Sta. Monica Elementary School

On my previous blog, I shared with you how we raised our funds for our CSR project. Last November 18, 2015, Selle, AJ and I went to visit the school for an interview with the principal, teachers and some students.

We also went there to look for a supplier for materials that we are going to use on November 22. With the combined efforts of the class, we were able to purchase the materials needed for the project, costing around Php 14, 500. Since we said that it’s for charity, the owner of the hardware gave discount.

There are two batches that will visit the school; November 22 and 29. Our group went in the November 22 batch. We arrived at 9 am and we finished the elevating of pathway past 7 pm.

It was indeed a great experience for us. Through this CSR activity, we were able to realize how hard it are to become construction workers knowing the extreme physical work they have to endure. It also taught us to have a team work and it became an opportunity for us to know each other. It was indeed a very tiring but fulfilling activity for everyone. It was fulfilling because of the thought that students of Sta. Monica can now wear their shoes again when going to school.

Here is the link to the video that my classmate, Kim Mirasol made for the class.

CSR PROJECT: Sta. Monica Elementary School

For our CSR project, my group mates and I decided to help a school in Hagonoy, Bulacan that was shattered by the typhoon Lando. When we raised our idea, Professor Marasigan told to the whole class about it and she asked the other groups if they want to join us. Then, they taught that it was a good idea to go as a whole class so they decided to join us.

Selle, AJ, Val, Raymond, Christian, Kuya Lino and Ian are the representatives of each group that visited Sta. Monica Elementary School, to check what we could do to help them. Due to floodwaters, some of the armchairs used by the students were damaged. Carpenters were able to repair them but they asked our help if we could repaint these 80 armchairs. On top of that, the principal also asked us if we could assist in elevating the pathway towards the students’ classroom. Sta. Monica is located beside a river, so during high tide the pathway becomes flooded. Students find it hard to walk across the school.

suggested elevated pathway

For us to assist the school needs, we have to raise a fund. For our group, we decided to sell cookies and cupcakes. These are our products:

Other groups would raise their fund through block screening of the movie Spectre, Trivia Night wherein they will organize an event in a restaurant; the other groups will sell Tshirts, yema cake and cosmetics from Rustan’s. Everybody is actively participating with regard to raising funds. Selling was really a challenging part for us but I must say that everyone is really enjoying. Besides, whenever we think that these efforts could improve the school, it really motivates us. Through this activity, we were able to develop patience, teamwork and most especially our marketing skills! Haha! I am excited and we are really looking forward for the success of this project. 

JUSLA for Corporate Social Responsibility

We shall remain steadfast in our commitment to help build a better future for our members and be ready
to overcome challenges

    I am currently working for Judiciary Savings and Loan Association Inc. or JUSLA. JUSLA is a non-stock and non-profit organization that was created to encourage savings among its members and extend financial assistance in the form of loans as the Association may be able to give.

   JUSLA was incorporated in June 25, 1947 as the Court of Appeals Savings & Loan Association, Inc. In 1971 the association filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission an extension of its existence for an additional fifty (50) years from and after June 19, 1967 and expanded its membership to include employees of selected government offices within the City of Manila as Special Members. The name was also changed to Judiciary Savings & Loan Association, Inc. in recognition of the other special members such as Court of Tax Appeals, Department of Justice, Regional Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and other similar courts.

   We are only a small company that consist of 5 Board of trustees, 6 officers and 13 employees. Upon reviewing our company’s current CSR state, I noticed that we do not have a formal CSR activity. It is only through the employees’ initiative that we are reusing scratch papers. That’s why I have decided that if ever I will propose a CSR activity, first I should educate them. To give at least a little bit of understanding about what is CSR would be a great help. Next is, our company should also continue reusing scratch papers and start segregating our waste from biodegradable and non-biodegradable. Third is, since a lot of members are filing for loan application to pay for their children’s tuition fees, I would like to suggest for Educational Assistance Program. This program will offer an opportunity for the direct dependents of JUSLA members who are intellectually capable but in need of financial assistance to pursue and complete baccalaureate or vocational courses. Non-JUSLA members can also avail of this financial assistance however, with an endorsement of 3 JUSLA members. 

