng Philippine National Volleyball Federation o PNVF, sa entablado. Kasama nila ang mga co-chairperson ng local organizing committee na sina Vincent Marcos at Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.

Kasama rin sa seremoniya sina Senador Pia Cayetano, PNVF President Ramon Suzara, Pasay City Mayor Emi Rubiano, Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham Tolentino, FIVB Australia Head of Technical and Development Steve Tutton, at Asian Volleyball Confederation o AVC President Rita Subowo.

Umaasa si Cayetano na mas magiging matagumpay ang mga susunod na pagho-host ng bansa dahil sa mga aral na natutunan mula sa nakaraang pagho-host ng mga prestihiyosong sporting events.

“Ang isang challenge natin of course ay ang facilities. We’re learning. But the basics for a good community are also the basics for good hosting,” saad niya.

“I think there’s one thing we should focus on: supporting our own athletes. Pag ginawa natin ‘yan, sports tourism will grow,” dagdag pa niya.

Nagsisilbing panimula para sa grand solo hosting ng FIVB ang VNL Men’s Tournament sa Mall of Asia ngayong linggo. Kabilang sa mga kalahok sa tournament ay ang mga fan-favorites tulad ng Japan, USA, Brazil, Germany, France, at Canada. ###

PHOTO CAPTION:

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Chairman Emeritus of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), participated in the ceremonial ball turnover for the country's solo hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in 2025. “We will be a sports tourism powerhouse,” Cayetano said. He was joined by Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor as well as local organizing committee co-chairpersons Vincent Marcos and Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 as the country began its hosting of the 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Men’s Tournament.###

Tagalog:

Isa si Senador Alan Peter Cayetano sa mga lumahok sa ceremonial turnover ng solo hosting ng bansa para sa FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship sa 2025. “We will be a sports tourism powerhouse,” wika ni Cayetano, na Chairman Emeritus ng Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF). Sa entablado, kasama ng senador sina Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor pati na rin ang mga kapwa co-chairperson niya sa local organizing committee na sina Vincent Marcos at Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco noong Martes, June 18, 2024. Ginanap ang seremonya habang kasalukuyang host ang bansa ng 2024 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Men’s Tournament.###

 

How Marian Rivera keeps kids protected amid change of weather

C. Mendez Legaspi - Philstar.com

June 19, 2024 | 9:40am

 

MANILA, Philippines — Even as she reigns supreme as the "Kapuso Primetime Queen," Marian Rivera-Dantes still considers being a mother as her greatest blessing.

“Time, please slow down! I’m not ready for my babies to grow up so quickly #TimeFlies #CherishEveryMoments,” the movie box-office queen posted on her socials. 

At the 50th anniversary of Ceelin, “the unparalleled and most trusted immunity partner of moms for their kids,” Marian shared her wonderful and challenging experiences as a doting mom to Zia and Sixto.   

Marian is the ambassadress for the vitamin brand for several years running, and she swears by its health benefits as it caters to the unique needs of Filipino children with its range of drops, syrup, chewable, and gummy formats.

A grand celebration was held for the brand’s golden year at the Unilab Bayanihan Center in Mandaluyong City on May 17. One of the pressing concerns that was discussed about whether to let kids do activities outdoors or indoors. The star of the “My Guardian Angel” shared her thoughts:

“OK ako [to let kids play outdoors]. Pero, to be honest, 50-50 ako. Why? OK ako outdoors kasi alam ko mas marami sila matutunan. Pero sa weather kasi ngayon, depends pa rin if we go outdoors. Siguro tayo mga parents, titignan natin kung OK ba etong oras na ‘to lumabas?

“Baka ‘yung anak ko tirik ang araw, gusto maglaro ng basketball.’Ah, anak, sandali, baka pwede natin gawin na [at a later time]?’ So very mindful kami mag-asawa sa paglabos sa init lalo na ngayon.

“Syempre maganda pa rin outdoor kasi mga anak ko mahilig mag-swimming, mag-basketball, mag footbool, mag-rugby.

“Pero just in case lang na hindi pwede lumabas dahil sa weather, mahilig kasi kami mag crafts ng mga anak ko. So hindi ako nanininwala na hindi matututo ang bata sa loob ng bahay. Ung maabilidad kag magulang, kaya mong maging posible sa loob ng bahay.

