OF LEADERSHIP..

written by Irenerose Beatrice Susi

“The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” – Kenneth Blanchard

LEADERSHIP is one of the few traits that are hardest to define. Every definition offered almost always falls short in its meaning. Even the Webster Dictionary’s definition, that is, “guidance” does not even come close to its distinctness. This is so because Leadership, per se, is an attitude...it is a state of being... “One leads by example”, so they say.

In order to have a grasp of the meaning of Leadership, one should not focus on what leadership is, but rather on the LEADER and the kind FOLLOWERS the leader is leading. Responsibility or “RESPONSE-ABLE, is one. The true leader is able to respond. He serves...serves people in their best interest, not because he wants to be popular, nor wanting to impress, but because he is motivated by CONCERN rather than by personal glory.

A true leader has the heart of a CUSTODIAN or a STEWARD. He performs the task of watching over that which was entrusted to him and by those who will benefit from it. It is not control, or ownership, but a state of inspiring or even empowering others to reach their potential. He becomes a catalyst to enable people to move roadblocks out of their way and hold the course for the benefit of all. And to do this, he should maintain his vision and faith in what his ideals are, what his beliefs are, and what he hopes for, and be the model or the example everyone should follow.

In reality, true leadership is and has always been a selfless action. It involves taking yourself out of the picture and considers the needs of others. It is a way of thinking that takes other people into account even when your own needs are pressing. It asks what is right or best in the wider interest of all. 

Clearly, leadership is an issue that affects all of us. Everybody is called to exercise it. How might we answer this question in a world that has seemingly grown unmanageable? Today our world is faced with serious, even life-threatening problems of a global nature, morality has decline, and respect for human life has eroded. Where will we find the wisdom necessary to curb modern civilization's most pressing dilemmas? Everyone...and everybody! Everyone is called to be involved in issues concerning government or business, guiding young minds, leading a family, standing for what is right or good, everyone has a leadership role to play. All of us are pushed into many different leadership roles again and again, throughout our lives. All of us are called upon to be custodians of what is right and good, lasting and of value, for the benefit of those who are in our care, and that is every one! Leadership is everyone’s business.

But then...Not Everyone Can Be A Leader...BUT EVERYONE CAN ENGAGE IN LOT MORE LEADERSHIP!

BEYOND SPORTS..

written by Irenerose Beatrice Susi

“Sports has the power to change the world, the power to inspire, the power to unite people in a way that little else can. Sports can create hope. It is an in instrument of peace.”

Indulging in sports create recreational activities. But looking at it deeply, one can see that it is essential in our lives. It teaches us how to win team effort. A basketball team may have short players but if the members perform according to their roles, the possibility of winning is not farfetched. An individual sportsman will know the value of sacrifice in order to achieve his goals. Manny Pacquiao, they say, works like a bull in practice. He knows the value of practice and the determination to win.

More so, sports have enduring qualities even if the athlete has retired, he still shows the qualities of the real sportsman. They respect their teammates and even their opponents. They know how to win with humility and lose with grace. They know how to set goals and they do everything to achieve or fulfil their goals. Sports teach discipline. These are the attributes that should be found in our youth today.

Can sports affect our social lives? Definitely! Every time Manny Pacquiao fights,the police register zero crime rates. But what is more important is the youth is not tempted to use drugs or alcohol. He learns how to be focused. Because of this, the grass root athletes are tapped, their potential explored.

But the most important aspect sports can bring is discipline. In sports, you must give your best. Focus. You must sacrifice a lot of things for you have a goal to be attained. Learn to endure. “ Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them—a desire, a dream, a vision.” said Muhammad Ali, an American boxer. You must have a goal. Per aspera ad astra!- through difficulties to the stars. All these can attain through discipline.

And this is the reason why sports play an integral part of our school life. Article XIV Section 19 (1) of our Constitution provides that the state shall promote physical education and encourage sports programs, league competitions, and amateur sports, including training for competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry. And everybody is here to foster camaraderie, discipline, teamwork and excellence.. Now is the time for sport to show how much it can achieve beyond sport.. “MENS SANA IN CORPORE SANO”... a healthy mind in a healthy body.

All Saints Came Marching In

written by Irenerose Susi

For the last two years, we have been celebrating All Saint’s Day by going to the Memorial Park early in the morning and then are home after lunch. At first, I thought that my dad was too worried that ‘akyat bahay’ gang might attack during the night and steal all belongings, them knowing that nobody was in the house. Until lately, I was told that the reason why we visited our departed in the morning was that the spirituality of the occasion has been replaced by commercialism and this posed as a distraction in remembering your dear departed loved ones. And, thus, your early morning visits may be more genuine than during night.