    Our company is really doing well when it comes to providing quality service to our members on their exact time of need. But doing an extra mile like giving an educational assistance to those who are deserving but not capable would be better. A lot of JUSLA members’ dependents are visiting and thanking us. They say that without JUSLA, they won’t able to graduate. Some also said that through us, they became a lawyer. It is very honouring to know that someone is grateful because you helped them. These people are grateful to us to think, we just lend money to their parents. How much more, if we really gave them a financial support without their parents paying for it? Surely, this CSR will cost our company but I believe that we will earn the return on investment which is far greater than money; the trust and loyalty of our members. 

Smaze

     One of the requirements in our Lasalllian Business Leadership, Ethics and CSR is to provide a summary of the news article for the class. I chose the news about the Philippines skies now clear from smaze (combination of smoke and haze). The news says that the country's skies are finally clear of the haze or smaze that drifted from Indonesia's massive forest fires.

     Indonesia is the world's largest producer of palm oil are using the slash and burn method to clear the plantation. They use the slash and burn not only because it's the easiest but also the cheapest way to clear the land. The massive forest fires that Indonesia is facing right now are caused by firms and farmers engaging in illegal slash-and-burn. But this year has been one of the worst due to prolonged dry weather in Indonesia caused by the El Niño.

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/AFFC/production/_86325054_029793954-1.jpg

     The raging forest fires in Indonesia are the reason behind the haze that is covering the skies of Indonesia and its neighboring countries Malaysia, Singapore and some parts in the Philippines.  Haze is now causing destruction, schools in Singapore and Malaysia have been shut down and even the flights have been cancelled as people try to avoid the intense smoke. The haze is causing a significant deterioration in air quality, which the government of Indonesia blames for deaths and respiratory illnesses in around 500,000 people.

    Truly, when we abuse nature, it will surely take its toll from us. Let us hope and pray that the slash and burn will be stopped. Let us pray that healing and fast recovery will happen to Indonesia as well as its neighboring countries, Singapore and Malaysia. And most importantly, this should be an eye opener for us. This should serve as a wake-up call to us, that we are stewards of nature and not masters of nature.

Resources:

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/AFFC/production/_86325054_029793954-1.jpg

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/26/indonesias-fires-crime-against-humanity-hundreds-of-thousands-suffer

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34265922

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/735181/ph-skies-clear-of-smaze-pagasa

Corporate Social Responsibility

    
  Business dictionary defines CSR or Corporate Social Responsibility as "A company’s sense of responsibility towards the community and environment (both ecological and social) in which it operates. Companies express this citizenship through their waste and pollution reduction processes,by contributing educational and social programs and by earning adequate returns on the employed resources." But why should corporations be socially responsible?

http://www.kevaind.org/images/CSR.jpg

1. It Builds Customer Relations

     Nowadays, companies are engaged in CSR not as a marketing move, but as a long term investment. It can be a challenging part but more businesses are taking that challenge to do good and to take pride in their workplace. Companies are seeing the return on investment as a result because more consumers are motivated to use products or services from companies that makes a difference in their community. However, the main purpose of CSR is not to attract more consumers but to show true commitment in helping other people and taking care for our environment.

2. Innovation

   CSR could also lead to innovation. Take for example of Unilever. Through sustainability, researchers were able to innovate new products such as a hair conditioner that uses less water. Geoff McDonald who is the Unilever Global VP for HR, Marketing, Communications and Sustainability said that "Without sustainability, the company’s research and development efforts possibly wouldn’t have led to such a product."

3. Cost Savings

     By going green means companies would embrace reduce, reuse and recycle. Whether it's paperless transactions or using lesser energy, these savings would add up quickly. CSR can cut company's costs while saving our environment.

4. It Builds Employee Relations

     One of the benefits that a company would get from CSR is creating a positive environment for the employees. Through CSR, employees can build a sense of community and camaraderie which makes them happier and productive.

   Companies become involved in CSR for different reasons. Whatever it is, businesses have the greatest potential in helping the community. This is not to say that CSR is the answer to the world's problem but it would certainly make a big difference.


