Why Become a Real Estate Agent

“Real estate is an imperishable asset, ever-increasing in value. It is the most solid security that human ingenuity has devised. It is the basis of all security and about the only indestructible security,” averred Russel Sage, an American financier and politician. No wonder, investors and end-users find it attractive.

As there are many investors in Bohol, the demand for real estate agents is also on the rise. Why do they find this role attractive?  Aside from one’s autonomy in spending his or her time and the lure of big commissions, there are other reasons the seasoned agents can share.

Unlike many professions that require schooling which shells out P30,000 to P50,000 on tuition and miscellaneous fees per semester in four years or more, a real estate salesman only needs an accreditation which can later be upgraded into a real estate broker’s license. One can only finish 72 units in college and get accredited as an agent. A medical doctor cannot take the job of an engineer, nor can an engineer assume the role of the doctor; but both the doctor and the engineer can become a real estate agent. In other words, the barriers to entry is not high while the income potential can be a big leap—at least four times more than what the average employee gets if an agent sells a property. This profession depends more on one’s work ethics, a determinant that is far better than what runs some offices where politics demoralizes.

Aside from needing only low personal investments to become agents, real estate professionals enjoy travel. One sales director said about what makes her enjoy her career: “I have to say travel. A country and a hotel of your choice. Good thing my company doesn’t scrimp on their incentives.” I have heard that Filinvest gives an international travel as an incentive to those who put in a certain sales figure.

One thing that energizes an aspiring real estate agent is the commission for a single sales transaction. This means more financial freedom where one can buy what he wants and invest in a business. Though the typical agent gets an allowance of P10,000 to P15,000 a month, one gets at least two to three percent commission, depending on the developer. Three percent of a house worth more than P5 million is equivalent to P150,000 which means diligence is the key to one’s success in this profession.

Sometimes, a real estate company gives high-end gadgets and cars aside from the usual cash incentives for agents and brokers.

The rewards of real estate agents are not only the tangibles. Some seasoned brokers say that they feel fulfilment in helping clients choose their right home.

To prove my point, a survey by Careerbliss, cited by Forbes, reveals that real estate agent job emerged as the happiest job– a career “that will bring a smile to your face.” This is because besides giving enticing income and numerous perks, the field allows for and professional growth, and its industry is ever evolving.

To help fellow Boholanos find income opportunities through a career that gives one’s peep-o-day, I must inform them that Filinvest Land, Inc. is now hiring for real estate agents for condos at One Oasis Cebu. The company is looking for talents who possess: a) an affable personality; b) a reputable record in selling, but not a requirement; c) integrity; d) willingness to be trained; e) a mind-set that hungers for achievement; f) at least 72 units in college; and g) diligence in connecting with prospect clients.

As a backgrounder, Filinvest is the 9^th top real property developer in the country which has operated for more than 50 years ago. With a diverse property portfolio catering to all markets and an assessed value of P532.33 billion in 2017, it has developed in 48 cities and towns over 2,500 hectares of land and more than 600,000 square meters of prime office, residential and retail spaces. The company is built on the Gotianun tradition of integrity, quality and service.

Be an agent of Filinvest. Attend its first interview and business opportunity meeting on November 26 and 27 (venue will be announced later). Bring your curriculum vitae or resume. To confirm your attendance, send a text message of your full name to mobile number 0919-4136604.

 

My 2015 Year-end Review

THE BEAUTY of a life worth sharing is in listening to one’s inner voice and to constantly evaluate progress. This deliberately trumps the majority’s credo of getting approvals from friends and loved ones before they make a move for themselves. It also rejects the idea that many heads are better than one which many times —if stretched– actually masquerades as “reading someone else’s script.” I never regretted having practiced the art of self-reflection and knowing my true spirit and expression. I never had a second thought about the pursuit of an artist-entrepreneur.

Had I listened to well-meaning “counselors,” I might end up a pauper at best—one who does not live in the present nor the future: a life devoted to others’ opinions without them remunerating a large monument for me.

