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The construction sector, mostly in the capital city of Davao del Norte.contributed to the province’s overall growth last year, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), with businesses and institutions comprising the bulk of construction activities.

This means that the province’s population of 1.14 million could expect additional opportunity for local employment in the immediate future, the PSA Davao del Norte officer-in-charge Michelle O. Maningo said.

She said construction posted a growth of 16.3 percent last year, and ranked as the top contributor to the 5.4 percent overall growth of Davao del Norte’s economy.

The 2024 Construction Statistics of Davao del Norte shows 3,700 construction activities, and while this was slightly lower by 0.9 percent from the 3,733 constructions the previous year, total value of constructions rose to P5.58 billion in 2024.

This value was 1.8 percent higher than its previous year’s P5.48 billion.

Non-residential buildings accounted for the largest share in total construction value at P2.65 billion, or 47.6 percent of total construction value, ‘reflecting business and institutional expansions that are generators of local employment and related businesses,’ Maningo said.

Among the biggest activities was that of a shopping mall of the country’s largest chain of malls located in Tagum City.

Non-residential buildings have the largest total floor area of construction last year, with 442,070 square meters or more than half of the overall total, said Geoffrey Pamaylaon, PSA provincial specialist on Establishment and Administrative-Based Statistics. The total floor area of constructions last year in Davao del Norte was at 675,850 square meters, which was 6.8 percent higher than the 632,840 square meters of total floor area constructed in 2023.

Pamaylaon said, however, that residential buildings still dominated the number of projects with 2,554 constructions, comprising 69 percent of total construction activities. He said residential buildings had consistently contributed the highest number of construction for the past five years in the province.

Maningo said the growth of construction in the province was an indicator of sustained investments and expanding economic activity in the province, pointing at ‘visibly rising commercial buildings and warehouses in Davao del Norte.’

‘The growth in the total value of constructions in 2024 signals continued investor confidence,’ she said.

Defending champion University of the Philippines (UP) faces University of Santo Tomas (UST) in University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball action at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena with Fighting Maroons coach Goldwin Monteverde airing his wariness against the Tigers, who he says are a resurgent team this Season 88. UP is 6-3 won-lost and UST is 5-4.

URGING Malacañang to take immediate action, a House deputy minority leader on Tuesday filed a measure seeking an urgent congressional inquiry into the large-scale dredging and extraction activities of a Chinese company in San Felipe, Zambales.

‘The Chinese company’s operations endanger the environment, local livelihoods, and the safety of nearby communities,’ Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima of Mamamayang Liberal said.

Through House Resolution 424, de Lima also urged the House to scrutinize the involvement and accountability of foreign contractors, including the China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC), which has been identified as one of the entities engaged in these activities. CHEC is reportedly a subsidiary of the state-owned China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

De Lima emphasized that the alleged participation of CHEC in dredging and sand extraction ‘underscores the urgent need for congressional oversight on the role of foreign contractors in environmentally sensitive projects,’ particularly as public concern grows that these undertakings may have gone beyond their declared purposes of flood control and river restoration-resulting instead in ecological degradation and social harm.

‘The findings of such inquiry should guide the formulation of stronger environmental safeguards, transparency mechanisms, and accountability measures to ensure that all dredging and reclamation activities are conducted in accordance with law and the constitutional right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology,’ De Lima added.

The resolution cited reports from environmental groups-including the Zambales Ecological Network (ZEN), Save Our Shores Zambales, and the Institute for Area Management-alleging that the so-called flood control and river restoration projects in Zambales, implemented under Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order 2019-13, are in reality large-scale sand mining operations disguised as public infrastructure projects.

De Lima also reiterated her earlier appeal for Malacañang to investigate these activities, which have long been the subject of complaints from residents in Zambales and other provinces.

‘The Chinese firm involved in the reported large-scale dredging and extraction activities in Zambales has already been accused of having a shady track record and of facing labor-related complaints. This cannot be ignored. The President must look into the situation in Zambales, as well as in other areas of the country facing similar issues,’ de Lima added.

‘Nothing should take precedence over protecting our environment, livelihoods, and the safety of our fellow Filipinos,’ she added.