Resources:
http://www.kevaind.org/images/CSR.jpg
http://www.forbes.com/sites/csr/2012/02/21/six-reasons-companies-should-embrace-csr/
http://www.ibox-security.co.uk/about-us/corporate-social-responsibility-csr/

Caring Organizations

http://fortune.com/best-companies/

     This is the Fortune's list with Great Place to Work for the year 2015. Google ranks no. 1 again for the sixth time. And here's what google employees say:

     They say that employees and members are the heart of the organization. They are the company's most important asset. According to Jim Goodnight, CEO of SAS, "Innovation is the key to success in this business, and creativity fuels innovation". Creativity comes from motivated employees whose ideas produce quality product and services.. When employees are motivated, they keep coming back every morning to start their work with passion. So how can you keep your employees motivated? Here's how:

Sustain a work environment founded on dignity and respect for all employees.

     Employees should receive respect regardless of their position in the company. They should be treated equally and discrimination in age, gender and race should not be promoted in the organization. By doing so, employees will be encourage to share their creative ideas because they know that their opinions are validated.

Make the employees feel their jobs are important.

     According to Dobroski, employees are motivated by the fact that they believe that their work has a positive impact on the lives of others.

Cultivate the full potential of all employees.

     Employees are motivated with the thrill of challenge rather than money or fear of disciplinarian bosses. Companies should keep their employees intellectually engaged and keep their mind stimulated by empowering them with training and self development. Provide your employees with upgraded tools which they can utilized in the workplace.

Encourage individual pursuit of work/life harmony.

     Companies should acknowledge that employees have lives outside the company. Without time off from work, employee gets both bored and boring. Companies should give their employees to time for themselves, with their family, friends and the things they are passionate about so that they will feel recharged after a long tiring week they had.

Enable the well-being of individuals and their families through compensation, benefits, policies and practices.

     It makes a difference when you reward your employees' hard work with benefits and compensation that will surely develop the well being of their families as well.

Develop great bosses who excel at managing people as well as results.

     When it comes to the issue of submission, it's not hard to submit to someone who is willing to lead. That's why, it is very important that bosses are willing to lead their employees and they cannot lead them if they are not equipped with excellent skills. It makes a difference when you know that your boss understands your work because he or she has actually done it. 

Appreciate and recognize the contributions of people who work there.

     Everyone of us likes to feel valued. It is very rewarding when you know that people appreciates and recognize your contributions even in the smallest things. From a free movie ticket for perfect attendance to a reward bonus for hard work would make your employees feel validated.


     This is not to say that companies would never encounter difficulties with employees. That is why companies should also screen their employees. And for employees, if your company does not give benefits like google, still it doesn't give you the license to produce deplorable work. Remember that our work is a worship to God, and when it comes to worship, we give our best all the time.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters"

- Colossians 3:23 

Resources:

http://fortune.com/best-companies/

http://www.sas.com/en_us/company-information/executive-bios/jim-goodnight.html

http://reviews.greatplacetowork.com/google-inc

http://www.inc.com/oscar-raymundo/google-employees-best-place-to-work.html

The Power of Advertising

     Do you remember these? Well, as a kid, I remember that I always ask my father to buy me these products whenever I see them in the commercial. As a young consumer, I am easily persuaded to use them because of the cartoon characters in it. Truly, there is no doubt that advertising has a powerful effect in attracting consumers.

     Commercial advertising is defined as communication between a seller and potential buyer that is publicly addressed to a mass audience and is intended to induce members of this audience to buy the seller’s products. Advertising has a powerful ability to penetrate our thoughts and eventually our behaviors. For example a shampoo advertisement that we girls believe (yes, including me) can make our hair incredibly smooth and straight with just one wash. But after several washes, it’s still the same. Another thing is marketers of a car convince us that having a car can make us feel and look prosperous. For this reason, how many people do you know who are driving cars that they cannot really afford because of the image they want to portray? Here’s another one. We all know that the best and natural way of losing weight is by eating the right amount of healthy foods and exercising daily. Yet, we let the advertising industry convince us those medical methods and diet pills is the key to our dream body.