What could work for my advantage, however, is my business management savvy. It gives me the ability to think strategically rather than just feel like a victim of circumstances or become merely a pawn of someone else’s agenda. It balances passion with circumspection; it connects between flying and walking on the ground.

I did not expect I would be teaching as a part-time faculty of the best business program in my hometown. The subjects assigned to me could be prophetic as they are the most applicable to start-up entrepreneurs like me: strategic management and international business. For me, this is the best way to wait while I am half-way to completing my product prototypes.

Though asked several times during my panel interview to render a full-time mentoring instead in that university, I declined. I said my priority is still how to build my new ventures.

I may not be very promising with my new projects and a lot of hurdles prop up: lack of resources, capital, and many uncertainties in building hard-to-copy resources. These, however, are expected and who knows my strategies will work?

I thought about what other start-ups are depending on: lenders. But I do not limit myself to such option. In lieu of borrowing, I assume I can better get additional capitalization through relevant grants that I applied. They are not really start-up grants for business purposes, yet a portion of my honorarium can be my source of capitalization. I am thankful for previous grants in art and research which leverage other applications.

I do not expect my more than a year transition– from full-time teaching to entrepreneurship– to give me a good sense of security. But I enjoy the “surfing and forest-trekking” (with the risk) which is far better than the false security of an employee who knows what will be his plight during retirement—mounting medical bills, inadequate subsistence source, and the squeezing economy.  I have had enough of full-time mentoring in the Philippine setting as I already worked for 16.5 years in a university in Iloilo City. Mere submission to a local academe—plus many expected injustices and heartaches—would just lead to many frustrations. This simply indicates the perfect time for my ideas to work if I focus and be passionate enough.

If I see that I am still designing and redesigning my interior décor products for the coming national trade fair while one could just be receiving a monthly salary, at least I am not a donkey constantly chasing after an imaginary carrot. At least I can discern that in a short while, breaks are coming.

Moreover, who says that one must first find his big break or stability before involving himself with valuable service organizations?  Yet I still engage in Bible distribution through Gideons International (Tagbilaran City Camp). Being aligned with God’s will invite blessings and I do not want to miss the opportunity. This is the way to balance my life with a mind for humanity.

The transition should not be worrisome. More than my management background, I have something else. I am not just a dreamer squandering my resources for a pursuit that does not produce a sure bloom. I believe in prayer and faith. And what is surer than the imaginary carrot is what anchors my faith: “…those who know their God shall be strong and do exploits (Daniel  11:32).”

Happy trek, everyone.

A Sculptor’s Lament

The largesse of the soul is sometimes met with indifference and injustice. It may resonate with the sound of gold coins clinking on the broken pavements of an informal settler’s community; and even with a presumptive purity of expression in bestowing, I lament at how my expressions fare with a world-that-knows-no-melodies, or perhaps, melodies-that-know-no-listeners. As a sculptor, this is my sorrow.

God knows what I told him in the inner chamber and I await his answer. A few days ago, I penned a poem entitled, “Sculptor’s Dilemma”:

These portrait busts I make

In finicky fashion:

A small big Filipino-American,

A hospital executive,

An erstwhile navy with two flags

(Among others)

And—ah, the captured splendor—

After the transformation

You are oblivious about:

Examining relentlessly

The forthright and the furtive

Speeches when you are alone,

Then testing whether or not

The half-smile well articulates

The persona;

After the exacting scheme

Of adding and subtracting,

Adding and subtracting

That lasts three months each

Becomes a historic quest for perfection,

The inert clay then undergoes kiln-fire

Towards immortality.

 

Alack!—the monuments I build

To become a well-meant remembrance:

Are they now in your possession

And I denied the right

Of owning my signature?

 

It is clear the priceless

Works of art I create

As mementos of endearment

Stay forever separate

For I must part

With my oeuvres;

Disavowed I can but offer

For connoisseurs to examine

These portraits I cannot claim

–But ah, the pity, the shame—

To assert but never

To hold the law on!

 

Seemingly content, I create

I build, I enjoy to build away

The gifts they say

I cannot, do not own.

