Senator and presidential sister Imee Marcos visited Catarman on Thursday (Nov. 30)to extend cash assistance to flood-hit victims. The senator likewise provided assistance to help farmers in the province recover from the damages they sustained after Northern Samar was hit by massive flooding last week. Marcos was welcomed by Gov. Edwin Ongchuan and Rep. Harris Ongchuan. (NORTHERN SAMAR PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY – Senator Imee Marcos visited Catarman town on Thursday (Nov.30) to distribute cash assistance to the victims of massive flooding that hit Northern Samar last week.
Senator and presidential sister Imee Marcos visited Catarman on Thursday (Nov. 30)to extend cash assistance to flood-hit victims. The senator likewise provided assistance to help farmers in the province recover from the damages they sustained after Northern Samar was hit by massive flooding last week. Marcos was welcomed by Gov. Edwin Ongchuan and Rep. Harris Ongchuan. (NORTHERN SAMAR PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)
Each of the 8,000 families from Lope de Vega, Bobon, and Catarman received P3,000 from the presidential sister which was sourced from assistance to individuals in crisis situation (AICS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The senator also provided assistance of P30 million to help the province’s agriculture sector which also sustained damages.
The Department of Agriculture placed the damage to the agriculture in Northern Samar at P99.9 million, displacing 1,406 farmers.
“Para ini sa iyo, labi na gud kamo nga mga naapektuhan san mga pagbaha. Sana makatulong bisan konti la itun P3, 000 nga ihahatag ngayon,” Sen.Marcos said during the turnover of aids held at the Catarman Freedom Park.
Welcoming the senator were Governor Edwin Ongchuan, Rep.Harris Ongchuan (2nd district), members of the provincial board headed by Vice Gov. Clarence Dato, and Catarman Mayor Francisco Rosales III.
“Ang kanyang presensya ay patunay ng pagmamalasakit ng pambansang pamahalaan para sa ating lugar,” Mayor Rosales said in his message.
After the distribution of cash assistance, Marcos had a brief meeting with the local chief executives of the province where they discussed development programs and strategies to facilitate the rehabilitation and recovery of the municipalities affected by the recent flooding that claimed four lives and displaced more than 74,000 families across the province. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
TACLOBAN CITY– The city government of Tacloban, through the City Population Office(CPO) and member offices of the Information and Services Delivery Network (ISDN), led the relaunching on Thursday(Nov.30) of a school-based Teen Center that will cater to the adolescent population of the northern barangays.
As a facility that will cater to the adolescent health and development (AHD) initiatives of the local government, it was relaunched at the Northern Tacloban City National High School (NTCNHS) to specifically target five northern barangays, namely 101, 102, 105, 106, 107 and 108.
Based on the monitoring of the CPO, the five barangays have registered significant cases of teenage pregnancy and other AHD concerns.
At the center, at-risk teens can avail of peer counseling, health services, and employment coaching to develop their potential and instill positive values.
Present during the relaunching activities that highlighted a motorcade and a short program was Assistant City Health Officer Gloria Fabrigas, who gave the inspirational message on behalf of Mayor Alfred Romualdez.
CPO head Cielito Esquibel also graced the event along with NTCNHS principal Isaac Dave Mora, SK Federation president Dirko De Paz, ISDN Members, representatives of the Commission on Population and Development Regional Office 8 and Department of Education Tacloban City Division, and other stakeholders.
The ISDN, which will be providing its services to the Teen Center, is composed of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, the Public Employment Service Office, the City Health Office, and the Barangay Affairs Office, among others. (H.J. ROCA,CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY –At least 29 local government units in the region are to receive the Gawad Kalasag (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) recognition from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
Three of the LGUs will receive the “beyond complaint” award – which is the highest rating for excellence from the NDRRMC, while the other 26 are recognized as “fully complaint.”
The three beyond complaint LGUs awardees are Can-avid in Eastern Samar, Catarman in Northern Samar, and the province of Southern Leyte.