Consider this scenario.

     As one enters the memorial parks or the cemeteries, he has to squeeze himself through lines of vendors offering all kinds of finger foods, beverages, and even toys! What irritates me more are the ‘sorbeteros’ who surrounds the chapel, and with their tiny bells, continuously tingling during the mass. As one moves forward, he has to wade through disorderly parked cars and tricycles.  Sometimes, parking spaces are rented for exorbitant fees. And as you reach your destination, your strength has been drained off, and you are too tired to pray for your loved ones. As you regained your consciousness, your emotions will be drowned by music from a karaoke, rowdiness by a group on drinking spree, stereos, TV sets, and even generators. My, the festivities have just started! And while you sulk in vain at the back of the tomb, here comes the sacristan, handing you an envelope, and then asking if you would want your tomb blessed by a priest… for a fee? Indeed, the highest for form of commercialism!

     Why not pay homage to our departed in solemn ways? These two days are intended to remember them, and pray for them. Probably signs of progress? Probably the belief in afterlife is taboo. Probably All Saint’s day and All Soul’s day have become reunion days of sorts… To my mind, the solemnity of the occasions should be preserved.

     It is also the habit of the family to come back on All Soul’s Day and spend a little more time with them. And what do you see? Yes, piles and piles of trash: scattered styros, empty bottles, empty cans, dried flowers, candles, plastics, and wrappers. Remnants of the revelry the night before… if only the souls can complain, they would probably tell us, “we were resting until you came!”

INTERNET: A BOON OR A BANE?

written by Irenerose Susi

The internet technology has phenomenally developed a system of providing and gathering data. This technology is presently available to anyone young, old, female, male, disabled and able. But recent controversies have erupted it destroyed reputations, records and lives. Is internet boon or bane?

Almost everybody, including corporations, companies, government institutions provide and gather data through internet. These can be accessed by everybody for personal growth. The internet provides medium to knowledge.

Computers undoubtedly make our jobs easier. They are tools that can help us learn lots of things in just a blink of an eye. No time wasted. In just one click, the world of data is in our hands. The Internet provides us options, and bases in our decisions. It increases our knowledge. 

Internet has made our world smaller. Imagine one communicates with one another miles and miles away through electronic medium. It has become a bridge that connects us to other people. It is a form of communication where we can extend our messages to them. It links people together. It touches us.

The Internet also provides us information. We can search on what we want to know. It boosts our ability to learn more. We can learn a lot from it and we can also share our knowledge to other people. As we all know, researches are posted in the Internet. Medical research could be accessed anytime. Economic status of different countries can be known.  News items can be known anytime. And all of these in just one press by a finger.

Internet can also be used to express our feelings. We can share our experiences through blogging and we can share our lessons to other people. We can learn from others’ experiences too. It boosts our talents for creativity.

Computers and the use of the Internet per se is not bad. These tools are made so that we can benefit from them. What makes them bane is when others use them the way they should not be used. When privacy is encroached it makes it bane.  When foolishness is uploaded, it makes it bane. Really, what makes it bane or boon depends on people use it! When one uses it with much responsibility, it is boon, but if one irresponsible person mismanages the Internet, it becomes bane. If you are responsible user of the Internet...do you think it is bane or boon?

“To err is human--and to blame it on a computer is even more so.”- Robert Orben

Education is LIFE

written by Irenerose Susi

The youth is the hope of our future. They will be the next generation who will help in nation building. They should be trained and given the right education as this is essential the performances of their duties and responsibilities in the future. They will be the future doctors, future lawyers, future leaders.... who will lead the country. The future of the nation will be safe in the hands of the educated youth.

Article XIV, Section 1 of our Constitution states that “the state shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.” Our government provides public education for free, but because of poverty, not all children can afford other expenses needed such as transportation fares, school uniforms, school supplies and other miscellaneous fees.

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” It is a continuing process. Graduating from school does not mean stopping from learning. Like life, it is also a continuous learning. To gain knowledge is education. All of us may face good or bad experiences. And being learned helps us how to make decisions and accept failures and successes.

Being educated can make a difference. It can help in eradicating family. Great knowledge allows people to be more productive, to play a greater role in economic life and to earn a better living. Education is essential in economic development.