 

(The author is a painter-sculptor blessed with two finalist awards in Metrobank Art and Design Excellence. He presented his works in three solo exhibits in reputed galleries and has been selected as general member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Visual Arts.)

CHR Cannot Determine its Own Course Using LP-tinted Eyeglasses

Many argue in favor of a continual budgetary support for the Philippine’s Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as Congress sent it feelers by allocating the Commission with only P1,000 for 2018. Their argument is based on Article 13, Section 17 and 18 of the 1987 Constitution. Section 18 reads:

 “The Commission on Human Rights shall have the following powers and functions: (1) Investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights; (2) Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of procedure, and cite for contempt for violations thereof in accordance with the Rules of Court; (3) Provide appropriate legal measures for the protection of human rights of all persons within the Philippines, as well as Filipinos residing abroad, and provide for preventive measures and legal aid services to the underprivileged whose human rights have been violated or need protection; (4) Exercise visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or detention facilities; (5) Establish a continuing program of research, education, ad information to enhance respect for the primacy of human rights; (6) Recommend to the Congress effective measures to promote human rights and to provide for compensation to victims of violations of human rights, or their families; (7) Monitor the Philippine Government’s compliance with international treaty obligations on human rights; (8) Grant immunity from prosecution to any person whose testimony or whose possession of documents or other evidence is necessary or convenient to determine the truth in any investigation conducted by it or under its authority; (9) Request the assistance of any department, bureau, office, or agency in the performance of its functions; (10) Appoint its officers and employees in accordance with law; and (11) Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law.”

First and foremost, let us be clear: who gave the CHR its mandate? Clearly, it is not the Liberal Party (LP). But based on the background and actuations of its chief, Chito Gascon, CHR seems to merely give back to LP its debt of gratitude by acting like a lost command fighting against the new administration whose leader has been legitimately elected by the netizens. If CHR is truly now part of the government system, it must toe the line. Some say that there are those who are willing to donate their personal money for the CHR; nevertheless, the Commission and the donors should be aware that this initiative is nothing short of receiving bribes—a punishable crime.

The CHR, indeed, is a mandated constitutional body with the above-mentioned functions. But if it derails the efforts of the government, in which it is part, it might as well separate from the government and take its budget from the LP, not the government.

We cannot gloss this: that Gascon visited senator Leila De Lima in her jail while he did not visit other prisoners who might also be persons of interest. Without evidence, the CHR accuses the police force of taking the lives of drug syndicates while doing its job.

Beholding on what is happening, Gascon, who is a former leader of the LP, keeps on hammering and attempts to weaken the drive to fight drugs and criminality, though he himself does not see a bigger picture of the real scourge of Philippine society. He cannot claim a monopoly of divine grace and enlightenment. With his misaligned mindset, he might reinforce the idea of “democracy”. But in terms of real added value, his office is just a nuisance. In corporate parlance, it becomes a dysfunctional office which a good manager must abolish. Let no one be fooled into believing that Gascon has no strings; in fact, he uses taxpayer’s money revealing these strings.

Political analyst Richard Heydarian may justify the moves of CHR with this statement: “To be crystal clear, the CHR’s mandate is not to protect all citizens, at all times, against all sorts of crimes. With its meager budget and limited personnel, the CHR couldn’t do that even if it wanted to. It is instead the duty of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) — along with a myriad of intelligence and security agencies embedded in the state apparatus — to protect citizens from criminals and terrorists and any threat to public order and safety.”

 If the content of the above statement is a good interpretation of what CHR’s mandate is, should any government waste its effort and resources fighting for every citizen’s safety while allowing one of its constitutional bodies to discredit such efforts? If this is the meaning of “democracy”, the system might only work for the naïve—and of course, for the beneficiaries of such derailment of the government’s priorities, no other than the members of a political party.

 We cannot ignore Article 13, Section 19 of the Constitution: “The Congress may provide for other cases of violations of human rights that should fall within the authority of the Commission, taking into account its recommendations.” So, when the House of Representatives, through House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, pointed out the obvious bias of the CHR because it ignores the victims of criminal activities, it is simply acting on what is within its prerogative. If the House formally legislates its take on human rights violations, it is timely and appropriate based on this constitutional provision. A nation cannot govern effectively if a factious Commission claims to see the big picture when it its chief’s views are myopic and LP-tinted at best.

