Malayang Isip

Public Service is not just a job but a profound Responsibility by Christian Jay S. Laya, LPT, CSPE- HGE, MAPS (CAR) Entering the municipal government as a young professional was both an eye-opening and transformative experience—one that I knew would be worth documenting. From day one, I made a conscious decision to embrace the learning curve, recognizing that public service is not just a job but a profound responsibility.   To equip myself with the necessary knowledge and skills, I pursued an advanced degree in Philippine Bureaucracy through a Master’s in Philippine Studies, deepening my understanding of governance, policy-making, and institutional frameworks. More recently, I further expanded my expertise with a Master’s in Public Administration, focusing on local and regional governance. These academic pursuits were not merely for credentials but for a greater purpose—to navigate the complexities of government service with competence and insight.   For a young gun,...

For me, pretending to be an expert in government—or in any field, really—isn’t a sign of intelligence; it often reveals insecurity or a need to assert dominance over others. I’ve noticed how some people use their "knowledge" as a tool to smart-shame others, belittling those who may not be as well-versed in certain topics. It’s frustrating because genuine understanding should foster constructive conversations, not shut them down. What really gets me is when people defend someone with questionable credibility, twisting facts to fit their narrative. It’s even more baffling when those same people preach about God but openly support someone who curses Him. That kind of double standard is hard to ignore. It makes you wonder if they truly believe what they say or if it’s all just convenient rhetoric. At the end of the day, integrity should matter more than blind loyalty.

The West Philippine Sea as a Reflection of Filipino Identity and Sovereignty By Christian Jay S. Laya, LPT CSPE- HGE, MAPS (CAR) The assertion that "the West Philippine Sea does not exist" is purely hypothetical and an exercise in exploring identity, nationhood, and territoriality. In this sense, if we argue that the West Philippine Sea is a fiction, we might extend that logic to question the existence of the Philippines itself, as you’ve suggested. The idea that a nation is an “imagined community” stems from Benedict Anderson's theory, where he claims that nations are socially constructed, bound by shared symbols, values, and history. The Philippines, as a modern nation-state, is certainly a product of historical events, struggles, and collective imagination.  However, this doesn’t negate the reality of our identity as a people, the sovereignty we claim, or the tangible existence of our territory, including the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Even if the nation...

A Day in Service: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 By Christian Jay Laya, LPT, CSPE- HGE, MAPS (CAR) The first working day of the week in Alabel began with the familiar yet meaningful tradition of the flag-raising ceremony at the Municipal Hall. Mayor Vic Paul Salarda led the event, using the opportunity to extend his heartfelt congratulations to all employees of the Local Government Unit (LGU). He recognized their efforts and accomplishments over the past week, emphasizing their collective contribution to the town’s progress. His words served as an inspiration to all, a reminder that every individual’s hard work builds toward the greater good of Alabel.   Celebrating Excellence in Sports    One of the day’s highlights was documenting the handover of a Plaque of Recognition awarded to Alabel for ranking 1st during the Sarangani Provincial Athletic Association (SPAA) Meet 2025, held in Glan. This victory reflects not only the athletic excellence of Alabel’s youth but also th...

The Power of Optimism in Shaping Public Perception by Christian Jay Laya, LPT, CSPE -HGE, MAPS (CAR) In the realm of political science, branding plays an influential role in shaping the narrative, guiding public perception, and ultimately securing trust and support from constituents. A critical component of political branding is ensuring that it resonates with the values, emotions, and aspirations of the people. One key strategy for effective political branding is the use of optimistic language, avoiding terms or imagery that suggest violence, pessimism, or division. This approach not only aligns with the principles of democracy but also strengthens the relationship between politicians and the electorate. The importance of optimism in political branding cannot be overstated. Optimism instills hope and confidence in the future, offering citizens a sense of progress and direction. It conveys a message of positivity and unity, something crucial for building trust among a diverse populatio...

Gratefulness fills my heart as I reflect on a significant academic milestone: completing the academic requirements for my Master in Arts in Philippine Studies. It is a journey marked by challenges and triumphs, one that has enriched my perspective on our nation’s heritage, culture, and identity. Yet, despite reaching this pivotal point, I made the decision to pause, with only my thesis proposal marking the final step toward completing the program.   The decision to halt my studies was not made lightly. Balancing multiple responsibilities, such as work and personal growth, made it evident that I needed to focus on other priorities for the time being. It was a humbling realization, one that reminded me of the importance of pacing myself and respecting the rhythm of my own journey. Though I temporarily stepped away, my passion for Philippine Studies remains steadfast—a fire that continues to burn within me, waiting for the right moment to reignite.   Completing the thes...