“So, ganu'n kami. Nagka-crafts kami tatlo. So may idea sila na, ‘Mama, let’s do like this. Let’s do like that.’ O sige, game tayo. Sa pagka-craft namin, pati ako kasali dun. Mag-e-explain kami bakit ganun ang ginawa namin. So natututo kaming tatlo.”

THE KILLING WORKPLACE

By: Klaus Döring

I have experienced it many times. I have written about it many times. Nothing changed yet. Of course not! Even in times of pandemic, a workplace remains as a workplace. Even as a home office.

It's helpful to learn how to manage stress caused by work. If you often experience feelings of stress, you might be at risk of developing a mental health problem like depression or anxiety.

Stress can also make your existing mental health problems feel worse.

You don't need to cope with stress at work alone. Here are some general ideas you can try to help you manage:

Understand more about stress. Recognising the signs of stress and learning about the causes of stress is a good place to start.

Figure out what you find stressful and helpful. You could make a Wellness Action Plan to map out what causes you stress and what keeps you well. Once you know what's best, talk to your employer. They may be able to make some changes to help you.

Learn different coping techniques. Everyone deals with stress differently, so take time to find methods that work for you. Use them as soon as you start to feel pressure building. Check out the guides from the Stress Management Society for ideas.

Try practising mindfulness. This practice is about focusing on the here and now. It might help you to find calmness and clarity to respond to stressful situations. See our pages on mindfulness to learn more.

Look after your physical health. Eat well and try a gentle activity like going for a walk or doing a chair-based exercise. Our pages on physical activity and food and mood have more details on how this can help your mental health.

Fact is, nowadays, the modern workplace can inflict dangerous levels of stress on employees even more than decades ago. Jeffrey Pfeffer, author of "Dying for a Paycheck" , argues that these practices don’t help companies – and warns governments are ignoring an emerging public health crisis. Jeffrey Pfeffer is not the only one. Hundreds more followed Pfeffer's footsteps. 

We’ve all fallen victim to a job that seemed to suck the souls out of us. You might know the feeling — undue stress, high expectations, little return for hard work and so on. In a society that values hard work and professionalism, it can be difficult to recognize you’re in one of these toxic work situations.

Perhaps you’re the loyal type who’ll do anything for your employer, no matter the personal cost. Or the income is great, so you suffer through rough workdays to achieve your financial dreams. Others absolutely love their jobs but just can’t bring in the income they deserve. Whatever the reason, it might be time to let go of a toxic job if you find yourself saying "my job is killing me" and seek a better future. Here are five signs your job is killing you, along with how to find a better one.

It can be difficult to decide if you should stick through a rough patch at work or move on to something better. But how do you know if you should leave your job?  Here are some signs that your current job is not adding value to your life.

1. You dread going into work. It can take some time to get adjusted to a new job. But if you’ve been at it for months and still have trouble walking through the door without your chest tightening, it might be a sign that it’s time to move on. Don’t spend your life working at a job that fills you with constant dread.

2. There’s no opportunity for advancement. So, you’ve been with your company for some time, but it seems like you’ve hit a wall. Perhaps you’ve been passed on multiple promotions or you’ve asked for advancement opportunities and hit a dead end. Why stay at a job where you aren’t allowed to grow and achieve your very best?

3. You work with toxic people. Toxic people in the workplace can be a killer. Sometimes it’s just one or two coworkers who you can learn to live with. Other times, a manager or supervisor makes it impossible for you to succeed. You’ll probably never feel comfortable or happy in a workplace filled with negative energy.

4. The work is too easy or too challenging. Work with no challenges is boring. You need to face challenges so you can overcome them and grow in your confidence.  At the same time, a job that is much too challenging can make you feel incompetent and stressed. It’s important to find work that allows you to face and solve obstacles while not killing yourself in the process.

5. Work is impacting your personal life. If your job is causing so much chaos that you can’t sleep at night, it’s probably time to move on. Likewise, a job that cuts into your personal time can take a hit on your family and social life. Everyone needs downtime. Don’t let your job suck everything out of you.

When you’ve finally decided enough is enough, make sure to resign with grace. You don’t want to burn bridges, lose a potential reference or hurt your valuable reputation. Show your employer respect if you want to be respected in return.

Just because you’ve resigned doesn’t mean you should drop everything and skate through your last days. Show some self-respect by continuing to perform your job to your best ability. You are still being paid for your time, so make sure you are earning that pay fairly. Finish your last days with grace.

