Why I Keep Declining Awards (And Why You Should Too)

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I recently received another award invitation—and I declined.

Over the past 10 years, as my publication grew significantly, these offers have become more frequent. But I’ve consistently turned down those that require any kind of payment, whether they frame it as a “donation” to their foundation or outreach, a fee for the venue, or even the cost of the trophy or certificate.

Let’s be clear: these are vanity awards. They’re the kind of offers that pop up in your inbox after someone randomly stumbles upon your profile on LinkedIn or Google. They dress themselves up as prestigious honors but are nothing more than pay-to-play schemes.

To all aspiring awardees: steer clear of these. They don’t enhance your credibility; in fact, they make you look desperate for clout. True pride comes from earning recognition through merit, not writing a check for a plaque.

And here’s the truth: seasoned professionals in any industry can instantly tell the difference between genuine accolades and vanity awards. The latter can harm your reputation more than help it.

Authentic awards never come with a price tag. If you're truly deserving, the honor will find you—free of charge. So, be patient, work hard, and focus on earning recognition that actually matters.

Alleged Corruption in the Panguil Bay Bridge Project: A Call for Transparency and Accountability

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The Panguil Bay Bridge, heralded as the Philippines' longest sea-crossing bridge and a symbol of progress for Mindanao, has recently been embroiled in allegations of corruption. Originally envisioned to connect the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental, the bridge was seen as a crucial infrastructure project to stimulate economic growth, reduce travel time, and improve the quality of life for residents. However, controversies surrounding its implementation have cast a shadow over what was meant to be a historic achievement.

The Promise of Panguil Bay Bridge

The 3.77-kilometer Panguil Bay Bridge project, launched under the Build, Build, Build program, aimed to cut travel time from 2.5 hours to just 7 minutes, linking Tubod in Lanao del Norte to Tangub City in Misamis Occidental. With a budget of ₱7.37 billion, primarily funded through a loan agreement with the South Korean government, the bridge was touted as a game-changer for Mindanao’s infrastructure development.

Records showed that the Panguil Bay Bridge Project was conceived and approved during the late President Benigno Aquino III’s administration. Its funding was signed with the Export-Import Bank of Korea-Economic Development Cooperation Fund before Aquino stepped down from the presidency.

Its construction was overseen by the Duterte administration, reaching completion and inauguration in September 2024. The longest sea-crossing bridge in Mindanao was thus completed under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr..

 

Even as the bridge neared completion, reports suggest a series of irregularities and malpractices that have tarnished the project's reputation.

Allegations of Corruption

1. Procurement Irregularities

Accusations of inflated contract prices and preferential bidding have surfaced, with some claiming that key project components were overpriced by as much as 30%. Reports allege that certain contractors were pre-selected, undermining the competitive bidding process mandated by law.

2. Substandard Materials

Anonymous whistleblowers have reported the use of substandard materials in the bridge's construction, raising concerns about the structure's longevity and safety. If true, this not only jeopardizes public safety but also undermines the project's economic viability.

3. Delayed Timelines and Cost Overruns

Despite being slated for completion in late 2023, delays have plagued the project, with the timeline repeatedly extended. Questions have arisen about the additional funds allocated for these delays, fueling speculation that corruption may be a contributing factor.

4. Lack of Transparency

Stakeholders, including local communities and civil society organizations, have decried the lack of transparency surrounding the project's finances and implementation. Calls for independent audits have been largely ignored, further fueling suspicions.

Implications for Mindanao’s Development

The Panguil Bay Bridge was supposed to be a symbol of hope and progress, a cornerstone of Mindanao’s integration into the national economy. Instead, the allegations threaten to undermine public trust in the government and derail future infrastructure investments.

If the accusations are substantiated, the long-term impact on Mindanao’s development could be devastating. A bridge built on corruption cannot serve as a reliable foundation for progress.

The Public’s Demand for Accountability

In light of these allegations, the public is demanding transparency and accountability. Civil society groups have called for:Independent Audits: A third-party audit to scrutinize the project’s finances and implementation processes.
Government Investigation: A thorough investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman and the Commission on Audit (COA) to hold those responsible accountable.

Community Involvement: Greater participation of local communities in monitoring public infrastructure projects to ensure transparency.

Government’s Response

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has denied the allegations, asserting that the project adhered to international standards and the terms of the loan agreement with South Korea. However, the absence of proactive measures to address these claims has only deepened public skepticism.

Moving Forward: Lessons Learned

The controversy surrounding the Panguil Bay Bridge serves as a wake-up call for stricter oversight and governance in infrastructure projects. As the Philippines continues to pursue ambitious infrastructure goals, it must also prioritize transparency, public accountability, and adherence to the rule of law.

The Panguil Bay Bridge was meant to unite communities and foster development. To fulfill that promise, the government must ensure that its construction, completion, and maintenance remain untarnished by corruption. Only then can it truly serve as a bridge to progress.

