Oath Taking Ceremony of Gingoog Elected Officials

Having been invited as one of the guests in the recent oath taking ceremonies of elected officials in Gingoog City is a great honor in my part. By 9 am , our beloved City Mayor Ruth Guingona and the Sangguniang Panglungsod members took their oath of office with much pride and commitment. By mid afternoon, a separate oath taking ceremony took place at the SP Session Hall that inducted Vice Mayor-elect Erick Canosa into office. Being a Gingoogon , I am inspired of their speeches that showcase their goals and aspirations for Gingoog City. It is then my fervent hope and prayer that they will remain true to their words. Service to humanity must be the primary reason of joining the political service; otherwise, they don't have the right reason for staying in public office. However, it can't be denied that political leaders in our recent times are marred with various intrigues and political bickering. This concerns me since it delays public service and affects societal development. Nevertheless, I am still hopeful that things go well in our city inspite of some disagreements of political leaders. If the general public uncompromisingly demand for genuine service from these politicians, I don't see any reason that they would refuse to heed the call; otherwise they will be facing the overwhelming urges of the people for genuine change.

Teaching at MUST is a privilege

Teaching in a prime university like Mindanao University of Science and Technology is both a privilege and an opportunity for me to prove my worthiness as an educator since 1989. My teaching career in this university commenced last summer 2010 with a handful of masteral students. Though the class is held for one-week whole day sessions, the learning experience is beyond compare. Elated by the positive remarks of the students, I am more bound to commit myself in the building of lives through New Learning. Moreover, this first semester of 2010 is a great challenge for me since I am tasked to equip 5 education undergraduate classes on Educational Technology. Though the class schedule is so tight; nevertheless, the job is inspiring as you see a growing significant number of students who are getting interested of the subject matter.

ELECTION IS COMING !

Barely 34 days from today, the Philippine electorate will rush to the polling precincts to cast their votes for the various elected positions in the government. From the President down to the councilor of every town and city, the filipinos will be choosing the "Leaders" who are perceived to help the entire nation in dismantling corruption and liberate the whole country from poverty, moral deprivation and economic downturns. In my opinion, the forthcoming automated election is historical since the various issues and concerns confronting our nation require competent, Godly and committed leaders. There is no reason at varying circumstances that the entire nation will be mistaken in choosing its leaders; otherwise, the country would be trapped again by politicians whose self-interests have destroyed the true essence of democracy. Regardless, of who the personalties are elected into office, my prayer would be in such a way that the ones who get elected will go beyond their comfort zones and seek better ways to elevate our beloved Philippines , comparable and even beyond our Asian countries-neighbors. To all of us FILIPINOS who thirst for genuine change , let it be that our votes come election will speak for itself. Let us not be swayed by the corrupt and traditional practices of politicians who buy votes instead of proving themselves that they can perform their jobs fair and square in the context of honesty, spirituality, vision, kindness, generosity and determination.

A Fulfilling Life

Today is another remarkable day to enjoy. Aside that it's Saturday, the weather is cool and relaxing. It's been weeks now that Gingoog City weather is quite cool. This may appear ridiculous to others but for me it keeps me going and kicking. Although , one thing I keenly notice that because of this weather phenomenon, I could hardly make my morning daily exercise of either walking or biking. After my morning devotion of prayer, word and meditation, I rush immediately to my workplace, GIT. My commitment towards work has improved this time . I could feel the passion of teaching reverberating in my soul as I prepare my lessons for the day's class. Certainly, this is my passion. This is what I like to do. This job keeps me going .

All these years, my life is focused on building people's lives. The task is challenging yet inspiring because I see people growing and achieving something in their lives. I feel fulfilled when I see my mentees reaching their life's dreams and aspirations. Take for instance , a student of mine who just emailed me recently and expressed his gratitude towards GIT . Currently he is working overseas and about to go home for vacation. Stories like this makes me feel relieved and always grateful to God for his continuous provision, strength and wisdom in my life as I continue to do my task of educating. Certainly, life is fulfilling if you help other people achieve their dreams :)

The Leader

Recently, I have witnessed a presidentiable leader of our nation who has shown a great sacrifice of his personal ambition to become the next president of the Philippines. I reckon that he has spent enough resources of preparation for his ultimate dream of becoming the president of the Philippine republic. Because of his love of his countrymen and that of his political group , the Liberal Party, Senator Rojas opted to withdraw his presidential candidacy and openly support his colleague , Senator Noynoy Aquino. Truly, Senator Mar is a breed of statesman who is sensitive to the call of times. He eventually heed the voices of the people for genuine change which they believe Senator Noynoy could better address when elected as President. To my mind, this political circus is an indication that just as Christmas is ringing its bells, the election fever is also approaching. Another presidentiable that I am also watching closely is Senator Villar. No wonder among presidential surveys, He topped them all. His life story is challenging yet very inspiring. From being a fish vendor, Senator Villar stand stall above the rest of his colleagues in the political arena. In 2009 he is considered one of the 40 wealthiest man in the Philippines with various business undertakings of real property and the like. Since he has brought his business into an empire of success, I am just curious if he can do the same if he gets the people nod to the Malacanang. According to Dr. Maxwell, the rise and fall of any organization lies on leadership. In the same manner, the rise and fall of our beloved Philippines will depend much with the leaders whom the filipino people have trusted to lead. On this regard, let us just hope and pray, that the filipino people will be more discerning in selecting the leaders of our land .

Open Letter to God

Dear God,

All this time, I realize one thing that keeps me believing and trusting in you. Though I may have a number of questions underlying my mind with respect to the various challenges I am facing this moment, yet it can’t be compared with the realization that I learned from you. This realization makes me confident that inspite of the different concerns of this world, my God is able to help me realize my dreams and aspirations. Although my dreams seem so big than me but God’s Spirit bears witness in my spirit that in His Time all things are made beautiful. Certainly, God destined everything in his purpose; however, he still respects my will to accomplish his stuff. In other words, God is still dependent on man’s will to choose His purposes rather than man’s personal preferences. In my case , as I continually align myself in his ways, I am making myself closer to the completion of the dreams He has planted in my heart. Thank you Lord for making my life a journey to enjoy; an opportunity to explore and a battle to overcome. In you I trust everything. In you I hope unswerving. In You I live loving.

your loving son,

Rick

Morning Devotion - 26 August 2009

Text : Joel 2
A. Message
1. God's invading army is courageous and beyond compare. Their enemies tremble as they see them in full gear for battle.
2. God calls for his people to return to him in full repentance from their wickedness.
3.God promises his people a full bunch of blessings and favor as they repent sincerely from their wickedness. Surely he satisfies, protects and performs great things for them.
4. God sends autumn and spring rains to his people which signifies his awesome concern for them. In addition, he restores the things that were stolen from them. They are assured of being full at all times in contrast of having suffered from lackness because of their sinfulness.
5. God pours out His Spirit upon all people that will help them in various situations of life.
6. God warns his people with signs and wonders prior to his second coming in the days to come.

B. Application
1. Keeping myself connected with God enables His abundant blessings to overflow in my lifetime.
2. Being sensitive to God's dealings helps me to be prepared always from any form of eventualities.