The Creed

15/04/2023

The Creed

Empathy is a complex, multi-dimensional construct that has captured the attention of researchers, clinicians, and others interested in the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. Empathy is often defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and it is widely recognized as a fundamental human trait that contributes to positive social interactions, the reduction of conflict, and the promotion of prosocial behaviors.

Empathy plays a critical role in our lives, both individually and collectively. It is often considered a critical skill for developing meaningful relationships and establishing trust, as individuals who are able to exhibit empathy are more likely to understand and appreciate the perspectives of others. Furthermore, empathy is a key component of effective communication, which is essential for solving problems, building successful teams, and achieving common goals.

Moreover, empathy is often cited as a powerful tool for reducing prejudice, promoting tolerance, and stimulating social change. It has been shown to reduce intergroup bias and promote positive attitudes toward members of different social groups. This is particularly important in a society that is becoming increasingly diverse, and where individuals are often confronted with people who are different from themselves in some way.

In addition to its individual benefits, empathy has also been shown to have broader societal implications. Research has demonstrated that individuals who exhibit high levels of empathy are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors such as volunteering, donating to charity, and helping others in need. These behaviors serve as the building blocks for a healthy, functioning society, one that is characterized by compassion, cooperation, and mutual support.

Given the benefits of empathy to both individuals and society, it is not surprising that it has attracted the attention of policymakers, educators, and others interested in promoting social well-being. Empathy training programs have been developed and implemented in a variety of settings, including schools, workplaces, and healthcare institutions. These programs aim to help individuals develop the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and to recognize the common humanity that underlies all interpersonal interactions.

In conclusion, empathy is a critical component of human interaction and social well-being. It is associated with a range of positive outcomes, including the development of meaningful relationships, the reduction of prejudice, and the promotion of prosocial behaviors. Given its importance, efforts to promote empathy at the individual and societal levels are likely to be beneficial for all members of society.

13/04/2023

The Creed

Animals all over the world practice empathy towards their own kind or not. Dogs feel sad when their owners are upset, elephants mourn the death of a kind conservationist, and rats care for their friends. Humans are the smartest animals in the planet. Is that why they are more likely to betray their own kind? Because they realize that the world is too great for them to share? Most of the people in our society today don’t practice empathy. That’s why social issues such as discrimination, inequality, and racism continue to exist. Humans continue to bite each other’s tail with no signs of any contentment. Do you wonder why?

There are several factors why some people lack empathy. These factors include the environment, age, and mental disorder of a person. First, let’s talk about the environment. It is not an unknown fact that the past generations have a history of negligence and violence when it comes to its children. They don’t let their kids be kids, they discriminate their wives, and they force their men to “man up.” Most children are abused emotionally and physically. They were also stonewalled when they try to apologize for their “mistakes.” Because of this, they didn’t know how to handle their emotions. They didn’t feel what it is like to be understood and empathized. This allowed them to not know what empathy is and how to cultivate it. How they treated their people during their time is blamed to the people before them. This is called generational trauma. Wherein people in a society can’t seem to remove toxic behaviours that existed before they even did because this is how they were raised, and it has crept in their system. This will only change if they see this, but most of the time, nobody really sees it. But if a child grew up in a kind family, it doesn’t even need to be perfect, this wouldn’t be the result. A child who grew up being understood, acknowledged, and respected will do all of these things to themselves, which will allow them to have empathy that they will channel towards the world.

Second, age. When we were younger, we are more likely to empathize with our fellow children. We wince when we see them drop to their knees or cry when they start crying. Empathy is natural, but it can be cancelled over time. As we age, we experience things that shape our perspective of the world and the people around us. These experiences resist us from totally empathizing with the world. If I was naïve enough, I would be crying with a murderer who’s weeping his eyes before he sits on the electric chair. Empathy is the ability to wear someone else’s shoes. But the world that’s filled with people who lacks compassion continue to peel the skin of our bare empathy, allowing us to be selective with whom we empathize bit by bit, making the shoes painful to wear.

And lastly, mental disorders. The void of empathy in our people can also come from their sickness. For example, a depressed person can not serve you empathy on a silver platter because she doesn’t even have a copper spoon for it. It is hard to care for the world when you lose its relevance, including yourself, in your life.

The amount of empathy we have may differ because of these several factors. But what you must not forget is that these amounts can always be changed. Practice, take your time, and be kind to yourself. The world will always have a space for your compassion. Live, learn, love.

13/04/2023

The Creed

Empathy is important for our connections. Not just towards our closest connections like our friends, but also towards the people around the world, and towards yourself. If you think you are one of the people who lack empathy and want to change, read the steps below and get ready to be compassionate.

