TACLOBAN CITY – The local government unit of Palompon and Oceana Philippines International had forged a partnership through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) intended to mutually benefit both agencies through the sharing of expertise, information, resources, and technical capabilities particularly in the mangroves restoration program among others.
Prior to the MOA signing, held on Nov. 8, officials from Oceana Philippines had made an initial visit to Palompon Mayor Ramon Oñate for the establishment of coastal greenbelt zones along the coastal municipalities in the 4th district of Leyte.
The Oceana Philippines International believes that restoring mangrove forests through the establishment of coastal greenbelt zones will effectively contribute to addressing the declining fish stocks and unabated destruction of coral reefs and other habitats, and ultimately provide food security and livelihood for the community and the Filipinos.
“The LGU Palompon recognizes the urgent need to assessing, rehabilitating, conserving and protecting the whole environment of Palompon, from mountains to forest and rivers, to the coastal and marine environments, following the environmental management principle of integrated protection and planning of these interconnected ecosystems called “Ridge-to-Reef”, Mayor Oñate said.
He added that they recognizes that partnership arrangements with competent institutions are vital, considering the extent of technical and scientific necessities to ensure environmental protection and sustainable resource management of the ecosystem’s natural resources. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
CLIMATE RESILIENT TOILETS. About 150 families in the towns of Basey, Jiabong, and Paranas are to benefit the climate resilient toilets project supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund. An agreement for this purpose was signed earlier by the three municipalities together with Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan and Unicef Philippines representative,Carlos Vasquez. (SAMAR INFORMATION OFFICE)
CLIMATE RESILIENT TOILETS. About 150 families in the towns of Basey, Jiabong, and Paranas are to benefit the climate resilient toilets project supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund. An agreement for this purpose was signed earlier by the three municipalities together with Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan and Unicef Philippines representative,Carlos Vasquez. (SAMAR INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY– The provincial government of Samar, along with the municipal governments of Basey, Jiabong, and Paranas recently signed a memorandum of agreement with microfinance institutions to make climate-resilient toilets affordable to poor families.
This project is being supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) Philippines as part of its commitment to help communities adapt to climate change through the use of smart subsidies and affordable financing.
About 150 families from the three towns are to avail of the project.
“We laud the province of Samar and the municipalities of Basey, Jiabong, and Paranas for their commitment to invest in climate-resilient sanitation and we encourage other LGUs to do the same,” Unicef Philippines Chief of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Carlos Vasquez said.
“The climate crisis is a child rights crisis, and everyone has a role to play to protect the health and welfare of Filipino children by mitigating the risks posed by climate change”, he added.
Based on the record of the Department of Health (DOH) field health services information system in 2022, only 78.54% of households in Samar province have access to basic sanitation facilities.
Having climate-resilient toilets that safely contain fecal matter can prevent contamination of groundwater and the environment, especially during disasters.
This, in turn, can reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera and gastroenteritis that can lead to child malnutrition.
The blended financing with output-based aid (BF-OBA) approach is a results-based financing modality wherein beneficiaries take out a loan and are provided with subsidies after completing the installation of climate-resilient toilets.
At least P7 million worth of subsidy will be coming from the provincial government as well as from the municipal government of Basey, Jiabong, and Paranas, and the Unicef.
Governor Samar Sharee Ann Tan said, said that they have conceptualized the program as one way of ensuring the health and safety of the people, especially during times of emergencies.
“Our province is highly vulnerable to experiencing adverse weather conditions, and having climate-resilient sanitation is one of the steps we’re taking to mitigate the risks and shocks associated with climate change,” she said.
The microlending establishments that are part of the project include the ASA Philippines, LifeBank Philippines and Negros Women for Tomorrow’s Foundation, which would finance the total upfront cost for the 150 selected households.
Beneficiary households will later assign the subsidy certificates to the microfinance institutions to pay off 85% of the total cost of building the toilets.
