City of Ilagan Hymn

Lyrics by Nilo Agustin

Music by Ato del Rosario

Vocalist: Samuel Acosta

I
Hail! Our beloved homeland
The City of Ilagan
Bestowed with the bounty of the rivers and the streams
Shielded by the mountains of Sierra Madre

You are the heart of our noble farmers
The abode of our culture and traditions
The home of loving and gentle people
That lives proudly with dignity

II
You will always be our peaceful home
The cradle of Ilagueño’s home
You shall blossom, flourish for our vision
As the Liveable City of Ilagan

God bless the City of Ilagan
The cherished legacy of our forefathers
Our home, our land, our beloved homeland
The Liveable City of Ilagan!

The "City of Ilagan Hymn" is a poignant musical homage crafted for the esteemed Ilagueño populace and their dynamic urban center. Infused with verses that echo the storied past and vibrant traditions of Ilagan, this hymn encapsulates the profound pride and communal ethos that characterize the city. Through its stirring lyrics and melodies, it exalts the splendor of Ilagan, its breathtaking landscapes, and the genuine warmth of its inhabitants. Serving as a unifying anthem, it fosters a profound sense of unity and belonging among Ilagueños while nurturing a deep respect for the city's rich heritage and enduring legacy.

An open letter to Ilagueños

Dear fellow Ilagueños,

Today, May 4, 2024, as we commemorate the founding anniversary of our dear city, let us pause to consider the path that has united us. Our city's history is intertwined with tenacity, cohesion, and steadfast spirit, from the modest beginnings of Ilagan in 1686 to the colorful and prosperous city we are today.

As we commemorate this momentous anniversary every year, we embrace the prospects of the future while also paying tribute to the past. Let us honor the memories of our forefathers, whose toil and devotion set the groundwork for our city. Let's also commemorate the victories and advancements we have made as a team, led by the values of unity and collaboration.

Let's reaffirm our commitment to creating a better future for Ilagan as we come together to celebrate this significant occasion. Let's keep collaborating to promote diversity, creativity, and sustainable growth in our neighborhood.

I hope that this foundation anniversary will serve as a constant reminder of our common history, our power as a group, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. Let us write the next chapter of Ilagan's history with pride, enthusiasm, and determination as a team.

Happy Founding Anniversary, Ilagan!

With warm regards,

Gerry Yabes

Salary increase is not a solution, here's why

When Senator Risa Hontiveros said that the salary increase is good news, she thinks that she's already brilliant if she finally gets want she want? She thinks that she's doing her job in the Senate? Even if we add thousands of pesos for the minimum wage in the whole country, nothing much will change. The unfortunate workers and the public in general will still be stuck in the vicious restrictive economic environment.

The move to this increase in the minimum wage will result to the reduction of manpower of local businesses that can't afford the increase. Hontiveros, being a co-sponsor needs to hear the side of small entrepreneurs first.

In our country where competition is limited, simply increasing salaries may not be an effective solution for several reasons. Proponents of this measure should consider these reasons why:

• Cost Constraints: Many businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), may struggle to afford significant salary increases due to tight profit margins and financial constraints. Increasing salaries without corresponding increases in revenue could lead to higher operating costs and potential layoffs or business closures.
• Inflationary Pressures: Salary increases without corresponding improvements in productivity or profitability can contribute to inflationary pressures. This can erode the purchasing power of consumers, especially those on fixed incomes, and exacerbate socio-economic inequalities. NEDA reported that salary increase will affect inflation.
• Lack of Productivity Gains: In a market with limited competition, businesses may not face sufficient pressure to improve efficiency, invest in innovation, or enhance productivity. Without productivity gains, increasing salaries could strain company resources without yielding commensurate benefits.
• Skill Mismatch: Simply raising salaries may not address underlying issues related to skills gaps or mismatches between the qualifications of workers and the demands of available jobs. Investing in education, training, and workforce development programs may be more effective in addressing these challenges.
• Competitiveness Concerns: In industries where international competition is a factor, unilaterally increasing salaries without corresponding improvements in productivity or quality could erode the competitiveness of Philippine businesses in global markets. Our country should focus reforms in the economic policies, specialy in opening our country to foreign investors who can bring job opportunities and higher salaries here.

Instead of relying solely on salary increases, policymakers (like Risa Hontiveros, Juan Miguel Zubiri, etc.) and businesses should pursue a multifaceted approach to address labor market challenges and promote sustainable economic growth. This may include improving the business environment to foster competition, investing in infrastructure and technology to enhance productivity, promoting skills development and education, and implementing targeted social welfare programs to support vulnerable workers.

To present a better solution to this, is to have our economy open to Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) through economic charter change. NEDA said that we could have attracted investments if only Philippines is more open. Doing so, the increase in salary comes naturally even without legislation which is just a waste of people's tax money. This will make our country attrative to foreign investors. Doing so, the increase of salary will follow naturally without making a legislation. It's just simple as Law of Supply and Demand, in case these Senators don't know it.

Beat the hot weather this heat season

Experiencing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in the Philippines can be extremely challenging, as it poses health risks and issues such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Here are some suggestions for staying safe and cool in areas where temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celsius as follows.

1. Drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go.
2. Avoid caffeinated and sugary beverages: Limit consumption of caffeinated drinks and sugary sodas, as they can contribute to dehydration. Opt for water, coconut water, or electrolyte-rich drinks instead.
3. Eat hydrating foods. Eat fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and strawberries, to help replenish fluids and electrolytes.
4. Dress appropriately. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton to help keep your body cool. Light-colored clothing can also help reflect sunlight.
5. Stay indoors during peak hours: Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you need to be outside, seek shade whenever possible.
6. Use sunscreen. Apply sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you're sweating or swimming.
7. Take cool showers. Cool off by taking frequent showers or baths with lukewarm or cool water. This can help lower your body temperature and provide relief from the heat.
8. Use fans or air conditioning. If available, use fans or air conditioning to help cool indoor spaces. If you don't have access to air conditioning, use portable fans or create cross-ventilation by opening windows and doors.
9. Rest and relax. Take breaks throughout the day to rest and relax in a cool, shaded area. Avoid strenuous activities that can lead to overheating and exhaustion.
10. Monitor your health. Be mindful of signs of heat-related illnesses, such as dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, and excessive sweating. If you experience any symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, seek medical attention immediately.

Utilize fans or air conditioning to cool indoor spaces and wear lightweight, breathable clothing to help regulate body temperature. Plan outdoor activities wisely, scheduling them for early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. Take frequent cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature and stay informed about weather forecasts and heat advisories issued by local authorities.

Check on vulnerable persons, such as the elderly and those with health conditions, and make sure they stay cool and hydrated. If temperatures are excessively high, consider staying indoors in a cool, air-conditioned environment until conditions improve. By taking these precautions and staying vigilant, you can mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat and stay safe during hot weather conditions in our country.