Of course, a stressful job can definitely affect your health negatively. People can only undergo a certain amount of stress before their bodies begin to suffer. Stress can cause headaches, insomnia and even paralysis when severe enough. It can also trigger symptoms of underlying mental illness. Overloads of stress can go as far as causing conditions like hypertension and stroke.

Of course it’s okay to quit! Not all employers and employees are good matches. Don’t spend your life being miserable because you feel obligated to stick with a dead-end job. Yes, your employer may be disappointed when you go, but that’s their problem, not yours. Just be sure you are quitting for the right reasons, not because of a personal vendetta. Also, make sure you’ve given a new job enough time to make an accurate assessment — it can take two or three months before you feel comfortable at a new job.

But some leaders are taking this idea of stewardship seriously. Companies such as Patagonia, Collective Health, SAS Institute, Google, John Lewis Partnership – which is employee-owned – and Zillow provide a template of what might be different. As I said, SOME leaders. Really only a very few. Not enough. I guess most leaders really don't care about their staff.

People get paid time off and are expected to use it. Managers don’t send emails or texts at all hours – people work, go home and have time to relax and refresh. The organisations offer accommodations so that people can have both a job and a family life. People are treated like adults and have control over what they do and how they do it to meet their job responsibilities, not micromanaged.

If your job is causing undue work stress in your life, take a moment to reassess the situation. It’s easy to have an overachiever mentality — until it makes you sick or shatters your personal life. Take some time to assess your life — your work responsibilities, your level of quality personal time and your health. If you want to be happy, it’s important to keep these areas of life well-balanced.

Most importantly, the companies are led by individuals who take their obligations to their people seriously. SAS Institute has a chief health officer whose job is not just to control costs but also to ensure employees are as healthy as possible.  Bob Chapman recognises that everyone who comes to work at Barry-Wehmiller is “someone’s precious child” or family member.

People need to choose their employer not just for salary and promotion opportunities but on the basis of whether the job will be good for their psychological and physical health. Business leaders should measure the health of their workforce, not just profits.

And governments concerned about the health-care cost crisis need to focus on the workplace, because workplace stress is clearly making people sick. None of this is necessary – no one should be dying for a paycheck.

CHED crafting master plan to address healthcare worker shortage in the Philippines

BY SONNY DAANOY

Jun 19, 2024 08:34 AM

  

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The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced on Tuesday, June 18, that they are preparing a "master plan" to present to President Marcos, aimed at addressing the shortage of healthcare workers in the Philippines.

MB FILE

During the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between CHED and UNILAB for the Training of Trainers Program on Suicide Prevention and Awareness in Higher Education Institutions, CHED Chairperson Prospero "Popoy" de Vera III shared with the media their three-year action plan.

He said this plan will be presented to President Marcos on June 19 and is based on assessments conducted with industry experts. 

"We're now going into the other programs because from the hospitals, from industry, they're saying that the next batch na kukulangin na tayo includes physical therapy, medtech, radiologic technology, occupational therapy," De Vera said.

(We are now addressing other programs because, according to the hospitals and the industry, the next areas where we will be lacking include physical therapy, medical technology, radiologic technology, and occupational therapy).

"So now we are developing a master plan. According to the assessment of the industry and experts, it’s not as critical as the nursing shortage right now," he added in a mix of English and Filipino.

De Vera noted that this initiative will outline strategies to increase the number of professionals, incentivize the stay-pay bill, and implement other measures for these professions. 

Meanwhile, addressing nursing graduates, De Vera underscored that CHED will provide fully funded review classes for 500 graduates aiming to take the Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination (NLE).

"For nurses, 51 percent of all registered nurses are practicing their professions overseas. So only 49 percent are left here, not all are nurses anymore," he said.

"Out of the 49 percent, about 25 percent are in hospitals. The rest are in call centers. Nursing graduates opt for call center jobs because they can earn higher salaries there due to medical transcription opportunities," he explained. 

Tourism sector contributes 8.6% to Philippine economy in 2023

 

This photo taken on December 11, 2023 shows tour boats sailing back to El Nido, Palawan province.