“Ipsa scientia potestas est”- Knowledge itself is power. It helps create a clear picture of everything around us and eradicating confusion. It gives us satisfactory answers to all questions. It helps analyze questionable beliefs and could lead us to enlightenment.

More importantly, education makes us different from other forms of animals. It teaches us the right behaviour, the good manners, the values. It teaches us how to lead our lives, it teaches us how to be fair and just in our dealings with our fellowmen. Education is conscience.

Are you a “MMORPGs Addict?”

In a study published in a PEDIATRICS Magazine, a doctor said that “Children addicted to online gaming usually have ‘poor self-esteem and social problems’…they’re intelligent and imaginative but don’t have many friends at school”

MMORPGs or massive multi-player online role-playing games is defined as ‘networks of players, who interact with each other to achieve goals, go on missions, and reach high scores in a fantasy world.”  Sometimes the game may be spectacular and colorful. Unfortunately, many have elements of interaction in battles, fighting and killing each other.

Because these online games foster bonding, release stress, and entertain, the appeal to students is understandable.  If one wins, it gives the student a semblance of total control. In other words, it should be played with responsibility. These can teach cooperation, teamwork, courtesy and camaraderie.  Students can attain visual skills, good behavior, and better concentration.

With the good, comes the bad.  Excessive online gaming can result in headaches, dry eyes, weight gain, poor personal hygiene, postural disorders, such as backaches. BUT when behavioral changes do occur, such as sense of well-being when in front of a computer, craving more and more for time at the computer, neglecting family and friends, and becoming depressed or irritable when not at the computer, then the bigger problem is setting in, ONLINE ADDICTION! This will lead to disastrous consequences. Gamers will have no other interest other than online gaming. They will neglect everything and everybody they used to love: hobbies, family and friends. They become irritable and even violent when denied access to online gaming. They will manifest three warning signs: school performance suffers, such as lower grades, moodiness, and fatigue.

Online games, per se, are not bad.  In fact it could be regarded as a natural teacher, when used in a proper perspective. But hey should be played with responsibility and with supervision. Your teammates and co- gamers can constantly remind you of the consequences. Remember, it is a team game. But when the computer starts to control you, expect the worst: the “MMORPGs addict” will no longer know the difference between fantasy world and reality, and what is worst is … they do not care.

Education Alleviates Poverty

written by Irenerose Susi

To eradicate lack of education, The Millennium Development Goal ensures that by 2015, universal primary education will be achieved. The Department of Education said that they aim to pull back 5.6 million from 6-15 years old out of school youth through their ReACH (Reaching All Children) project. This goal opened the door of hope to end poverty.

Jesli Lapus of the DepEd states that there will be a second enrolment in October that will target the unschooled students. They will be given the chance to catch up through the Alternative Learning modules. This initiative of the DepEd to promote education for all will be a tool to boost everyone’s ability.

At this point in time, poverty is still the main problem of our country. Sad to say she can only compete in terms of economy against Bangladesh, and we have been overtaken by Vietnam. This problem could be attributed to the lack of education a great number of our youth is suffering from. By providing a way for them to be enlightened on the value of education, the youth will understand the meaning of dreams, plans, skills and discipline. And there will be a shift from self-preservation to nation-preservation, which is to alleviate poverty.

Today, the globe has been turned into an industry, and technological competition among countries is the rule of the day rather than the exemption. In order to survive these, our youth should be “coerced” in pursuing education. And the DepEd is on the right track in pursuing its project ReACH.

EMPTY STOMACHS..

written by Irenerose Susi

One of the targets of the Millennium Development Goals is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger by 2015. The World Bank’s latest estimate shows that 1.4 billion people in developing countries were living in extreme poverty in 2005. Campus Journalism will be a catalyst to aim this helpful goal.

World Food Programme ensures fortified foods for the school children. It contributes in achieving MDG1. A full stomach will help the children keep going to school as food gives nutrition for the physical and intellectual development of an individual. An empty stomach will not surely contribute in the concentration of students in the campus.

Many people live below the poverty line and they cry out for help to escape out of poverty.

One of the factors that contribute to poverty and hunger is unemployment. One solution that the government should take is Microfinance. This small amount can generate income and employment and to some extent offer a palliative relief. Another is the concentration of Cooperatives which can generate harmony among members, and the introduction of small scale industries, with the support of rural banks and private businesses.

These may offer temporary relief but given these situations, they may be small steps to become big steps towards eradicating poverty and hunger.

