ORMOC CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) conducted its 3rd Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill on September 07, 2023 with the help of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in accordance to the standards set by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

This quarterly activity aims to ensure preparedness for “The Big One”, a potential earthquake of magnitude 7.2 or higher that experts predict could occur in the Philippines which can strike at any moment, leaving devastating impacts on infrastructure and endangering lives.

It focused on the practical application of the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” technique which involves protecting vital organs by ducking, taking cover under sturdy furniture, and holding on until the shaking stops.

Following the drill, FO2 Astirio M. Caminade III, one of the officials from the BFP shared his evaluation and provided essential reminders to the office. The feedback is instrumental in refining emergency response procedures and ensuring everyone’s safety.

This exercise was particularly timely, given that the day before, on September 06, 2023 a 4.5 magnitude earthquake rattled Leyte province in the evening, underscoring the importance of disaster preparedness.
(ROSITA A. TINAWIN/OIC District Engineer)

TACLOBAN CITY– -” Tribu Rayhak of Sta Fe National High School was adjudged as the top winner for the 29th Padul-ong Festival 2023.

The awarding was headed by Mayor Jose Dayan Agda and Vice Mayor Emman Tiu Sonco.
Tribu Rayhak bested two other contingents and won P 300,000 cash prize. They also bagged the Best in Festival Queen.

Meanwhile, Tribu Sagtik of Maypangdan National High School bagged the 1st runner-up and won P250,000, and Tribu Magkasikasi of Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School bagged 2nd place and won P200,000.

Winners were announced after the ritual dance competition that followed after the street dance parade in early morning of September 7, a day before the city fiesta.

Prior to the ritual and street dance parade, a fluvial procession of the image of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary,the patron saint of the city, was first held starting at the Punta Maria to the Rawis Port.

The Padul-ong is the official festival of Borongan City in honor of its patroness celebrated every September 8.

Padul-ong,which originates from Winaray word “dul-ong” means to deliver or transport, recalls thru a ritual dance presentation the miraculous journey of how the Nuestra Señora dela Natividad or the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary became the patroness of Borongan during the Spanish rule.

The festival competition is just one of the several activities that the city government organized for their city fiesta.

Among these activities are the football competition, fishing tournament, e-sports competition, badminton, motorcross, kayak, mixed martial arts and chess tournament.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY –Candidates for the Miss Universe Philippines – Leyte were formally announced during the sashing ceremony held Saturday (Sept.9) at the Robinsons North Tacloban.

The sashing was headed by accredited partners of the Miss Universe Philippines in Leyte province headed by Clarito Logronio who was assisted by the tourism consultant of the provincial government, former Palo Mayor Frances Ann Petilla.

The candidates are Ma Crizeth Cazar of Abuyog;Crista Jewel Quiambao of Alangalang; Marianne Neil Insigne of Barugo; Rio Ann Ronato of Baybay City;Czarmy Alcober of Burauen; Stephanie Grace Regalado of Calubian; and Paula Bianca Oledan of Carigara.
Also on the official list of candidates are Gabrille Glenn Caidic of Dulag; Abba Gardanella Tizon of Jaro; Misty Myles Zaragoza of Kananga; Angel Rose Tambal of La Paz; Nesylvie Dupal of Mahaplag; Flordalinr Donayre of Matag-ob, and Mari Cleofr Acodesin of Ormoc City.

Completing the 21 official candidates of Miss Universe Philippines Leyte are Fhayrei Vianne Valeriano of San Miguel; April Anne Villones of Sta. Fe; Jamby Belegrio of Tacloban City; Trisha Gabrielle Moreto of Tanauan; Joanna Andrea Advincula of Tolosa; Dorothy Florence Caballero of Tunga; and Elgie Pobadora of Villaba.

Winning candidate for the inaugural Miss Universe Philippines – Leyte is going to be the official representative of the province to the national search where she will have the chance to represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant.

Preliminary events of the official candidates will start this October 1 in Baybay City for the cultural costume, swimsuit, and evening gown competitions on October 2.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)