Keeping up with evolving and emerging jobs

by Monchito B. Ibrahim

With the rapid pace of technological change, the increasing complexity of the global economy, and calamities like the pandemic, there is now a need for organizations and workers alike to adapt to the unending changes in the workplace. Organizations will have to constantly revisit job roles, drop some of them, or even create new ones. In turn, workers will have to keep up by ensuring that they have the new skills needed by these evolving and emerging jobs. And because the cheese will keep on moving, it will be a lifelong endeavor for most of them.

I remember when I was just starting and looking to land my first job. The first thing I was asked for was my transcript of record and the interview basically revolved around my grades. And just like most of my seniors in the company, promotions would mean learning new skills only when I already have a new position and only for skills that I need to do my new job well. Technology innovations were not as pervasive as it is today so there was no need to anticipate changes in job roles so there is not much motivation to explore new job skills outside of what the existing role needs.

Fast forward to today and we see that most organizations are looking for individuals who have the skills to adapt and keep up with the changes. In order to stay competitive in the evolving job market, individuals need to anticipate industry and technology trends, and continuously acquire new skills and knowledge throughout their careers.

We are beginning to see changes in the workplace today. One example is the accelerated shift towards remote work and digitalization. With the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, we are starting to see software and machines taking over many jobs once performed by humans. Individuals then will have to adapt to new ways of working and acquire new skills that complement the capabilities of machines and AI. Or even anticipate the emergence of new job roles and develop the necessary skills for them to take on the new jobs. The times when most workers would just depend on their companies to get them trained for new jobs are long gone. Employers today value employees who are self-learners, proactive in their learning and development, and would more likely promote and provide opportunities for advancement to these individuals. Lifelong learning then is key today.

We are also beginning to see a change in the attitude of recruiters. They are warming up to a skills-over-degrees mindset. Many employers today value skills and potential more heavily than degrees or pedigrees when hiring. Even global brands are relying on soft skills and willingness to learn as predictors of success.

A worker today essentially needs a strong set of digital skills in order to navigate the digital landscape. This would include proficiency in using various software and online tools. Online digital skills courses, mostly free, are available today. 

It is also important that workers embrace flexibility because remote work and flexible schedules are becoming to be common. It is essential for them to be open to different ways of working. In these emerging work environments, workers need to build their support network. This would include family, friends, and colleagues who can provide emotional support and advice. Working remotely can be isolating and it is important to have a dependable support network in place.

Many have taken the path of lifelong learning to explore new career paths and opportunities that may not be available to them previously. By anticipating the impact of emerging technology trends, they can also better prepare for new job roles that may arise. Finally, learning new things can be challenging and stimulating, which helps to keep our minds active and engaged.

Learning can be done by workers themselves and, fortunately for everyone in these digital times, many online learning platforms have popped up offering self-paced workshops, both credentialed and non-credentialed. Credentialed workshops simply mean that at the end of the course, the learner must take an assessment examination and, if passed, will be provided with certifications attesting that the learner has at least attained the minimum level of proficiency required for that skill or competence.

The need for individuals to adapt and acquire new skills throughout their lives has made it essential for them to engage in ongoing learning and development. Lifelong learning enables individuals to stay competitive in the job market, adapt to new ways of working, advance in their careers, stay engaged and motivated, and contribute to society. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to make lifelong learning a priority in their lives.

A skilled workforce is a key driver of the country’s economic growth and competitiveness. It is therefore everyone’s business to help our workers develop that lifelong learning mindset to ensure that they continue to meet the changing needs of a digital economy.

mon.ibrahim@aap.ph

Training ourselves to give our all

By Fr. Roy Cimagala*

ESPECIALLY in our relation with God and with others, we need to give our all. Especially in our duties toward them, we should do our best to carry them out wholeheartedly.

The consideration of prudence and discretion may appear to us as if we have to be calculating and to give less than what we would like to give, but in the end what it does is to lead us to give our all.

We are reminded of this truth about our life in that gospel episode where Christ told his disciples, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.” (Mk 4,21-22)

These words of Christ clearly tell us that we should always be at the service of God and others, doing the most important task of always giving glory to God and of leading everybody else to him.