THE VALUE OF LIFE: THE ‘ONDOY’ SAGA

written by Irenerose Susi

`For the last two weeks, we have been fed with news regarding Typhoon Ondoy, the weather disturbance which dumped a month’s rain in 12 hours.  Its unleashed fury was so powerful that it inundated Marikina, Rizal, and Cainta, all of mountainous areas.  By evening of that fateful day, news and even text messages, have reported that in so short time, the flood waters had reached neck deep.  The following days exposed the pitiful conditions of the victims.

 

What lessons do we learn out of this tragedy?

Firstly, the catastrophe revealed the resiliency of the Filipino in times of calamity. Our ability to cope in times of crises again was manifested. More so it showed how much we value life. The BAYANIHAN SPIRIT kept the light of hope burning. The pouring of donations, in cash and food, kept coming and these eased the pains of loss even for a while.

However, the catastrophe exposed the many faults we have been doing with impunity: destroy the environment! The mud that buried houses, villas, and mansions was not dumped by typhoon Ondoy. It cascaded from the mountains. Our mountains no longer have trees and roots to hold soil erosion, trees that were cut to pave the way for the construction of subdivisions, golf courses, and resorts. The landslides in Bano, Arayat buried houses with boulders. These are evidences that it is nature’s turn to fight back!

Another problem exposed is the tons and tons of garbage dumped in our esteros. We forgot that these are spillways which carry floodwaters back to the seas. This debris was the doing of the common people themselves. Throwing these into the esteros was the easiest way to dispose them. The garbage made the waterways shallow and narrower. When the rains came these choked, and floodwaters spilled into the communities. 

In few months, life will be normal again for all of us. But with the Filipino trait of forgetting easily, the tragedy is bound to happen again. The vicious cycle of offending the environment in aid for progress, tragedy, bayanihan, back to destroying the environment will haunt us unless we develop the discipline to take care of the environment. All these calamities are all man-made. The GREAT ARCHITECT has designed our place to live in perfectly. And if humans change these designs, nature will have all its right to fight back. If we are all able to learn how to take care of our environment...we all can say we value life.

WHY DIE YOUNG?

by Irenerose Susi


It is very alarming that a child born in a developing country is over 13 times more likely to die within the first five years of life than a child born in an industrialized country. Maternal and neonatal tetanus is a disease that kills tens of thousands of newborns each year. One of the targets of the Millennium Development Goals is to reduce by two thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five mortality rate.

Millions of children die each year and of these, 37% of under-five deaths occur in the first month of life. What is lamentable is the causes of deaths are preventable, diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria and measles. The tragedy can directly be traced to poor prenatal and maternal care. Would-be mothers lack the awareness about risks of pregnancy. Another cause is malnutrition which is traceable to poverty. This leads to mental underdevelopment. Also included among the culprits is the lack of access to quality health care.

To curtail child mortality, everybody must stand up and take action. The government should take the initiative in disseminating information about the quality of pre-natal check-ups. Focus should be made on underlying socio-economic causes on child mortality: reproductive health, education and awareness, and employment.

Another problem to be addressed is how to promote comprehensive coverage of primary health care, and to sustain the delivery of health services from child birth to adolescent age. Special attention should be made on malnutrition. To the poorest of the poor, one meal a day is already a luxury, but the ill-effects may render the child useless.

One solution often neglected is immunization. While the government has laid down its policies on immunization, unfortunately, there is indifference among many of our mothers. This is true because the need for food for the stomach lies on top in the echelon of survival. This long term benefit of immunization, that is, prevention from debilitating diseases is set aside.

It is high time that we focus on this problem. Limiting child mortality to nil should be everybody’s business. Child mortality left unbated will lead to the future’s mortality. And this urgently needed.

SUPERFERRY 9: RP’s TITANIC?

by Irenerose Susi

Last Sunday, Superferry  9 which departed from General Santos to Iloilo submerged at 9:10 am in the shark-infested tropical waters of Zamboanga City leaving 12 people dead out of 968 passengers. The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has ordered the suspension of the Aboitz’s Transport System’s fleet following the sinking of the Superferry. Questions were raised on what is supposed to be blamed and who is responsible for this tragedy. Why should there be deaths and tragedies before Filipinos really learn?

Authorities have reported that the ship was not overloaded. It was not terrorism either. PAGASA reported that the weather was fair, and the sea was moderate. Clearly, those concerned followed the guidelines to the letter.

Where did the lapse take place?

The government and its agencies should look into two aspects: the ship’s seaworthiness and the crew’s competence. It is common knowledge that most of the country’s ships are old and dilapidated. The money involved in repairing these ships runs into millions and more if a shipping company procured a new one. Because in this part of the world, money seems to occupy a higher place in the hierarchy of preferences, these ships are converted into sailing coffins.

