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[miss-snuggles]

On Ethical Advertising

I have not paid much attention to advertisements because I dislike media consumption in general. During the class discussion on the matter, it occurred to me that this now includes social media advertisements and anything that pops up while I'm browsing the web. Due to the proliferation of false and misleading news, I have also realized that this topic is more vital than ever.

Even news and current events like the forthcoming national elections can be classified as ads. The products are the politicians we elect to prestigious government positions. However, in this diary I would like to focus on the positive and most effective commercials I have encountered.

Those companies and individuals that are overly focused on making a profit have a tendency to take advantage of the pandemic in order to enhance their sales figures. This is not necessarily a negative development because there are a great deal of opportunities that have not yet been taken advantage of during the pandemic. Products related to one's health are a good illustration of the type of product that is frequently exploited. The use of testimonials in marketing should, in theory, be acceptable; but, the inclusion of material that could be misinterpreted rendered this practice immoral. The salespeople took advantage of the weakness of their potential consumers, who were afraid of getting infected by the virus.

Now, more than ever, we ought to take in a greater quantity of positive media. Advertising that intentionally misleads consumers is not something that should be tolerated. A good marketing strategy includes being completely transparent about all of the opportunities and drawbacks associated with the products being sold. In order to maximize their earnings, salespeople should avoid selling products with claims that have not been proven.

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The Marcopper Mining Disaster

Our group was assigned to work on the Marcopper Mining case, which happened in Marinduque in 1996. It was considered the country's greatest environmental disaster connected to mining. On March 24, 1996, an earthquake of magnitude 2.4 struck the island of Marinduque, causing a crack in the drainage tunnel of a massive pit storing mine tailings. Consequently, two million tons of hazardous mine tailings inundated the Makulanpit and Boac Rivers, which were the principal source of food and revenue for the community. These rivers were directly affected by the poisonous mining waste.

As a result, local residents were exposed to a variety of diseases, which contributed to the development of increasingly complex disorders. The population suffered from severe hunger. Children and adults died after lethal levels of lead and cyanide were discovered in their blood.

Marcopper and Placer Dome had committed to assume responsibility for repairing regions affected by mine tailings; this includes the clean-up operation and compensation for the residents of Marinduque. There were leaks in one of Marcopper's abandoned dams as late as 2017 and locals are still suffering from the disaster's negative economic and health consequences.

The Philippines' mining industry is both a boon and a curse. Particularly in light of the Marcopper Mining Disaster, there has been a push to prohibit all mining. However, the mining business has advantages as well. The Philippines is the sixth most mineral-rich nation in the world in terms of gold, nickel, copper, and chromite and is home to the world's largest copper-gold deposit. As of 2012, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) projected that the country's undeveloped mineral wealth was worth an estimated US$840 billion. Mining is a viable and underutilized business that might be exploited to improve the lives of the poorest populations. We also observe a strong determination on the part of the Philippine government to revive the mining industry, as this would provide jobs and tax income.

Responsible Mining comes into play here. The Marcopper Mining Disaster provides an ideal chance to enact reforms and responsible mining practices. The Department of Natural Resources, the government agency that governs mining corporations, should adopt a new strategy — one that prioritizes the welfare of all stakeholders while minimizing environmental damage. The Marcopper Mining Disaster is a situation in which one is placed in the middle and must make specific ethical decisions - ensuring the welfare of the community and the environment while improving socioeconomic and environmental conditions should be the emphasis of decision-making.

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Education that lasts a lifetime and service that knows no boundaries

My goal is to always be willing to provide a helping hand to those in need, to go the additional mile for them, and to not restrict our involvement to just one specific group. There is a virtually infinite number of communities that we are able to investigate, such as the enhancement of social integration, in particular of individuals who are living in poverty, younger people, older people, people with impairments, and indigenous peoples.

Throughout the entirety of the program, I have strived to embody the concept of borderless service. One of the most important things that I have learned from this experience is that we should not confine ourselves to the boundaries of our (be it virtual or physical) classroom. The realization that empathy is more than just words came to me as a result of participating in the service learning activity. Awareness of our socioeconomic factors in our country is only the first step, and that action is still the vessel into which we feed wisdom and grace to support self-improvement of people who are in our immediate surroundings.

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"Amazing Outcomes by Investing in People”

It's true that we haven't been eliminating poverty, but we have been teaching these folks how to fish. When we talk about educating people, we don't just mean teaching them what's in books; we also mean helping them work together to build stronger communities and ensure their own long-term viability. I think we have made a valuable contribution to our partner organization which is the Liwayway Maysan Housing Cooperative, by suggesting a strategy for how they could earn a living and an insightful talk on how they can manage their finances. An extensive training program was also executed in conjunction with DLSU. Rather of punishing those who are responsible for the community's problems, providing them with an education will help them find gainful employment, which will boost their self-esteem, expose them to new perspectives, and enable them to provide for their families and the next generation.