De Lima warned that leaving these large-scale dredging operations unchecked would endanger both communities and natural resources. ‘If these activities continue, we risk losing our natural wealth, displacing local livelihoods, and, worst of all, facing potential disasters that could harm many of our countrymen,’ she said.

It may be recalled that de Lima also authored House Bill 1843, or the Anti-Black Sand Mining Act, which seeks to prohibit black sand mining owing to its devastating effects on communities-including displacement, flooding, landslides, and loss of lives and livelihood.

Zambales exec: What Chinese dredging?

A SENIOR official of Zambales province, however, denied reports that a Chinese company is involved in dredging operations and is reportedly causing severe damage to private properties and the environment.

In a statement, Provincial Consultant on Engineering and Infrastructure Development Domingo Mariano assured that there is no Chinese company involved in the River Restoration Program or dredging operations in the major rivers of Zambales.

‘We have not given a permit to any Chinese company. We only have legitimate Filipino workers operating the dredging machines,’ Mariano said.

The official also clarified that what the critics identified as ‘Chinese vessels’ were actually acquired from China and are now Philippine registered watercraft flying the Philippine flag.

The vessels, including the crews, passed through the scrutiny and approval of the Maritime Industry Authority or Marina.

This project is not just about revenue; it is part of environmental protection and disaster-prevention efforts for all citizens.

Additionally, assistance is provided to fishermen, who have a total membership of 27,000.

This includes the provision of fishing payaos (fish aggregating devices) and fishing gear, as well as the purchase by the Provincial Capitol of a P87-million fishing harvester vessel for their use. This enables them to compete effectively with larger-scale fishermen.

‘All of these are projects from the initiative of Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., for the welfare of the citizens throughout the entire province,’ Mariano said.

The official made statement after a member of the House of Representatives recommended an investigation into an alleged Chinese company over its reported dredging operations in Zambales, which she said triggered widespread environmental damage and loss of livelihood for the residents.

THE East West Banking Corp. (EastWest) considered ‘consistent’ core revenue generation as having propelled its net income in the first nine months of the year.

In a statement on Tuesday, EastWest reported posting a net income of P6.6 billion, up 14 percent from the net earnings posted in the same period last year.

Revenues increased by 16 percent year-on-year to P37.3 billion, from the ‘continuous growth’ in net interest income of 18 percent to P29.7 billion.

‘This was fueled by its consumer lending business, which expanded by 17 percent and now makes up 85 percent of the bank’s total loan portfolio,’ EastWest said.

The performance of the bank’s core businesses was ‘bolstered’ by a 27 percent rise in fee income, amounting to P5.3 billion, EastWest noted.

Meanwhile, EastWest said its operating expenses inched up much slower than revenues, increasing by only 7 percent to P19.2 billion.

The growth in this area was attributed to investments in people and business expansion.

EastWest’s cost-to-income ratio improved by 412 basis points to 51.4 percent, backed by the faster growth of revenues, productivity gains, and digital efficiencies.

On the retail side, EastWest said it recently entered into a partnership with The Sirqo Group, which operates the AutoDeal online automotive marketplace to ‘streamline’ auto financing for car buyers in the Philippines.

The bank said the collaboration aims to provide customers with easier access to loan options directly through Sirqo’s platform, ‘enhancing convenience and transparency in the car purchasing process.’

To expand its digital capabilities, the bank said it also introduced new features on EasyWay, including personal loan and credit card applications, digital CASA (current and savings accounts) opening for both peso and foreign currency deposits.

Just last October, EastWest said InstaPay has already started doing transfers via QR.

According to the lender, it successfully launched a debit card, the latest feature of its SME banking ecosystem designed to ‘simplify cash management for business clients.’

Meanwhile, the total assets of the country’s 11th-largest lender rose by 11 percent to P552.9 billion, funded largely by deposits that grew by 12 percent to P415.8 billion, maintaining a CASA ratio of 81 percent.

EastWest CEO Jerry G. Ngo was quoted in the statement as saying that the bank’s core consumer banking business is ‘thriving, aligning perfectly with the evolving needs of our customers.’