Gabriell Christel Galang - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The share of Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) in the Philippine economy reached its highest level last year since 2000, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

In a statement on Tuesday, the PSA reported that the 2023 TDGVA increased by 8.6%, reaching P2.09 trillion. This represents a nearly 48% rise from the previous year's TDGVA of P1.41 trillion.

The PSA first measured the TDGVA nearly 24 years ago, assessing its contribution to the country's gross domestic product.

According to PSA undersecretary and national statistician Claire Dennis Mapa, the tourism satellite account evaluates the numbers based on accommodation services, food and beverage serving activities, transportation, travel agencies, other reservation services, among others.

Last year's data revealed that inbound tourism expenditure surged by 87.7%, reaching P697.46 billion, marking the highest annual growth rate on record.

Domestic tourism followed closely, increasing by 72.3% to reach P2.67 trillion, up from P1.55 trillion in 2022.

Outbound tourism went from P189 billion to P208 billion year-on-year, noting a 10% jump in expenditure.

Internal tourism, including inbound and domestic expenditure, soared by 75.3% from P1.9 trillion in 2022 to P3.36 trillion in 2023.

Employment or tourism careers, on the other hand, increased by 6.4% from 5.84 million in tourism characteristic industries to 6.21 million.

“The share of employment in tourism industries to the total employment in the country in 2023 was recorded at 12.9%,” Mapa said.

Do “meinen” and “bedeuten” have the same meaning in German?

 

Alice Milne

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Background in science and engineering through school, university, vocational and professional experience.

I only comment when I feel I have anything sensible to say.

Do “meinen” and “bedeuten” have the same meaning in German? What’s their use in everyday conversation?

Q: “Do “meinen” and “bedeuten” have the same meaning in German? What’s their use in everyday conversation?”

To add to Philip Newton’s excellent explanation, I’ll address the second part of the question about their use in everyday conversation.

Meinen can also mean “think” or “have an opinion”.

If you are discussing a problem, you might turn to someone and ask “Was meinst du/meinen Sie?”(What do you think? / What’s your opinion?)

Or when reporting what someone else said, you could say “Das wird schweirig, meinte er zumindest.” This would translate as “that will be difficult, or at least that’s what he said / or at least that’s what he thinks”. As in English, this can be uttered neutrally, but if the “er” is emphasized, it may mean the person reporting is doubtful as to whether the other person is correct.

This ties in with the meaning of the noun Meinung = opinion.

If you think back to C18 and C19 English literature, this use of meinen also ties in with the alternative to he or she “said” in dialogue sequences: “opined”.

Bedeuten can also mean “to have implications” as in “Was bedeutet das für uns?”, which is a question often posed after unexpected events or changes of policy or management. Basically, it can be translated as “How will that affect us?”.

When bedeuten is used with a human subject or indirect object, we move into the realm of emotions or importance of things or people on an emotional level. “Was bedeutet es dir?” is a way of asking someone how they feel about something - a profession, a hobby, an object, for example. “Was bedeutet er/sie dir?” is a way of asking how someone feels about another person or how they view that person in terms of human relationships (friend, lover, mentor, fatherly or motherly figure, etc.)

BLACKPINK’s Rosé signs management contract with The Black Label

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Jun 18, 2024 10:57 AM

  

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BLACKPINK member Rosé signed a management contract for her solo activities with The Black Label founded by former YG Entertainment producer Teddy. 

The Black Label is an affiliate company of YG Entertainment. Its current artists are Park Bogum, Taeyang, Jeon Somi, Zion.T, Vince, Loren, R.Tee, Bryan Chase, Lee Jong-won and Ella Gross. 

BLACKPINK's Rosé (Instagram)

The Black Label (Facebook)

All BLACKPINK members are under YG Entertainment for their group activities. They did not sign contracts for their solo activities with the agency. 

Teddy is a producer for BLACKPINK and is the general producer at The Black Label. 

Lisa, Jennie and Jisoo previously announced separate agencies for their solo activities.  

“We have signed a management contract with artist Rosé. Producer Teddy and artist Rosé, who have worked together as producers and artists for a long time, recently signed a management contract with The Black Label based on their deep trust in each other,” The Black Label announced on June 18.  

It added, “Rosé is currently preparing to meet global fans with new music, and plans to carry out music activities around the world with global record labels in the future.”

“Please look forward to the best synergy between Rosé, who has a unique musical color, and The Black Label, which pursues artists' freedom of activity. We promise that we will not spare any support in the future so that Rosé can be active in more diverse fields,” it added. 