In today’s content, I will give you 5 steps and clearer instructions in cultivating your empathy. First, listen to other people and give them your full focus. Engage in active listening when conversing with others and approach each interaction with the desire to gain knowledge. Avoid interjecting or focusing on formulating your responses the entire time the conversation is going on. If you want to relate and empathize with someone, it's critical to remain present and listen intently. Also take note that the way you listen and care will be the way that you want them to care and listen to you.

Second, try to imagine yourself in someone else’s shoes. The greatest method to comprehend another person's viewpoint is to temporarily put yourself in their shoes. Think about the person you are listening to and the issues they are dealing with. After that, consider your feelings if you were in their shoes. How would you respond? What feelings would you experience? You'll eventually begin to experience the other person's feelings. This will broaden your perspective about the different factors and emotions of different people.

Third, acknowledge other people’s feelings and offer emotional support. When someone opens up to you about their feelings, they typically look for empathy and affirmation. Consider what they must be going through, then express your understanding of their feelings. Ask them how they're doing and if there is anything you can do to help as a follow-up to express your support and concern.

Fourth, be openminded. In your daily contacts, keep a non-judgmental attitude and try to understand others' perspectives. You'll feel more receptive to hearing their viewpoint when you approach them without prejudging them, even if you determine you disagree with it. Choosing to do the opposite would only create a closed mind and you wouldn’t be able to fully understand the different sides of the situation, sometimes resulting to a very unfair judgment.

And lastly, reflect on your own emotions to fully understand them. How we empathize with others is a reflection on how we empathize towards ourselves. That’s why it is important for us to take the time to acknowledge and process our own feelings. Stop trying to ignore or repress your emotions, let them out, and understand them. If you achieved this step, you already took a big leap for a world that’s filled with kindness and understanding.

Make sure to take note of these steps as these will help you become a better version of yourself. The world and the people in it aren’t permanent, and so are you, so why not make the world more bearable for each and every one? Take the time to read, practice, and act. Learn for a better world.

12/04/2023

The Creed

THE DIFFERENT FACES OF CORRUPTION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Corruption is ubiquitous and will always be a part of our daily lives. We cannot dispute the existence of bribes or money laundering, whether little or substantial. "Corruption is defined as the misuse of public power for private advantage," writes Bardhan (1997). Political corruption is the most infamous and widespread sort of corruption in the Philippines, which we hear and see virtually every day on the news. Political corruption scandals involve not just major politicians, but also minor politicians. With that in mind, corruption in the Philippine government has existed and will continue to exist, but there are some corruption scandals that stand out above the others.The following are some of our country's most well-known corruption scandals. As we can see, these scandals are not limited to a single time period.

To begin, it is claimed that the Marcos family's fortune and possessions were obtained unlawfully through embezzlement and graft. "The Marcoses were able to collect an amount believed to be US$ 5 - 10 Billion," according to the Presidential Commission on Good Governance ("Traces of Marcos Ill-Gotten Money Overseas," 2017). As a politician, Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. committed crimes by manipulating electorates to swing votes in his favor and by using ill-gotten money to buy power. Marcos is well known for imposing Martial Law in the Philippines during his 21-year dictatorship (1965–1986), which he subsequently exploited to plunder huge corporations such as Meralco (Manila Electric Company) (PCGG, 2017).

Another significant political controversy was masterminded by businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles which was The Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam, also known as the 'Pork Barrel Scam.' Following the arrest of Benhur Luy, the main witness who exposed Napoles' P10 billion pork barrel scam, cases of plunder and embezzlement were brought not just against Napoles but also against her collaborators, involved senators, and other family members (Carvajal & Aning, 2013). The PDAF scam also included the development of bogus NGO (Non-Governmental Organizations) in order to obtain funds. The cash were then allegedly sent to several Californian accounts by Napoles and five other participants.

Lastly, over the course of nine years, the Arroyo administration has acquired approximately 7.3 billion pesos from different corruption scandals. One of the most prominent scams in which Arroyo was implicated was the Fertilizer Fund Scam in 2004. The scheme, masterminded by former DA undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante, is believed to have siphoned approximately 728 million pesos to Arroyo's campaign rather than the intended use of the cash. However, in 2014, the Office of the Ombudsman exonerated Arroyo as a suspect, stating that the evidence referring to Arroyo as a suspect was inconclusive (Torres-Tupas, 2014). Another corruption controversy involving Arroyo was the ZTE-NBN Corruption affair in 2007. The issue centered on 329 million dollars handed to ZTE, a Chinese firm, and the proposed government-managed NBN (National Broadband Network). Again, Arroyo was acquitted by the Sandiganbayan because the evidence was inconclusive and lacking.