‘Our strategic funding initiatives are likewise effectively supporting our growth plans and fortifying our funding structure. These critical components have significantly contributed to our steady revenue generation,’ added Ngo.

At the same time, the chief of EastWest said the bank continues to manage risks ‘actively’ and ensure that provisions are ‘adequate.’

‘Combined with our operational efficiencies, these have resulted in robust and sustainable profitability,’ Ngo also noted.

A LAWMAKER has filed House Bill 5750, or the proposed ‘Emman Act,’ which aims to protect Filipinos from online hate, harassment, and doxxing-while upholding the public’s right to freely criticize and hold officials accountable.

Named after Emman Atienza, who passed away following severe online bullying, Bacolod Rep. Albee Benitez said the measure seeks to strike a balance between freedom of expression and digital responsibility.

Benitez, however, clarified that the measure does not cover public officials, emphasizing that citizens’ right to criticize, question, or satirize those in government remains fully protected.

‘I believe in free speech, and I believe that social media is a powerful platform-one that has given everyone a bullhorn to share ideas, express opinions, and hold those in power accountable,’ Benitez said. ‘But in recent years, some have used this same freedom to harass, malign, and spread hate. What was meant to empower has been used to destroy.

Under the bill, penalties would be imposed on acts such as cyberlibel, online hate speech, cyberstalking, doxxing, and the non-consensual sharing of private information. Expressions inciting hatred or discrimination based on gender, sexuality, or other personal attributes would also be punishable.

Digital platforms would also be mandated to take immediate action against online abuse by promptly removing or disabling content classified as cyberbullying or harassment. They would be required to suspend or ban users proven to have committed prohibited acts, assign trained personnel to monitor and flag harmful content, provide transparent reports on content removal requests and corresponding actions, and establish clear mechanisms for users to report abuse and seek redress.

They would also be required to preserve the data for their possible use as evidence in court proceedings.

Under the proposed measure, violations of the prohibited acts would be penalized according to the severity of the offense. Light violations or acts of online hate and harassment-such as insults, mockery, or other offensive remarks that do not amount to threats, incitement, or doxxing-would be punishable by arresto menor or a fine ranging from P20,000 to P50,000, or both.

For more serious offenses, such as targeted online harassment that causes emotional distress, doxxing, cyberstalking, or coordinated online mob attacks, the penalty would be arresto mayor and a fine between P50,000 and P200,000. The heaviest penalties-prisión mayor and a fine from P500,000 to P1,000,000-would apply to cases involving online harassment amounting to incitement or when the offender is a public officer or employee who abuses their position.

Minors found guilty of violations would undergo counseling and digital responsibility education, with support from the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) and the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with parents, guardians, or schools.

Benitez said the bill’s ultimate goal is to create ‘safer online spaces without making them silent,’ reminding everyone that ‘we can disagree without being disagreeable.’

Quezon for Environment (QUEEN), church leaders and residents from Atimonan in Quezon Province, together with the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), filed a criminal and administrative complaint on Nov. 3, 2025 against Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin for approving the 1,200-Megawatt (MW) Atimonan One Energy Inc. (A1E) coal-fired power plant project.

In 2020, DOE issued a coal moratorium to halt the development of new coal-fired power plant projects. Despite this, in July 2025, Sec. Garin exempted the Atimonan coal plant project from the moratorium even though it did not meet the requirements for exemption.

Groups and communities in Quezon Province, particularly in Atimonan, strongly opposed Garin’s decision.

‘There is overwhelming opposition against the construction of the Atimonan coal plant. It is not just the church but the people of Atimonan and Quezon Province. Besides, the economic and financial arguments are clearly against it. No one is interested in investing in the construction of coal plants anymore as their era has passed. Even the past DOE leadership has given up on it. DOE Secretary Garin has created a mess, and now she has to face the consequences,’ said Fr. Warren Puno, lead convenor of Quezon for Environment (QUEEN).

The case filed before the Office of the Ombudsman accuses Garin of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019), as well as committing grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. Complainants charge Garin for unlawfully allowing the Atimonan coal plant project to proceed despite the coal moratorium, even as it did not fall under any of the exemptions, thereby risking serious harm to local communities and the environment.