ARTS AND CULTURE Celebrating diversity and pride: TikTok’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ community

(From left) TikTok creators and personalities Marina Summers, Eva LeQueen, Roanne and Tina, and Paul Sumayao

Philstar.com

June 14, 2024 | 4:55pm

MANILA, Philippines — TikTok has become a vibrant and inclusive space where Filipinos from all walks of life find empowerment and community. Through its platform, TikTok aims to enable authentic self-expression while ensuring that it remains a safe and positive space.

This Pride Month, TikTok celebrates and uplifts the voices of queer creators who inspire and advocate for a more inclusive world through the hashtags #ForYourPride and #YouBelongHere.

From entertaining makeup transformations to heartfelt discussions on embracing authenticity, these queer creators are leveraging TikTok to champion inclusivity and pride. With each video, they redefine visibility and celebration, fostering a more inclusive digital landscape.

Ready for a rainbow-infused TikTok experience? Check this list of creators who are sure to fill your feed with fabulous and inclusive content.

Marina Summers

Marina Summers’ journey from TV and advertising producer to drag queen extraordinaire is a testament to the power of self-expression and resilience. Having graced the stages of Drag Race Philippines and captivated audiences on RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World, Marina’s ascent to fame inspires members of the LGBTQIA+ community seeking to unleash their creativity and authenticity.

“TikTok gave me my first million views and viral moments,” Marina shares. “It helped in cementing the idea of Marina Summers, especially the brand online. It democratizes creativity and inspires the whole world to discover their artistic expression.”

Through TikTok, Marina showcases her glamorous performances and infuses them with meme-worthy comedy content. For her, TikTok represents a platform that empowers queer Filipinos and provides them with bigger stages to shine on.

“It proves that not only are we worthy of the spotlight, but we are also admired,” she proudly asserts.

Eva LeQueen

From the stiff corporate life to the dazzling world of drag, Eva Le Queen’s transformation is undoubtedly one for the books. The competitive contestant of the inaugural season of Drag Race Philippines was a former overseas Filipino worker in Singapore before she boldly pursued her passion for drag.

Remarkably, within four months of her drag debut, Eva clinched the first runner-up title at Singapore’s Drag It Out All-Stars competition, showcasing her rapid ascent and innate talent.

“During the pandemic, the world of drag queens closed down,” Eva recalls. “We started #KeepDragAlive and brought drag online through TikTok. It provided access to many talented individuals who wanted to explore drag.”

TikTok offered a platform for Eva to share tutorials and transformation videos and facilitated the growth of the drag community in the Philippines. “TikTok provided access to all queens, all kids who wanted to take part in the art form,” Eva emphasizes. “It's high time to do drag in the Philippines, and TikTok has been instrumental in bridging that gap.”

Paul Sumayao of Barbierro

In the Philippines, traditional gender norms have long determined the acceptable spaces for haircuts: salons for women and barbershops for men. Unfortunately, this binary system has left many in the trans and queer community feeling uncomfortable, unwelcome and uncertain.

Paul Sumayao believes that, “Ang buhok ay walang kasarian” (Hair has no gender). He advocates for self-expression through style, affirming that everyone deserves a hairstyle that makes them feel their best.

Consequently, he co-founded Barbierro, the Philippines’ pioneering queer barbershop, with a mission to create safe spaces for the queer community through superior grooming services. TikTok played a pivotal role in amplifying his message and connecting with a wider audience.

“Through TikTok, we found out that many of our transmen and lesbian brothers and sisters felt ostracized during haircuts,” Paul shares. “TikTok helped us hear their stories and provided a platform to engage with thm.”

For Paul, Barbierro Barbershop represents more than just a business—it’s a legacy of acceptance and empowerment. “Establishing a safe space called Barbierro Barbershop is our way of leaving something behind for young queer kids everywhere,” Paul affirms.

“And with TikTok’s support, we can reach even more people and let them know that #YouBelongHere.”

Roanne and Tina

Roanne and Tina, the dynamic duo behind Queer Safe Spaces Inc., have been vocal advocates for love, acceptance and inclusivity. Their journey on TikTok has been a testament to the platform’s ability to amplify marginalized voices and spark meaningful conversations.

