ORMOC CITY-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) and Leyte 2nd DEO, together forming Cluster 4, bagged the 3rd runner-up trophy in the overall standing of the prestigious DPWH 125th Anniversary: “Makasaysayang Daan Tungo sa Maunlad na Kinabukasan” held on June 22-23, 2023 at the DPWH Region 8 grounds.
During the sportsfest championship games, Cluster 4 athletes demonstrated their skills, prowess and competitive spirit, achieving 1st runner-up position in badminton as well as table tennis. The highlight of the cluster’s accomplishment came in the basketball tournament where the team showcased their strategic play and dominance on the court, earning them the coveted championship title.
In addition to the sporting events, the DEO also participated in the Dance Fusion competition. Furthermore, the much-anticipated Mr. and Ms. DPWH pageant witnessed the elegance and charisma of Leyte 4th DEO representatives from Planning and Design Section, Kyle Miguel Pore and Engr. Dixie Jell Romo wherein the latter secured the 1st runner-up position of Ms. DPWH on top of the Ms. Congeniality title.
The success of the DEO during this event highlights the talent and dedication present within the organization and reflects on the commitment of DPWH in promoting a culture of excellence. (PR)
Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda and B/Gen. Noel Vestuir, the commanding officer of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, extended their congratulations to the 88 newly-hired Cafgu members. (802nd IB)
Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda and B/Gen. Noel Vestuir, the commanding officer of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, extended their congratulations to the 88 newly-hired Cafgu members. (802nd IB)
Barangay Campesao, Borongan City, Eastern Samar – The 78th Infantry (WARRIOR) Battalion, 8ID, PA conducted the Joint Closing Ceremony of the CAA-II Basic Military Training (BMT) Classes 4 and 5 composed of 88 civilian volunteers (CVs) coming from Borongan City and adjacent municipalities.
The activity was held at the Headquarters of 78IB in Barangay Lalawigan, Borongan City, Eastern Samar on July 04, 2023 which was graced by Hon. Jose Ivan Dayan C. Agda, City Mayor of Borongan, who served as the guest of honor and speaker.
Present also in the event were Brigadier General Noel A. Vestuir, commander of 802nd Infantry (PEERLESS) Brigade; Col Rico O. Amaro, deputy commander of 802nd Brigade; Lieutenant Colonel Allan T. Tria, commanding officer of 78IB; Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto R. Dela Rosa Jr., commandant of the 8th Division Training School; and families and friends of the graduating Cafgus.
The CAA Basic Military Training is aimed to physically and mentally prepare the CAFGUs to perform their duties as auxiliary force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Upon graduation, they will report to their respective CAA patrol bases and use their knowledge and skills as defenders of their communities which were once influenced by communist terrorists. They will form part of the Integrated Territorial Defence System (ITDS) in the cleared areas.
The ITDS serves as a physical and psychological barrier against the expansion and recovery efforts of the CPP-NPA-NDF terrorists.
According to Brig. Gen. Vestuir, 802nd Infantry Brigade Commander, “With the completion of the training of these 88 young and able-bodied men, we have additional warm bodies that could be deployed to support our campaign of ending the local communist armed conflict.
With additional CAAs, we can now expand our operational reach, we can now secure more communities, and more development projects will be implemented in the areas that were already cleared of CPP-NPA-NDF terrorists’ influence.
Vestuir also expressed his confidence that the new CAFGUs will significantly contribute in finally ending the local communist armed conflict that has been tormenting the region for more than half a century.
He also reminded the fresh graduates to use their “warrior” mentality and skills that they acquired during the rigorous training to deliver a huge blow to the peace spoilers. He also added the imperatives in the military service which is to uphold the highest level of discipline while respecting the people’s rights as they serve our communities.
“Your courage, love of country, and patriotism are investments that the people of Borongan and Eastern Samar rely on in order to accelerate the elusive sustainable development and lasting peace that they desire for their communities” Vestuir added.
Meanwhile, Mayor Agda assured his full support to the CAFGUs as they perform their duties of securing the people and communities. He said he will increase their pay and provide other incentives as gratitude for their sacrifices and dedication of serving the people of Borongan City.
With this, he expects that they will be able to fulfill their duties to help the local government in maintaining peace and order for them to deliver the needed services to their constituents especially in communities formerly infiltrated by the NPA. (PR)
CARIGARA, Leyte– The mayor of this town delivered his first State of the Municipality Address (Soma) on July 1, reporting the accomplishments of his administration last year.
Mayor Eduardo Ong, Jr. said that under his leadership, several infrastructure projects were made, benefiting his constituents in the process.
Mayor Eduardo Ong, Jr.
He said that these projects include those funded by the municipal government and the national government.
These projects include farm-to-market roads, health centers, a potable water system, a public comfort room, a covered court, drainage canal, daycare center, road widening, and a multi-purpose building, among others.
Ong also said that all of the 49 barangays of the town were given cash assistance of P200,000 to help them fund their chosen projects.
During his term, Carigara received the 2022 DILG Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping from the Department of Interior and Local Government; for disaster risk reduction in health systems from the Department of Health, and increasing their annual revenue from P13 million last year to P25 million for this year. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
MANILA– Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 23, a semiannual Philippine-U.S. military exercise focused on mutual defense, strengthening relationships, and rehearsing emerging aviation concepts, is scheduled to take place in the Philippines from July 6-21.