‘Sec. Garin clearly violated her own Department’s coal moratorium when she conveniently greenlighted the Atimonan coal plant despite DOE’s previous decision to bar the long-stalled project due to the existing ban. Her approval bears the hallmarks of corruption by accommodating a project to the point of breaking existing regulations. Even the DOE’s Oct. 14, 2025 advisory, which expanded the exemptions to the coal moratorium, cannot be retroactively applied to justify the Atimonan coal plant project, although this seems to be Garin’s intention. In the face of ongoing protests and investigation into the flood control issue, Garin should be investigated for facilitating the endorsement and approval of projects supposedly banned by the government,’ said Atty. Aaron Pedrosa, PMCJ chief legal counsel.

Atty. Pedrosa added that the project also violates the Department of Health (DOH) – Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2021-0001, also known as Guidelines for the Operationalization of the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) Review Process for Development Projects, as the project proponent has yet to send an application for Health Impact Clearance Certificate.

‘Quezon Province is a coal corridor with five operating coal plants with a total capacity of 2,250 MW. It is burning the people’s health, livelihood, and future. We have been fighting against these environmentally degrading projects for decades now. Communities here deserve to breathe clean air. We will not stop fighting until they are held accountable. They need to rectify their decisions now and heed our call,’ said Ma. Luisa Opalda, one of the complainants and a resident of Atimonan.

The groups urge the Office of the Ombudsman to promptly act on the case filed to deter public officials from extending undue advantage to projects that may harm public welfare.

PMCJ, together with other concerned organizations, calls on the government to reaffirm its implementation of the coal moratorium, address the communities’ concerns about livelihood loss and health impacts, and hold those who enable the exacerbation of the climate crisis to account.

On Marathon Monday, New York didn’t come down from its high, it climbed even higher. A day after more than 59,000 runners thundered through five boroughs, the largest marathon in world history rose into the clouds.

The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon didn’t just break records, it broke altitude.

The four champions, Hellen Obiri, Benson Kipruto, Marcel Hug, and Susannah Scaroni, met the city they conquered 1,100 feet above it all, on the 92nd floor of Summit One Vanderbilt. Floor-to-ceiling glass, skyline endless, reflection upon reflection of four people who outlasted the world’s toughest city.

This year’s race was biblical in scale. 59,662 starters, 59,226 finishers. More than 132 countries. All 50 states, plus D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. Men, women, and nonbinary runners, all on the same course, the same day, the same story of pain turned to motion. 31,927 men, 27,156 women, and 143 nonbinary finishers, each a record in its own right. It was the second straight year New York Road Runners rewrote the global record books.

Hellen Obiri stood near the window, the skyline mirrored in her eyes. Her 2:19:51 wasn’t just a win, it was a resurrection of speed. A 22-year-old course record was erased. The Kenyan became only the eighth woman to repeat as New York champion. She didn’t shout. She didn’t flex. ‘New York rewards patience,’ she said quietly, as if speaking to the ghosts of Okayo and Grete Waitz.

Benson Kipruto leaned against the mirrored wall, calm after chaos. His 2:08:09 victory came by three hundredths of a second, the closest finish in the history of the men’s race. His New York debut, his fourth Abbott World Marathon Majors title after Boston, Chicago, and Tokyo.

Marcel Hug rolled in with the cool efficiency of someone who’s turned physics into religion. 1:30:16, seven wins. The Swiss star became an official NYRR ‘Streaker,’ having finished at least fifteen New York marathons. Across from him, Susannah Scaroni, her third New York title, second in a row, finished in 1:42:10, slicing nearly six minutes off her 2024 time. She beamed like she’d just rewritten her own story.

Somewhere below, the last stragglers were still celebrating. Among them, Koichi Kitabatake, 91, from Japan, who crossed in 7:25:13, Judith Sorn, 83, the oldest woman finisher, and Lio Connelly-Mendez, 21, the youngest nonbinary runner. The marathon, as ever, refused to discriminate by age, speed, or style. It only asks, can you keep moving?