Fully complaint LGUs are Arteche, Balangiga, General McArthur, Guiuan, and Maydolong in Eastern Samar; Tabango and San Miguel in Leyte; Ormoc City; Gamay, Laoang, Lope de Vega, Palapag, San Antonio, and San Roque in Northern Samar; Marabut and Tarangnan in Samar; Bontoc, Liloan, Limasawa, Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan, Silago, Sogod, Hinundayan, and Maasin City in Southern Leyte; and the provinces of Northern Samar, and Samar.
The number of awardees from the region for this year was higher compared to last year’s eight.
In 2022, awardees were Northern Samar and Southern Leyte provinces, and the towns of San Roque, Northern Samar; Can-avid and Balangiga in Eastern Samar; Ormoc City, Tabango, all in Leyte; and Hinundayan, Southern Leyte.
The Gawad Kalasag is an annual national search for excellence in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and humanitarian assistance.
It recognizes various stakeholders who promote and implement disaster risk reduction and management, climate change adaptation, and humanitarian assistance program to protect high-risk communities from the effect of extreme hazards from natural calamities, disasters, and man-made emergencies and capacitate them to address their vulnerabilities.
Recipients of the beyond complaint and fully complaint are to receive funding assistance for the implementation of their chosen DRRM projects. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
When December comes, a sense of anticipation and joy fills the air. This is a time when our country transforms into a vibrant wonderland of lights, colors, and festivities. The Filipino people eagerly await its arrival, which is widely considered the most important and cherished holiday in the nation. December is a month filled with love, merriment, and meaningful celebrations.
One of the most distinct aspects of December in the Philippines among the faithful Catholics is the prominence of Simbang Gabi, a series of nine dawn masses held from December 16 to Christmas Eve. This tradition originated during the Spanish colonial era and has become deeply ingrained among Filipino Catholics. Attending Simbang Gabi is seen as a testament to faith and devotion, with many people waking up early in the morning to attend mass before starting their day. The atmosphere during these masses is filled with solemnity and reverence, with churches adorned with lights and flowers, while the aroma of traditional Filipino delicacies fills the air after each service.
Another hallmark of December in the Philippines is the vibrant display of Christmas decorations. Filipinos take great pride in decorating their homes, streets, and even their workplaces with colorful lights, parols (star-shaped lanterns), and intricately designed belens (nativity scenes). The streets transform into a magical spectacle, with buildings and establishments competing for the most visually stunning display. Festive music and carols echo through the air, and children go caroling from house to house, filling the neighborhoods with cheerful melodies.
Indeed, when December comes, the country becomes a captivating blend of faith, tradition, and festivity. The predominantly Catholic Filipino people display their strong sense of community and their deep-rooted faith through the observance of Simbang Gabi, while the vibrant Christmas decorations and joyful caroling emphasize the spirit of merriment and togetherness. This cherished month serves as a reminder of the importance of love, faith, and unity, making December an enriching and joyful experience in the lives of Filipinos.
One thing that needs to be emphasized, though, is that this celebration should center on Jesus Christ, the Son of God who was born into this world to redeem mankind from sin and save them from eternal doom. It’s supposed to be his day, though the Bible is silent about the exact date of his birth. But the fact that he was born and took the human form is what we try to celebrate, for he came as the lamb of God, the sacrifice for sin so that through him we might be saved.
It’s not quite surprising that showbiz figures impact people’s lives. Why are some individuals affected by the lives of celebrities, both positively and negatively? Well, there are certain reasons behind this phenomenon.
For one, blame it on the power of media influence. Through the pervasive reach of various media channels, individuals are bombarded with images and stories about celebrities, leading to the development of para-social relationships. These one-sided relationships, where individuals feel a connection to a celebrity despite not knowing them, lead to a sense of personal involvement in the lives of showbiz figures. It’s a psychological attachment that can evoke strong emotions and influence people’s attitudes, behaviors, and aspirations.