The views of Defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido– saying that the CHR acts as a check and balance of the government and should be supported– can only be feasible in the context of an apolitical constitutional body. A constitutional body like the CHR must be politically neutral. Otherwise, the state has unwittingly served for its self-destruction, let alone make an utter waste of P678 million allocation for CHR budget in 2018.

 

 

Poetry Seminar for Tzu Chi Scholars

WHEN I came back to Bohol after 22 years in Iloilo since my college days, I wondered if I could impart what I have to my fellow Boholanos. I am thankful that Tzu Chi-Bohol, an international non-government organization, invited me as a resource person of a poetry seminar for its 168 scholars enrolled in different schools of the province. The seminar workshop, perhaps a first-of-a-kind in the province, was a productive whole-day event last July 8 in the foundation’s office at CPG Avenue, Tagbilaran City.

And we ask, why poetry? To answer this, we must reflect that the fields of human endeavor—engineering, medicine, natural sciences, business and agriculture, among others—are necessary for survival. But beauty and love? We live for them. We are not only thinking of aesthetic beauty; we also live for moral beauty and some would even sacrifice for their country because of it like Dr. Jose Rizal. And love? It is not all about romantic love as what many young ones are chasing after; we show it to our parents, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends. We live for beauty and love—we should express this through poetry.

I am privileged to have written poems in my regular column since 2007 in major newspapers covering Panay, and recently, in the Bohol Tribune, Businessweek Mindanao and Mindanao Daily News. When I was a college student, I used to contribute poems to Busay, a publication of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas.

Then I availed the First President Manuel Roxas Literary Fellowship and the Sanag Literary Fellowship grants (the equivalent of Cornelio Faigao Literary Fellowship in Region 7) which further honed my skills. In the Sanag Fellowship, 10 grantees from Region 6 underwent an intensive literary workshop under the tutelage of the panelists who are Hall of Famers or multi-awardees of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards (equivalent to Pulitzer in the US):  Dr. Leoncio Deriada, Dr. Alice Tan Gonzales and Dr. Isidro Cruz.

I got a first prize, by God’s grace, in that literary grant through the decision of these panelists. These panelists deferred giving the second and third prizes to highlight my winning piece. Also during a college day event, I also got a second prize in poetry.

I was not confident with my craft before and even got a frank remark from Dr. Deriada that my poems before were “raw”. But after a while, I got a welcome handshake to the world of poets. This seminar is a dream come true.

I made the students submit poems before the workshop which were then deliberated during the session with suggestions for improvement. I also showed them several winning poems and expert comments about these.

One of the emphases in my poetry seminar is a writer’s need to avoid clichés. Use a concrete experience—imaginary or real—which communicates an otherwise abstract idea. Or employ an allusion.

For example, in lieu of saying, “I am busy”, one could have rephrased this by thinking of an activity that suggests the concept. Considering this, one might come up with a better statement: “I am fiddling the violin with an Irish Reel.” But one needs to listen first to an Irish Reel before he can use the musical composition with a spark of creativity.

The following are other examples of how I turned statements into something more inviting:

Cliché: “The boy is fearful.”

Improved: “The boy seems to panic amidst the crossfire at Marawi where the terrorist sniper shoot escaping civilians.”

Cliché: “The sunset is beautiful.”

Improved: “The sun, culminating the day of exciting artworks done, limns my world’s canvas with the tune of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.”

Cliché: “Good will prevail, at last.”

Improved: “When the holy One, riding on the white horse, will unleash swords from his mouth to slay the wicked, the millennial reign begins. Children will then have lions as pets like cute puppies.”

I also showed during the workshop my poem entitled “On Fighting Goliath”:

The bigger the boast, the slighter the chance.

The larger the size, the surer the hit.

The more gigantic the sword, the better the memento.

The heavier the spear, the slower the thrust.