The crew’s competence should also be looked into, or the curriculum of these schools where these sailors graduated. Are the materials updated to international standards? Are our sailors professionals, and not holders of fake sea books?

In any industry where life is at stake, everyone must be responsible and be decisive. One error may cause a tragedy of huge proportions. One should take care of his every action because life may snuff in just a blink of an eye. And everybody’s dream drowns.

DEMOCRACY: LOST.. REGAINED

written by Irenerose Susi

The succeeding days have become yellow days as we remember our beloved former President Corazon Aquino’s 4Oth death day. She is to be immortalized as the woman who delivered our democracy from the clutches of martial law. As she is now finally resting in the hands of her Creator, this woman of bravery and sincerity to serve the Filipino people deserves a tribute from every peace loving Filipino people. 

President Cory is an epitome of a public servant whose decisions reside in her faith in the Almighty. Her weapon was prayer in her desire to solve the problems and the turmoil she inherited from the previous regime. She honestly fulfilled the mission God gave to her, even sacrificing her family for good governance. This she did by fighting for Ninoy Aquino’s cause, that is, to make every Filipino live proudly under a government that is free of corruption and oppression.

We owe so much to Pres. Cory for giving us the inspiration on how a Filipinos should live. Her selfless style of government proved there is still hope for equality. But behind all these accolades, one trademark her government should be praised for is, she helped regain respect for Filipinos. She may have accomplished less but her leadership opened the eyes of the Filipinos and the world on regaining freedom. EDSA I catapulted our nation in the eyes of the world. For four days, our foreheads were held up high, not being ashamed of ourselves. For some four days, we were the guiding light, the inspiration of the peoples of the world who are fighting against their forms of corruption and oppression. She was the leader.

Now that the great inspiration and leader passed, the legacy should continue. The hope should be kept burning in us. Vigilance against those who want to trample again the restored democracy should be renewed. This is our only way to repay the sacrifices of President Corazon C. Aquino. She has prepared the way towards a better Philippines; it is time to carry the torch. If we can not do it…nakapanghihinayang naman!.

Most Corrupt…a Bitter Pill to Swallow

written by Irenerose Susi

It is very sad that, out of 180 countries, the Philippines has been ranked 141^st most corrupt by the anti-corruption group Transparency International, and very disappointing because it is behind most of our Southeast Asian neighbors. And worst, the Philippines fell 10 ranks lower compared to last year. More than the ratings game, the ranking, actually, is a measure of how the government is curbing corruption. In short, there is still no control of corruption in our country.

They say corruption has become institutionalized in the Filipinos. From the smallest Barangay Hall, the tentacles of corruption have crept into the Presidential Palace. Added to this are the major scandals brought by the aborted broadband deal with ZTE and the fertilizer scam.  These, and the perceptions of the many businessmen, prompted the TI to declare the Philippines as such. 

Why is controlling or at least limiting corruption important? Because it is good for the economy.  Take for example Singapore.  It is, by no means, plain luck that Singapore is ranked as one of the most prosperous countries. This is because they have good governance, with almost zero corruption.  This environment is conducive to more foreign and national investments.

What can the government do to limit corruption?  Shorten or minimize red tapes. Provide ease in starting businesses. It takes only a week to secure a business permit and start a business venture in Singapore, compared to the two months here in the Philippines.  The government should address red tapes and stimulate business climate. The longer the red tapes, the more corrupt people you meet. This set-up discourages investors from pursuing businesses. 

It takes a bucketful of political will to punish perpetrators of corruption. Prosecuting a small fry results in eradicating a small section of corruption. What is disheartening is it is accused of cuddling and protecting plunderers, close to the powerful. If the government is sincere in eradicating corruption, heads should roll.

And lastly, institute and implement reforms to invite investors: reforms such as enforcement of contracts, employment of workers, protection of investors, and payment of taxes.

The results of the different groups against corruption may be a bitter pill to swallow.  But it opens our eyes to the fact that corruption retards economy. And if it heals …we would rather swallow it.

Senators.. Gladiators..

written by Irenerose Susi

Recent events in the Senate have turned it into an arena where Sen. Panfilo Lacson, the cop that he is, accused Senate President Manny Villar as the one responsible for the “double insertion” controversy in the C-5 Extension Bill which could have made Villar a certified million peso man.

