THE average temperature is rising again, sometimes, the humidity makes you feel restless and the desire to spend a large portion of your time inside a mall or any commercial buildings that have air conditioners is becoming the norm of the modern Filipino living in the tropical country, Philippines.
But this year is quite better than last year, where the extent of El
Niño phenomenon, an extended dry spell, has led to serious socio-economic and even political issues. The impact was wide-scale, and even the National Economic Development Authority in Northern Mindanao, through its quarterly reports, reflected the low production value especially in crops through statistical data.
The Department of Health also issued the usual warnings to the public on possible health risks during the hot season, as in with previous years, Filipinos are prone to heat stroke, and sometimes it is considered to be one of the common health risks in the country that can lead to death.
Meanwhile, majority of Filipinos, especially the younger generations who mostly are enjoying their school breaks, are thinking of traveling by mostly enjoying on beaches or pools. That is why the Department of
Tourism is also preparing for the possible influx of visitors in tourist destinations.
But to those who wish to gain both experience and additional economic relief, some youths would prefer working part-time, that is why local government units, for years, have been offering summer jobs in partnership with the local labor departments.
Many things to do on a summer, it has preoccupied people on endless possibilities on what to do on their spare time - at least for those who can still enjoy the summer breaks. But those who are working full-time and at the mercy of taking breaks through the annual number of leaves set by their workplaces, it will always be a working season, save for the hot temperature.
But as being said by happy people, enjoy every moment, every day we may be dealing with different battlefronts - our workplace, personal affairs, and even our political system, and we almost lost ourselves into it.
Sometimes, what we need is not only a break but a point to where we meditate and self-reflect.
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The recent tragedy involving two siblings, one was driving in the truck while drunk, engaged in a road rampage in Cugman highway Sunday evening (April 9) leading to the death of seven people (the last one died in the hospital the next day), where three were children together with their father.
Many times we are reminded, that even a small hint of alcohol consumption, we should not drive, especially at nights. But then, our ego and masculine bravado are consuming us, because “real men drive even drunk,” and “real men are never drunk.” We always have that unwritten rule about being “real” men in the society.
But the tragedy can be a strong ground why there is a need to ban liquors for a period of time at night, as one of the city councilors in Cagayan de Oro have long been studying in coming up with an ordinance to control the sale of alcoholic drinks. Who knows, may within this year.
(nefluczon@gmail.com)