To summarize, corruption exists at all times, and some even go unnoticed by us, except for those engaged. So, be vigilant. Do not be fooled by these faces!

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Source: Infamous Corruptions in the Philippines. (2022, September 01). Edubirdie. Retrieved April 11, 2023, from https://edubirdie.com/examples/infamous-corruptions-in-the-philippines/

12/04/2023

The Creed

CORRUPTION: THE CAUSE AND EFFECT

I. Causes of Corruption

Corruption is a widespread issue in the Philippines, affecting both the governmental and private sectors. Corruption can manifest itself in a variety of ways, ranging from bribery and extortion to theft and money laundering. In some situations, politicians may behave in their own self-interest rather than in the interest of the people or country they have been elected to represent.

A variety of reasons contribute to corruption in the Philippines. Poverty and a lack of economic opportunity are the two most powerful motivators of corruption. Authorities who profit from corruption frequently have ties to prominent businesses and politicians, giving them an advantage over others. Additionally, corrupt individuals are able to get away with their crimes due to weak institutions and a lack of accountability.

In the Philippines, there are numerous strategies to combat corruption. To begin, authorities must combat corruption by arresting and punishing corrupt officials. Second, the government must generate jobs and increase economic prospects so that citizens have no motivation to engage in corrupt behavior. Third, the public must be more diligent in reporting any instances of corruption that they witness or encounter.

II. Effects of Corruption

Corruption has a pervasive negative impact on Philippine society, affecting both people's lives and the country's ability to function. Corruption has an impact on every aspect of life in the Philippines, from the economy to public services, law enforcement, and politics. Corruption undermines faith in government, business, and organized society, resulting in slower economic growth, civic unrest, and social instability.

Corruption, in addition to having a catastrophic impact on individual lives, undermines the country's institutions and the rule of law. It gives criminals an unfair advantage over law-abiding residents, and corrupt authorities frequently have the ability to steal public monies with impunity. This diminishes public trust in government and increases social anger of those who abuse power. Corruption, in the end, lowers the standard of living for all Filipinos, regardless of socioeconomic rank or region.

Understanding the core causes of corruption is critical for effectively combating it in the Philippines. Poverty, poor institutions, and an ineffective justice system are all elements that lead to corruption in the Philippines. Here are possible remedies to the Philippines' corruption problem according to https://getgoodessay.com:

1. Increase economic development and reduce poverty: Poverty is one of the main drivers of corruption, because corrupt officials can use their positions to gain unfair advantages over regular citizens. Economic development can help reduce poverty and strengthen institutions, which would make it less likely for corrupt officials to take advantage of the poor.

2. Strengthen the rule of law and improve judicial transparency: The rule of law is essential for preventing corruption, because it provides a framework for fair and equitable exchanges between citizens and government officials. Improved judicial transparency would help bring corruption cases to light and ensure that government decisions are based on evidence.

3. Encourage ethical behavior: Ethical behavior is important for preventing corruption because it encourages people to act in their own best interests rather than in accordance with personal greed or political expediency. Education about ethics and effective enforcement mechanisms are important tools for combating corruption.

4. Assess and improve legislative and regulatory framework: In many countries, corruption is facilitated by poorly drafted or vague legislation. The same laws might be used to punish different behavior in the same way on different occasions or at different points in time – creating opportunities for corruption to take place. Making legislation gender-equal, for example, would circumvent opportunities for women to engage in corrupt practices.

5. Implement effective anti-corruption measures: Anti-corruption efforts are often undermined by a lack of resources and well-trained personnel. Policies that reduce transaction costs (such as providing free legal support) would help fight corruption because they encourage more efficient use of government resources.

6. Improve accountability: A bureaucracy’s ability to function effectively depends on its accountability structure and processes . To increase accountability, create clear rules of engagement and promote greater transparency.

7. Address the gender dimension: Corruption often has a gender dimension (as does conflict), and gender equality is an important factor to consider in any anti-corruption effort (as is conflict). Women have been highly susceptible to corruption because of their intimate roles in daily life, as well as their economic exclusion from large parts of society, which makes them vulnerable to exploitation by officials.

8. Diagnose and implement effective policies: If corruption cannot be eliminated, then at least it can be contained. In this respect, a key goal should be to set up the right conditions for honest behavior among all segments of society.

9. Provide incentives for honest behavior: One way to minimize corruption (and to reduce conflict) is to provide the economic incentives that would encourage people to act honestly.