By the time the cameras clicked at 11:05 a.m., the light hit right, gold spilling across the glass. The champions looked suspended in mid-air. Obiri adjusted her medal. Hug rested his gloved hands on his rims. Kipruto squinted at Park Avenue below, tracing the path he’d just conquered.

From this height, the 26.2 miles looked like a thread tying the city together. Staten Island to Central Park, pain to triumph, anonymity to glory. Every borough stitched into the same fabric of human motion.

For a few minutes, the marathon didn’t end, it just changed elevation. The city, exhausted and proud, stared back at its champions floating in light.

They didn’t need to run anymore. They’d already arrived.

BUILDING the country’s roads and railways proved to be the biggest source of jobs in the construction industry in 2022, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The agency’s latest Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry showed that the construction of roads and railways hired 98,198 workers that year, accounting for over a third of all workers in the sector.

The broader construction industry employed a total of 286,849 people in 2022, up 6.1 percent from the previous year’s 270,311. Almost all of them, or 99.8 percent, were paid employees.

Demolition and site preparation had the leanest workforce with only 3,063 people on record.

Metro Manila continued to be the country’s construction hub, accounting for 56 percent or 160,781 workers. It was followed by Calabarzon with 34,964 workers and Central Visayas with 19,747.

Firms in the construction sector employed an average of 128 workers each in 2022, up from 118 the year before.

Meanwhile, companies engaged in road and railway construction had the largest workforce per establishment, averaging 282 workers, followed by demolition and site preparation firms with 236.

Caraga recorded the highest average employment at 197 workers per establishment, while the National Capital Region followed closely with 188.

The PSA counted 2,239 construction firms nationwide in 2022, slightly fewer than the 2,293 tallied in 2021. The biggest slice came from companies engaged in building construction, which made up 44 percent of the total.

They were followed by firms handling electrical, plumbing, and other installation works, and then by road and railway builders. Only 13 companies were involved in demolition and site preparation.

Metro Manila also topped the count of establishments, hosting 856 or nearly two in every five construction firms in the country.

Workers in the sector received a combined P69.79 billion in compensation in 2022, equivalent to an average annual pay of P243,800 per worker. This was a 6 percent increase from 2021.

Total revenue reached P636.24 billion, up nearly 14 percent from the previous year. Expenses rose at the same pace to P554.87 billion, keeping the industry’s revenue-to-expense ratio steady at P1.15 for every peso spent.

The Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry is one of the PSA’s flagship data programs, designed to capture performance and employment trends across key sectors of the formal economy.

GOVERNMENT personnel are set to receive a year-end bonus and a P5,000 cash gift this November, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced.

In a statement, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the year-end bonus and P5,000 cash gift will be released with the first agency payroll of November 2025, pursuant to Budget Circular 2024-3.

For fiscal year 2025, the agency noted that a total of P63.69 billion has been allocated for the year-end bonus of civilian and military or uniformed personnel, and P9.24 billion for the cash gift, covering more than 1.85 million government workers.

The year-end bonus, equivalent to one month of basic pay as of October 31, and the P5,000 cash gift, are given annually to reward the hard work and dedication of government workers nationwide, the DBM said.

The agency said it ensures that all funds for the year-end bonus and cash gift have been comprehensively released at the start of the fiscal year, allowing agencies to process and credit the benefits without delay.

‘The DBM is one with the President in ensuring that our public servants feel the warmth of our Bagong Pilipinas. Pinapahalagahan po natin ang sipag at kahusayan ng ating mga lingkod-bayan. Kaya naman, sinisiguro nating maibibigay sa tamang oras ang kanilang mga benepisyo,’Pangandaman said.

‘We know how much government personnel look forward to this time of the year not just because it’s the season of giving, but because it’s a well-deserved recognition of their service and sacrifice,’ she added.

Under DBM rules, employees who have rendered at least four months of service from January 1, and are still in government service as of October 31, are entitled to the year-end bonus and cash gift.

As such, the DBM reminded all agencies to release the bonuses promptly and in accordance with existing budget circulars.

