33 C
Tacloban City
August 06, 2026 - Thursday | 3:58 PM
Home Blog Page 1139

Ex-rebel surrender led to discovery cache of firearms

0

LAS NAVAS, NORTHERN SAMAR – On August 17, 2023, Benie Alegria, also known as Olsen or Yahoo, and identified as the secretary of section committee 1, front committee 1, sub-regional committee emporium of Cluster 1, voluntarily surrendered to the troops of the 3rd Infantry (Regardless of What) Battalion through the intercession of Mayor Arlito A. Tan of this town.

Algeria, a resident of Brgy, Epaw, had been lying low since February 2023. A day after a tactical interview, he revealed the location of an arms cache, consisting of two M16A1 rifles and 14 bottles of IV dextrose fluid.

The recovery was led by 1Lt Ron Ryan Pilapil, the commanding officer of Bravo Company, along with the team of Northern Samar Police Mobile Force led by Police Staff Sergeant Japeth Esquillo.

The surrender was a result of the joint efforts of the unit’s tactical, operational, and civil-military operations through the Modified Community Service Support Teams (MCSST) deployed in the area.

Troops engaged in various activities, including massive loudspeaker operations (panawagan), installation of tarpaulins, distribution of leaflets, face-to-face dialogues, and pulong-pulong sessions.

Alegria’s decision to prioritize the well-being of his family over personal grievances demonstrates his leadership qualities. His actions stand as an inspiration for others who may find themselves caught in similar circumstances, reminding us of the transformative potential of peaceful resolutions.

Mayor Arlito Tan expressed his satisfaction with the unit’s success. He emphasized the positive impact of the army’s efforts to maintain peace in his municipality and extended immediate assistance to Benie and his family.

“The surrender of a former NPA member showcases the government’s determination to end insurgency. The local government of Las Navas is open to welcoming those who wish to return to the fold of the government,” he said.

Lt. Col. Isidro D. Vicente, the commanding officer of the 3rd I, commended the exceptional performance of the troops in the area.

He emphasized that Alegria’s surrender was made possible by the dedication and hard work of the troops, and this success benefits not only the military but also the affected family and community. He rallied the troops to continue their mission with unwavering commitment. “Kudos to all the efforts,” Lt. Col. Vicente stressed.

“This accomplishment is a testament to the 3rd Infantry Battalion’s dedication to duty. The community’s support was also vital and deeply appreciated, as it reflects their eagerness to end conflict within their vicinity,” he said.(PR)

Catbaloganons enjoy restaging of the Manaragat Night Parade

0
As Catbalogan City celebrated its annual fiesta on Thursday (August 24), the Karisyuhan han Kakalsadahan Manaragat Night Parade was restaged after two of hiatus due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Photo shows a contingent of the Manaragat Festival doing their street performance. (Photo Courtesy)

As part of the annual fiesta celebration

TACLOBAN CITY – After the successful staging last year, the city government of Catbalogan brought back the ‘Karisyuhan han Kakalsahan’ Manaragat Night Parade as part of the major activities for the 20th Manaragat Festival.

As Catbalogan City celebrated its annual fiesta on Thursday (August 24), the Karisyuhan han Kakalsadahan Manaragat Night Parade was restaged after two of hiatus due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Photo shows a contingent of the Manaragat Festival doing their street performance.
(Photo Courtesy)

The 20th Manaragat Festival is part of the several activities prepared by the city government through its tourism and information offices as part of its annual fiesta in honor of its patron saint St. Bartholomew the Apostle held every August 24.

The competition was joined by seven clustered offices and six clustered villages in the city.
They showcased colorful and lively underwater life through parade gimmicks and illuminated floats featuring local fishes and shells that are found in the seawaters of the Samar provincial capital.

Winners in the festival float competitions were the Lawayan cluster of the City Legal and City Treasurer’s Office (2nd runner-up), Pakul cluster of the City Health Office and City Veterinary Office (1st runner-up), and the Lambiaw cluster of the Sangguniang Panlungsod office and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office as champion.

For the parade gimmick barangay category, the Bukawil cluster bagged the 1st place, while the Karang-karang cluster was awarded as champion.

For the Manaragat Festival grand showdown, which was temporarily stopped by the city government in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Samar National High School emerged as champion winning P200,000.

The Manaragat Festival showdown this year featured folk dances anchored on the theme “Katawhan Katbalogan: Dancing the Waves of Change”.

