The Philippines and the rest of the world is suddenly facing an unseen enemy and dealing with a situation full of uncertainties. It is not just about containing the spread of the disease and finding a vaccine. It is now about humanity fighting for its survival.

With President Duterte emphasizing the need to pursue an independent foreign policy, it is time for the Philippines to do away with the Cold War-era mentality of building alliances with a few and instead seek partnerships with many. It is through partnerships, not alliances, that will help the Philippines stand on its own in rebuilding and constantly evolving its the strength of its military and economy.

While it is right and just to protect the rights and privileges of the Filipinos, it is a different story when the same are being used to justify a wrongful act or a form protection from lawful scrutiny.

We Filipinos should get our acts together as a nation, society and people. We should be ashamed of ourselves with this folly that is of our own creation. We should be working as one in dealing with the 2019-NCoV situation just like what China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and other countries are doing.

Despite the uncertainty and devastation, there are stories of hope and inspiration. Batanguenos helping each other, as well as Cavitenos, Bulakenyos, Ilocanos, Kapampangans, Davaoenos and others sending help to our province.

Clarity is my fervent wish for the Duterte administration and the country in 2020. Clarity, in terms of policy reform agenda and implementation by the administration to create more job and business opportunities, with emphasis on agriculture and rural development.

A lot of issues, a lot of ups and downs, but we are still standing towards the end of the year. 2019 was, indeed, a roller coaster ride for the Philippines and the Filipino people. As we look forward to a much better 2020, let us learn from the lessons of the past year and use them to not only improve ourselves further but to also make our nation and society far better than where they are now.

Winning as one nation and one people should become the norm as we work together to achieve our national goals, especially economic development and prosperity in all corners of the Philippines and for all Filipinos. We cannot and we should not be forever divided along ethnic, political, economic, religious and social lines forever, or else we are going to fail together as a nation and as a people.  

The "worse than a war zone" description of the Philippines made by Ressa through CBS News is nothing but fictional. A work of fiction that has the intention of putting down the Philippines and undermining the will of the majority of Filipinos and the duly-elected government of President Duterte. 

Loyalty games are a unique experience for a Lasallian and an Iskolar ng Bayan like myself because they are only times when we not only sing UP Naming Mahal and the La Salle Alma Mater Hymn in one game but also feel the intensity of the school spirit that both La Salle and UP Have. 

Physical and psychological abuse and violence should not have room in any organization or institution nor should it be used to measure brotherhood and camaraderie. There other less or not physically or psychologically exhausting of "testing" people who wish to join fraternities, sororities, organizations and institutions. 

Despite the government effort to provide the public with affordable means of transport in the form of modernized jeepneys, the likes of PISTON continue to being the obstructionists and opportunists that they are. They would rather let members of the commuting public continue to ride at their unsafe jeepneys while they rake in profit.