The remaining 15% of the toilet cost will be paid out by the households in 12 monthly installments to the microfinance institutions. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
NSSDEO, Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, N. Samar– Through the optimistic management of OIC-District Engineer Charlito S. Carlobos and OIC-Assistant District Engineer Atty. Arthur Eric L. Sabong, the Department of Public Works and Highways – Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSSDEO) is hopeful to the request of fund allocation to the proposed road project along Arteche-Jipapad-Las Navas-Catubig-Rawis Road, Northern Samar.
The Construction of missing links and new roads of Arteche-Brgy. Catumsan-Jipapad-Las Navas-Catubig-Rawis Road, Northern Samar Side, has a total allocation of P 1,118,849,000.00. This priority project is a multiyear funding project for FY 2024 to FY 2028 inclined with the Regional Development Investment Program that is aligned to the department’s guidelines and mandate for the improvement of road connectivity.
This road connects the provinces of Northern Samar and Eastern Samar. Its project proposal will start at Brgy. San Francisco, Las Navas, Northern Samar, and ends at Brgy. Cagmanaba, Jipapad, Eastern Samar. The estimated length from Eastern Samar to the boundary of Northern Samar is more or less 22.00 kilometers. Then, from boundary of Eastern Samar to Brgy. Rawis, Laoang, has an estimated length of 16.64 kilometers. Some major scope of works involves road opening, concrete paving, construction of slope protection, box culverts and bridges.
Northern Samar and Eastern Samar are known as the land of bountiful harvest of agricultural products. Through this road interconnectivity, this will be the commencement and manifestation to strengthen the exchange of goods and services in the whole region of Samar and Leyte, as well as connects other Regions by integrated transport system in the Island of Samar. Thus, it shows intensification of economy and entryway to future progress.
“Umaasa kami na sana matuloy itong kalsada nang sa gayon mapadali ang transportasyon dito sa aming barangay para maging maayos ang aming pakikipagkalakalan sa mga karatig-bayan, lalo na sa tuwing may gustong umangkat at bumibili ng aming produkto.
Pati na rin sa mga taong nagkakasakit, mabilis na maidadala ito sa ospital.” Mr. Mitoy Esponilla, resident from Brgy. San Francisco, Las Navas, Northern Samar, said. (RONEL L. GALUPO, PIO STAFF)
ORMOC CITY– A newly- elected barangay chairwoman from Dulag, Leyte was killed when the single motorcycle she was on board driven by her husband collided with a tricycle on Friday (Nov.10) along the Bagacay- Maharlika Highway in Tacloban City at about 11:20 am.
Police identified the victim as Niña Danica Bayona, 28, who won during the October 30 barangay election as chairwoman of Barangay Sampaguita, Dagami Leyte.
Her husband, Corporal Leomer Bayona,30, and assigned at the Tacloban City Police Office, sustained injuries as well as the Intoy Sumagdon who was on board of the vehicle driven by the suspect Bernie Gacoscosim, a 32, businessman and a resident of Brgy. 106, Tacloban City.
The suspect was later learned to be driving without a license.
Based on the investigation conducted by the police, the couple were traversing along Bagacay-Maharlika Highway from Diit-Maharlika, heading in the general direction of Cabalawan-Maharlika, on board a motorcycle while Gacoscosim just finished refueling gas at Sea Oil-Bagacay Branch Gasoline Station on board his driven tricycle with Sumagdon.
The police added that upon reaching a certain portion of the roadway in the place of occurrence, the tricycle driven by Gacoscosim allegedly bumped into the single motorcycle where the victim was on board.
The collision, according to investigators, resulted in the death of the victim with her husband brought to the Eastern Visayas Medical Center for medical treatment.
Gacoscosim, who only incurred light scratches, is now detained and was charged for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and serious physical injury. (ROBERT DEJON)
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) has predicted a drought to hit the nation in 2024. It is crucial for policymakers and communities to proactively prepare for this impending natural phenomenon, considering its potentially devastating impact on agriculture, water resources, and overall socio-economic stability.
Recognizing the gravity of PAG-ASA’s forecasted drought, governmental bodies and policymakers need to adopt a multi-faceted approach to mitigate its potential consequences. With agriculture being one of the most vulnerable sectors during droughts, investments in drought-resistant crop varieties, improved irrigation systems, and the implementation of water management policies become paramount. Moreover, collaboration between research institutions and governmental agencies should be fostered to develop advanced technologies and drought monitoring systems that can provide accurate and timely information to farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions on crop selection, planting schedules, and resource allocation.
