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DOH assures enough meds to fight schistosomiasis in E. Visayas

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TACLOBAN CITY – Residents in areas endemic to schistosomiasis are assured of sufficient stocks of praziquantel tablets to combat schistosomiasis in four provinces of the Eastern Visayas region, the Department of Health (DOH) regional office here said on Tuesday.

There are still over 116,000 tablets stored at the DOH regional office in Palo, Leyte, while thousands of tablets are ready for administration in provinces, cities, and towns, said Flor Jimenez, DOH regional schistosomiasis program manager, in a phone interview.

“These inventories are the medicines not used last year with an expiration date of 2025. We encourage everyone living in endemic areas to take this medicine. This life-saving and effective treatment is free,” Jimenez told the Philippine News Agency.

“If we need more, we can request more medicines from our central office to support our mass drug administration activities,” she added.

The official made the assurance after the reported non-availability of praziquantel tablets in rural health units in 2022 and some parts of 2023.

The official admitted that fighting the disease was not prioritized during the pandemic since government resources were focused on battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

The target is to cover at least 85 percent of the exposed population every year in mass drug treatment.

In the region, nearly one million people remained exposed to chronic parasitic disease.
The disease, also known as snail fever, is endemic in 897 villages in 63 towns and cities in Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar provinces.

The DOH emphasizes the importance of treatment as the country celebrates schistosomiasis awareness and mass drug administration month this January.

The health department defines schistosomiasis as an acute and chronic disease caused by parasitic worms called trematodes or blood flukes.

The most common symptoms of the disease are abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stool, and liver enlargement.

Transmission occurs when people suffering from schistosomiasis contaminate freshwater sources with their feces containing parasite eggs, which hatch in the water.

The first epidemic of schistosomiasis in the region occurred among Americans and Allied forces after landing in Leyte during World War II in 1944.
(SARWELL Q. MENIANO/PNA)

Leyte 4th DEO undergoes equipment and vehicles inspection

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ORMOC CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) recently welcomed a visit from the Equipment Management Division of the DPWH Regional Office to conduct an inspection focusing on the upkeep and cleanliness of equipment and vehicles within the DEO’s jurisdiction.

The inspectorate team checked Leyte 4th DEO’s essential documents including trip tickets, equipment logbooks, updated Land Transportation Office (LTO) registration and insurance records, updated property acknowledgment receipts, driver’s licenses as well as ensuring the DPWH Logo and plate numbers are visible on the vehicles.

Additionally, a thorough inventory check of the DEO’s equipment holdings was carried out to ensure accuracy and compliance with protocols.

This initiative underscores the Department’s dedication to responsible management of resources, fostering transparency, and upholding the integrity of its operations. (PR)

Police identified decomposing body of a woman in Baybay City

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ORMOC CITY– The police in Baybay City has now identified the woman earlier found to be in a state of decomposition.

The woman, named Maribeth Escuadra, was identified through her sister, Fe Escuadra, the city police said.

To recall, the dead body of Maribeth was found in a forested area of sitio Tuy-an, Barangay Claridad in Baybay City on Jan.10.

The victim was a resident of Brgy. Daanlungsod, Bato, also in Leyte.

The police disclosed that based on the conduct of an in-depth investigation it was found out the principal suspect in the killing of the victim was her live-in partner identified as Cresencio Donayre.

The police said that last Thursday (Jan. 11), the sister of the victim went to their station and revealed that the suspect and the victim left their home at about 9:30 am on January 8. It was the last time that both the victim and the suspect were seen alive.

However, the Baybay police said that about 8 pm on Thursday, an investigator from Isabel, Leyte police office, Police Staff Sergeant Januis Anthony Machica, called to inform that the suspect committed suicide in a hinterland portion of Sitio Caimito, Brgy. Putingbato, Isabel.