As humans, we possess a natural tendency to admire and idolize those we consider to be extraordinary or successful. Showbiz figures often possess qualities such as talent, beauty, wealth, and popularity, which can inspire feelings of admiration and aspiration in others. People may find solace or motivation in the lives of celebrities, looking up to them as role models and seeking guidance in their own lives. This inclination towards idolization contributes to the widespread impact of showbiz figures.
Notably, showbiz provides a platform for the promotion of aspirational lifestyles. Celebrities are often portrayed as living glamorous and luxurious lives, replete with exotic vacations, expensive cars, and designer clothes. This representation can create a sense of desire and longing among individuals who aspire to achieve similar material success. As a result, people may become heavily invested in the lives of showbiz figures, hoping to glean insights and strategies for attaining their dreams and aspirations.
The availability of personal information in the digital era further intensifies the impact of showbiz figures on society. With the advent of social media platforms, celebrities can now directly connect with their fans, sharing personal moments, thoughts, and experiences. This heightened accessibility allows for a greater sense of familiarity, deepening the para-social relationship and strengthening the influence of showbiz figures on people’s lives.
Showbiz provides an escape from the mundane realities of everyday life. The entertainment industry offers a form of escapism, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in the lives of celebrities, their dramas, romances, successes, and failures. This diversion from personal troubles and challenges can provide temporary relief and entertainment value, leading to a greater investment in the lives of showbiz figures as a means of emotional catharsis and distraction.
Consider the societal emphasis placed on fame and success. In contemporary society, the pursuit of fame and recognition is often equated with success and achievement. This cultural ethos creates a fertile ground for the influence of showbiz figures on individuals’ lives, as they become symbols of success and embody the ideals upheld by society. Consequently, people may closely follow the lives of celebrities, attempting to gain insight into their secrets and strategies for achieving fame and fortune.
The impact of showbiz figures on people’s lives can be attributed to these factors. Somehow, they shed light on the complexities underlying society’s fascination with the lives of celebrities. These showbiz personalities are not called stars for nothing.
Vehicles run with the danger of falling into deep cracks on our highways. The cracks pose real risks to both lives and properties. Traveling along the highways of Samar would give one a scare on many portions of the highway that are badly broken. The cracks are not properly marked with warning signs, sending vehicles to leap at high speed or halt in screeching manner as brakes are abruptly applied to avoid from falling in such holes.
Many motorists had certainly encountered these death traps that could cause vehicles turning turtle at an instant mistake of the driver. Passengers are surely cursing government for pushing them into the edge of road mishaps due to badly broken pavements that have no warning signs. Those who are unfamiliar with such road cracks are caught by surprise upon reaching the brink to perdition. If one is traveling at high speed, the risk of jumping into deep cracks or tumbling off the pavement if very high.
People could only wail every time the vehicle they are riding pass over such deep cracks. While many are complaining in murmurs, nothing is being raised to the attention of concerned agencies. But the problem is very glaring for government officials not to notice. It is really bothersome that government would only act when something bad happens. As long as motorists are able to evade the deadly cracks and no accident happens, government would not lift a finger.
The situation is not beyond repair but government is simply not giving enough attention and priority to such problem. It is unfortunate that many repairs are being done on highway pavements that are seemingly still in good condition while dilapidated portions are being left in such bad condition. What is lamentable is the absence of road signs that will forewarn motorists of the dangers they are about to pass. Some roadblocks are placed to prevent vehicles from going straight into such cracks but even the roadblocks are unpainted are hardly visible especially at night.
While government could not undertake repairs or even place road signs to warn people from falling into deadly cracks on our highways, there is much fund to banner shameless faces of politicians and government officials whose expensive billboards are scattered along our highways. Maybe people should deluge concerned government officials and offices with complaints if only to push them to act on matters affecting their very lives. Until when can we endure living on the great dangers of deadly killer roads where contractors bagging the repairs of such roads are perhaps making a killing of taxpayers’ money. comments to alellema@yahoo.com