     As a consumer, our minds are bombarded with myriad of advertisements. Some are informative, some are not. Some we entertain while some are unavoidable. The important thing is we should not exchange common sense living for these sugar-coated commercials. We should not exchange our financial health because of impulse buying. We should filter the advertisements that enter our minds and to purge the negative ones. Through that, I can guarantee you that you will be able to buy the better stuff. =)

Making the difference for the glory of God

“There is no such thing as being disabled to do a good job.”

     This statement captured my attention while watching one of Hapee toothpaste’s commercial. While most of us succumb to mediocrity, this people exemplify that disability is not a hindrance in becoming excellent in their work. Oftentimes, we take our work for granted and we think that way because it is easier for us to look for other opportunities. But for the disable it is very rare for them to be employed, so they do their best, they work hard and they value their work.

     Lamoiyan Corporation’s advocacy is to help the hearing impaired by giving them a chance for employment. Mr. Cecilio Kwok Pedro, CEO of Lamoiyan Corporation said that it is his personal mission more than anything. At first, I thought that it was just some kind of strategy to attract consumers. But as I read our assigned case study, the Silent Initiative, I realized that it’s not. It is truly the initiative of Mr. Pedro to help them because he considers them as his least brethren. He wants to communicate to all people that we can do something for the PWD and that Lamoiyan is not solely focused on earning profit.

     Hiring the hearing impaired in Lamoiyan Corp. entails a long term commitment. It is more than just donations and dole-out projects because the whole company is needed to make an adjustment. This advocacy made the hearing impaired and the deaf feel validated because someone believes that they are also capable. As Mr. Pedro said, these PWDs are also as good as you and me. Thus, this opportunity gave way for the disable to contribute and enhance their God-given talents.

     Despite of the costs and adjustments made by the company, Mr. Pedro believe that hiring hearing impaired employees has a return on investment. Like me, a lot of consumers are motivated to use Lamoiyan products because of its advocacy. And through the years, Mr. Pedro received various awards which prove that the CEO himself is the strength of the company. But I believe that the strength that Mr. Pedro embodies comes from our ultimate source; and that is from God. Like Paul, who taps into the grace of God to work hard in his call to bring glory and honor to the Lord. Truly, there is no doubt that it really makes a difference when you do something to give glory to God.

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

1 Corinthians 15:10

MARIJUANA: TO BE LEGALIZED OR NOT?

      Epileptic seizures, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis are some of the diseases that marijuana can treat according to some studies. It can also treat loss of appetite after chemotherapy or following treatment for HIV and AIDS. People with these condition especially parents, whose children are suffering from such illnesses are seeing Marijuana as the light in their darkest problem.

    Here in the Philippines, The committee on health of the House of Representatives is considering the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes. Despite of its known medicinal benefit, a lot of people disagree with this bill as it detriments outweighs its benefits.

So the question is, to be legalized or not? Let us answer this question using the Utilitarian approach.

Utilitarian approach answers the questions “Who benefit from the act?” “Who are burdened?” “Does the act maximize the total net benefit to everyone concerned? “

1. People suffering from the disease

Isabella Rep. Rodolfo Albano III, principal author of House Bill 4477, said that there have been research findings that children with frequent medical seizures who were given medical marijuana felt a great improvement in their condition. He also added that t would give hope to persons with debilitating disease, severe pain, intense seizures and persistent muscle spasms that the legal solution to their problem is at hand.

2. Government

This bill will give our government a huge responsibility. It should address the issue on how it will regulate the plantations to ensure that it would not be abused.  Law enforcers will be forced to distinguish medical users from "recreational" users.

3. Doctors or Medical Practitioners

"I will use my power to help the sick to the best of my ability and judgment. I will abstain from harming or wrong doing any man by it. I will not give a fatal draught to anyone if I am asked, nor will I suggest any such thing." This is a part of the medical practitioner's oath. Physicians are in the best position to know what the patient needs and legalizing marijuana will be a great help for them in fulfilling their duty.

4. Community

Dr. Junice L.D. Melgar, executive director of the Likhaan Center for Women’s Health mentioned that marijuana has side effects like the alteration of moods. The community will be threatened due to government’s lack of ability to strictly implement policies and regulations.