Samar National High School won the best in musicality and best in costume awards, winning cash prize of P20,000.

The Guinsorongan National High School bagged the 1st runner-op winning P100,000, and the Catbalogan Comprehensive National High School that presented “An Marul” was in 2nd place and won P75,000.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

“Biyahe ni Drew” features E. Samar farmers’ products

0
GTV’s “Biyahe ni Drew” features the squash canton noodles and crackers produced by the San Miguel Farmers Association in Hernani, Eastern Samar.
GTV’s “Biyahe ni Drew” features the squash canton noodles and crackers produced by the San Miguel Farmers Association in Hernani, Eastern Samar.

HERNANI, Eastern Samar – Watch out for the episode of “Biyahe ni Drew” featuring this picturesque town in the island of Samar.

Among those that will be featured in the said episode of the travel documentary show, hosted by Drew Arellano (Andrew James Arellano in real life) and aired every Sunday at 8:25 in the evening over GTV, are the canton noodles and crackers made from squash by an agrarian reform beneficiaries organization (ARBO).

Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Glicerio Camenforte shared that while Arellano was going around the different beach locations and savouring local foods, he noticed the San Miguel Farmers Association’s (SMFA’s) squash noodles and crackers and got interested on them. Eventually, Arellano joined SMFA president, Bernardina Docong, in the process of making the ARBO’s products, said Camenforte.

Arellano shared, “Laking DAR (Department of Agrarian Reform) din po ako.” “Palagi po akong dinadala ng lolo ko sa kanyang opisina sa DAR noong sya ay nagtratrabaho pa,” he added.

SMFA was organized by the DAR in 2014, after super Typhoon Yolanda devastated many parts of Eastern Visayas, to be able to avail of various assistance. At the moment, according to Camenforte, SMFA has 50 members already who are all agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

Docong meanwhile disclosed: “In 2018, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) trained us in making squash noodles and crackers.” “It also provided us with the materials and equipment needed in the production,” she added.

This episode of “Biyahe ni Drew” will be aired either on the last week of August or early part of September this year.
(LEMUELL SETH TONOG, DAR Eastern Samar)

Celebrating the ASEAN Month

0

August is widely recognized as the ASEAN Month, a time when member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations come together to celebrate the rich diversity and cultural heritage of the region. This event highlights the collective efforts of ASEAN countries to foster unity, cooperation, and mutual understanding. This annual celebration serves as a platform for member states to showcase their achievements, exchange ideas, and strengthen regional integration across various sectors such as economic, political, and social.

The ASEAN Month provides an ideal opportunity for people to deepen their understanding of the regional dynamics and challenges faced by member countries. Through various conferences, workshops, and cultural events organized during this period, we can gain valuable insights into the economic potentials, political stability, and social development initiatives of ASEAN countries. Additionally, we can explore the role of ASEAN in shaping regional relations, promoting peace and stability, and addressing transnational issues like climate change, terrorism, and poverty alleviation. By participating actively in these events, we can enhance our comprehension of the complex regional dynamics as aspiring future policymakers and practitioners.

This ASEAN Month enables us to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborations with fellow students and professionals from the region. This opportunity fostered by the event enhances our intelligence and comprehension by exposing us to diverse perspectives and experiences. By exchanging knowledge, best practices, and innovative ideas, we can broaden our intellectual horizons and develop a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing ASEAN countries. These interactions enable us to forge lifelong connections and networks with like-minded individuals, paving the way for future collaborations and partnerships.

Again, this annual celebration serves as a platform for member countries to come together and showcase their achievements, while promoting unity, cooperation, and mutual understanding. As participants in various conferences and cultural events, we can deepen our comprehension of the regional dynamics, engage in meaningful discussions, and develop valuable networks. By actively participating in these events, we can enhance our intelligence and strengthen our commitment to contributing positively to ASEAN’s future.

Not totally resolving problems

0
DOMS PAGLIAWAN

Solving problems is the hallmark of progress, efficiency, and growth. However, in certain situations, there can be a strategic advantage in not entirely resolving problems so that funds continue to be allocated towards their resolution. We might as well delve into the intricate dynamics behind deliberately preserving unresolved issues to sustain funding, thus exploring the delicate balance between addressing problems and ensuring a perpetual stream of resources.