Philippine and U.S. service members will conduct a range of interoperability training events consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement. Scheduled training includes live fire events, bilateral air assaults, and airfield seizures, joint forward arming and refueling, and other aviation support operations. This training will enhance cooperation and interoperability between Philippine and U.S. forces, as the countries continue to reinforce their commitment to each other as friends, partners, and Allies.
“MASA 23 facilitates the collaborative development of aviation, ground, and logistics related capabilities. This exercise serves as a testament to the enduring partnership between the Philippines and the U.S., strengthening our ties and enhancing capabilities between our nations,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Brodie, Commander of I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).
Philippine and U.S. forces will also partner for a variety of subject matter expertise exchanges across a variety of military activities, including expeditionary refueling, aerial casualty evacuation, water purification, health services, close air support, aviation safety, and more. Bringing Philippine and U.S. service members together for exercises like MASA develops lifelong friendships and connections that strengthen the partnership between both countries and increases regional peace and stability.
“By sharing knowledge and skills in air operations, live-fire events, and dozens of other training evolutions, we deepen our partnership and contribute to regional peace and stability, promoting a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” Brodie said. (PR)
Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez said that contrary to the claims of some mayors, he has allotted funds to various programs and projects in the third district, amounting to over P5.2 billion in all for this year alone.
Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez said that contrary to the claims of some mayors, he has allotted funds to various programs and projects in the third district, amounting to over P5.2 billion in all for this year alone.
TACLOBAN CITY– Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez strongly denied allegations that he has not implemented projects in some municipalities under his congressional district.
According to Gomez, who represents Leyte’s fourth district, he finds the allegation not only without basis but unfair considering that this comes from some mayors of the district.
“When you are a public official, you have to be very careful with your statements. You just can’t lie in front of the people just to get the attention. You can be held accountable,” the solon said in a press conference here on Wednesday (July 5).
The fourth congressional district of Leyte covers the city of Ormoc and the municipalities of Albuera, Matag-ob, Kananga, Palompon, Merida, and Isabel.
Rep. Gomez particularly mentioned Mayor Ramon Onate of Palompon who alleged to have said that no projects were implemented by his office.
He said that projects worth over P550 million have been implemented or ongoing projects that will directly benefit the people of Palompon.
The amount of these projects, Gomez, is almost 10 times higher than the development fund of the local government.
The town, it was learned, has only a P45 million development fund allocation for this year.
“Even with a P5 million project for a small municipality like Palompon it can be felt already, what more if it is more than half a billion pesos,” Gomez said.
Gomez said that there are five ongoing projects, one project completed in Palompon funded by his office with three remaining projects funded by regional projects.
For the municipality of Albuera, there are 4 completed projects, 12 ongoing projects, one ongoing project from the regional office, one not yet started, and one suspended project.
For Matag-ob, one project was completed, two are ongoing projects and one has not yet started.
For Kananga, there are two completed projects, six are on-going and two have not yet started.
For Isabel, four projects are ongoing, and one was completed.
For Merida, six projects were already completed, five are ongoing and two projects have not yet started
As of July 3,2023, an overall total of P5.77 billion was released for 106 various projects in the district.
And out of the overall total, 5 of which amounting to P517 million are regional projects while the 101 amounting to P5.25 billion are funded under Leyte’s 4th district.
To date, 10 projects are completed, 72 are ongoing, 12 are suspended and 12 have not yet started.
Gomez said that the huge amount he is pouring to the fourth district is a result of his hard work, his constant communication with leaders of the different agencies, and even from senators. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
Chinese battleships have been a frequent presence in the disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea (WPS), refusing to leave despite increasing tensions with neighboring countries. This is a testament to China’s determination to assert its territorial claims and establish its dominance in the region, even if it means claiming other countries’ territories.
It is important to comprehend China’s long-standing historical and cultural ties to the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. From ancient times, China has viewed this area as an integral part of its territory, based on historical claims and geopolitical interests. China’s deep-rooted sense of nationalism and historical perception supposedly guide its actions in maintaining a strong naval presence in the disputed waters.
China’s intelligence and comprehension of international politics play a crucial role in its decision to keep its battle ships in the WPS. China is aware of the potential strategic advantages that arise from controlling this region, as it encompasses lucrative maritime resources and vital sea lanes. By maintaining a constant military presence, China seeks to secure its economic and energy interests, as well as project its power and influence over neighboring countries involved in the dispute.
Moreover, China’s regard of the power dynamics at play is significant in understanding its refusal to leave the disputed waters. China’s rise as a global superpower has empowered it to challenge the dominance of other countries, particularly the United States. By showcasing its military might in the WPS, China aims to demonstrate its autonomy and ability to protect its interests regardless of international pressure. This behavior underscores China’s strategic thinking and its awareness of its role in shaping the balance of power in the region.
The continued presence of Chinese battleships in the disputed waters demonstrates their historical and cultural claims to the region, their understanding of international politics, and their comprehension of the power dynamics at play. As tensions in the area persist, a nuanced understanding of China’s motivations and objectives is crucial. The problem is, China for its part doesn’t take other claimants’ sentiments into consideration.