“Thanks to TikTok, we feel heard and seen,” Roanne expresses. “It served as an entry point for our partnership with TikTok Philippines, leading to initiatives like the Queer Prom co-presented by TikTok.”

Having faced their share of struggles as a queer couple, Tina and Roanne empathize with the challenges encountered by fellow LGBTQIA+ individuals. This empathy led them to establish Queer Safe Spaces Inc., which is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.

Their partnership with TikTok Philippines has enabled them to reach a wider audience and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights more effectively. Through creative campaigns and collaborations, they’ve amplified their message of love and acceptance, paving the way for transformative initiatives like the Queer Prom: You Belong Here, a fundraising effort to establish a physical safe space center for the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community.

“We hope that through initiatives like the Queer Prom, we can provide a physical institution that addresses the diverse needs of our community,” Tina explains. “Because everyone deserves to feel validated and loved, and TikTok has been instrumental in amplifying that message.”

Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by TikTok. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.

Public service… is it for you?

THERE'S HOPE!

BY GODDES HOPE O. LIBIRAN

Jun 16, 2024 00:22 AM

  

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GUEST COLUMNIST

Public service is often romanticized as a noble endeavor, a calling for the greater good. The reality of being a public servant, however, is far from simple or ceremonial. 

Government work entails navigating complex bureaucratic processes, balancing diverse stakeholder interests, and enduring intense public scrutiny, all while striving to deliver essential services with limited resources.

In the case of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), managing the budget while attempting to address the diverse and growing needs of various sectors is a constant challenge. We likewise have to deal with economic challenges, inflation, and other macroeconomic factors that can affect revenue collection and budget planning. So many factors are at play.

It is especially challenging now that it is the budget season, a critical time for the Philippine government, when we set the financial framework for the country's programs and initiatives, influencing economic development and public service delivery.

Two weeks ago, I participated in a series of Executive Review Board (ERB) meetings, where I witnessed the dedication and resilience of the top brass of DBM. For context, the ERB consists of the DBM leadership, headed by Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman. It evaluates all proposals and funding amounts from agencies, for inclusion in the proposed National Expenditure Program (NEP). The finalized NEP is then presented to the President and the Cabinet, and, once approved, to Congress for scrutiny. 

The late nights, the tireless efforts, and the unwavering commitment to ensuring that every budget allocation is meticulously reviewed and justified—all these are part and parcel of the process. I salute the individuals who sacrifice a great deal of time and energy to guarantee that every session is productive and every decision is made with the nation’s best interests in mind.

One of the most demanding aspects of our role at the DBM is the delicate balancing act we must perform. We have to serve the interests of both the public and private sectors, a responsibility that requires not only a keen understanding of economic principles but also a deep empathy for the needs and aspirations of the people.

On one hand, we must ensure that public funds are allocated efficiently and effectively, supporting essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. These allocations directly impact the quality of life of Filipinos and are crucial for the nation's development.

On the other hand, we must consider the needs of the private sector, which drives economic growth and creates employment opportunities. Striking the right balance between these often-competing interests is no easy feat and requires a nuanced approach that takes into account the broader economic landscape and the long-term implications of our decisions.

Beyond DBM, and I have said this often, public service is not for the weak-kneed and craven. It is a thankless job that tests your strength and deprives you of sleep. There are times when you will experience spending days away from family, and yet, in return, you get to be the public’s object of ridicule, hate, and mockery. But, still, you have to always work hard.

Serving the public involves a level of dedication and resilience that few other professions require. The scrutiny we face, both from the public and from various stakeholders, can be intense. Further, the pressure to deliver results promptly, often with limited resources, can be overbearing.

Reflecting on the DBM once more, the duty of managing the nation’s budget is enormous, with high stakes. Any misstep can have far-reaching consequences, affecting millions of lives and the country’s economic stability. This is why I am incredibly impressed by how Sec. Mina handles these complexities with remarkable skill.

Of course, despite these tribulations, there is a profound sense of fulfillment in public service. The knowledge that our work has the potential to create positive change and improve the lives of our fellow citizens is great motivation. It is this sense of purpose that keeps us going, even when the going gets tough.

Public service may be an unforgiving and often unappreciated work, but it remains an essential and honorable pursuit. For those who choose this path, the merits are not measured in accolades or financial gain but in the lasting impact of their work on the nation and the Filipinos.

There is hope!