And he capped this indication of his with a call to generosity when he said, “The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you, and still more will be given to you. To the one who has more, more will be given; from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” (Mk 4,24-25)

In our self-giving to God and to others, we should try our best to be energized, driven and zealous. That is actually the ideal condition for us. Even if we are endowed only with the most phlegmatic and melancholic temperaments, something must be burning inside our heart that cannot help but burst into a flame, a flame of love, of self-giving, of serving without expecting any return. If it is not yet there, then let’s enkindle it.

The secret again is always that vital identification with Christ who, in pursuit of his redemptive mission, expressed such zeal when he said: “I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning!” (Lk 12,49) And no amount of difficulty and suffering, and even death, could stop him from pursuing his mission. Such should also be out attitude.

If we are truly in love, with the love of God who is the source, pattern and end of love, we cannot help but, like Christ, be always energized, driven and zealous, no matter what the cost. Of course, this condition is quite tough to meet, but if we would just try, and try again as often as necessary, certainly the ideal effect would just come about.

Let’s also remember that God has endowed us with everything we need for us to achieve our ideal condition that would enable us to give our all. We need to develop a keen sense of generosity and self-giving that is also a result of detachment. Let’s never forget that whatever we have comes from God who wants us to work for the common good. Thus, we hear St. Paul saying, “What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Cor 4,7)

We have been reminded of this need to cultivate generosity in the gospel. “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions,” Christ said. (Lk 12,15) Let’s remember that God cannot be outdone in generosity.

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

10 Pinaka Mapinsalang Bagyo Sa Pilipinas (Worst Typhoons)

10. typhoon Lando 9. typhoon Pedring 8. typhoon Rolly 7. typhoon Ulysses 6. typhoon Pepeng 5. typhoon Ompong 4. typhoon Glenda 3. typhoon Pablo 2. typhoon Odette 1. typhoon Yolanda tags & topic #typhoon #strongest #bagyo #hurricane #cyclone #bagyong #pinaka #pinsala #malakas #malalakas #mapaminsala #pinsalang #philippines #top #typhoons #biggest #tumama #dumaan #humagupit #nabuo #nabubuo #scariest#super #storm #surge This video content is my original creation and narrative, but all of the clips or materials that I used, including images, videos, and music, are all credited to their respective owners.

Former rivals GMA, ABS-CBN jointly producing tv series

by James A. Loyola

GMA Network and ABS-CBN Corporation, formerly stiff rivals in the broadcasting industry, have sealed a new historic partnership for the co-production of a groundbreaking television series.

In a statement, the two multi-media giants said the romantic-drama series titled “Unbreak My Heart” will be filmed in Switzerland and will air on GMA this year.

It will also stream in 15 territories outside of the Philippines on Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional over-the-top video streaming service.

The partnership was made official during a contract signing held at ABS-CBN with top officials from the three companies led by GMA Senior Vice-President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Groups Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer of Broadcast Cory Vidanes, and Viu Philippines Deputy Country Manager Vinchi Sy-Quia.

“It’s a first for Philippine TV and I’m sure it’s the audience that will be the winners in this collaboration. We’re very excited to be working with ABS-CBN on TV for the first time,” said Gozon.

Vidanes noted that, “This is a milestone in the industry. We’re thankful for this opportunity and we’re very happy to work with GMA to serve our audiences. We unite as one team. We never imagined that this was going to happen.”

“Today, we are able to proudly showcase that on our platform with premium Filipino content not just for Filipino audiences but also for global audiences to appreciate and enjoy. This is with a vision of bringing the best of the Filipino talent on-cam and off-cam to the world,” said Viu Philippines Content Partnerships Head Garlic Garcia.

Actress Jodi Sta. Maria said “This collaboration will really bring in opportunities not only to the networks, but for the people working in the network, for the people in the industry.”

“I’m really proud, honored, and excited to be part of this show which is history in the making since this is the first time that two network giants will be working with each other. Of course I’m also excited to be working with Jodi again and all the other people in the cast,” said actor Richard Yap. It will also stream in 15 territories outside of the Philippines on Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional over-the-top video streaming service.

The partnership was made official during a contract signing held at ABS-CBN with top officials from the three companies led by GMA Senior Vice-President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Groups Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer of Broadcast Cory Vidanes, and Viu Philippines Deputy Country Manager Vinchi Sy-Quia.