The importance of maintaining a steady flow of funds to sustain projects cannot be understated. By presenting problems as ongoing, organizations can secure consistent support from stakeholders and funding sources. Highlighting the lingering challenges helps justify the continuous allocation of resources, ensuring that the necessary financial backing remains available. This strategy is particularly relevant in cases where funds are more likely to be allocated to unresolved problems than to those perceived as already resolved.

Public perception plays a significant role in sustaining funding. Society often associates unresolved issues with a sense of urgency, leading to increased public interest and support. By strategically managing the narrative around unresolved problems, organizations can leverage public demand to garner increased financial backing. This approach can be particularly effective when facing multifaceted or complex issues that do not have straightforward solutions, allowing organizations to capitalize on public sympathy and continue securing funds.

Research and development (R&D) thrive on unresolved problems. The ongoing nature of these issues provides opportunities for innovation, exploration, and experimentation, all essential elements in the advancement of knowledge and problem-solving. By preserving certain unresolved problems, organizations can invest in R&D initiatives, creating avenues for continuous improvement and the generation of new ideas. This symbiotic relationship between unresolved problems and R&D helps maintain funding for these vital activities, fostering long-term progress.

While the strategic preservation of unresolved problems can sustain funding, ethical considerations must not be overlooked. It is imperative to strike a delicate balance between maintaining adequate funding and genuinely addressing problems that impact individuals and communities. Prioritizing transparency and accountability is crucial to ensure that resources are channeled effectively and responsibly, while still maintaining the necessary financial support.

Strategic management of unresolved problems, aimed at ensuring a steady flow of funding, is an approach widely employed by organizations. By strategically emphasizing the ongoing nature of certain issues, capitalizing on public perception, and leveraging the role of R&D, this strategy helps secure the necessary resources. However, it is essential to approach this practice ethically, remaining transparent and accountable to prevent the perpetuation of unresolved problems simply for financial gains. Ultimately, finding the right balance between addressing problems and maintaining funding is the key to sustainable progress in a variety of fields.

DA’s guidelines to enhance rice production

0
Dr. Paciente Cordero
Dr. Paciente Cordero

Geared to increase the country’s rice production, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued guidelines to distribute hybrid rice seeds to offset rising costs of inputs (fertilizer) and irrigation issues. This was included in the memorandum signed by Leocadio Sebastian, undersecretary for rice industry development consonant with the provision of the National Rice Program (NRP).

The Memo emphasizes the role of the NRP distribution program to a selective location and climate suitability nationwide. Ultimately, the same Memo aims to improve the productivity and income of rice farmers through an expanded distribution and utilization of certified hybrid rice seeds.

To achieve this, it should see t the adoption of hybrid rice seeds up to 40 percent and a production yield level up to 6 tons per hectare in the wet season and up to 8 ton/hectare in the dry season in target areas by year 2028.

In April 2023, it was announced by the DA that it was targeting a 100 percent rice self sufficiency by 2027 through the Masagana Rice Program 2023-2028. This supports President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr., wish to achieve close to self-sufficiency by 2025.

MY COMMENT:
The country’s rice production program faces multifarious hurdles, both man-made and nature-instigated. Definitely, the impending El Niño phenomenon Is an obstacle to hurdle by the rice farmers. The government will have to craft a proactive stance to confront the obstacles to increasing rice production to feed its growing population amid increasing incidence of poverty level.
ooo000ooo
NEXT TOPIC : “Moderna Plans to produce vaccine in Philippines”
SHARE S & T THOUGHTS through E-mail: drpacjr@yahoo.com

Recent Posts

DALMACIO C. GRAFIL
PUBLISHER

ALMA GRAFIL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ROMEO CEBREROS
OFFICE IN-CHARGE

OFFICE
BRGY. SONGCO, BORONGAN CITY

CONTACT NUMBERS
(055) 261 – 3319 | 0955 251 1533 | 0917 771 0320 | 0915 897 7439 | 0921 511 0010

DALMACIO C. GRAFIL
PUBLISHER

RICKY J. BAUTISTA
EDITOR

ALMA GRAFIL
BUS. MANAGER

OFFICE
RIZAL AVENUE, CATBALOGAN
(INFRONT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT, NEAR CITY HALL)

CONTACT NUMBERS
0917 771 0320 | 0915 897 7439 | 0921 511 0010

EMAIL
lsdaily2@yahoo.com

WEBSITE
www.issuu.com/samarweeklyexpress