I remember a social media post that questioned the meaning of these honors amid such widespread distribution. “How is it that so many graduates receive Latin honors when our international test scores, like the PISA, are low?” one netizen asked. The query tapped into a broader conversation about grade inflation and what we truly value in education. Grades, once indicators of mastery, now face scrutiny. Are they symbols of effort and achievement or mere numbers shaped by easier grading and lenient policies?

Many educators and students have noted the shift toward what some call “compassionate grading.” The rise of mental health awareness in academia has been a positive step. Yet, it has also led some teachers to soften their grading to support students’ well-being, especially post-pandemic. According to education researcher Michael Tan, more professors are abandoning strict grading scales, and “terror teachers” are becoming rare. The challenge of balancing compassion with academic rigor has intensified, especially as students increasingly view grades as reflections of self-worth rather than learning outcomes. The effect, though unintentional, has fueled grade inflation and widened the gap between academic accolades and actual skill proficiency.

Another factor in the rising number of Latin honors is the “mass promotion” phenomenon, which is even more prevalent in basic education. Teachers are increasingly encouraged to avoid giving failing marks, a move driven by policy directives that prioritize students’ “welfare” over strict academic standards. This results in more students reaching college with high GPAs but often lacking core competencies. Even as they earn Latin honors, many struggle with real-world skills—a gap employers are quick to notice. According to a study by the Philippine Business for Education, high academic grades often do not translate into workplace readiness. In a competitive job market, soft skills and adaptability weigh more than transcripts full of 1.0s.

Reflecting on the rise of Latin honors reveals another complex layer: social class. Attaining Latin honors, while admirable, often reflects privilege as much as merit. Students from wealthier backgrounds frequently have access to resources, such as tutors and technology, that help them maintain high GPAs. In contrast, students from less privileged backgrounds may not have such support, making it challenging to compete academically. Therefore, the increasing rate of Latin honors may unintentionally spotlight economic disparity, as wealthier students have an advantage in sustaining high grades over those balancing academics with financial or familial responsibilities.

This reality is underscored by the experience of students who navigate school strategically, aiming not to learn deeply but to maintain high GPAs. Such an approach, which values grades over intellectual curiosity, reflects a shift in how students approach education. As noted in a study by the new DOST-SEI director, Dr. Jayeel Cornelio, some students select courses or instructors they believe will yield higher grades, diminishing the incentive to engage in rigorous intellectual exploration. This approach produces graduates who are well-versed in exam-taking but often unprepared for the complexity of real-world challenges.

Latin honors are meant to signify academic excellence, but what happens when this distinction loses its luster? Educators like Randy David argue that academic honors should challenge students to develop critical thinking skills and confront intellectual discomfort. When honors become widely attainable, their motivational impact diminishes, transforming them from rare achievements into standard fare. When detached from real mastery, the pursuit of excellence risks reducing education to a “race to the top” in terms of grades alone.

To assess Latin honors’ real-world relevance, one needs only consult employers. Many hiring managers have noted a disconnect between academic accolades and job performance, often finding that a candidate’s  GPA holds less weight than demonstrated adaptability and practical knowledge. As local HR practitioner Jeremaiah Opiniano observes, graduates who excel academically are sometimes ill-equipped for the nuanced demands of the workplace, including interpersonal skills and resilience. This sentiment echoes findings in a 2023 study from Harvard Business Review, where employers ranked “learning agility” and “critical thinking” above grades or honors in terms of career success.

We are not alone in facing this issue; grade inflation has been a topic of concern worldwide. The number of high-achieving students has soared in the United States and the United Kingdom. Researchers like Valen Johnson in “Grade Inflation: A Crisis in College Education” warn that this trend diminishes the integrity of academic credentials, making it difficult for employers to discern genuine academic rigor. It reflects a broader shift in educational priorities, with teachers and institutions feeling pressured to retain students through grade-based incentives rather than promoting deeper engagement with the material.

Ultimately, the debate over Latin honors asks us to examine what education truly means. In the tradition of integrity and self-reflection that guides us, it is worth considering how these honors serve students’ growth beyond academia. Are we nurturing students who value the pursuit of knowledge, or are we creating graduates skilled in navigating a grading system? Excellence is about self-discipline and a commitment to truth, not just achievement for its own sake. The real honor lies not in the title but in applying one’s education to create a meaningful impact.

