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Samar gov’t, ex-rebels sign pact to end insurgency

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TACLOBAN CITY – The Samar provincial government and three peacebuilders’ groups consisting of former communist rebels signed a pact to completely eradicate insurgency in the province.

Governor Sharee Ann Tan, chair of the Samar provincial task force to end local communist armed conflict (PTF-ELCAC), said on Friday the task force recently signed a pact with officers of three peacebuilders’ groups in the towns of Basey, San Jose de Buan, and Villareal towns.

The government has labeled former rebels as peacebuilders and formed them into associations.

“We are happy that these former NPA (New People’s Army) rebels have decided to support the government and we are just here to support them. Let us help them change their views about the government,” Tan told reporters.

The agreement consists of the different responsibilities of the peacebuilders and the PTF-ELCAC member agencies.

Among the roles of the peacebuilders are ensuring that the NPA will no longer be able to recruit new members, encouraging active NPA members to surrender, and supporting government programs on ending insurgency.

“The PTF-ELCAC, on the other hand, adhered to its task of providing the benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and Local Social Integration Program (LSIP), provide livelihood assistance and capacity development training to the peacebuilders, and ensure the continuous delivery of social services, among others,” the governor said.

The task force and officers of group of former rebels signed the memorandum of agreement on June 5, at the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division headquarters in Catbalogan City.

In 2020, an agreement was entered into by then governor Reynolds Michael Tan and the officers of Calbiga, Pinabacdao, and Motiong- Paranas peacebuilder groups.
The provincial task force, through its local peace engagement panel, is set to continue localized peace dialogues with other groups from other towns, “with the intention of closing an agreement in pursuit of ending insurgency and sustaining the gains of peace,” according to the provincial government.

On June 5, a total of 41 former rebels received their financial package from the LSIP of the provincial government.

Through the LSIP, the local government allotted funds for cash assistance and provided other services to former communist terrorist group members as they return to the folds of the law.

The benefits are on top of the other assistance provided through the E-CLIP program.
For the LSIP, a former NPA combatant receives P25,000 as immediate assistance, P50,000 livelihood assistance, and P25,000 per firearm surrendered.

Every former Militia ng Bayan member is entitled to P10,000 immediate assistance, and a P25,000 cash reward for every firearm surrendered.

Each mass supporter will receive financial assistance of P1,000 under LSIP.

(SARWELL Q. MENIANO/PNA)

Mayors extend conciliatory moves to Rep. Gomez amid alleged snub on them

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MATAG-OB, Leyte– Mayors in the fourth district are just too willing to work with their congressional representative, Richard Gomez.

By working with Rep. Gomez, it is their respective constituents that will benefit and not them, they said.

The mayors that are extending their willingness to work and cooperate with Rep. Gomez are Ramon Oñate of Palompon, Edgar Cordeño of Isabel, and Bernandino Tacoy of this town.

The three mayors, in a press conference on June 8, said that they have a form an alliance not to fight with the congressman but to promote and boost their respective tourism industries.

“We will stop politics, we will stop vendetta and we will buckle down to work and will try to help our constituents,” Mayor Oñate.

Oñate appeared recently before the House of Representatives after a complaint was filed by Rep. Gomez alleging that his dressing plant is causing ‘foul odors’ and putting up a waste disposal to a protected area.

Mayor Cordeño, for his part, reminded Gomez of his function as a legislator.

“Be professional enough in handling your position. As a congressman, you know your duty is to enact law, you’re not there to execute the law, you’re not there to interpret the law,” he said.

Mayor Tacoy of his town likewise made a conciliatory call to Rep. Gomez saying extending help to their towns will directly benefit the ordinary people.

“Help us….for the benefit of our constituents,” he said.

The three local chief executives disclosed that Rep. Gomez is giving them the cold shoulder and has not consulted them on projects or programs being implemented at their respective towns.

Gomez could not be contacted for his reactions on this claim of the mayors.