It’s a first for Philippine TV and I’m sure it’s the audience that will be the winners in this collaboration. We’re very excited to be working with ABS-CBN on TV for the first time,” said Gozon.

Vdanes noted that, “This is a milestone in the industry. We’re thankful for this opportunity and we’re very happy to work with GMA to serve our audiences. We unite as one team. We never imagined that this was going to happen.”

“Today, we are able to proudly showcase that on our platform with premium Filipino content not just for Filipino audiences but also for global audiences to appreciate and enjoy. This is with a vision of bringing the best of the Filipino talent on-cam and off-cam to the world,” said Viu Philippines Content Partnerships Head Garlic Garcia.

Actress Jodi Sta. Maria said “This collaboration will really bring in opportunities not only to the networks, but for the people working in the network, for the people in the industry.”

“I’m really proud, honored, and excited to be part of this show which is history in the making since this is the first time that two network giants will be working with each other. Of course I’m also excited to be working with Jodi again and all the other people in the cast,” said actor Richard Yap.

Peso flat, PSEi up a bit; growth results awaited

By Ed Paolo Salting   and Eireene Jairee Gomez

THE peso was unchanged while the stock market added just a few points on Monday ahead of the release of 2022 economic growth data later this week.

The currency closed at P54.54 to a dollar, the same as Friday's finish.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi), meanwhile, added 13.06 points, or 0.19 percent, to close at 7,069.68. The broader All Shares went up by a smaller 8.39 points, or 0.23 percent, to 3,691.25.

"The day's move could be attributed to investors adopting a wait-and-see mode ahead of the release of fourth-quarter 2022 GDP (gross domestic product) reports for the Philippines and the US later this week, which are both on Jan[uary] 26," Rastine Mercado, research head at China Bank Securities, said.

Claire Alviar, research associate at Philstocks Financial Inc., noted that foreigners had helped lift the market with a net inflow of P421.79 million. US market gains from Friday also provided support, she added.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., meanwhile, said sentiment was being buoyed by dovish signals regarding upcoming policy rate meetings in the United States and Manila.

Regina Capital Development Corp. Managing Director Luis Limlingan said investors would also be looking for the latest US personal consumption expenditure price index and the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI (purchasing managers' index), among others.

Peso trading opened at P54.4:$1 and ranged from P54.3 to P54.6. The total volume for the day was $1.24 billion, slightly higher than the $1.046 billion in the previous session.

Sectoral results, meanwhile, were mixed with holding firms up the most (0.63 percent) and mining and oil (-0.80 percent) leading the losers.

A total of 1.24 billion shares worth P8.35 billion changed hands.

Advancers edged out decliners, 99 to 92, while 55 remained unchanged.

LOOK: VP Duterte meets patients with cleft palate, brain aneurysm during Negros Occ trip

by Raymund Antonio, MB

Vice President Sara Duterte’s trip to Negros Occidental on Monday, Jan. 23, enabled her to help two patients, who are both suffering from serious medical conditions.

Vice President Sara Duterte visits one-year-old Adezequel Ramirez, who has a cleft palate, in Talisay City on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023. (OVP photo)

In a Facebook post, the official shared about meeting one-year-old Adezequel Ramirez, who has cleft palate, in Talisay City. 

Duterte said that she met Adezequel’s mother, Girlie, during the campaign trail in April last year.

“Noong nag-caravan sila dito sa Talisay, nanood kami sa labas, nakatayo, tapos nalampasan po niya kami. Paglingon niya sa amin nakita niya kami ni baby. Pinapunta niya kami at kinausap kami ng isa po sa mga staff niya (When they had a caravan here in Talisay, we were there outside, standing, then they passed by. When she looked back, she saw me and baby. She called us and one of her staff talked to us),” Ramirez, who was quoted by Duterte’s office, said. 

“Humihingi po kami na sana matulungan niya po kami na ma-operahan ‘yung anak ko hangang matapos po (We asked for help for my child to be operated on),” she added.

Acezequel was just three months when he and his mother met the then-vice presidential candidate.

Aside from a cleft palate, Acezequel also needs to undergo a colostomy. 

Ramirez thanked Duterte for promising to help in Acezequel’s operations.