Sadly, the glitter of Latin honors has undoubtedly faded under the weight of grade inflation and shifting standards. But if we return to the core values of education—curiosity, integrity, resilience—perhaps these honors can regain their value, not as common currency but as symbols of a genuine learning journey. After all, in a world of many summa cum laudes, perhaps the rarest quality of all is authenticity.

Doc H fondly describes himself as a “student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.

The post When honors go bland first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Rationale for Prioritizing Pompano:

1. International Benchmarking – Australia has already prioritized Pompano and has provided the necessary support for its further development. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganiZation (CSIRO) has recently unveiled advancements in aquaculture related to Pompano, as reported in Cosmos Magazine (“CSIRO unveils new white fish for aquaculture industry”).

I recommend instructing the Philippine Embassy in Canberra to explore CSIRO’s approaches and methods in developing this species for potential adoption in the Philippines.

2. Economic and Nutritional Value – Locally, Pompano farming has shown potential, as highlighted by SEAFDEC/AQD in their article, “Renewing the push for Pompano farming.” Currently, the price of Pompano is higher than Milkfish, but with better production volumes, its price could decrease, providing an alternative and affordable source of white meat fish.

In the long term, Pompano could become more affordable than pork, offering Filipinos a healthier and cost-effective protein alternative.

3. Government Support and Promotion – Pompano is not currently being actively promoted by the government. With proper support, more farmers and fisherfolk could be encouraged to cultivate this species, boosting local production.

I recommend engaging AUSAID in collaboration with the Australian Embassy in Manila to explore access to advanced species of Pompano being developed or promoted by Australia. Samples or supplies could also be obtained through these partnerships.

4. Interagency Collaboration – I propose that the Departments of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Agriculture (DA), Environment and Natural Resources and Science (DENR), Science & Technology (DOST) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) form a joint task force or coordinating committee to spearhead this initiative.

This effort should align with our national food security strategy, considering Australia’s focus on food security through aquaculture.

5. Potential for Brackish Water Cultivation – Pompano reportedly thrives in brackish water, presenting an opportunity to revitalize abandoned fishponds and provide livelihood to marginalized fishermen and communities. This could significantly improve rural development and poverty alleviation.

To support this initiative, I humbly propose the following actions: Instruct the Philippine Embassy in Canberra to gather detailed information about CSIRO’s advancements in Pompano aquaculture.

Direct DFA, DA, BFAR, DENR and DOST to collaborate on this project, focusing on research, development, and technology transfer.

Explore partnerships with AUSAID and the Australian Embassy in Manila to access advanced species or samples for local propagation.

Promote Pompano as a key species in our national aquaculture programs, providing incentives and technical support to interested farmers and fisherfolk.

This initiative represents a strategic opportunity to enhance our food security, improve livelihoods, and position the Philippines as a competitive player in the global aquaculture industry. I am confident that this project can become a model for sustainable development.

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But while these traits are commendable and powerful in shaping first impressions, we must recognize that service, especially in a growing economic and tourism hub like Iloilo, cannot rely on heart alone. A truly world-class Ilonggo service culture must go beyond amuma as sentiment—and evolve into amuma as system.

Service as a Strategic System

Service is not just about smiling more or saying “thank you” more often. It is not a mood—it is an engineered process. The most successful service-oriented economies in the world—Singapore, Japan, even parts of Vietnam—understand this well. What feels like seamless kindness is, underneath, a carefully architected experience.

To build an Ilonggo branded service culture, we must adopt the mindset that service is a discipline. It must be designed, not improvised. It must be trained, not assumed. And most importantly, it must be sustained by a system that understands the customer journey, anticipates pain points, and delivers consistent value every time. This is where design thinking becomes invaluable: we must empathize with customers, define their needs, ideate solutions, prototype experiences, and test for impact. Soft skills are the face—but systems are the backbone.

Grounded in Empathy, Guided by Process

The power of empathy is something Ilonggos already have in abundance. We feel for our customers, and we genuinely want to make things easier and better for them. But the challenge is to make empathy scalable and repeatable across different teams, sectors, and businesses.

