From knowing to believing

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

WE somehow can get that idea of how we can shift from simply knowing to what is more important, which is to believe, after considering that gospel episode about Christ meeting two men possessed by devils. (cfr. Mt 8,28-34)

The devils, upon meeting Christ, said: “What have we to do with thee, Jesus Son of God? Are you coming hither to torment us before the time?” To be sure, the devils knew who Christ was, and yet they could not bring themselves to believe in him. In fact, all they do is to disobey and go against God.

This is where we are reminded that we should not remain only in the level of knowing God. Of course, we have to know God as much as we can. In this regard, we cannot overemphasize the need to study as deeply and thoroughly as possible all that we can know about him.

But we have to see to it that we truly believe in God, giving our all to him, and not only our intelligence. While we have to know God as much as we can, we have to see to it that our knowledge filters down to our whole being to such an extent that we truly give our whole selves to him. That’s what believing is. We go from knowing to believing to loving and to serving.

When we believe we turn knowledge into life itself. And we also have to consider that in believing, while it depends on our human understanding about God and things in general, it actually depends first of all on that supernatural gift of faith which God himself gives us, especially through the sacraments. We should continually ask for this grace, nourish it by constant acts of faith, and let it bloom into deeds.

We have to always remember that given the fact that we are not meant to remain only in the natural level, relying simply on our human powers, but rather are meant to enter and share the supernatural life of God since we are his image and likeness, we have to be clear that we have to be guided by faith rather than simply by our own reasoning and our other human ways of knowing.

Faith is God sharing his knowledge with us. It is how we begin to share the life of God. And he gives it to us very willingly. It just depends on us on whether we receive it or not, and to respond to it or not. 

Faith contains truths that go beyond the natural realities of our life. Thus, it has supernatural truths or mysteries which we have to learn to feel at home with. This means we have to learn not to stick to our natural reasoning alone, but to go beyond it.

To be sure, faith does not supplant our reasoning or intelligence. Rather, it makes full use of it, although its scope is far wider and deeper than what our intelligence can fully know and understand.

As the Catechism puts it, faith is first of all a gratuitous gift of God, it is grace. But it also requires the correspondence of our intelligence. It is also a human act. It asks us to do our best to understand it as much as we can. It seeks understanding.

We have to remember that since the reality that governs us transcends the natural order, our human faculty of intelligence and reasoning just cannot depend on the data provided by our senses and our own understanding of things.

L'Officiel Philippines celebrates a milestone in championing Filipino fashion, beauty, and culture

By John Legaspi

Published Jun 25, 2026 11:38 am

Since its launch, L’Officiel Philippines has become a platform for emerging designers, artists, and cultural figures to showcase their creative works. Its pages have highlighted the evolving identity of Philippine fashion through bold storytelling, striking imagery, and thoughtfully curated editorials.

L’Officiel Philippines team toasts to five years of creativity, collaboration, and culture. (Photo: Gab Villareal)

This year, the magazine furthered its mission of championing innovation, individuality, and artistry as it celebrated its fifth anniversary. The milestone was marked with a grand celebration on June 10 at Baked Studios in Makati City, led by the L’Officiel Philippines team, headed by editor-in-chief Loris Peña.

Joaquin Arce and Lella Ford

Liz Uy

Michelle Dee

Ry Velasco

Charlie Fleming

Ralph de Leon

Yssa Pressman and James Reid (Photos: Paui Guevarra)

Chie Filomeno

Mikyle Quizon

Katrice Kierulf and Chezka Carandang

Kylie Verzosa

Brent Manalo

Lyn Alumno

The evening gathered the industry’s brightest creatives, tastemakers, and style stars, all of whom arrived wearing their interpretation of the night’s dress code, Creative Black.

As it enters its fifth year, L’Officiel Philippines looks ahead with a renewed focus on storytelling that is more inclusive, more daring, and more reflective of today’s cultural landscape—continuing its mission to define and redefine what fashion means for the Filipino audience.

Should the Philippines ban social media for children?

 

By Former Senate President Manny Villar

Published Jul 1, 2026 12:05 am

OF TREES AND FOREST

I have always carried a quiet pride in being a “Batang Tondo.” But beyond that, I was a true “batang kalye”—shaped as much by the streets as by home, spending my childhood days running wild with other Tondo kids, learning life in the open air.

