Haring Alabel

The Legacy that shaped a Generation: Mayor Salarda’s Lasting Impact by Christian Jay Laya, LPT, CSPE- HGE, MAPS (CAR) After nearly nine years at the helm, Mayor Vic Paul M. Salarda is set to conclude his tenure as the chief executive of Alabel, Sarangani Province, in June 2025. Not seeking any elective post in the upcoming elections, Salarda leaves behind a legacy defined by innovation, good governance, and a strong commitment to public service. Under his leadership, Alabel witnessed significant developments across multiple sectors. Major infrastructure projects, including new road linkages, were completed, while people’s associations and cooperatives were expanded to empower communities. Salarda also prioritized the welfare of Alabelians during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring timely interventions and support mechanisms. Throughout his administration, Salarda pushed for innovations in economic governance, strengthened the local education system, revolutionized agricultural practices...

Easter Sunday’s Final Mass: An Afternoon of Light and Hope in Alabel On April 20, 2025, the San Isidro Labrador Parish in Alabel, Sarangani Province concluded its Easter Sunday celebrations with a solemn and spirit-filled 5:00 PM Mass, the final liturgical gathering for the day. As the golden hues of the setting sun bathed the church in warm light, parishioners came in quiet procession, hearts uplifted in celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Elmer Cantular, a Claretian missionary priest currently assigned in Datal Anggas, one of Alabel’s most remote and mountainous barangays. His presence brought a profound reminder of the Church’s missionary spirit—bridging distance and difference to proclaim the Good News to all. Fr. Cantular’s homily centered on the enduring message of Easter: hope rising from the tomb, light dispelling the darkness. Drawing from his pastoral experiences in the uplands, he shared heartfelt reflections on how even in...

A Hit Can Win Votes, a Flop Can End Careers by C J Laya   A campaign jingle serves as an auditory brand for a political candidate, shaping public perception through melody and message. A well-composed jingle, with catchy tunes and meaningful lyrics, can evoke emotions, reinforce campaign themes, and leave a lasting impression on voters. It becomes a powerful recall tool, making the candidate's name and platform memorable.   On the other hand, a poorly executed jingle—whether due to off-key singing, awkward lyrics, or an unappealing melody—can have the opposite effect. Instead of drawing voters in, it may annoy or even alienate them, making the campaign seem unprofessional or out of touch. In worst cases, a bad jingle may become a subject of ridicule, spreading negative publicity and discouraging voter support.   Ultimately, the success of a campaign jingle depends on its ability to resonate with the public. A strong jingle reinforces a candidate’s image and mess...

 

A Personal Reflection on the 2022 Inaugurations by Christian Jay S. Laya, LPT, CSPE- HGE, MAPS (CAR) Attending both the inaugurations of President Bongbong Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte in 2022 was an eye-opening experience that revealed a stark contrast in their audiences. VP Sara’s inauguration was a gathering of the masses—the ordinary Filipinos, the so-called masa, who came with genuine enthusiasm and deep admiration. The energy was raw, organic, and full of patriotic spirit. It was a celebration where the people felt included, close to the leader they supported. On the other hand, PBBM’s inauguration had a more structured and exclusive feel. The crowd near the main event consisted largely of the political and social elites—people from the alta sociedad. Meanwhile, the common people, who had also placed their hopes in him, were pushed far back, enduring the scorching sun and the discomfort of standing near filthy portalets, surrounded by the pollution of the nation’s capit...

The Legacy of Great Leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa: A Reflection for Mindanao by Christian Jay Laya It is an honor to draw a meaningful comparison between Mindanao and sub-Saharan Africa — two regions rich in culture, history, and the spirit of resilience. While geographically distant, both share a parallel story of struggle, liberation, and the relentless pursuit of progress. Sub-Saharan Africa has produced some of the most influential leaders in history, individuals who not only shaped their own nations but also inspired movements for freedom and equality worldwide. Their legacies provide valuable lessons for Mindanao as it continues its own journey of peace and development. One of the most iconic figures from sub-Saharan Africa is Kwame Nkrumah, the theorist of Pan-Africanism and the leader of Ghana's national liberation. Nkrumah's vision went beyond the independence of his own country — he dreamed of a united Africa, free from colonialism and neocolonial control. His call ...