In a moment filled with pride and tears, 25-year-old Kenneth Calma, a production worker at Mekeni Food Corporation, walked across the stage to receive his diploma and medal as magna cum laude, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the Pampanga State University last August 12.

Behind the applause and academic honors lies a story of resilience, sacrifice, and a young man’s deep love for his family.

From factory floor to academic glory

For Kenneth, earning a college degree was not only a personal triumph-it was the fulfillment of his entire family’s dream. Born and raised in Balubad, Porac, he is the son of Rosito and Reyna Calma, a barangay tanod and a homemaker. Growing up with eight siblings, Kenneth knew early on that life would be difficult-but he also knew that hope would always keep them going.

His siblings worked hard to support the family: Linuel and Genesis served as house boys for Mekeni’s executives, Lito and Adrian Garcia; Merwin worked in the warehouse; and Jennica and Jivon joined the packaging section. His brother Rosito Jr., through the help of the Garcia family, earned a degree in Accountancy from Holy Angel University and became the family’s breadwinner until illness forced him to stop working. Kenneth’s twin, Kevin, was not able to finish his studies.

Amid these challenges, Kenneth made a promise to himself – to continue what others could not, and to change the course of their family’s life.

Juggling work, school, dreams

Even as a senior high school student, Kenneth was already working. He started as an on-call worker at Mekeni, doing odd jobs-sweeping floors, carrying goods, and even cleaning homes-just to earn extra income for the family.

In 2020, he became a regular employee at Mekeni as a checker in the packaging section. But when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2021, he resigned to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher. He enrolled at Don Honorio Ventura State University (now Pampanga State University) while still working part-time in Mekeni’s warehouse. By 2023, he returned to the company as a full-time production worker.

His daily routine was grueling: working from 6:00 P.M. to 2:30 A.M. sometimes longer, then heading straight to school for classes from 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Sleep was a luxury. There were times when exhaustion got the best of him, and he would doze off in class. Yet, despite the fatigue, Kenneth remained one of the top students. His professors saw his potential-and his perseverance.

Faith, family, and the fire to succeed

There were moments when Kenneth felt like giving up. He admitted that he initially hid his studies from his supervisor, fearing he might lose his job. But the thought of his mother’s dream-to have a teacher in the family-kept him going.

‘Wala po lahat ng ito kung wala ang nanay ko at pamilya ko. Lahat ng ginagawa ko ay para sa kanila. Gusto ko pong baguhin ang takbo ng buhay namin,’ he tearfully shared.

And indeed, he did. After years of sleepless nights, long shifts, and endless sacrifices, Kenneth proudly graduated Magna Cum Laude-a success not only for himself but for his entire family, community, and the company that believed in him.

The Mekeni family: More than just an employer

Kenneth expressed deep gratitude to Mekeni Food Corporation, which provided not just employment but encouragement and moral support.

‘Sobrang thankful po ako. Kung wala ang Mekeni, baka hindi po ako nakapagtapos. Malaki po ang naging bahagi nila sa buhay ko,’ he said.

Pruds Garcia, President of Mekeni, lauded Kenneth’s achievement:

‘Kenneth’s story is a testament to perseverance and the power of community. At Mekeni, we strive to offer not just jobs, but opportunities for personal and professional growth. We are proud to have been part of his journey.’

He added, ‘Ang tagumpay ni Kenneth ay tagumpay ng bawat Mekeni employee na nangangarap. We celebrate not just his academic success, but the courage it took to pursue it.’

A message to dreamers

During his graduation, Kenneth stood proudly beside his parents, Rosito and Reyna, who beamed with pride. Their son-once a factory worker who juggled jobs and classes -had finally made it.

To those who dream of breaking the cycle of hardship, Kenneth has this message:

‘Kung gusto mo talaga ang isang bagay, paghihirapan mo ‘yon. Habang bata ka, mag-aral ka. Hindi habang buhay malakas tayo.’

His story reminds us all that nothing is impossible when fueled by hard work, patience, and faith.

So, if you are reading this and carrying the weight of your family’s hopes-keep going. Like Kenneth, you too can turn the tables. You too can rise.