ORMOC CITY– Two individuals, one of whom was a minor, lost their lives in a drowning incident while swimming at Gandara River in Barangay Burabod II, Gandara, Samar last Friday (Feb.23) at about 4:45 pm.
The victims were identified as “Nonoy,” 20 and, “Karkar,” aged 12 and a Grade VI pupil, both residents of Brgy. Burabod II.
Local authorities responded promptly to a call from concerned citizens reporting the drowning incident.
Upon arrival at the scene, they found the two victims undergoing resuscitation by local rescuers who were applying CPR. Subsequently, the victims were transported to the rural health unit for further medical attention.
Preliminary investigation conducted by responding police revealed that the two victims were swimming in the river when they encountered strong currents. Despite their attempts to reach the riverbank, they were unsuccessful.
Following a search and retrieval operation conducted by the Gandara Emergency Response Unit, the lifeless bodies of the victims were found approximately a kilometer away from their last known location.
At the request of their grieving family members, the bodies of the victims were brought back to their respective residences. (ROBERT DEJON)
Coach Mark Anthony E. Ochea, LPT Program Director of Ochea Basketball Academy Head Coach of GREEN BULLS Basketball
Coach Mark Anthony E. Ochea, LPT Program Director of Ochea Basketball Academy Head Coach of GREEN BULLS Basketball
TACLOBAN CITY-The province of Leyte, in partnership with Basketball Coach and Program Director of OCHEA BASKETBALL ACADEMY Mr. Mark Anthony E. Ochea in cooperation with Gov. Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla, is proud to announce the upcoming National Youth Basketball League Region 8, presented by the province of Leyte and powered by Ringless Sports.
The National Youth Basketball League is scheduled to take place from June 3 to June 27, 2024, at the Leyte Provincial Capitol Gymnasium in Tacloban City.
The National Youth Basketball Championship Region 8 promises to be an electrifying showcase of top-tier basketball talent from other regions and Region 8.
Young athletes from across the country will converge in Tacloban City to compete for the prestigious championship title, representing their respective, ball clubs, schools, and communities with pride and determination.
“We are thrilled to bring the National Youth Basketball League Region 8 here in Tacloban City,” said Coach Mark Anthony E. Ochea. “This tournament not only provides a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills but also promotes character, discipline, excellence, sportsmanship, camaraderie, and youth development.”
In addition to exciting basketball action, the NYBL Region 8 will feature various basketball highlights aimed at promoting youth engagement and character development. Spectators can expect thrilling matchups, halftime performances, interactive fan zones, and opportunities to meet and interact with their local basketball idols.
“We are really excited to bring NATIONAL YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE and Ringless Sports here in our region,” said Coach Mark Anthony E. Ochea, Program Director of OCHEA BASKETBALL ACADEMY and Head Coach of GREEN BULLS BASKETBALL. “Together, we are committed by providing young athletes with a platform and an avenue to pursue their basketball dreams and showcase their talents on a regional and national stage.”
Media representatives are invited to cover the National Youth Basketball League Region 8 and share the inspiring stories of these young athletes with their audiences. For press inquiries, interview requests, and media accreditation, please contact Mark Anthony E. Ochea at +639684568503.
Join us as we celebrate the spirit of basketball and the next generation of basketball stars at the National Youth Basketball League Region 8 in Tacloban City!
For more information and updates, please visit or follow us on social media @ https://www.facebook.com/NYBLPilipinasregion8: https://www.facebook.com/Ocheabasketballacademy (PR)
MASS WEDDING. Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez of the Tingog party-list group acted as ‘ninang’ during a mass wedding involving 452 couples held at Fernwood Gardens in Quezon City. The lady solon also gave as her gift to the newly-wed couples P3,000 and grocery pack.(MIKO NOVENO)
MASS WEDDING. Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez of the Tingog party-list group acted as ‘ninang’ during a mass wedding involving 452 couples held at Fernwood Gardens in Quezon City. The lady solon also gave as her gift to the newly-wed couples P3,000 and grocery pack.(MIKO NOVENO)
QUEZON CITY– In a day filled with love and unity, Fernwood Gardens, this city, bore witness to the union of a total of 452 couples in a mass wedding event.