10. Promote women’s empowerment and participation: Women, who were the most affected by corruption due to their position in society, have become a key element in fighting corruption through increased political participation and leadership.

11. End all forms of discrimination against women: Women are subjected to many forms of discrimination in every country and must be considered as an integral part of any anti-corruption effort.

12. Increase investments in combating corruption: The lack of adequate financial resources for protection and prosecution undermines anti-corruption efforts by creating barriers for the establishment of effective programs.

13. Organize a global coalition against corruption: At present, there is no international body that has the power to set anti-corruption standards, define and authorize anti-corruption institutions and prosecute corrupt officials.

14. Increase support for anti-corruption NGOs: The lack of pre-existing organizations or a functioning structure that can effectively act against corruption is one of the major obstacles to combating corruption.

15. Develop and implement a global strategy to combat corruption: Currently, no international body coordinates efforts on the issue of fighting corruption and there is no coordinated strategy developed to battle the problem.

16. Increase public awareness about crime victims’ rights: A person who is victimized by corruption may not be aware of such rights, which makes it more difficult for them to get justice in terms of compensation and rehabilitation, as well as contributing to the perpetration of future generations.

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Sources: Hagen-Zanker, J.&Mallett, R. (2013).How to do a rigorous, evidence-focused literature review in international development: A Guidance Note. London: ODI.
https://getgoodessay.com:

12/04/2023

The Creed

CORRUPTION CULTURE IN THE PHILIPPINES

Corruption is known as The misuse of public resources for personal gain as a result of illegal activities or practices by public officials. Corruption is commonplace and often a way of life in the Philippines. It can manifest itself in a number of ways, including extortion, nepotism, and bribery. Moreover, corruption is encouraged by the Philippine government's structure. Because there are no checks and balances on the legislative and executive branches' authority, these institutions are open to misuse.

For a variety of reasons, public officials who participate in corruption are frequently able to get away with it. For starters, they have enough political clout to shield themselves from penalties. Second, they have vast sums of money at their disposal that they can use to corrupt officials or buy off opponents. Third, they are frequently successful in concealing their crimes by laundering the funds through other firms or investments. Finally, victims of corruption are frequently too afraid or humiliated to speak out about their experiences. As a result, corruption has become established in the Philippine government, posing a significant barrier to economic development.

Many anti-corruption initiatives are now undertaken in the Philippines. The government has established a variety of anti-corruption authorities, including the Anti-Money Laundering Council, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Office of the Ombudsman. It has also established a Presidential Anti-Corruption Council and a National Internal Revenue Law to combat corruption (NIRC). These measures, however, have a number of drawbacks.

The NIRC is a draft law that has not yet been enacted. Furthermore, existing anti-corruption legislation is ineffective in dealing with the problem. Certain laws, for example, ban money laundering, although they are rarely enforced. To rid its institutions of this destructive cancer, the Filipino government must implement severe rules against all forms of corruption. The goal is to empower the Philippines' Anti-Money Laundering Council by making it a fully functional organization with the authority to penalize corrupt public officials.

The Philippines is a textbook example of corruption. Corruption has plagued the government for years, hampering its ability to provide basic services to its population. The Philippines is ranked at the bottom of Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), and it is one of the world's most corrupt countries.

Corruption has taken several forms in the Philippines, ranging from bribery to extortion. Many Filipinos have created a culture of corruption in order to advance in life. Politicians and government officials have amassed vast fortunes while their constituents have suffered.

Corruption has been a concern in the Philippines since its colonial era. During colonization, the Spanish government offered contracts to European firms rather than to Filipino firms. This gave Spanish enterprises control of the economy, which Fiji took advantage of by allocating contracts to Spanish firms. As a result, Filipino enterprises made little progress in the economy and became wealthy solely by defrauding their competitors. This legacy of colonial corruption is still present today.

Poor infrastructure is a major source of corruption in the Philippines. Because the country lacks resources such as clean water and excellent roads, corrupt politicians and government employees can easily accept bribes. Because of this corruption, the government is unable to provide services to its citizens, forcing them to pay higher costs for essential goods. Corruption also occurs when businesses do not have the necessary permissions to operate. When they are unable to obtain these permits, they become greedy and corrupt, believing that the matter will be handled in their favor. Nevertheless, the problem is never solved; it simply persists and becomes more expensive over time.

Corruption has been a concern in the Philippines for many years. Regrettably, it appears to be getting worse by the day. Despite this, there are still a lot of people battling corruption and trying to make a difference. Be one of them by voting wisely!

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Sources: Hegina, A., (216). “PH slips in global corruption index—report.” Philippine Daily Inquirer.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/759557/ph-slips-in-global-corruption-index-report.