Local communities should be empowered through educational campaigns and capacity-building programs to encourage proactive measures in response to the predicted drought. Awareness programs can educate the public about water conservation practices, reforestation initiatives, and the use of sustainable farming techniques such as rainwater harvesting and precision agriculture. Additionally, local governments should establish emergency response plans that prioritize vulnerable communities, ensuring equitable access to water, healthcare, and social aid during the drought period. By involving the community in the planning process, social cohesion can be fostered, and the impact of the drought can be minimized through collective efforts.
While preparing for the 2024 drought, it is essential to address issues of long-term water resource management. Increased investment in the development of water infrastructure, construction of rainwater storage systems, and efficiency-improving measures in water supply networks will not only help tackle the predicted drought but also build resilience against future water scarcity. Furthermore, the promotion of research and innovation in sustainable practices such as greywater recycling, desalination, and water-efficient technologies must be embraced to optimize water usage and reduce overall dependence on scarce water resources. These efforts will play a crucial role in ensuring water security in the face of the predicted drought and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has garnered international attention, sparking debates around issues of national security, the right to self-defense, and the role of non-state actors in modern warfare. Gradually, there is this global sympathy for Hamas, the fundamentalist political organization governing the Gaza Strip. While some individuals and entities may express understanding or sympathy for their struggle, we should examine the underlying factors and motivations behind these sentiments.
Supporters of Hamas often refer to its origins as a grassroots resistance movement against Israeli occupation and oppression. Stemming from the socio-political and economic marginalization experienced by Palestinians, Hamas emerged as a vocal advocate for self-determination. These historical circumstances invoke sympathy from individuals who perceive the struggle as a legitimate response to injustice. However, it is crucial to recognize that sympathy for an organization does not absolve its actions or ideologies, particularly when they involve the use of violence and terrorism.
The Palestinian cause has received global support due to the universal appeal of nationalism and identity. Hamas capitalizes on this sympathy by presenting itself as the embodiment of Palestinian resistance, instilling pride and solidarity among Palestinians worldwide. This resonates with those who sympathize with the struggle for national autonomy and liberation, as seen historically in other movements such as South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. Nonetheless, the methods employed by Hamas, including suicide bombings and indiscriminate rocket attacks, fundamentally weaken any rational basis for sympathy.
Media plays a critical role in shaping public opinion and can often contribute to sympathetic sentiments towards Hamas. Biased reporting, skewed narratives, or the portrayal of Palestinians as perpetual victims may lead to a disproportionate level of empathy toward Hamas. Although recognizing the suffering and grievances faced by Palestinians is important, it is equally necessary to acknowledge the complexities of the situation, including Hamas’ responsibility for prolonging the conflict through its refusal to recognize Israel’s right to exist.
Sympathy for Hamas may also stem from geopolitical interests and strategic calculations. Certain countries or groups may view supporting Hamas as a way to undermine regional adversaries or exert influence in the Middle East. In this context, sympathy becomes a tool for pursuing geopolitical agendas, resulting in a distortion of the moral aspects underlying the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Such ulterior motivations cloud the authenticity of expressions of sympathy and detract from the need to find a peaceful resolution.
Amidst the geopolitical chess game, genuine humanitarian concerns for the Palestinian people often underpin sympathy for Hamas. Witnessing the plight of civilians caught in the crossfire can evoke empathy and desire for an end to their suffering. However, sympathy for the Palestinians should not equate to automatic support for Hamas, as it undermines the central principles of human rights, democracy, and the pursuit of peace.
While acknowledging the context in which Hamas emerged and the grievances faced by Palestinians, it is crucial not to lose sight of the organization’s resort to violence and its disregard for peaceful diplomatic solutions. Sympathy should be directed towards the innocent civilians affected by the conflict, rather than endorsing a group that perpetuates violence and seeks the destruction of a nation. Achieving a true sense of justice for both Israelis and Palestinians necessitates a comprehensive analysis that goes beyond simplistic sympathy for Hamas.