Imagine a hotel where one staff member gives excellent service, but another is uninformed or indifferent. Or a government office where a frontline worker is patient, but the system behind them is disorganized. Inconsistent experiences break trust. That’s why empathy, when guided by systems thinking, becomes transformational. It leads to the creation of SOPs, feedback loops, service blueprints, and data-informed improvements that allow us to offer not just good service—but reliably great service.

A Competitive Advantage Rooted in Identity

Ilonggos are poised to redefine service culture in the Philippines—not by copying models from other cities, but by distilling what is best in us and elevating it through strategic systems. Our sense of dignity (dignidad), our love for harmony (pag-isa), and our respect for others (pagrespeto) can all inform the way we approach service.

When these values are integrated into customer training, service design, and performance metrics, they cease to be sentimental—they become strategic.

In the long term, a strong Ilonggo service culture can become our region’s most powerful differentiator, not just in tourism but in hospitality, BPOs, healthcare, retail, government services, and more. In fact, with the rise of AI and automation, it is our human-centered service—deeply local, deeply caring, and deeply consistent—that will set us apart.

Looking Ahead: Designing a Signature Ilonggo Experience

To build this vision, we need collaboration across sectors. LGUs must integrate service design into policy. Businesses must invest in training not just for product knowledge, but for emotional intelligence and systems thinking. Schools must shape a new generation of Ilonggo workers and entrepreneurs who understand that care is not the opposite of competence—it is a form of it.

Ultimately, this is the moment to go beyond amuma as an adjective, and elevate it into a structured philosophy of service. That is how we create a signature Ilonggo experience—authentic, elegant, and engineered for excellence.

Ken Lerona is a marketing and branding leader with over 20 years of experience. He conducts talks and workshops for private and government organizations and consults on innovation and reputational risk management. Connect with him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/kenlerona.

The post Building the Ilonggo Branded Service Culture: Beyond Amuma first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

This call follows a stabbing incident at a public school in Parañaque that resulted in the death of a Grade 8 student. 

Gatchalian had previously raised concerns about similar stabbing incidents in Pasig and Iloilo involving minors last February. 

He also stressed the importance of local government units (LGUs) collaborating with schools to prevent students from engaging in violent acts.

The senator from Valenzuela highlighted the critical role of both parents and schools in maintaining discipline among students. 

While Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, exempts children aged 15 and under from criminal liability, the Civil Code holds parents accountable for civil liability if they fail to exercise due diligence in preventing harm caused by their children.

The Family Code also recognizes that schools, teachers, and administrators have special parental authority and responsibility while children are in their care. Under this code, they can also be held civilly liable for any damages caused by students while under their supervision.

“Nakakalungkot at nakakabahala na nagiging mas madalas ang mga insidente ng karahasan sa ating mga paaralan. Kailangan nating magtulungan kasama ng ating mga magulang at mga guro lalo na’t tungkulin nila ang paggabay at pagtuturo ng disiplina sa ating mga mag-aaral,” said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education.IMT

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“We are very, very thankful to the Qatari authorities, to the Qatari government for allowing the provisional release of the 17 as the investigations proceed,” Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a Palace briefing.

“As directed by the President, legal assistance and welfare assistance will continually be provided to the 17 (Filipinos),” he added.

He said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had directed him to secure the immediate release of the 17 individuals, who were arrested on March 27 for participating in a rally supporting former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The group included 12 men, 5 women, and 3 minors. The minors were released immediately following their arrest, while the rest were freed in two separate batches. They will remain in Doha pending the ongoing investigation.

Cacdac emphasized that legal and welfare assistance would continue to be provided to the group. He also reminded overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to adhere to the laws of their host countries.

“Mag-ingat po tayo at siguraduhing sundin ang mga batas at regulasyon ng host countries,” he said.IMT

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Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized that while the Philippines is known for its hospitality, foreign visitors must respect local customs and laws.

“The Philippines welcomes visitors from all over the world, but those who abuse our hospitality and violate our laws will be held accountable. Harassment and disruptive behavior have no place in our society, and we will take swift action against offenders,” said Viado.

Zdorovetskiy faced backlash after posting videos of himself harassing Filipinos while filming in BGC.