 

The weaker the boy, the smarter the ploy.

The simpler the slingshot, the funnier the victim.

The lesser the training, the brighter the finale.

The smaller the warrior, the grander the legend.

 

The greater the faith, the smaller the giant.

Florante Evasco: A Father and Educator

“SON, brother, father, lover, friend. There is room in the heart for all the affections, as there is room in heaven for all the stars (Victor Hugo).” This place aptly cherishes my friend, Florante Badilla Evasco (b. 1946).

Florante, the brother of cabinet secretary Leoncio Evasco, hailed from Maribojoc, Bohol. He grew up as a sociable and playful child of a farmer and a nurse; yet his strict parents also imposed discipline. He recalls that his brother, Leoncio, was also gregarious and playful, the reason their parents transferred his brother to Saint Vincent at Maribojoc from Holy Name University. Both his two sisters–Laura and Maridel–were nurses: the former, a product of Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital; the latter, an alumna of Cebu Doctors Hospital.

Florante finished his elementary in his hometown. He could have gone to Bohol School of Arts and Trades (BSAT) immediately after elementary, but since the admission required one to be 13 years old, he enrolled for one year at Saint Vincent, then finished high school at BSAT.

“Our parents emphasized industry,” Florante averred, “that is why all of us have become successful.” He and his siblings developed a good study habit and work ethics.

Florante appreciates his days at BSAT. The school trains students to become proficient in technical skills like carpentry, plumbing, electrical repairs and installations, among others. He studied there because besides the emphasis of the school, his uncle, Florentino Evasco–who used to be a teacher, and later, a principal of the academia —influenced his parents. “I did not think what I would become when I went to BSAT,” he said, “but I was thankful for the skills I learned.”

When it was time to choose a course in college, a diagnostic test showed Florante’s inclination to the teaching profession. There were no communication technology courses at that time. Courses on-demand used to be related to education and engineering. About agriculture because his family had a farm: it could be an option for him, but job opportunities were rare. So, he took a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education at Cebu School of Arts and Trades.

“Teaching is interesting,” Florante added, “because one is dealing with the young who must develop their character and attitude.” “Enjoyable because I meet people from different social classes and it is challenging,” he stressed. He was prioritized in selection when he applied for a teaching job because of his technical field. The brother of cabinet secretary had taught for ten years, then became a head teacher for two years, a principal for almost ten years, and later served as DepEd supervisor for eight years until his retirement.

About how he was promoted: he pointed that it was based on one’s experience and achievements like trainings and seminars attended, and management and leadership skills—unlike the current system where one can just take a test for the higher position.

Florante got an offer for a position after his supervisory work in Maribojoc, but he refused it when he entered politics. He ran for a Sanguniang Bayan post at his hometown and became a municipal councilor for two terms (2010 to 2016).

Marriage is usually a choice for one who wants to establish a family. Florante’s main consideration in choosing a wife was being in the same institution and profession. This could be his view: that marriage is a partnership of equals, with neither exercising authority over the other, but, rather, with each encouraging and helping the other in whatever responsibilities and dreams he or she might have.

Florante once thought of a town-mate fiancé who wanted to go to the US—but a place he did not want to go at that time. So, in 1975, he married Inocencia Dominguez Evasco–a colleague at Cogon Elementary school.

Florante and Inocencia are blessed with two children: Dr. Elva Evasco-Auza, married to Engr. Jerome Auza; and Eldred Evasco whose wife is Miechell Enad Evasco.

As the brother of cabinet secretary, Leoncio, Florante revealed that he encountered difficulties in handling people who seek audience with his brother. However, knowing how his brother thinks, he screens the kind of issue a person brings and decides if it merits an audience.

As a provider for his family, Florante’s meager salary during the Martial Law years was not a hindrance to fulfilling this role. He and his wife did not rely on debts as many did; they had a passive income from the copra and rice from their farm which supplied for the family. When he supported for his daughter’s medical course, however, he and his wife had programmed a loan scheme until she finished.