“Maam, nagpapasalamat po ako nang sobra-sobra dahil araw-araw po akong nag-pray na sana may isang tao na tumulong sa aking problema para sa baby ko pero hindi ko inaasahan na dahil sa caravan nila, siya mismo, si (Ma’am, I am thankful because I pray every day for someone to help in my problem for my baby but I didn’t expect that because of the caravan, it’s) Vice (President) Sara Duterte, ‘yung taong ipinadala ni God para tumulong sa amin (herself who was sent by God to help us),” she Duterte.

The Vice President also visited April Dream Bangero, a supporter who reached out to her through email and asked for a chance to meet her in person.

VP Sara Duterte (left) and April Dream Bangero (right) (Photo from Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)

In her email, the 40-year-old Bangero disclosed her medical conditions, which include a brain aneurysm.

Bangero expressed happiness for meeting Duterte.

“I am very honored that despite her busy schedule, she made sure to find the time to visit me. And my family is glad that she honored our home with her presence,” she said in a statement released by the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

As for the Vice President, she said in her Facebook post that she personally wants to see how she could be of help.

“Dinalaw natin sila upang makita ang kanilang mga kalagayan at matingnan kung anong tulong ang pwede nating maiabot para sa kanilang medikasyon (We visited them to see their conditions and to see what help we can extend for their medication),” she added.

Duterte shared photos of her with the Ramirez family, as well as with Bangero.

Meanwhile, the official also took time to visit the OVP-Bacolod Satellite Office, which was opened in August of last year .

OVP satellite office in Bacolod City (Photo from Inday Sara Duterte via Facebook)

“Naging pagkakataon ko ang pagbisitang ito upang personal na makilala ang ating mga empleyado at mapag-usapan ang estado ng ating mga programa dito sa (This visit became an opportunity to personally meet our employees and discuss the state of our programs here at the) Bacolod City Satellite Office at ang pagro-roll-out ng iba pang mga proyektong nakahilera ngayong taon (and the rollout of the different projects planned this year),” she said.

Apart from official photos with the employees standing before the OVP’s official seal, Duterte also shared photos where a supporter was seen taking a selfie with her.

PH participation at WEF in Davos poised to pay off as global economy reopens

by Manila Bulletin

Favorable positioning for the reopening of the global economy — that’s how President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. wrapped up his participation last week at the World Economic Forum (WEF), a high-profile annual gathering of state and industry leaders in Davos, Switzerland.

As the lone participating ASEAN head of state, he met with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva who shared with him the IMF’s assessment that the Philippines has been an “exceptionally well-performing country” despite the extreme shocks brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

The President performed his avowed task to persuade more leading global companies to invest in the country and emulate those firms that have attained considerable success in the country. Despite somber forecasts on the world’s economic outlook for 2023, he adopted an optimistic profile. He pointed out that the country’s employment rate has exceeded pre-pandemic levels, citing the rejuvenation of micro- small and medium-scale enterprises while the industrial sector demonstrated its resilience in overcoming the paralysis and inertia that slowed the country’s economic engine.

Specifically, he lauded the business process outsourcing sector that deftly shifted to work-from-home arrangements at the height of the contagion as well as the mining and semiconductor industries that bannered Philippine exports. Moreover, the continuous stream of remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) kept their families afloat as the country’s economy plunged into a deep recession.

While the IMF forecast for global economic growth in 2023 is at 2.7 percent, the Philippines is poised to grow by seven percent due to its “strong macroeconomic fundamentals, fiscal discipline, structural reforms and liberalization of key sectors instituted over the years,” the President told his audience at the WEF.

The President emphasized that attaining a higher level of foreign participation in the country’s economic growth involves a painstaking process of wooing foreign investors and ensuring that the infrastructure — including the entire raft of government regulations both at the national and local level — are congruent with ease-of-doing-business imperatives.

At least nine international companies manifested their willingness to invest or expand their businesses in the Philippines. Morgan Stanley also bared plans to open a Manila office. Dr. Klaus Schwab, WEF founder and executive chairman, also invited the Philippines to participate in the activities of a center for new technologies that serves as an incubator and launching pad for innovative projects.

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Philippine business leaders representing the largest conglomerates joined the President in Davos to reinforce his pitch for Philippine investments. The delegation included Aboitiz Group CEO and Private Sector Advisory Sector lead convenor Sabin Aboitiz, Kevin Andrew Tan of Alliance Global, Jaime Zobel de Ayala of the Ayala Group, Lance Gokongwei of JG Summit Holdings, Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corp., Teresita Sy-Coson of SM Investments, and Enrique Razon of International Container Terminal Services Inc.
This demonstration of public-private partnership for promoting the country’s economic development bodes well for a whole-of nation endeavor in achieving great strides toward sustainable, long-term growth.