I remember a time before cellphones, the internet, and social media took over our lives— when Filipino childhood unfolded in the streets. Our days were measured not by screen time but by the steady beat of childhood games: Patintero mapped out in chalk, tumbang preso played until dusk, and sipa contests that drew entire neighborhoods into friendly rivalry. My Nanay Curing would call me in by shouting, “Boy, kain na!” instead of a notification, and every scraped knee taught us the rules of teamwork, rivalry, and getting back up again.

Today’s children, born into the age of smartphones and social media, navigate a different kind of playground. Their games are digital, their interactions mediated by screens, and their sense of community often shaped by platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Instead of dusty streets, they move through curated feeds and algorithm-driven content. The shift is not merely technological—it is personal, psychological and cultural, altering how young Filipinos form identity, relationships, and even attention spans.

This memory was provoked by an article I read on whether Filipino children should be banned from, or at least restricted in, their use of social media; as other nations, like Australia, have done. The Philippines remains one of the world’s most active social media markets, and children are entering these spaces earlier than ever. For many, social media is no longer optional—it is where friendships are maintained, trends are learned, and social belonging is negotiated. Yet alongside this ubiquity come increasingly visible risks: cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, misinformation, and more troubling cases of online exploitation.

Those who support stricter regulation argue that the situation demands decisive intervention. A ban or firm age restriction, they contend, could shield children during their formative years, allowing them to develop social skills and emotional resilience without the pressures of online comparison or algorithmic manipulation. I can understand this reasoning in addition to a clear safety argument: limiting access could reduce opportunities for predators who exploit the anonymity and reach of digital platforms. In this view, government action is not overreach but a necessary response to a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

However, I found the case against a blanket ban equally compelling. Social media is not solely a source of harm; it has become an integral tool for education, creativity, and connection. In a country where many families are separated by overseas work, digital platforms often serve as emotional lifelines. For young users, they are spaces to learn skills, express identity, and participate in a broader cultural conversation. It amazes me how my apos are more proficient with these new gadgets than I am. Removing access altogether risks cutting off these benefits while failing to address the deeper issue: how children are taught to navigate the digital world responsibly.

There are also practical concerns in case the proposal ever become policy. Enforcing a ban would require reliable age verification systems, raising questions about privacy and data security. It is unclear whether responsibility would fall on government agencies or on global tech companies that operate beyond Philippine jurisdiction. Even then, enforcement may prove porous; tech-savvy children can circumvent restrictions through fake accounts or virtual private networks, potentially rendering the policy more symbolic than effective.

There is also the risk of widening inequality. Families with resources and digital literacy may find ways to bypass restrictions, while others may be left with limited access and fewer opportunities to develop digital skills. Schools and communities could help bridge this gap, but digital education remains uneven across the country.

What emerges is not a black and white policy choice but a broader question about guidance and responsibility. A ban offers clarity and immediate action, but it is a blunt instrument for a nuanced problem. Alternatives—stronger platform regulation, digital literacy education, parental engagement, and targeted child protections—may lack the dramatic appeal of prohibition, yet they address the ecosystem rather than just access.

I haven’t made up my personal opinion on this issue. It is an evolving subject matter that I believe requires more research and discussion. But one thing is certain—very soon, our country, with its deeply social culture and rapidly digitizing youth, must decide how to balance protection with participation. The goal is not to return children to the streets of the 1960s, nor to abandon them to the unchecked currents of the online world, but to shape an environment where they can safely inhabit both.

For comments, please send email to: mbv_secretariat@vistaland.com.ph and/ or mannyvillar.com.

Security issues may affect gov't response vs El Niño in BARMM – minister

By Keith Bacongco

Published Jun 30, 2026 02:34 pm

MANTAWIL (Keith Bacongco)

DAVAO CITY – One of the lead ministries of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao tasked to implement measures to combat El Niño has acknowledged that security challenges in some parts of the region could affect  government response.

Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) Minister Baileng S. Mantawil admitted that there are some parts in BARMM that could directly affect the timeliness, accessibility, and continuity of government interventions once El Niño hits.

Mantawil is referring to some areas where lawless elements are still operating and some areas where recurring clan wars erupt.

“Security challenges could worsen food security as farmers could no longer cultivate and fisherfolks could not go out fishing in the marshlands,” she said. Security issues in some areas could also impede farmers and fisherfolk from transporting their produce, the MOST minister added.

Aside from MOST, other lead agencies implementing the Bangsamoro Action Plan (BAP) to combat El Niño are the Ministry of Local Government (MILG), Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD), and the Bangsamoro Government Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (Bangsamoro READi).

Mantawil said that security concerns may delay delivery of services, field monitoring, and emergency assistance especially if the dry spell’s impact are already felt.

