TACLOBAN CITY– Leyte Conquerors team of the schools division of Leyte vowed to regain its championship title in this year’s edition of the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet that will formally start today (April 25).

“As your new division superintendent, I express my admiration to everyone in the team. I am with you in your determination to go all the way and make a comeback win in this year’s EVRAA. We believe we can achieve it with your skills, teamwork, and discipline,” said Mariza Magan, Leyte Schools Division superintendent.

She, however, emphasized that while they are serious about making their bid to regain the title as champions, she reminded the young athletes to also display and practice camaraderie, sportsmanship, and just enjoy the games.

A total of 480 student-athletes from Leyte will compete during the five-day games at the Leyte Sports Development Center and other venues in Tacloban City.

As co-host division of EVRAA, Magan also thanked Leyte Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla, the provincial government, mayors from 40 towns of Leyte, team officials, coaches, parents, athletes, and other stakeholders for their support.

During the 2019 EVRAA games, Leyte settled for the second spot, with 56 gold, 37 silver, and 40 bronze medals.

Over 5,000 players across 13 divisions in the region will participate in the games.
The Ormoc city schools division is the current champion of EVRAA.
(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY – Samar province has recently completed its first project under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP), a PHP4 million school building for daycare learners in a remote village in Motiong town.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) provincial director Judy Batulan said the project in Malobago village is a joint effort of the local government unit, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), and village officials.

“The construction of the school building will serve as a stepping stone for a better education that will lead to a brighter future for the learner of Malobago. This will allow mothers to work without bringing their children to their farms since there is a safe place for them to learn,” Batulan said in a statement Wednesday.

In a separate statement, Lt. Col. Luzelito Betinol, the Army’s 87th Infantry Battalion commander, said the project fulfills the villagers’ wish to improve their lives.

“This proves that our government is here to meet the needs of communities through the whole-of-nation approach. I encourage residents to stop supporting the terrorist group so that we can achieve the peace we have been longing for,” Betinol said.

The project began in mid-2022 and was completed on April 14.
Motiong, a fourth-class town with a population of more than 15,000, is a recipient of six other ongoing SBDP projects.

The other projects in the municipality are in the villages of San Andres, Barayong, Beri, Canvais, Sarao, and Sto Niño.

Malobago is one of the 200 villages identified as SBDP recipients last year in five provinces in the Eastern Visayas region.

Each village got a PHP4 million outlay for the construction of farm-to-market roads, health stations, rural electrification, school buildings, or water and sanitation system.

Projects have been identified by residents during the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), a convergence mechanism for local governments in the village, to identify issues and needed government interventions.

Recipient communities were previously influenced by the communist New People’s Army, according to the DILG.

The SBDP, a hallmark program of NTF-ELCAC, brings progress to former conflict-prone communities.

The NTF-ELCAC, created under Executive Order 70 issued on Dec. 4, 2018, is tasked to “provide an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the whole-of-nation approach to aid in the realization of collective aspirations for inclusive and sustainable peace.” (PNA)

The devotion and commitment of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to the nation have been deeply ingrained in its culture, traditions, and values. Its primary mandate is to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but it also contributes to various areas of development, including disaster response, peace and security, and community development. The continuing national growth strengthened thru various aspects of service and its role in the country’s development of the PAF.

PAF is critical in ensuring the country’s security and sovereignty. Its primary mission is to protect the Philippine airspace and provide air support to ground forces during war and other security threats. The PAF’s presence and capabilities serve as a deterrent to potential aggressors, helping to maintain peace and stability in the country.

Being in a disaster-prone country with frequent typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural calamities, the PAF is often among the first responders during these disasters. The PAF provides aerial reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, and support the delivery of relief goods and medical supplies. The PAF’s rapid response and ability to access remote and inaccessible areas have been critical in saving lives and mitigating the impact of disasters.

Regarding the country’s economic development, PAF has extensively utilized air transportation capabilities, such as transporting government officials, providing medical evacuation services, and supporting tourism activities. The PAF’s air assets and expertise have also been utilized in conducting aerial surveys, mapping, and geological studies, contributing to developing the country’s natural resources.

Moreover, the PAF’s devotion to the nation extends beyond its primary national defense mission. The PAF conducts outreach programs, medical missions, and other initiatives to promote the well-being and welfare of the people. The PAF is also actively involved in community development, assisting and supporting underserved and vulnerable communities. The PAF’s involvement in these activities strengthens its relationship with the community and contributes to the country’s overall development.

The PAF’s contribution to national development is multifaceted, encompassing security and sovereignty, disaster response, economic development, community development, and international peacekeeping. The PAF’s capabilities and expertise are crucial in addressing the country’s challenges and promoting its overall progress and development.

The devotion and commitment of the Philippine Air Force to the nation are deeply rooted in its quick response, professionalism, and dedication. The PAF’s primary national defense mission is coupled with a strong sense of responsibility and duty towards the country and its people. The PAF’s unwavering dedication and commitment to service have helped safeguard the country’s security, promote its development, and uphold its honor and dignity as a sovereign nation. (PR)

ORMOC CITY-A boom truck operator died after the boom tackle of the truck he was operating touched a livewire.

Killed was Bobby Ellado, 50, a resident of Barangay Burabod, Gamay, Northern Samar.
The victim was identified the victim as Bobby Ellado, 50, single, driver, and a resident of Brgy. Burabod, Gamay, Northern Samar.

The local police said that a resident of Brgy. Cagamutan Del Sur, reported to their station about the death of the victim at about 2:50 pm who was accidentally electrocuted from the live wire of the Northern Samar Electric Cooperative located in between the villages of Libertad (Upper) and Gamay proper.

The local police immediately responded to the area and upon arrival saw the victim lying on the ground.

Initial investigation disclosed that the victim was driving and operating a boom truck crane lifting cut coconut trees from a hillside when the crane accidentally touched the main line of the Norsamelco that resulted in his electrocution.

The victim was brought to the Gamay District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor.
(ROBERT DEJON)

SAN ISIDRO, Leyte-Mayor Remedio Veloso of this town vehemently denied that he was involved in the killing of a former administrator that happened in 2019.

Veloso made the strong denial in a press conference he called on April 17, adding that he could not afford to kill a human being.

“I cannot do that!” the town mayor said, sitting beside his lawyers, one of them is his son, Rem Beryl Veloso.

Mayor Veloso, together with his brother Emmanuel, and others were charged for murder filed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group(CIDG)last April 17 on the murder of Levi Mabini, a former municipal administrator of this town.

The incident took place before the local elections in 2019. Mabini served under former mayor Susan Ang, whom Veloso defeated.

Veloso said that the charges filed against them were nothing but ‘all lies’ as even family members of Mabini were not consulted and have shocked them.

In fact, the family has signed an affidavit stating that Mayor Veloso was not involved in the killing of Mabini, lawyer Jay Viagedor, a member of the legal team, said in the same press conference.

He also maintained that it was ‘politically motivated’ and intended to harass and tarnish their reputation.

Atty. Veloso also said that a similar complaint was filed against his father but was dismissed by the Assistant Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Calubian, also in Leyte.

They were also surprised that the case was filed four years after the incident happened with most of the witnesses were their relatives.

To prove that they are innocent, Mayor Veloso and his brother, Emmanuel are visible in their town, the lawyer added.
(ROBERT DEJON)