Thank goodness I was able to join a team where everyone shared a commitment to success. Since we have provided everything that was required, we may consider the service learning exercise to have been a success. What made us unique was that we got to know each other while simultaneously learning about our program, the partner network, and the course contents. We were able to kill two birds with one stone. The team has been great to work with, and the friendships we've formed are a bonus that we get to keep. For this reason alone, the journey has been invaluable.

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The La Sallian Experience

I've been taught to have patience, perseverance, and a voracious appetite for knowledge, all of which I've lived and breathed. That is the reason I decided to enroll in the MSA program at DLSU. In particular, this class will help me further develop these characteristics and values. I believe that these are reflective of the Lasallian ideals of taking action and dedication to, as well as seeing the experience, analyzing it, and reflecting on it. The importance of having a strong sense of community is highlighted very well here.

Even to this day, that I am about to finish my term of my MSA program. Honestly, as I struggle through my classes, my first thinking was that I am not yet in a position to make a substantial tangible contribution to the community. This led me to believe that I am not currently in a position to do so. Despite this, I am an engaged learner who puts in a lot of effort and is inspired by my school and the things it stands for. I am also someone who has a strong sense of community.

Even though I'm not yet a very accomplished person, I feel like I have a lot to offer now that I've gained so much from my experiences with the RVRCOB of DLSU. However, I ask that you graciously take the following presents from me: the fact that I am a responsible student, that I am pleased to be a Lasallian, that I respect everyone, and that I will soon be an inevitable community worker on behalf of DLSU.

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Influencing Others (Service Learning Journal Part 1)

I belong to Group 1 of BUS560M students. The group's E-SL project is in partnership with Mr. Vicente Niku of Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) as the social development arm of De La Salle University and Ms. Rosanna Baguisi of Liwayway Maysan Housing Cooperative. 

Our major criterion for coming up with ideas for the project was that it should be easy to follow, realistic, and sustainable. That we are not doing it for the sake of fulfilling a school requirement, but because we want to contribute in our own small way. With that in mind, we studied the project rigorously and made sure to use the utilitarian approach that this action will yield the best end for everyone. We took into consideration the demographics of the participants. Based on our survey, we found out that most of them are really affected by the pandemic, thus, we thought of choosing a financial literacy project. This particular project is perfect since one of our team members has firsthand experience in spreading financial literacy.

The project preparation included frequent zoom meetings with the team as well as zoom meetings with Sir Niku to ensure thorough project briefing. We immediately divided the task into several roles. One team member carefully sourced out the materials to make sure that participants will be able to purchase it later to the supplier with the best price. Another team member developed the survey, another designed the module to be utilized, yet another prepared the deck for presentation to participants, and so on. Truly, teamwork at its best during the preparation of the project. 

Of course, just like any other project, we also encountered lots of challenges but since our goal was clearly set from the start which is to help, we just shrugged it off. For example, initially, the group had trouble juggling our different schedules, but ultimately, we all banded together and made the most of the situation. We did our best to meet up after our class sessions and brainstormed ideas on how to best proceed with our project implementation.

The E-Service Learning is something that I look forward to – something to cherish and something to be proud of that once in my life as a La Sallian business leader I was able to help in my little way. The Lasallian values of respect for all persons, concern for the poor and social justice, faith in the presence of God, and inclusive community were at the forefront of our framework. All of these are equally important and will always be ingrained in my daily work as a manager and as a future business owner. This experience reinforces my understanding of the Lasallian Core Values.

I learned that as Lasallian Business Leaders, we must uphold the Lasallian Core Values in all aspects of our lives. Being a member of the Lasallian community entails a tremendous level of responsibility, and we must communicate these beliefs with everyone we encounter with in order to effect constructive change in society. As Lasallians, we owe it to our Founder to follow in his footsteps. St. La Salle has made a significant impact on the dissemination of the Lord's good work. We should be a Lasallian with morals and good character who is carrying out St. John Baptist De La Salle's purpose. Overall, this experience has shown me that even  the simplest gesture of kindness has the capability to grow. Now that I've acknowledged this, I'm going to keep up the good work I've been doing and expand my efforts when I get the opportunity. As a result, I've realized that I can continue to improve myself in order to better serve others.