The suspect admitted that he killed his live-in partner Escuadra saying he was betrayed.
It is not clear, however, why the dead body of the victim was found in Brgy. Claridad.
(ROBERT DEJON)

Larrazabal-Gimenez elected as new Liga ng mga Barangay prexy in Leyte

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Martina ‘Ina’ Gimenez was elected as the president of the Liga ng mga Barangay-Leyte, making her an ex-officio member of the provincial board. Photo shows Gimenez with Governor Carlo Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla(center)and Rep. Carl Cari (5th district) during the Liga’s election held in Baybay City on Jan.12. (Photo Courtesy, Rep. Carl Cari)

Running unopposed

Martina ‘Ina’ Gimenez was elected as the president of the Liga ng mga Barangay-Leyte, making her an ex-officio member of the provincial board. Photo shows Gimenez with Governor Carlo Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla(center)and Rep. Carl Cari (5th district) during the Liga’s election held in Baybay City on Jan.12. (Photo Courtesy, Rep. Carl Cari)

TACLOBAN CITY – The newly-elected president of the Liga ng mga Barangay in Leyte, Martina “Ina” Larrazabal-Gimenez, disclosed that she would focus on the welfare of barangays.

Gimenez clinched the post without any opposition during the Liga’s election on Jan.12 held in Baybay City. She will serve in her position until 2025.

“I would like to appeal and advise to our barangay chairman to focus more on the work and the development of each every barangay under them,” she said during an interview.
Gimenez is the wife of Use. Mark Roa Gimenez, the Presidential Management Staff for the Visayas and sister of former elections commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal.

The Liga official added that she hopes to visit all the 1,393 villages in the province to personally see the situation of the people in the community and how she could help the barangay officials in looking after the welfare of their constituents.

She also expressed her support for the proposed bill on the salary standardization of all barangay officials which is still pending in Congress.

“Having that standard pay to our barangay officials will be beneficial to them,” Gimenez said.

Under the law, barangay officials are not entitled to receive a salary instead they are receiving honoraria with no fixed rate.

The Local Government Code of the Philippines mandates that an honorarium for barangay chairmen should not be less than P1,000 and P600 for the kagawad. This compensation was adjusted through Executive Order No. 332 series of 1996.

“Currently, our barangays are dependent on the national tax allocation (NTA). If you have a small allocation, you have a small budget, (while) those with a big share have bigger budget. What I’m more focused is the small barangays with small budgets. They only have minimal honorarium that we give them that is why it is better to have a standard for everyone just like in the municipality,” Gimenez explained.

“We are all barangay officials, we are all barangay chairman, so dapat pareho lang,” she added.

Based on the 4th tranche of the modified salary schedule for local government personnel or the Department of Budget and Management Circular No. 149 issued in 2023 maximum compensation barangay officials ranges from P21, 998 to P33, 843 for barangay captains depending on the class of the municipalities or cities they are elected.

Barangay kagawad or councilor’s honoraria ranges from P15, 064 to P23, 176.
Barangay officials are also entitled to a Christmas bonus, insurance coverage, free hospitalization, free tuition, civil service eligibility based on the number of years they served in the barangay, and preference of appointment to any government position.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

China’s threat

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China’s increasing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region has raised concerns among its neighboring countries, prompting discussions about when this perceived threat might cease. What are China’s motivations and geopolitical objectives, and how do its Asian neighbors respond? Surely, there must be factors contributing to China’s perceived threat against its Asian neighbors.

Historical perspective and perceived grievances play a crucial role in shaping its foreign policy and approach towards its Asian neighbors. The country’s historical experiences, including its territorial disputes with Japan, Taiwan, and neighboring Southeast Asian nations, have fueled a sense of nationalism and a desire for regional dominance. Furthermore, China’s rapid economic growth and strengthening military capabilities have emboldened its leaders to assert their influence in the region.

Territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas have been a significant source of tension with its Asian neighbors. Beijing’s assertive actions, such as island-building, maritime patrols, and establishment of new air defense zones, have heightened concerns regarding its intentions and potential military expansionism. The increasing number of bilateral and multilateral disputes over territorial claims and resources exacerbates the apprehensions felt by regional countries. As long as these disputes persist, China’s perceived threat against its Asian neighbors is likely to continue.