    5. Marijuana Industry

Once, this bill is legalized, it would create an opportunity for the Marijuana industry.

"All the public knows about marijuana is the stereotype, that it's all for getting high and nobody shines a light on the few instances where it is the most compassionate for children who have epilepsy, for patients who have cancer," (Dr. Melgar). Based on utilitarian approach, medical marijuana should be legalized as the act maximized the total benefit to the people concerned. However, there is no committee hearing has been held on the bill at the lower chamber as it was only filed in May 2014.

sources:

https://www.harvestoftempe.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Harvest-of-Tempe-Medical-Marijuana-Dispensary3.jpg

http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2015/06/09/Philippines-medical-marijuana-pending-cannabis-bill-House-of-Representatives.html

Moral Compass

Ancient travellers used compass to direct them to their destination. It would be easier for us to go on a path if something or someone is guiding us. Wouldn’t it be nice if business people could have this moral compass that can point us to an ethical direction?

Ethics is the activity of examining ones moral standards or the moral standards of society, and asking how these standards apply to our lives, reasonable or not. There are a lot of reasons why we should believe in Ethics and Social Responsibility. Here’s why:

1.      Ethics tells us how we should act towards other people.

One should always consider how he/she act towards other people from the highest position down to the lowest. Respect begets respect. Thus, we must be a great example of showing our respect and compassion to others.

2.      Businesses cannot survive without ethics.

Ethics creates harmony within the organization. Business requires a stable society in which to carry on its dealings whereas morality is a stabilizing force in the society.

3.      Ethical behaviour cultivates goodwill and loyalty among employees and most especially among the customers.

Employees involved in designing and implementing a socially responsible program in the company develops important skills that allow them to grow outside of work.

Customers love socially responsible companies. They would be willing to pay more for goods and services from such companies.

4.      Businesses can have exemplary ethics and still be very profitable.

Ethics can build a good reputation for the company. Consumers will start to patronize their products or services and could also lead to customer loyalty. Due to their favorable reputation, the company can attract better applicants, enhance its access to capital markets and attract investors.

       We, business leaders should be a great example of this ethical practice not because of the benefits we receive from it but because we want to serve and give back. Together, let us make a difference in the world. ☺☺☺


sources:
http://www.happylawyersblog.com/files/2014/02/moralcompass.jpeg

Career and Life Planning

This photo is taken last year during our 6 day trip to Hong Kong and Macau. This is our first time to travel without an agency fixing our hotel accommodation, itinerary and air fare. A lot of friends are advising us to look for one so that we will not experience the hassle. But still, we insisted to do a DIY (Do It Yourself) tour to maximize our time with a particular place that we want. Compared with the packages that I saw, the itinerary for one day is loaded with 4 to 5 destinations which give you a very limited time to enjoy the place.

Prior to our tour, my sister booked our air fare at Cebu Pacific and I booked for our hotel accommodation. My siblings and I conducted a research about the tourist spots of Hong Kong and Macau. After listing them, we made our own itinerary. We searched for their transportation system and how we can get from one place to another.

I must say that we really enjoyed our tour. We didn't get lost because we planned our itinerary plus the transportation system of Hong Kong is good. Reminiscing this, I started to think how planning can really help us not just for our tours but in our daily life.

            Setting our goals helps us to know what we want to achieve in our life. Planning for it will help us determine the steps that we should take. Through planning we can:

     1. Avoid wasting effort.

     The priorities that we set will help us to find directions and can avoid us from distractions. That is why, it is important for us to know our hierarchy of priorities so that we can avoid spending our life and energy chasing on temporary things while neglecting the things which matters most to us. 

  

    2. To take into account all factors, and focus on the critical ones.

    Our goals in life can determine the steps that we should take. Knowing the steps that we have to take, helps us to know the implications of what we want to do. And by knowing its implications, then we can also prepare ourselves for such events and can immediately do something about it. 

   3. Gather the resources needed.

   Our goals is always intertwined with resources. Resources plays a vital role in fulfilling our goals. That's why it is important to know how much or more do we need and what do we need. By doing so, we can also tell if our goals is possible now or we have to wait for the right time until our resources are complete. 