(ROBERT DEJON)

Tiopes: Festivals should have historical bearing and reflects culture and tradition of the place

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DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes
DOT-8 Regional Director
Karina Rosa Tiopes

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) supports and helps promote local government units that are creating festivals that showcases their local history and culture.
But before they showcase a festival, this must be carefully studied and researched first to become reflective on their local tradition, culture, history, and way of life, DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said.

“Festivals are not just one big dance competition. It is actually a reflection of our culture, traditions, history, and way of life. So that is why we at the Department of Tourism, promote the development of festivals,” Tiopes said.

“But we also need to be pretty sure that whenever we do festivals we do a little research because we want to be sure that our own festival is reflective of who we are as people, our history, and of course of culture and tradition, and heritage, it is very important,” she added.

The tourism official added that to make sure that each festival is different from the others, it should build its own identity by having its own beat and dance steps that are reflective of what it wanted to convey to its audience.

“This is not just a playground demo but this is really something that has value to us,” Tiopes said adding that festivals are major events that encourage more people to visit a place making the festivity livelier and positively affecting local economy.
“Festival should not only be a display of dances but should be an anchor of culture and heritage and way of life,” Tiopes stressed.

Tiopes also lauded the LGU for doing cultural mapping that can also be used not only for creating a festival but also in creating and implementing programs.

“You can also use this in several other programs that anchors on who we are as people, history, way of life because we should be the first to appreciate ourselves of who we are and the place that we call home,” she said.

During the initial launch of the ‘Kananga Kaanyag Festival’, Mayor Manuel Vicente “Matt” Torres said that their festival was a product of a cultural mapping conducted in partnership with the National Commission of Culture and the Arts.

Torres said that Kananga is the only local government unit in the province that has conducted a cultural mapping assisted by the NCCA.

“The Kananga Kaanyag Festival is a result of an intensive and comprehensive cultural mapping of the municipality allowing us to create a festival that is culturally and historically accurate, showcasing the rich tapestry of our traditions and customs,” he said.

Cultural mapping is mandated under Republic Act 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 wherein LGUs must need to identify and collect data on their respective local tourism, cultural heritage, traditions, history, customs that are unique to the locality, and other sociocultural practices.

Municipal Tourism Officer April Tanhueco, for her part, said that Kananga Kaanyag Festival features eight dance steps but as of the moment, only four are taught.

The dance steps names include ‘alimyun’ (fragrance) wherein the dancers’ hands move upward in a smelling-like position and lift in a spreading position and include a bouncing footstep of the right foot, the ‘hakot’ (flavor) depicting the carrying of local products placed over the right shoulders, ‘maanyag’ (beauty) consisting of side steps and spreading hand gestures starting from the right to left then both hand extended going from right to left then ending with hand clasped on the left chest, and the ‘abunda’ (bounty) which represents abundance which shows gratitude to the bountiful harvest of the town depicting by a cross step with hand gesture spread from one side to the other.

The dance steps were developed by local choreographers in partnership with the NCCA.
Six festival contingents competed in the street dance and ritual dance presentation held June 11 at Kananga Central School won by Familia Matahom for the elementary category, and Kanangahanong Mattahom for the secondary category. Both winners won P170, 000 cash prize. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)

‘Kanangahanong Matahom’ dominates 1st ‘Kaanyag Festival’ of Kananga

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KANANGA, Leyte-‘Kanangahanong Matahom’ represented by Kananga National High School, and ‘Familia Matahom’ represented by Kananga Central of Kananga District 1 were declared as festival champions of the first ever Kananga Kaanyag Festival held at the Kananga Central School ground on Sunday(June 11).

Kanangahanong Matahom’s Gracel Lagancia was also voted as the Kaanyag Festival Queen.
Aside from the two major awards the Kananga District III also won minor awards such as best in street dance, most discipline, best float, and photogenic award receiving P10,000 prize from each of the awards.

Mayor Vicente Matt Torres disclosed that the Kaanyag Festival was a result of an intensive and comprehensive cultural mapping assisted by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

This way, he said, their festival will be accurate and will truly showcase the town’s history and culture.