MAY BAGYO NA PARATING?😱TINGNAN DITO⚠️| WEATHER UPDATE TODAY JANUARY 23,2023.

OUR CONFLICTING LIFE

Most people don’t like conflict.  Maybe that’s because our physiology makes us ill-prepared for them.  The body’s response to conflict is a “fight or flight” reaction where the body releases adrenaline in preparation for fighting back or running away.  That was all helpful when we lived in caves and had to survive in a world of angry predators.  It’s not so helpful in the workplace where such responses will most likely result in you being the subject of a disciplinary or grievance procedure.

Putting your head in the sand and hoping that conflict will pass you by is not the most effective method for problem solving. Conflict rarely resolves itself – in fact, conflict normally increases if not dealt with properly. It is not uncommon to see what might have been a non-event develop into a massive problem if not resolved early on.

Conflict arises from differences, both large and small. It occurs whenever people disagree over their values, motivations, perceptions, ideas, or desires. Sometimes these differences appear trivial, but when a conflict triggers strong feelings, a deep personal need is often at the core of the problem.

Bullying, discrimination and harassment are much more serious examples of conflict situations in the workplace. Complaints about discrimination or harassment may center around gender, age, disability, religion or national origin.

We are in conflict with ourselves many times during life. Our future gives cause for concern; the past is captured, therefore we miss the future.

The grief and sorrow asked the hope, "How are you?" The hope answered, " I am a little bit low and sad today!" The sorrow replied sarcastically, "I hope so!"

Nobody really knows what might happen after reaching the retirement age. Sure, if we can observe our neighbors and all other people in our surroundings, we really don't like to know it. If we treat ourselves with care, our real age will not be shown. I won't make any secret of celebrating my 70th birthday sometime this year. I enjoy it. I am proud to reach this age with God's help.

On our way to an honorable and respectful age we should try to fulfill some of our greatest longings in life. But if you always view conflict as negative and stressful, you'll always want to try and avoid it which is a bad idea because conflicts do not just go away. By reflecting on how to view conflict more positively, you'll find it easier to address it healthily and productively.

Speaking personally: Please allow me, once in a while, to be able to say NO. Please allow me to delete inferior and defeatist feelings. Please allow me to admit that I can't do everything during a single day. Please allow me to no longer be afraid about other people and their spiteful comments about me.  

Please allow me to accept my silence. . Please allow me to be excused even without having an intelligent reply. Please allow me to be carried by salvation and bliss.

Hopefully, we may have enough understanding people with us to accompany us during the voyage of our sometimes very conflicting life.

From beauty queen to military officer

Lyka Lagasca the soldier and the glamor girl. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

By Vince Jacob Visaya, Manila Times

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Isabela: From a beauty queen to a military officer. This is the career path of 23-year-old Lyka Chamberlaigneh Lagasca who once held the title of Eco-Angel Warrior when she joined Miss Earth Philippines 2020.A week ago, she passed the rigorous Officer Candidate Course (OCC) to earn the rank of second lieutenant in the Philippine Army. Lagasca first entered the military as a non-commissioned officer in 2021 before taking part in the one-year training school."Never in my wildest dream. I did not dream to be a soldier, but the opportunity came so I tried my luck. Everything went through as if anything was possible. We know that only a few women join the military," Lagasca said in an interview with The Manila Times.She said her perseverance and sacrifice have yielded good results.

As a youth leader under the Youth Leadership Seminar initiated by the military years back, Lagasca said her "eyes and heart were opened by the community engagement of the soldiers."So, I decided to join the Army," said the Ilocano native from Magapit, Lal-lo, Cagayan.Lagasca started joining local pageants at age 9 in their village and town where she bagged several awards and titles. She used to represent her school in pageants and later represented the province in the Miss Earth-Philippines 2020."Being a beauty pageant contestant brought me to places and opened more opportunities for me just like in the military circle," she added. A graduate of Travel Management at the University of Santo Tomas in 2019, Lagasca said she will still find time to join pageants if the military will allow her.