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Social Responsibility

In the case of Lamoiyan Corporation, one of the most significant shifts that has taken place in the workplace is about the importance of equality in employment. In order to make the working environment more accessible for persons who are deaf and mute, the management of the company as well as the regular employees have implemented a number of changes.

What set Lamoiyan Corporation apart from its competitors was not merely its compliance with the provisions of Republic Act 7277 but rather Pedro Kwok's and the company's unwavering dedication to providing assistance to people with disabilities who have hearing loss. Lamoiyan has fostered the development of what it refers to as a "culture of tolerance," which emphasizes the importance of patience in the workplace, particularly when dealing with coworkers who have hearing impairments.

Other businesses, in addition to Lamoiyan, should make it possible for people with disabilities to participate in the workforce so that they can put their expertise and ability to good use. In doing so, not only do they establish a "sustainable" program for their organization, but they also make a positive contribution to the growth of individuals. Aside from that, the organization may contribute to the advancement of equality and inculcate its ideals in its employees, which, in turn, can assist the society as a whole by incorporating equality and values into our day-to-day lives.

As potential future leaders in the business world, we have an obligation to contribute to the establishment of a culture inside our respective firms that will inspire and motivate our workforce to become involved in and back the advocacy efforts of the company for social transformation.

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Employee Rights 

I don't think that Wal-Mart has any right to treat their employees the way they do. Wal-Mart's low wages, anti-union protests, and bias against women make me think that the company should rethink its policies to give its workers a better quality of life. Some people don't agree with me that Wal-Mart should work on making their employees' lives better. For example, Sebastian Mallaby, a columnist for the Washington Post, thinks that Wal-Mart should put most of its effort into making the lives of less fortunate people better. I may agree that Wal-Mart should keep its low prices for families who are having a hard time, but I also think that the employees shouldn't have to suffer. A senior editor at Texas Monthly named Karen Olsson agrees that Wal-Mart should put the jobs of their workers first. Wal-Mart needs to change its crazy rules if it wants to raise the standard of living for all of its workers.

The low wages at Wal-Mart make it almost impossible for their workers to pay for health care. "Forty percent of employees choose not to be covered by the company's health plan" instead of putting their salary toward health care. Since Wal-health Mart's plan costs about $2,844, it is almost impossible for an employee making $18,000 a year to buy a health plan and live on it. Employees have to make the hard choice of going without a health plan in order to get by in the world. Wal-Mart is "at the top of the Fortune 500," but their employees are "struggling to get health insurance for [their] kids". Wal-Mart needs to realize that its low wages hurt not only its workers but also their families. Wal-Mart needs to understand that their low wages make it very hard for their workers and their families to get by. Wal-policies Mart's include not only low wages, but also how they treat women.

Policies at Wal-Mart need to be changed for the betterment of their customers and employees alike. My father often cautioned me against shopping at Wal-Mart since the company does not permit its workers to organize unions. My father has strong feelings about Wal-Mart because he is a union official for the UAW. After learning more about Wal-Mart, I can see why my father has such a negative view of the company. Walmart needs to show its employees some love as well. Although Wal-Mart advertises "everyday affordable costs," the reality for its employees is everything but encouraging.

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Minsan Lang Sila Bata

The tragic reality depicted in "Minsan Lang Sila Bata" had a profound effect on me. The topic explored in such documentary was heartfelt yet sad at the same time. As everyone is well aware, the prevalence of child labor in today's society is deeply concerning. Many kids have to stop going to school so they can help support their family in today's uncertain economy. This tragic reality, I believe, posed a challenge to my position as a teacher for a variety of reasons. My ambition as a teacher is to help my students find fulfillment in life by providing them with a positive and inspiring learning environment. How can I support them if it is their own parents that stand in the way of their goals? Perhaps our government should prioritize efforts to reinforce bonds between homes, neighborhoods, and schools. The task of ending poverty and finding effective strategies to eliminate child labor in order to reduce school dropout rates is enormous, but I have faith that we can still make a difference. Every home and institution is trying to do what's best for their kids. As a result, it is crucial that schools serve as gathering places for residents to work together on infrastructure improvement. Educators have an obligation to play their part by shouldering the burden of ensuring that their students achieve their goals. Maybe they can have a conversation with the parents, assist in educating the community, and work with the local government to create mutual trust in order to find a solution to this societal crisis that poses a challenge to everyone throughout the world. When we work together, there is no task that cannot be accomplished. Surely there is something we can do. Let's set an example that gives people faith in humanity's future. I don't see any reason to delay in getting started.