China’s actions have prompted its Asian neighbors to undertake various responses aimed at safeguarding their national interests. Enhanced defense cooperation, expanding military capabilities, strengthening diplomatic ties with external powers, and engaging in joint military exercises are some of the measures taken by countries such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Their responses demonstrate a collective effort to uphold regional stability and deter potential Chinese aggression.

Determining when China’s perceived threat against its Asian neighbors may cease is a complex issue, given the multifaceted motivations behind its assertiveness and the responses from its neighboring countries. The future trajectory will depend on China’s adherence to international norms and rules-based order, as well as the collective response from its Asian neighbors. Achieving a peaceful and stable regional environment necessitates open dialogue, cooperation, and the pursuit of mutual interests between China and its Asian counterparts.

Are they real?

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DOMS PAGLIAWAN

Paranormal occurrences, also known as supernatural phenomena, have long fascinated and perplexed humanity. Despite skepticism and a lack of verifiable evidence, a multitude of accounts and personal experiences continue to claim the existence of paranormal phenomena. I for one have had such experiences since my childhood, hence my confirmation of it.

Defining paranormal occurrences is challenging due to the range of subjective experiences encompassed within this broad term. Ghosts, psychic abilities, UFO sightings, and telepathic experiences are among the phenomena attributed to the realm of the paranormal. However, the lack of a standardized definition makes it difficult to investigate these phenomena scientifically. This inherent ambiguity raises the question of whether paranormal occurrences can be objectively studied or remain merely subjective experiences.

The bulk of paranormal evidence relies on personal testimonials and anecdotes, which are often dismissed by skeptics as unreliable due to inherent biases and misinterpretation. However, the sheer volume of such accounts cannot be discounted without consideration. The credibility of these experiences becomes more complex when multiple seemingly independent witnesses report similar events. While testimonies alone are insufficient to prove the reality of paranormal occurrences, they challenge our understanding of the nature of subjective experiences and offer valuable insights for further examination.

Scientific methodologies play a crucial role in investigating paranormal phenomena.

however, the scientific method itself is built upon empirical evidence, which is often difficult to obtain when studying paranormal occurrences. Traditional scientific frameworks struggle to accommodate phenomena that elude conventional explanations. Nevertheless, notable scientists have dedicated time and resources to studying these phenomena, suggesting the need for alternative approaches to understanding the nuances of paranormal experiences.
Skeptics often attribute paranormal occurrences to psychological and sociological factors such as hallucinations, suggestibility, or the need for a sense of transcendence. The human mind’s inherent complexity and the influence of cultural beliefs undoubtedly shape individuals’ experiences. However, it is crucial to consider whether such explanations can account for the breadth and persistence of paranormal reports across various times, places, and cultures.

While the majority of paranormal phenomena can be attributed to natural or psychological causes, a small fraction remains unexplained. These cases present an intriguing opportunity for further exploration and potential breakthroughs. By approaching them with an interdisciplinary mindset and integrating insights from various scientific disciplines, the academic community may begin to unravel the mysteries surrounding paranormal phenomena.

The reality of paranormal occurrences remains a deep enigma that defies conventional scientific explanations. Although paranormal claims vary in credibility, a careful evaluation of testimonies, alongside scientific exploration, can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the phenomena. Dispelling preconceived notions, adopting an open-minded approach, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations may pave the way towards solving the puzzle of paranormal occurrences, elucidating the mysteries of our world, and stretching the boundaries of our knowledge.

It is easy to dismiss paranormal claims as nothing but products of imagination—that’s according to critics. But to those who experienced these themselves, it’s not that easy, for how can they deny something that they have personally witnessed? In my case, for example, how can I convince myself and the people I was with during those occurrences that the same didn’t happen? Why should I be lying to myself if these were not true at all? Even the Bible itself confirms that beings responsible for paranormal activities do exist.

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