Ethel Mae Gabutina is a compelling voice in Mindanaoan social commentary, known for her incisive analysis and a deeply rooted commitment to civic discourse. As a columnist and social critic, she moves beyond the headlines to explore the underlying currents of local governance, public policy, and the cultural shifts shaping Northern Mindanao. Her writing is characterized by a balance of sharp scrutiny and community empathy, often challenging established narratives to advocate for transparency and marginalized voices. Whether dissecting the intricacies of legislative probes or reflecting on the evolving identity of the modern Kagay-anon, Ethel Mae provides a platform for critical thought and meaningful dialogue. Through her opinion pieces, she invites readers to look closer at the world around them, making her one of the region’s most consistent and thought-provoking commentators.
183 stories
There are things you learn to tolerate after thirty-four years in the corporate world. Pressure is one of them—pressure from targets, deadlines, clients, and from people several organizational boxes above you who have suddenly discovered that a number on a report is not moving in the preferred direction. These are occupational hazards. You learn to live with them.
Picture a bustling household where Ma and Pa are supposed to oversee the family’s well-being — planning the budget, keeping everyone on track, and occasionally reminding the children that dirty socks do not walk themselves to the laundry basket.
Money is often called the root of all evil. I think it’s a witness. Not the accused. Not the judge.
"Real pain rarely calls a press conference." An incisive reflection on how emotional theater in the Senate has alienated a public that knows what genuine suffering looks like.
What began as a harmless personal signature has evolved into full-scale political interior decorating financed entirely by your local public budget.
Long-distance communication tools are increasingly acting as critical support systems for adult friend groups managing geographical separation, career changes, and early health transitions.
Five youth fatalities within a short timeline demonstrate that systemic negligence is frequently mislabeled as an unavoidable accident to shield institutional managers.
I never became a psychologist, yet I’ve spent 34 years studying people. From the bank to the boardroom, I realized my degree wasn't wasted—it was the foundation for understanding the human behavior that drives business.
Ambition doesn’t expire. A look at why society treats adult education at 55 as an anomaly instead of a milestone.
This commentary exposes the machinery behind social media troll armies, exploring how anonymous accounts and curated images are used to fake public outrage and hide malicious intent.