This heartwarming initiative was spearheaded by Tingog party-list’s Cong. Yedda Romualdez, who not only organized the event, but also generously served as a major sponsor or “ninang”.
The event, aimed at providing financial and legal support to couples, was graced by notable personalities and community leaders.
During the morning ceremony, 216 couples exchanged vows in the presence of community leaders including Rep. Yedda Romualdez of the Tingog party-list, Rep. Maria Victoria “Marivic” Co-Pilar of the 6th District of Quezon City, Quezon City Councilor Emmanuel Banjo A. Pilar, and other city councilors.
The emphasis on collaboration and support from the local government and congressional representatives was highlighted.
The afternoon ceremony was equally memorable, with 236 pairs committing to everlasting love.
Notable attendees witnessing this celebration included Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog party-list, Rep. Maria Victoria “Marivic” Co-Pilar, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Councilor Emmanuel Banjo A. Pilar, and other councilors.
This ceremony continued the celebration of love and unity while honoring the support and dedication of local leaders to their constituents.
In her role as a major sponsor, Rep. Yedda Romualdez went above and beyond by personally providing cash gifts worth P3,000 to each of the newlywed couples, in addition to grocery baskets.
This generous gesture not only added to the joy of the couples’ special day but also demonstrated a deep commitment to supporting their initial steps towards building their new lives together.
In her inspirational speech, Rep. Yedda Romualdez shared profound insights into marriage. “Sa bawat hakbang at desisyon, magkatuwang kami,” she articulated, emphasizing the importance of partnership and cooperation in a marriage. Her words resonated with the couples, providing them with a meaningful perspective on building a life together.
The mass wedding in Quezon City was not just an event to formalize unions but also an opportunity to emphasize community support for those in need.
As part of the event, each of the 452 couples received significant support from Cong. Yedda and other leaders, showcasing the strong community spirit and the commitment of the local government to foster family values and social welfare.
It was a day filled with joy, hope, and the promise of new beginnings for over 450 couples, all set against the backdrop of one of the city’s most beautiful gardens.
As the newlyweds embark on their journey together, they carry with them not just the blessings of their loved ones but also the support of their community and leaders, ready to face life’s challenges hand in hand. (PR)
ORMOC CITY – In a commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous development, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) recently completed a third-party surveillance audit conducted by SOCOTEC Certification Philippines, Inc. (SCPI), a globally recognized certification and compliance company.
The audit, led by system auditors Mark Allan Balbarino and Anna Theresa Manlangit, aimed to assess the effectiveness of the DEO’s Quality Management System in conformance with the requirements of the International Standard Organization (ISO) 9001:2015. The audit’s itinerary went through Top Management, Construction Section, Quality Assurance Section, Finance Section, and Planning and Design Section.
Despite some observations, no non-conformities were identified, highlighting the office’s strengths while providing opportunities for further improvement.(PR)
ORMOC CITY –The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office successfully completes and turns over the Construction of One-unit, Two-classroom School Building at Dr. Geronimo B. Zaldivar Memorial School of Fisheries in Brgy. Poblacion, Albuera, Leyte.
With an aim to improve the overall learning experience, the new building addresses space constraints and accommodates the increasing demand for classrooms of the growing student population. The inclusion of comfort rooms, a handwashing area, and other necessary utilities such as electrical and lighting installations ensures a conducive environment for the students and teachers alike.
Funded through the Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF), the project has a contract amount of Php 4,937,623.80. (PR)
TACLOBAN CITY– A hefty penalty of about P500,000 will be imposed on agencies that will not accept the national identification card as a valid proof of identity with no valid reason.
This was disclosed by Wilma Perante, the regional director of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), during a recent media briefing.
Perante said that this is based on the Republic Act 11055 or the PhilSys Act, wherein penalties ranging from P50,000 up to P5 million are penalized to people or entities that commit crimes related to the Philippine Identification (PhilID).
Earlier, several establishments, including government offices, were reported to not accept or recognize the PSA—issued ID.
Perante added that the law states that the national ID will serve as the official government-issued identification document for national government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations, government financial institutions, and all private sector entities
The PSA official further states that the national ID is one of the 4 primary identification documents and is enough and valid proof of identity. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