  4. Carry out the task in the most efficient way.

     Efficient means achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. Thus, through planning we can evaluate the best alternative possible so that we could conserve our limited resources,time and energy. 

  Always let every decision and action in your life be influenced by the goal that you have. Planning is not to say that we will not fail. You and I will fail many times. That's why it is important that our goals are aligned with God's purpose in your life. But we can rest assured that God is in control and He can re-route us to what and where He wants us to be. It is by His great love for us that will enable us to rise again. I pray by God's grace, we will learn not to depend on our own strength but to our Heavenly Father who has always a better plan for us. 

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11 

  

Family and Work Life Harmony

       Remember this classic Nescafe commercial? It is probably one of the commercials that inspired you and me to wake up with a reason. Reminiscing this, I started to ask myself, "Para kanino nga ba ako bumabangon?"

      I remember as a kid, every Sunday after going to church, my family and I would spend time together at the mall, restaurant or just stay at home watching movies. We never let pass a holiday without spending time with one another. When I started working, it is not easy for us to meet our schedules. From Monday to Friday I usually wake up with a rush, spend 8 hours, plus over time in our workplace. Whenever I reached our home, I am already tired and exhausted. There was a point in my life that I spent weekends and holidays in the office. I began to distance myself from my family, spending less and less time with them.

    Last 2013, I experienced an anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It can occur within seconds or minutes of exposure to something you’re allergic to. In my case, it got severed because I abused my body which led to poor immune system. This made me realized how important it is to rest. I was on a sick leave for one week with my mom and dad who also took their leave, so that they could take care of me. This situation reminded me how important the family is. Since then, I began to pray to God for the restoration of my relationship with each member of the family. 

   

       "We have 24 hours a day, 8 hours is intended for our work, 8 hours for rest and another 8 hours  for us to do the things that we are passionate about with the people we love." This is a wonderful advice I heard from the radio. God desires and commands us to always enter His rest. But sometimes, we fail to rest because we fail to trust Him that He is in control with everything we need. I want to thank God, because it also made me realized not to sacrifice family over temporary success. Learning to value family made me rely on God's grace to become a good daughter to my parents and  to be a supportive sister to my siblings.

      I hope and I pray that by God's grace, we will learn to have a work-life balance and will cheerfully and confidently answer the question "Para kanino ka bumabangon?"

"But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:15

sources:

https://viewerdiscretionisadvised.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/bangon_main.jpg

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/basics/definition/con-20014324

       

Business Leader: A vocation

           Does this scenario look familiar? Many of us hate Mondays because it reminds us that we have to endure a week of monotonous filing of reports and soul-crashing deadlines. But our purpose for work as a business leader is not just about self-advancement, financial freedom or securing you and your family's need. We are called for a higher purpose. 

“It is God who has called you, who has destined you for this work, and who has sent you to work in His vineyard. Do this, then with all the affection of your heart, working entirely for Him” 

-- (MTR 201.1; see also MDF 87.2, 99.2)

            Yes, we are called by God to minister in the world of business. He chose you and me, to become His representative, to serve other people for the common good. We are supposed to look at work as a privilege and delightful gift from God. He heave to "rely" on our skills because He wants us to participate in His creativity. Moreover, our work is an act of worship. If we can only comprehend our true purpose and high vision of work rather than monotonous burden, then we won't have to drag ourselves to the office every single day. Many of us, started in our job with excitement and passion. But our high vision for work is impaired by seeing it as a routine and burden rather than a privilege. Thus, I listed some of the key themes of a business leader that would remind us that this is not just a mindless routine but a wondrous privilege.

1. Business is a Vocation.

    Our work is our vocation. It is a genuine human and Christian calling from God. Therefore we have to view our work as an opportunity to honor Him by engaging in human flourishing. "We are not just doing an 8 am to 5 pm duties, we are building, creating, and shaping something just like our Father does. The moment these things sink in our hearts, is the moment our work becomes a calling"- Pastor Jojo Agot, 2015

2. We need to embrace a sophisticated appreciation of the opportunities and challenges facing modern business leaders.

    Oftentimes, we are bombarded with ethical issues and economic difficulties that we need to face. Thus, we need to make wise decisions that will benefit all stakeholders. This will also remind us that we cannot do this alone. We need the strength and wisdom from God. By God's grace, let us work hard.