“This can reduce the effectiveness of the BAP, particularly in areas with lawless elements,” said Mantawil, vice chairperson of the Bangsamoro Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Last week, representatives of key ministries in BARMM crafted the BAP as part of their preparations against the adverse impact of El Niño.

Participants acknowledged that the prolonged dry spells could affect agriculture, fisheries, water resources, and food security. They also acknowledged that security issues hounding their communities may affect the implementation of measures.

Due to these concerns, the Bangsamoro government will strengthen coordination with local government units, law enforcement agencies, and local peace and order councils before deployment of personnel, she said.

Mantawil recommended that lead agencies should conduct joint planning among humanitarian groups, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMO), and security stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services.

“We should also continuously assess security conditions and adjust implementation strategies without compromising assistance to affected communities,” she said.

World Bank urges faster climate-proofing as floods threaten Philippine firms, jobs

 Residents of Barangay Roxas District in Quezon City wade through floodwaters caused by continuous heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (Santi San Juan/MANILA BULLETIN)

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jun 30, 2026 06:08 pm

Philippine firms face mounting pressure to adapt to worsening climate risks as recurrent flooding erodes productivity, threatens jobs, and drives businesses to relocate, prompting the World Bank to call for faster investments in resilient infrastructure, energy efficiency, as well as renewable energy (RE) adoption.

In a working paper titled “Climate Change, Firms and Energy Efficiency,” published last Monday, June 29, the Washington-based multilateral lender said climate change is affecting the private sector through both the direct impact of increasingly frequent weather events and the growing pressure to comply with international environmental standards, making climate resilience as well as energy efficiency critical to sustaining business growth.

The report said firms in major economic hubs such as Metro Manila and Cebu province are increasingly exposed to recurrent floods, with inadequate infrastructure worsening their vulnerability as well as raising the cost of adaptation.  

It further noted that climate change is also influencing firms’ investment decisions as businesses respond to changing consumer preferences as well as stricter domestic and international environmental regulations by improving energy efficiency as well as reducing energy intensity.

The World Bank warned that recurrent climate events affect provinces accounting for 42 percent of Philippine jobs, with informal workers bearing the brunt of the impact. The lender said upgrading infrastructure is critical to protecting livelihoods and maintaining economic stability.

The report found that each additional day of heavy rain relative to a location’s long-term trend cuts firms’ productivity by one percent, encouraging businesses to relocate to less flood-prone areas.

“Extreme weather risk influences the location choices of firms in the Philippines,” the World Bank said, noting that companies increasingly favor drier areas while moving away from locations with greater precipitation risks.

About six percent of firms relocated annually between 2012 and 2018, with the highest movement recorded in Metro Manila, Central Visayas, and Calabarzon regions, according to the report.

The World Bank said that local government units (LGUs) have a key role in strengthening flood defenses to help retain investments in high-risk areas.

It also found that climate adaptation remains uneven across businesses, with large firms generally better prepared than smaller enterprises.

Only nine percent of small firms use flood early warning systems, compared with 12 to 14 percent among medium-sized and large companies, while just 39 percent of small firms carry insurance against extreme weather damage versus 51 percent of medium firms and 62 percent of large firms.

According to the report, better access to information, supplier diversification, and financing could help firms better prepare for recurring floods by reducing disruptions to operations as well as lowering adaptation costs.

The World Bank also urged the government to prioritize investments in drainage systems as well as flood-retention infrastructure, particularly in major business centers such as Metro Manila and Cebu, while streamlining construction permits in climate-vulnerable municipalities to speed up climate-resilient investments.

Beyond adaptation, the report said improving energy efficiency has become increasingly important as the country seeks to decouple economic growth from rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  

Between 2012 and 2021, aggregate energy intensity in Philippine manufacturing declined by 37 percent, equivalent to an average annual reduction of 4.1 percent, driven by productivity improvements, greater efficiency within firms, and a shift toward less energy-intensive sectors.

The report also found that high electricity costs push firms to improve energy efficiency, especially in energy-intensive sectors, to curb consumption. It said carbon pricing could help firms adopt energy-saving technologies and shift to cleaner energy sources.

However, the World Bank said emissions continue to increase alongside economic growth, underscoring the need for faster RE investments.

The report added that foreign-owned firms as well as exporters are 17 percent and 26 percent more energy-efficient, respectively, than domestically owned or domestic-oriented firms, particularly those serving markets with stricter environmental standards.