“There are many children whose fathers are less affectionate,” he said. “Sometimes, that happened because of my work. Children need affection.” But Florante, as a father, is more than a thousand schoolmasters. Karen Boyer’s poem for a dad fits him:

He never looks for praises…
He just goes on quietly working
For those he loves the most

‘(Un)boxed’

IN THE age where creativity, hindsight and foresight is power—and let me clarify that the “knowledge is power” idea must be refined further because behind new knowledge lies the brewing of imagination and the ferment of wisdom—we should be more appreciative of those who do not toe the line with “established philosophes”.

I am referring to what some Boholanos and Manileños assert in the coming group art exhibit at Qube Gallery (Cebu) which will open on June 30, 2017. Being the writer of this show’s notes, let me share my own critique:

We can either be drawn to the vexation of the average: “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with their song still in them (Henry David Thoreau)”, or be a nonconformist. All art is based upon being iconoclastic and every great achievement in history has been brought either by blood or the reputation of the maverick. Without nonconformity, do not expect the emergence of a nation, a philosophy, a science, a Magna Carta and you find fewer religions.

The group show, “(Un)boxed”, underscores that to limn something in any field—especially one of prodigious quality—requires being a bohemian. That is why the artist is in constant friction with the present way of things or may simply wish to add his or her views to the existing system.

With this in mind, an artist usually has both a degree of detachment and involvement with his or her milieu. Detached because only the separated can perceive the qualities and properties of things. The artist sees how colors augment colors or how shapes stay with shapes—modifying, relating and mingling mutually. He or she sees the tensions between the contemptible and the much-loved, between the grotesque and the sad, tensions of such special character as to be almost imperceptible. In how these are juxtaposed lies the essence of life in any era. Whoever captures life should be isolated from the “box”.

But you will be surprised that the artist’s isolation should co-exist with his or her involvement. This is also a sine qua non of expression because he or she must never fail to experience humanity’s gratification, despair and fear for in them lies the source of feeling upon which the artwork is registered. The feeling must create its own speeches, unique from someone else’s.

Detached and involved at the same time, artists become critics of society and partisans in its burning causes: there seems to be no exact place where nonconformity can be fitted in.

Consider, however, that being oddballs or “rebels”, as people would label (artists), is the basic pre-condition of art and good thinking; and therefore, of growth and eminence. The degree of nonconformity in a society must be looked upon as a sign of health.

Strike out the critic, kill the maverick, but without them, any society of whatever level of advancement or perfection must decay.

In this group exhibit, the works of upcoming artists demonstrate their critiques to existing systems and structures. We reckon the eyes of seers.

(For comments, email lucelllarawan@gmail.com.)

 

Search for a Performer or Doctor?

A public university in Tagbilaran City, where I hailed from during high school just announced its search for the new president. When I read the job posting, I learned that the position demands, among other things, an earned doctorate degree. It also pointed the underscored protocol—that the doctor must have no administrative case before.

I can understand the over-reacting position of the search committee who emphasized the applicant’s freedom from glitches in the past, seemingly to recover from the trauma caused by the less honorable dismissal of the university’s previous president because the ombudsman ousted him for the purchase deals.

But underscoring the absence of an administrative or criminal case seems a little weird. Even an ordinary employee should be above reproach, how much more from a president? The leader’s propensity to go awry does not only correlate to one’s previous record of missteps; it is also ingrained in one’s values. Does the candidate accommodate “Kamag-anak at Kaibigan, Inc.”? Is he or she known for laudable values like outreach for the poor? Is he or she a good follower, to the extent that he or she bows to Amelia Varela’s prevailing culture of public offices, in general—culture of bureaucratic mediocrity, corruption, ambiguity, dualism and patronage—the environment more observable before president Duterte? Is he or she a staunch defender of the status quo and treats innovators and moral figures as bad eggs in the organization? Is he or she the personality that does not get overwhelmed with some bestowed power?

If the candidate passes these questions of scrutiny, then I can vouch that he or she has half of the qualities. He or she will be spared of the two previous disasters. To emphasize, however, the presence or absence of legal suits as a requirement of selection is too simplistic.