3. Most business activity occurs at the micro-level of the economy.
 
    Each of us are given a set of unique talents. God placed us to where we are now to use such talents in serving other people and to meet their concrete needs. As I mentioned earlier, we are God's representative. Thus, as a business leader, we are expected to discern, accept and faithfully carry out our vocation with our God-given talents which open up possibilities for human flourishing.

4. Live with Integrity

    Integrity is imperative for a healthy working environment. It starts with honesty, decency and trustworthiness. Being impeccable with our actions, creates respect and will make a difference not only to our professional development but will also enhance the overall company culture.

5. Relativism and utilitarianism that disfigures many contemporary culture represents a clear and present danger to a sound understanding of the vocation of business.

6. Creative and Initiative

   Our work allows us to use our creativity and it gives us delight to build and create something new because it testifies the fact that we are indeed created in God's image. (Genesis 1:27)

I hope that this will inspire us to do well in our work and will give us the feeling of excitement, the excitement that we felt during our first day of work. Together, let us work hard and honor God with where He placed us and what He entrusted us to do.





Sources:
Retrieved from http://pre05.deviantart.net/e41d/th/pre/i/2012/268/8/e/i_hate_mondays_by_sasa_jane-d5fu628.jpg

http://jojoagot.com/2015/07/13/how-is-flipping-burgers-an-act-of-worship/

DLSU: Shapes the Way You Lead

Last May 20, 2015, I went to DLSU to submit my application requirements. At last! I am now a step closer to my dreams. The recruitment hub scheduled me for an application exam during my birthday. So there, I spent my birthday on a heavy traffic in Taft and struggling with math problems because of time pressure during the exam. August 5, 2015, by God’s grace, the confirmation letter was sent through my email, and finally, I was admitted to the MBA program.

Before, I thought MBA is like a bachelor’s degree wherein passing all the subjects and earning the title is enough. But being a Lasallian business leader means a higher purpose. It is more than handling people and how you can increase the company’s profit. Leadership requires work. It means sacrifice. You cannot lead in a way that you are not because who you are, determines the way you lead.

I sincerely believe that leaders are not born but they are made. The Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business Vision is for the De La Salle University to be the premiere business school of the country. One of the attributes of the premiere business school is that GRADUATES of the school will be Lasallian professionals who are:

1. TECHNICALLY COMPETENT

A general in an army requires tremendous training. He could not lead his troops without a sword, a horse and a good strategic plan for the battle. Similarly, a business leader should be equipped with knowledge and skills, training, and strategic plans that we could developed through case studies, action research, etc., which will make us ready for the battle in the business world.

2. HUMANISTIC

They say leadership means power and influence but Saint John Baptiste De La Salle showed a different meaning of leadership. For him, leadership is not tyranny. It is service rendered. Monsieur De La Salle is from a rich and influential family, but he gave up everything to serve the poor and the needy. But the greatest example of the servant-leader that I know, is Jesus. Jesus washed sinners' feet. He didn't ride in fancy cars to gain influence. That although He is a God, He came and sacrifice his life freely out of service for others. He gave Himself.

"Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all."  - Mark 9:35

           3. SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

Jesus taught us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31). As a Christian, we are not only expected to show our compassion and care to the people we like but generally to every person who is in need. A Lasallian business leader is expected to behave ethically and with sensitivity towards cultural, social, economic and environmental issues. He expresses interest towards the needs of the society he belongs. For a true leader is not only after on what he can get, but is concerned on what he can give back.

4. NATIONALISTIC

Nationalism is patriotism or love for country. It gives people a sense of pride for his country that makes him strive more and work harder for the benefit of all. A nationalistic leader is not only proud of his own nation, but is also a catalyst in building our nation. 

As I end this post, my prayer is that I would witness Lasallian leaders who are not just intelligent and knowledgeable, but leaders who walk in the love of Christ, compassionate and caring, in integrity and setting a good example for the next generation leaders. 

PHOTO SOURCES: 

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http://media.ignatiansolidarity.net.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/socially-responsible-                           investing.jpg