It said lowering trade and investment costs, alongside expanding financing for exporters, could help more firms comply with international standards while boosting productivity.

The World Bank also noted that the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EEC) Act requires energy audits for large energy consumers but provides limited incentives for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), calling for expanded support as well as awareness campaigns to encourage wider adoption of energy-efficient technologies.

The report likewise warned that provisions under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act allowing enhanced deductions for energy costs could unintentionally discourage efficiency improvements if left unconditional.

Instead, it recommended linking the enhanced tax deductions to documented investments in energy efficiency or RE adoption, alongside launching a certification program recognizing energy-efficient firms and expanding simplified energy audits for SMEs.

“These improvements can maximize the effectiveness of the existing energy efficiency policies in the Philippines, promoting more inclusive growth and contributing to the country’s environmental goals,” the World Bank said.

Hitze-Weltrekord?

 

Deutsches Dorf erlebt die heißeste Nacht, die je nördlich des 50. Breitengrads gemessen wurde

Stand:30.06.2026, 17:18 Uhr

Von: Lara Hempel

Die Nacht sollte Abkühlung bringen, stattdessen schrieb ein kleiner Ort in Sachsen möglicherweise Klimageschichte in globalem Ausmaß.

Wenn der Sommer seine Grenzen testet, tut er das meist tagsüber mit gleißender Sonne und Asphalt, der weich wird unter den Füßen. Doch in diesem Jahr war es ausgerechnet die Nacht, die alle Maßstäbe sprengte. Eine einzige Messstation in Sachsen hat eine Zahl geliefert, die man sonst nur aus den heißesten Regionen der Welt kennt. Und damit möglicherweise sogar einen neuen Weltrekord.   

Die Nacht sollte Abkühlung bringen – stattdessen schrieb ein kleiner Ort in Sachsen möglicherweise Klimageschichte. (Symbolbild) © IMAGO/Jan Eifert

In der Nacht zum Sonntag sank in Kubschütz im sächsischen Landkreis Bautzen das Thermometer zu keiner Stunde unter 29,4 Grad Celsius. Der Deutsche Wetterdienst (DWD) bestätigte laut t-online auf Basis vorläufiger Daten. Es war die heißeste Nacht, die je in Deutschland gemessen wurde. Der bisherige Rekord stammte aus dem August 2003, damals zeigte das Thermometer auf dem 554 Meter hohen Weinbiet in der Pfalz 27,2 Grad als Tiefstwert. Aber es könnte nicht nur der deutsche Rekord gebrochen worden sein.  

„Föhn-Effekt“ zum Rekord: Was hinter den extremen Werten steckt

Der nationale Rekord ist womöglich nur die halbe Geschichte. Der auf der Plattform X aktive Account „Extreme Temperatures Around The World“ erklärte, es könnte sich um die heißeste Nacht handeln, die nördlich des 50. Breitengrads je weltweit festgestellt wurde. Dieser Breitengrad teilt Deutschland ungefähr auf Höhe der Mainlinie. Diplom-Meteorologe Dominik Jung bestätigte gegenüber t-online, der Account sei „eine in der Fachwelt bekannte und viel beachtete Quelle für Temperaturextreme.“

Für solche Tiefstwerte nördlich der Mainlinie fehle normalerweise die nötige subtropische Grundwärme, erklärte Jung: „Das sind Verhältnisse, die man sonst eher von der arabischen Halbinsel kennt.“ Für Mitteleuropa sei ein solcher Wert „absolut außergewöhnlich“. Einen Teil der Erklärung liefert die Lage von Kubschütz: Die Mittelgebirgslage in der Oberlausitz begünstigte föhnige Effekte durch südliche Winde auf der Nordseite der Hänge.  

13 Lebensmittel, die bei großer Hitze vermieden werden sollten

Fotostrecke ansehen

Der DWD habe selbst auf diesen Föhn-Effekt hingewiesen, so Jung weiter. Seine Einschätzung fällt entsprechend nüchtern aus: „Es handelt sich um einen lokalen, durch Föhn verstärkten Extremwert an einer einzelnen Station.“ Eine offizielle weltweite Einordnung steht noch aus. Eine DWD-Meteorologin erklärte t-online, dafür sei „eine systematische Auswertung und Validierung internationaler Messdaten sowie die Prüfung der Vergleichbarkeit der Messungen“ erforderlich, und das benötige Zeit. Auch wichtig: Eine Einwanderin erklärt, warum die Hitze in Deutschland teils unerträglicher ist als 45 °C in Indien.