For the sake of national interest, it is imperative that the truth behind these allegations is uncovered. The public deserves answers, and those found guilty of wrongdoing must face the full force of the law. After all, the foundation of any great nation is built on trust, integrity, and accountability.

When Educators Fail: Addressing Teacher-to-Teacher Bullying in Schools

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Schools are often viewed as sanctuaries for learning, respect, and growth. However, what happens when the very educators responsible for nurturing young minds become perpetrators of bullying? Teacher-to-teacher bullying is a rarely discussed issue, but its impact on victims, students, and the school community is profound.

In a setting where teachers are meant to model kindness and professionalism, bullying among colleagues not only disrupts the workplace but also sets a harmful example for students, eroding their perception of what healthy relationships and professional behavior should look like.

This article delves into the problem of teacher-to-teacher bullying in schools and how to address it, focusing specifically on its detrimental influence on students and the steps victims can take to seek justice.

Understanding Teacher-to-Teacher Bullying

Teacher-to-teacher bullying manifests as repetitive, targeted, and harmful behavior by one or more educators against a colleague. Common forms include:

Public Humiliation: Criticizing or mocking a colleague in front of students or other staff.

Isolation: Deliberately excluding a colleague from school activities or discussions.

Undermining Authority: Spreading rumors, sabotaging classroom efforts, or questioning their competence.

Verbal Abuse: Using harsh words or tones to demean a colleague.

While disagreements are natural, bullying is an intentional and sustained effort to harm someone emotionally, mentally, or professionally.

The Impact on Students

When teachers bully each other, students become inadvertent witnesses, and the effects can be far-reaching:

Modeling Negative Behavior:

Teachers are role models. When they engage in bullying, students may perceive such actions as acceptable, leading to increased instances of peer-to-peer bullying.


Erosion of Respect for Authority:

Students lose respect for educators when they witness unprofessional behavior, which can undermine classroom discipline and learning.


A Toxic Learning Environment:

A hostile atmosphere affects not just the victim but the entire school community, creating a culture of fear and tension that impacts student engagement and performance.


Emotional Impact on Students:
Students often look up to teachers for guidance. Seeing their mentors humiliated or mistreated can cause confusion, stress, and even anxiety.

Legal Protections and Policies Against Bullying

In the Philippines, legal frameworks exist to address bullying in schools, but these are often focused on student-to-student interactions. However, teacher-to-teacher bullying can be addressed through:

The Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313):
This law extends protection to anyone experiencing harassment or bullying, including in educational settings.


The Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers:

Teachers are bound by a professional code that emphasizes respect, integrity, and collaboration. Violations can result in administrative sanctions.


School Policies on Workplace Harassment:

Many schools have internal grievance mechanisms where complaints can be filed confidentially.

Steps for Teachers Facing Bullying

1. Document the Incidents

Maintain a detailed record of bullying episodes, including dates, descriptions, and the names of witnesses. Record verbal exchanges (if permitted) and save evidence like emails or messages.

2. Understand School Policies

Review your school’s code of conduct or anti-bullying guidelines to understand the complaint process.

3. Report the Behavior

Raise the Issue with the Bully (Optional): If safe, assertively but respectfully address the behavior.

Approach School Authorities: Submit a formal complaint to the principal or school board, supported by documentation.

4. Seek External Support

File a Complaint with the Department of Education (DepEd): If the school fails to address the issue, escalate it to DepEd.

Consult a Lawyer or Union Representative: Legal advice can help determine whether to pursue administrative or legal actions.

How to File a Complaint with DepEd

Victims of teacher-to-teacher bullying can file a complaint with DepEd by following these steps:Prepare Your Evidence: Collect all documents, records, and witness statements.

Submit a Written Complaint: File it at the division office of your region.

Participate in Hearings: DepEd may facilitate mediation or conduct hearings to resolve the matter.

Pursue Administrative Sanctions: If mediation fails, the bully may face penalties under civil service rules or the Code of Ethics for Teachers.

Preventing Teacher-to-Teacher Bullying

Bullying prevention starts with fostering a culture of respect and collaboration within schools. Administrators and educators can:

Conduct regular sensitivity training for all staff.

Encourage open dialogue about workplace concerns.

Hold bullies accountable to ensure a safe and professional environment.

Final Thoughts

Teacher-to-teacher bullying is not just a workplace issue; it’s a matter of integrity and responsibility. Educators who engage in bullying undermine their profession, hurt their colleagues, and send a damaging message to their students.

Victims must remember that they are not alone, and there are channels for justice and accountability. By standing up to workplace bullying, teachers can restore dignity to their profession and create a learning environment where everyone—educators and students alike—can thrive.

In the words of a great educator: “What we allow is what will continue.” Let’s not allow bullying to have a place in our schools.