This event has placed the Senate in disarray as the administrative and oppositionist senators, again, widened their differences, and to everybody’s surprise also drove a wedge into the oppositionists’ bloc: Sen. Ping Lacson against the pro-adminstration senators and against some oppositionist senators. From both sides of the fence, senators have come to Villar’s rescue, admitting they too made some insertions in the annual national budet which placed Lacson in a fighting mood.

What is Sen. Ping Lacson’s motive? Some say the action is ill-timed. Sen. Villar has signified his intention of running as President in 2010, and so to pin him down, Lacson made the accusation, a character assassination. Note that Lacson was responsible for the loss of Mr FPJ in the Presidential derby when he refused to give way to the late actor, paving the way for GMA victory. It would seem he is at “it” again. Villar countered that this C-5 Extension is not a pet project of his, and nowhere in the document can one find his signature.

A matter of “pa-pogi points”?  Sen. Lacson, by his body language is also eyeing the presidency.  But he can not muster enough support from his colleagues as they also admitted targeting the presidency. By putting everybody down, he could be the last man standing.

And not to be outdone, presidentiables Mar Roxas, Legarda and other senators joined the fray, each carrying their swords trying to maim each other.  What the Villar-Lacson fiasco has done is to sow intrigue and disunity among all the senators. Maybe he was successful in converting the dignified and august hall of the Senate into an arena, where gladiators tried to slash each others’ throat for self-preservation: survival of the fittest…political, that is.

Mother Earth’s wrath

written by Irenerose Beatrice Susi

Healthy people need a healthy planet. Only 0.7% of the world’s oceans-about 2 million square kilometers were put under protection. About 2.4 billion people live without access to heating services and 1.6 billion have no access to electricity. Sudden flash floods, extreme weather events and droughts are evidences that our world is lying on a bed of nails.

We survive because of Mother Earth. She is full of natural resources. She gives us foods, clothes, water, shelter and air. Life is possible because of what Mother Earth gives us.

Estimate shows that 40% of the world’s population experience water scarcity. Many seem to forget the natural gift God had entrusted to us. The rate of deforestation has been fastest in some of the world’s most biologically diverse regions and old growth forest ecosystems, including South-East Asia, Oceania, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. Piles and piles of garbage clog the waterways that resulted to great floods.

With the continuing deterioration of our planet, information in ensuring environmental sustainability is imperative. The natural resources supplied by our planet do not last long. The ways our environment is being treated should be changed: the wanton destruction of our forests, pollution. After all we will be the victims. Therefore in our actions everybody should be responsible and accountable.

If we are to analyze the problem, awareness to everyone is imperative so that many will be encouraged to stand up and take action. Empowered journalism will be a catalyst for change. Eyes must be opened so that there will be unity to fight climate change.

It is high time to focus in the problem. If many will have the ‘bahala na’ attitude, we will perish. There must be an initiative to every individual. Conserve water, save electricity, and recycling counts. Save Earth, get saved. Let us carry the torch for a better world.

STAND UP AND TAKE ACTION

written by Irenerose Susi

It is very alarming that Malaria kills over 1 million people annually and about 7,500 die every day because of HIV and 5,500 die because of AIDS. One of the targets of the Millennium Development Goals is to combat HIV, malaria and other diseases that may lead to death. Life is very precious, that is why everybody must treasure it.

 Millions die each year from infectious diseases. What is lamentable is the causes of these deaths are preventable, diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and HIV. The course of these diseases can directly be traced to unhygienic places where microorganisms and their vectors thrive. Added to this factor is lack of awareness and knowledge, malnutrition and poverty, lack of effective and reliable drugs and competent healthcare providers. To curb this setback, dissemination of information is a must. And the journalist plays an important role.

Awareness will keep the wolf from the door. Journalism will be a catalyst for change. Dissemination of information is important so that the eyes of the people will be opened and they will be encouraged to stand up and take action.

Prevention is better than cure. One solution often neglected is immunization. The long term benefit of immunization, that is, prevention from debilitating diseases has not been accepted by many. This is because many are so preoccupied with their day-to-day subsistence. 

Researches about diseases should be intensified. One drawback is the wrong beliefs handed down from generations. This slows down the dissemination of information campaign by concerned agencies. If a good outcome is to be realized, everyone must have an active role, so that the MDG 6 will be a reality.

Therefore, it is high time that we focus on this problem. If all of us will prioritize the eradication or at least lower the incidence of infections, there is a higher chance of a good outcome. If we are all able to learn how to fight diseases and help our fellowmen... we all can say we value life.