In the search for Bohol Island State University’s (BISU) new president, I also noted a highlighted qualification—earned doctorate degree. As if earned doctorate degrees are really that reliable. Suppose this is a search for a good stage performer, I am talking about choosing between a Doctor of Music holder vis-à-vis the likes of Andrea Bocelli or Lea Salonga. Given such choices, I opt for Bocelli and Salonga. Never mind those flaunting for diplomas, which mean nothing—only diplomas after striving to achieve what they could not.

No one can blame me if I have a generally low appreciation of earned doctorate degrees like imminent scholars have. In Iloilo, a research firm is known to produce dissertations for a fee which makes earning doctorate degrees a mere gown purchased at a price. Any non-intellectual who has the money can afford it and they can fake their degrees so easily. There is no audit for earning doctorate degrees that is why some thinkers no longer give so much attention to them. Some can pay ghost writers and end up with what they should take pride of– “Doctor of Ghostwriting”.

Anyone can hire ghostwriters to finish a dissertation for a much-awaited pretension.

So what should the search committee look in lieu of the candidate’s academic qualification?
Let us base it on the international bases for promoting academics—research and publications in peer-reviewed journals in the local and international levels. If we ignore these, we become arrogant and blind, saying we can still avoid the pressure of globalization which is impossible. Remember that doctors become doctors because of what new ideas they can contribute to their fields, not because of finishing a dissertation, which is just an amateur output if not published in refereed international journals.

And what about the requirement for a candidate to have held administrative positions like being a dean or chairman? These experiences may help for the position, but not a shortcut to the world-wide basis for promoting academics. If one takes shortcuts, we should consider that this will spell disaster. Let me illustrate why: in one typical academia, those who are promoted may not necessarily be champions of the international standard for promotion—even too amateur. But if an organization gives them positions, they become the undesired figureheads of a “productive” academia. They can most likely become insecure and kill real achievers, so it will be a real calamity.

The search committee of BISU could have thought that not all honorary doctorate degrees are bogus as it is being used by some universities to obtain funding from individuals they award. Some honorary doctorate degrees are based on the contributions of a person to his field such as the number of sponsored studies and international and local academic publications. They are, in many cases, more reliable than the “challenged” earned degrees that do not exist with full transparency.

I just hope BISU, my alma mater, will find someone who does not kowtow to the old ways. I hope he or she will be a well-established researcher-academician whose reputation goes beyond the politics of organizational selection because being a dean or a chairman and being a doctor will not substitute the real score—underscored in the selection process of double-blind review applied in selecting scientific papers published internationally.

This is an academia, for God’s sake.

(For comments, email lucelllarawan@gmail.com)

Where the Golden Age Leads Us

IN THE recent Dutertenomics Forum, the cabinet of president Duterte announced the administration’s P8.4-trillion budget for infrastructure during the president’s term. This amount will be shelled out for Manila Subway, Mindanao Rail, Luzon Spine Expressway, Panguil Bay Bridge (connecting Misamis Occidental and Lanao Del Norte) and Leyte Tide Embankment.

Commentators opine that this Dutertenomics is ambitious.

Indeed it is. But how will this translate into a better country?

Let us see the reality that our country tails behind our neighbors. In the World Competitiveness Index, we have just climbed the efficiency stage. We need to do more to increase the efficiency of our systems—a concern that infrastructure spending addresses. If we have more infrastructure, we can climb to the next stage—the innovation stage.

There are no shortcuts.

So when I hear about the move of Duterte to focus on roads and bridges, among others, I feel excited because this is a game changing action. We could no longer hope for the better with our current systems. We need to upgrade. After having noble dreams, we must chart our course and take specific steps daily.

Dutertenomics offers a lot with the president’s strategies and political will. The war on drugs—though challenged by displaced politicians and those who fight it with mere aphorisms—will secure peace and order. We need this environment that makes our economic programs thrive.

Alongside with the war on drugs, we see the president’s sincerity in fighting corruption—the monster that swallows any good intention in one night. Having fired Sueno, Laviña and other members of his team—even the closest supporters—Duterte sparkles hope of another era after a long time of darkness. He does not just follow the usual doublespeak.