The arrest was carried out in coordination with the PNP Makati and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) following a security guard’s report of harassment filed with the PNP Southern Police District. The CIDG then worked with BI intelligence operatives, leading to his arrest based on a mission order from Viado.

Zdorovetskiy has been transferred to the BI detention facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig, pending deportation proceedings.IMT

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NBI executive officer for administration Aldrin Laurence Mercader, who spoke during the cybersecurity briefing with local media, emphasized the need to be cautious online by verifying unsolicited messages and links before clicking on them.

Mercader noted that people should be wary of suspicious emails, messages, or phone calls requesting personal information or financial details and always double-check the sender’s identity and legitimacy.

He likewise underscored safety tips such as reporting suspicious activities to authorities, updating operating systems, software, and antivirus programs, and creating strong, unique passwords online accounts.  

 “The NBI emphasizes prevention alongside enforcement. By following these guidelines, Filipinos can significantly reduce their risk and contribute to a safer online environment for everyone,” Mercader said, adding that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility.  

Meanwhile, the NBI reported common cybersecurity complaints to include online scams, phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks wherein cybercriminals overwhelm Filipino websites with traffic, causing service disruptions.

Despite the challenges on cybercrimes, the NBI assured that the agency is at the forefront of monitoring and combating these digital threats that target Filipino citizens.

In its recent operations, Mercader cited how authorities shut down an illegal offshore gaming operation eyeing Filipinos. The raid resulted in the arrest of several Chinese nationals and the confiscation of gaming equipment and funds.

According to the NBI, the Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) was found to be operating without a license and engaging in illegal gambling activities.
“The NBI collaborates with other law enforcement agencies, such as the PNP-ACG, and international partners to address cybercrimes that extend beyond national borders,” Mercader shared.

To note, the Cybersecurity briefing hosted by the Philippine Information Agency in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), formed part of the national government’s campaign on Media and Information Literacy. AAL/LMLE/PIA Iloilo
 

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“Nasa 45 pesos kada kilo ang maximum suggested retail price or MSRP ng imported rice kasunod ng patuloy na pagbaba ng global rice prices,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a Palace briefing.

Castro cited the Department of Agriculture (DA), which reported that since the MSRP was implemented, the price of imported rice has dropped by P19, from P64 per kilo.

She also quoted the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which believes the MSRP is a significant factor in lowering rice prices and curbing inflation.

“Nakatulong din ang mas mababang presyo ng bigas sa pagbagal ng inflation rate nitong Pebrero sa 2.1 percent mula 2.9 percent noong Enero,” the Palace official said.

The MSRP was introduced after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved a reduction in rice tariffs from 35 percent to 15 percent in July 2024.IMT

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According to the senator, the reasons provided by Malacañang to decline the Senate’s invitation were insufficient. She emphasized that the presence of government officials at the hearing is crucial to clarify issues that have previously emerged and to answer questions raised during earlier hearings.

“The Committee is keen to provide the executive officials an opportunity to clarify issues and questions that surfaced last hearing. There are likewise new pieces of information that the Committee has received, and in the interest of fairness and transparency, the Committee would like to give executive officials a chance to explain their side relative to these new pieces of information,” she said in her letter.

Marcos also stressed that there are decisions from the Supreme Court supporting the Senate authority to conduct investigations as part of their duties, regardless of any ongoing cases.

“The power of legislative inquiry is an essential component of legislative power. The same cannot be made subordinate to a criminal or an administrative investigation or to special civil actions pending before the Supreme Court,” she added.

The sister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also reminded that executive privilege cannot be used as an excuse to avoid accountability to the public. “I hope that you reconsider your decision and allow the invited Cabinet members to attend the scheduled hearing.”IMT

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In an exclusive interview with Atty. Karen Jimeno on At The Forefront, Roque expressed that he will never forgive the Marcos family for the harm they caused.

“It’s very painful,” he said.

Roque also shared regret over having forgiven the Marcos family in the past.

“I regret the fact that we forgave this family the first time around. They should never be forgiven,” he added. 

Roque is seeking political asylum in the Netherlands after the House of Representatives issued a warrant for his arrest for failing to attend a congressional inquiry into POGO activities.IMT

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