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The Ford Pinto Case

The Ford Pinto case fascinates me because it shows how one company prioritized profits over maintaining its reputation for doing business ethically. In the 1970s, Ford faced severe competition in the small car market from Volkswagen and Japanese competitors. As a result, Ford designed and released the Ford Pinto with the knowledge that its design posed a safety risk. Due to the location of the fuel tank in the rear of the Pinto, it was susceptible to exploding if it was struck from behind by another vehicle. Despite this knowledge, Ford decided not to invest more money revising the design or informing the public about the danger. The corporation utilized the utilitarianism ethical framework to claim that the money consumers would pay to alter the design would exceed the monetary value of the lives lost if the design is not revised. Therefore, it would be more financially beneficial for everyone if they released the vehicle as-is.

There are a number of compelling arguments against adopting a theory that is so based primarily on economics. To begin, it seems unethical to decide that individuals ought to be allowed to die or be gravely hurt because it would cost too much to prevent it. This may save a lot of money by not doing either of those things. Second, it does not take into account all of the repercussions, such as the adverse publicity that Ford experienced and the judgements and settlements that were the outcome of the litigation. To add insult to injury, the value of some things, such as a human life, simply cannot be expressed in monetary terms. But there are certain reasons that might be made in support of the risk-benefit analysis. It is well developed through existing case law, it encourages companies to take precautions against creating risks that result in large accident costs, it can be argued that all things must have some common measure, and it provides a bright line which companies can follow. All of these benefits come from the fact that it is well developed through existing case law.

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A cyclical rise and collapse of Enron

"Greed is analogous to drinking salt water; the more you consume it, the more thirsty you become."

Expertise and experience is not a suitable substitute for effective governance. Even if you have the most skilled individuals available, if the tone at the top drives the rest of the body in the wrong way, failure is certain. According to Internal Control: an Integrated Framework by the Committee of Sponsoring Organization of the Treadway Commission (COSO), "Control environment encompasses the attitudes, awareness, and actions of top management on the relevance of the entity's internal control." The control environment establishes the culture of an organization and influences the control consciousness of its members. It is the basis of effective internal control, giving structure and discipline." If this component of the control fails, the remaining components of the control will no longer operate properly.

Enron was too powerful at the time to collapse. During their tenure, it was regarded as one of the most esteemed businesses. However, if you go behind the picture that they display to the stock market and the public, you will find an unbearable culture of corporate greed and competitiveness. People at the top created a culture of getting things done regardless of questionable methods. Top management tolerates dishonest dealers so long as they generate profits for the organization. With unachievable goals and a neck-and-neck style of performance review in which low performers are terminated, the system fostered arrogant and highly competitive people eager to take incredible risks for the company in the hopes of achieving the highest possible profits.

The takeaway is that cleverness only get you so far, and if you don't pay attention to carrying out the right things, negative outcomes will occur. The case should serve as a warning to shareholders, creditors, and the general public to pay serious consideration to the character of those at the helm of the businesses in which they have financial interests. There's more to these businesses than meets the eye, therefore it's important to delve deeper into how they generate revenue and observe the practices of their top executives.

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"The Life of Saint John Baptist De La Salle" 

Since then, I have wondered who St. John Baptist De La Salle is. I constantly hear a few decent descriptions of him that have little significance to me. I have attended De La Salle University for almost two years. And now, it is evident to me that membership in this institution correlates to a significant social function. Like St. John the Baptist, I have spoken up for my desires and know how to conduct my life to become both a better person and a good member of society.

His outlook on life is one that, to a certain extent, I can resonate with. One of these is having a reverence for God, because I believe the only way to live a good life is to follow the example set by God throughout the Bible. I will make it a priority to spend quality time with God during the time that is designated out for prayer. Even if I attend to church, read my Bible, and keep a stack of scripture readings next to my bed, nothing can replace the genuine one-on-one time I get with the Father when I pray. I can spend time with him in other ways, but nothing can beat prayer. S pending time in prayer strengthens my relationship with Him, allowing me to see Him more clearly in every other aspect of my life and pointing me in the proper way towards how to become a faithful servant of Him.

St. John Baptist was a man who devoted his life to the education of those who were less fortunate. He worked to accomplish this goal by providing students with rigorous academic material and placing a strong emphasis on God. I have no doubts about the value of education in one's life; after all, it is the only way to acquire the skills and knowledge that will allow one to be successful in one's endeavors in life. What is most remarkable about St. John is that he did not allow his avarice to prevent him from sharing this opportunity with those who were less fortunate. I applaud him for this, which gives me the notion that what if all wealthy people did the same good works as St. John Baptist in prioritizing the education of those who are less fortunate. I say this because it offers me the concept. Without a doubt, the end outcome will be a community that is highly forward-thinking.