Leading in the Times 100 most influential leaders is not a coincidence for the president, no matter what critics exclaim. He may not accept the offer of the University of the Philippines to confer him with an honorary doctorate degree, but he already got something more glamorous, though it is not his desire to pursue such as he is always bent for public service. The president is born for this hour and is the best answer to my prayers. Duterte will put the Philippines in the map in terms of productivity, innovation and social justice.

I can vouch to this.

Why Christians Should Rethink G12

CHRISTIAN churches thrive and prosper with Biblical and management wisdom. No doubt, those which cannot balance between the two could either be like cogon fires that are here for a moment, or marketing firms going awry.

G12, one of the systems that some evangelical churches adopt these days, raise concerns. Does it make healthy and sustainable congregations?

First, let us clarify what G12 is. It is a church program wherein members are either encouraged or pressured to convert 12 disciples patterned after the example of Jesus and the great commission. After several lecture sessions, the members are made accountable for the disciples they make.

On the surface, the goal of G12 sounds noble: the scheme multiplies the number of “believers” exponentially. They say it is a way to make Jesus come again more quickly as the condition of the second coming is made. They say it is an avenue to make Christians sacrifice for the kingdom. But not everything noble at the surface survives the test of whether it is from the Lord. To endure the test, it must be both moral and ethical.

As a program that demands time and commitment among church members, G12 is responsible for the unmaking of great athletes, doctors, engineers, lawyers and poets among others. And how is this so? Look at what happens to the next Manny Pacquiao: the church demands that he should sacrifice so he is pressured to reduce 30 minutes to one hour of his training regimen to take care of his disciples. The church where he belongs does not even issue a formal appointment for the job of a church worker that he is carrying. The argument: this should be done for the Lord.

As a result, the next Manny Pacquiao unwittingly becomes one of the boxing clowns—a suntok sa buwan in-the-making. Can anyone please guarantee that his sacrifice will afford his eight-division world championships? Let us note that many times, heaven makes us see the fine line between folly and faith. Even if one feels the Lord is obliged to do miracles, this does not make him walk on water—and he will drown.

The Pacquiao-turned-clown, then, cannot attract respect from his community, much less from his congregation in lieu of 12 disciples he makes. A light is snuffed because of a Ponzi scheme. What a tragedy!

The case of another Pacquaio-turned-clown can happen to any professional involved with G12: take away someone’s focus and he becomes mediocre. In lieu of making great poets, such produce only great dreamers with lofty illusions. Take away a main ingredient common to all successful professionals and you will see the unmaking of the greats. The church must not be accused of discipling the voluntary lames of this world, lest it becomes an “exemplary” blockage to human progress.

Yet we see the fulfillment of the saying, “Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself…”

If some churches convince believers that eggs must be broken to make an omelet, be careful because those eggs could have been raised as great reflections of heaven’s light, yet extinguished by some less transparent hype. Beware.

At another angle, G12 makes Christians guilty of fishing in an aquarium. They do not anymore go to the sea because they need to fulfill their commitment as soon as possible. This makes G12 unconscionable and unethical.

The idea of G12 begs the question of legitimacy to spiritual organizations. Coming from a pyramid marketing scheme, G12 is more fit for commodities to sell if people still trust pyramid schemes nowadays. But we can hear of true stories of what could happen in a pyramid scheme. I heard of a friend’s experience of losing P1.2 million and the emotional strain that follows. That is why we derive “Ponzi scheme” nowadays—and this refers to the model which makes G12.

If Ponzi schemes have caused dysfunctions in societies, it does the same with churches. Christians are not really encouraged to follow blindly. In fact when they are commanded to love the Lord with all their minds (not just with all their strength, heart and soul), it means they should speak out if there are teachings that creep stealthily to supplant good teachings. It means they should use all their facilities of thinking before they embrace new Ponzi.

The sad news, however, is that G12 has become a gospel command to some churches given with sanctions for noncompliance while many are on their way to shipwreck their professions, and eventually their faith.