Torres also commended the festival committee and all volunteers and the Municipal Tourism Council for the launching of the event which will be the official festival of the municipality.
Tourism Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes commended the holding of the festival.

The holding of the festival is part of the 73rd founding anniversary of the town which is on July 17. (LIZBETH ANN. ABELLA/ROBERT T. DEJON)

Heatstroke strikes

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It’s becoming a common occurrence nowadays that certain people die of heatstroke due to the rising temperatures that we are experiencing in many parts of the country, a sad phenomenon that could actually be avoided if only we know how.

Heatstroke is a serious health problem that occurs when your body overheats and can’t cool itself down. This can happen when you are exposed to hot temperatures for long periods of time, or if you are active in hot weather without taking proper precautions. Symptoms of heatstroke include high body temperature, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and sweating that stops, and can lead to organ failure or even death if left untreated. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid heatstroke.

First, it is important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you. It is also helpful to wear lightweight, light-colored clothing that allows for good air flow. In addition, try to stay indoors or in the shade during the hottest parts of the day, and take frequent breaks if you must be outside. If you feel overheated or dizzy, take immediate steps to cool down, such as drinking cold water or moving to a cooler environment.

Another way to avoid heatstroke is to be aware of your own individual risk factors. Elderly individuals, young children, and those with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for heatstroke and should take extra precautions. In addition, medications such as diuretics and antidepressants can increase your risk of heatstroke, so it is important to consult with a healthcare provider about any potential risks before starting a new medication or during periods of prolonged heat exposure.

Above all, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heatstroke and to take immediate action if you or someone around you is experiencing them. This could involve calling for medical assistance, taking the person to a cooler area, offering water or other fluids, and applying cool compresses or ice packs to the person’s body. With proper prevention and prompt treatment, the risk of heatstroke can be greatly reduced, allowing you to enjoy the hot months safely.

We are what we eat

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DOMS PAGLIAWAN

The title above highlights the fundamental role that our food choices play in shaping our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Essentially, what we consume has a direct impact on our health and overall quality of life. It is no coincidence that nutritious foods are considered as “superfoods,” and they are viewed as components that provide immense health benefits to the body.

The food choices we make not only affect our physical well-being but also impact our cognitive and emotional health. Research shows that inadequate nutrient intake can lead to a decline in cognitive function, mood swings, anxiety, and depression, among other factors. Additionally, consuming unhealthy foods, such as those high in sugar and saturated fats, has been linked with increased rates of depression and anxiety in various research studies.

One critical aspect of nutrition that substantially impacts our health is the presence of different minerals and vitamins in our food. Mineral deficiency diseases, such as anemia and osteoporosis, can be prevented by consuming a balanced diet with adequate mineral content. Similarly, inadequate intake of Vitamin A can result in blindness, while vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy. Consuming a balanced diet rich in minerals and vitamins can, therefore, prevent such diseases.

The nutritional content of our food also plays a vital role in preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. In some cases, medical professionals may recommend specialized diets, such as the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet, to prevent and manage different health conditions. Such diets emphasize consuming foods rich in nutrients, such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean proteins while minimizing the intake of unhealthy fats and processed foods.

Eating a balanced diet can go a long way in facilitating and maintaining wellness beyond the physical. Nutrient-dense foods provide energy, enhance mood, and improve cognitive function. High-quality proteins, such as those found in lean meats, fish, legumes, and nuts, are critical components that help in the formation of neurotransmitters, which facilitate communication in the brain. Similarly, omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flaxseed are essential in the preservation of optimal cognitive function.

Beyond the physical and cognitive benefits, well-balanced nutrition can enhance our overall quality of life. Studies have shown that good dietary behavior patterns are associated with better sleep quality, reduced chronic pain, and an overall better mood. This further emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition as a critical aspect of holistic health and wellness.

What we eat then serves as the foundation for our bodies, minds, and overall well-being. Eating a balanced diet with adequate nutrients has numerous benefits, not just on physical health, but also mental and emotional wellness. As such, it is essential to make informed choices when selecting the food we consume, choosing high-quality proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

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