Manzetti, L. & Wilson, C.(2017). “Why Is Corruption Pervasive in the Philippines?” Comparative Political Studies 40 (8): 949–70. 10.1177/0010414005285759

02/04/2023

The Creed

Both the public and commercial sectors of the Philippines continue to be rife with corruption and cronyism. The Philippines was ranked 129th out of 183 corrupt nations by Transparency International last year. Yet this was already thought to be an improvement over the 134 we received in 2010. But is a five-point drop satisfactory? Despite several efforts to combat graft and corruption, we still received a Corruption Perception Index score of 2.6 out of 10. (Source: www.transparency.org). The fact that several of these attempts have been thwarted by logistical issues as well as financial setbacks strengthens the necessity for enhanced communication and coordination between state and non-state parties.

Link:
https://youtu.be/HT6VojLPz1o

Transparency International – A global movement to end the injustice of corruption

02/04/2023

The Creed

Causes of Infidelity and Regretting Cheating: Understanding Unfaithfulness

Infidelity, or cheating, is a common yet complex phenomenon that can have profound impacts on romantic relationships, families, and individuals. While there is no one-size-fits-all explanation for why people cheat, research and experience suggest that various factors may contribute to infidelity, including:

Lack of intimacy: When partners feel emotionally or physically disconnected, they may seek validation, attention, or satisfaction from someone else. The absence of affection, communication, or s*xual fulfillment can lead to feelings of loneliness, frustration, or resentment that make infidelity more appealing.
Opportunity: When partners are geographically or socially separated, they may encounter tempting or available alternatives to their current relationship. The rise of social media, dating apps, and online interactions has also expanded the pool of potential partners and made it easier to engage in secretive or risky behavior.
Unmet needs or desires: When partners feel unfulfilled or dissatisfied in some aspect of their life, they may seek to compensate or escape through infidelity. This could involve seeking excitement, novelty, power, or validation through s*x, romance, or emotional intimacy.
Insecurity or low self-esteem: When partners feel inadequate, insecure, or unhappy with themselves, they may seek validation, attention, or admiration from someone else. Cheating can provide a temporary boost of ego or self-worth, but it can also reinforce negative self-talk or self-destructive patterns.
Personal or relationship issues: When partners face challenges or crises in their personal or relationship lives, they may cope by seeking solace, distraction, or revenge through infidelity. This could involve dealing with stress, trauma, addiction, or conflict in ways that are harmful to themselves and others.
While infidelity can provide some temporary benefits or pleasures, it often leads to long-term costs and consequences, such as:

Betrayal of trust: Cheating involves breaking a promise or agreement to be faithful and honest with one's partner, which can shatter the foundation of trust and respect in the relationship.
Emotional pain: Cheating can cause intense emotional pain for both the cheater and the cheated, as it can trigger feelings of guilt, shame, anger, sadness, or confusion that can last for a long time.
Physical risks: Cheating can expose partners to s*xually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, or other physical dangers that can affect their health and well-being.
Legal or social repercussions: Cheating can lead to legal or social consequences, such as divorce, custody battles, social stigma, or loss of reputation or job.
Therefore, it is important for individuals who are tempted to cheat or who have cheated to reflect on their motives, values, and goals, and to seek help and support if they want to repair or improve their relationships or themselves. Regretting cheating is a natural and valid response to the realization of the harm and hurt caused by infidelity, and it can be a starting point for healing, growth, and change.

Link:

Causes of Infidelity, Regretting Cheating and Unfaithfulness. // Have you ever been cheated on? Have you ever cheated on someone you cared about? My name is...

02/04/2023

The Creed

We live in a world where most people only care for their own survival. Most of them also act upon their needs and desires without taking second glances at the figure of asymmetry. Because of that, the rise of social issues are happening beneath everyone's nose. Racism, climate change, gender inequality.. The list goes on and on and on. Do you know why? Because we all are cold hearted animals that live on top of the food chain. We exist for the purpose of putting everyone else down and eat greed as viand for each of our meals. We hold anger for every person that makes bad actions in the world, without knowing you are a part of those people.

"The human experience is a shared experience." Not practicing empathy hinders us from fully enjoying what the world really is. Prejudice, discrimination, and hate all root from the lack of empathy beneath us. It's never too late to start trying. Open your eyes, widen your perspective, and let yourself feel. A society with numb individuals symbolize a world that lives for its own doom.

Link of a video about empathy:

Try to understand how other people experience the world.Read more: lifehac.kr/C2ePfNa Lifehacker: Tips and downloads for getting things done.http://lifehacke...