Hope for a bright future ahead for the kids

TACLOBAN CITY– The Commission on Population and Development(CPD) in Eastern Visayas marked on Thursday(July 27), the 9th year of the seven children who were earlier identified as ‘symbolic babies’ when the Philippines reached the 100 million mark back in 2014.

However, of the seven symbolic babies, one of them, who was from Biliran province, died in 2016 due to a lingering ailment.

The CPD, earlier known as the Population Commission (Popcom), celebrated the 9th year of Rian Go of Tacloban City; Sunrey Abenales of Northern Samar; Miller Josh Tondo of Leyte; Blair Catalea Balabis of Southern Leyte; Jody Cervantes of Eastern Samar; and Joven Rey Arsenio of Samar, a grand birthday celebration.

All received gifts and cakes from CPD and other government agencies.
Nina Abenales, 36, said that she feels ‘honored’ that her son Sunrey was among the symbolic babies of the region relative to the 100 million passing of the country’s population.

“I was not even aware of it at first until I was informed by a hospital staff that my baby was chosen as one of the 100 million symbolic babies,” she said.

She delivered Sunrey at the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital in Catarman on July 27, 2014. Her other son, Christian, is now 10 years old.

Abenales said that she hopes that her son, who is now in Grade III, will have a bright future ahead of him.

“We are just poor. My husband is in Pampanga working in a private company and in fact, he has not seen Junrey since his birth,” she said.

Abenales, incidentally, was just named a health officer of their village in Doña Pulqueria, Catarman.

Elnora Pulma, the regional head of CPD, said that these symbolic babies, who were born before midnight of July 27, 2014, were not just part of the 100 million Filipinos.

But rather, she said, representation that in the future, all Filipinos will lead a ‘quality of life.’
“(The celebration) is very significant because it poses a challenge for all of us to have a right of a quality of life…to ensure that all Filipinos will actually benefit responsible services being provided by the government,” Pulma said.

Her office, she insisted, is one with the hope that every Filipino child will have a brighter future and in an atmosphere where they could fulfill their full potential as an individual.

ORMOC CITY– A call center agent was arrested in a buy-bust operation that resulted in the seizure of suspected shabu valued at P408,000.

Arrested was Erick Kyle Maghirang,31, who was arrested in a sting operation in Barangay Can-Adieng, this city, on July 21 at about P10:54 pm.

Seized from the suspect were packs of suspected shabu weighing 60 grams and with a commercial value of P408, 000.

The suspect, a resident of Brgy. Linao, also this city, did not issue any comment when asked by the media who were present during the operation.

Charges of violations of sections 5 & 11 Art II of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Drugs of 2002, was filed against the suspect who is now detained at the lock-up facility of police station 1, this city.
(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY– A Danish national was arrested who was involved in a vehicular accident that resulted in the death of a businessman from this city.

Arrested was Torben Christiansen, 75, in his residence in Barangay Lungsodaan, Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte on Friday (July 21).

The Danish national figured in a vehicular accident along a national highway in Brgy. Bantigue, this city, on June 5 that resulted in the death of Ronnie Quisido, 55, a businessman.

The arrest of the foreigner was by virtue of a warrant issued by Judge Rene Romero, Jr., the presiding judge of the MTCC, based here, for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property.

The court recommended bail of P36,000 for the temporary liberty of the accused.
(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY– A man was killed while his wife and a passenger sustained injuries after the vehicle they were on board hit a steel railway in San Miguel, Leyte on Tuesday (July 26).
The fatality, who was driving a multi-cab type of a vehicle, was identified as Aljun Orbita while his wife, Jenny, and Rodesa Cabidlo, both school teachers, sustained injuries, the local police said.

Major Ronald Espina, the local police chief, said that the incident took place in a steel bridge located in Barangay Santol at about 5:59 pm.

The three were on their way home in Brgy. Sta.Cruz, also in San Miguel.

While navigating at the said bridge, the driver applied a brake causing the tires to slip and started to traverse in a zigzag motion.

This resulted for the vehicle to hit the railway of the bridge. As a result, the driver slammed his head in the windshield, incurring severe wounds due to the impact.

His passengers also sustained injuries in different parts of their bodies and were brought to the nearest hospital but the driver was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
(ROBERT DEJON)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) celebrated its 76th Founding Anniversary by displaying its air assets with pride and gratitude. The PAF impressed its audience with live demonstrations of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities using the C208 aircraft, Fast Rope Insertion, and Extrication System (FRIES) operations with the S70i Black Hawk helicopters and a hoist rescue operation of a patient using a Huey 2 aircraft. Additionally, the PAF showcased air-to-ground live fire demonstrations with the FA50 PH, A29B Super Tucano, and T129 Atak Helicopters. The formal program began with an impressive high-speed opener exhibition by three FA-50 PH aircraft, followed by a formation flight of T-41 aircraft, forming “76” to honor the PAF’s many years of existence and service. A flyby demonstration featured various types of PAF air and ground assets, such as the FA50PH, T129, C295, C130, PZL W-3A Sokol, S70i, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and Ground Based Air Defense System (GBADS) platforms.

In his speech, President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr., as the Commander-in-Chief, commended the PAF for its selfless service and dedication over the past 76 years. He recognized the rich history and growth of the PAF, from its humble beginnings during the First World War to its present role in securing the nation. The President expressed his gratitude to the PAF personnel for their exemplary dedication and contributions to enhancing the country’s aerial defense capabilities. He emphasized the values of integrity, excellence, and patriotism, urging the PAF to continue upholding them in their mission to protect the nation.

Furthermore, the President assured the PAF of the government’s commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces, including the PAF, through the AFP Modernization Program. Recognizing the challenges ahead, the President emphasized the importance of the PAF’s maritime air patrol missions in upholding territorial integrity and safeguarding Philippine naval zones. He expressed his confidence in the PAF’s ability to soar to greater heights, calling for unity indomitable spirit, and unwavering dedication to protecting the Republic.

Throughout its 76-year journey, the PAF has consistently strived for excellence in fulfilling its mission. Its relentless pursuit of improvement was evident in its continuous investments in cutting-edge technology, advanced infrastructure, and the development of its human resources, ensuring the security of the Philippines and its skies. These strategic endeavors have propelled the PAF’s capability to new heights, resulting in a more robust fleet, state-of-the-art platforms, efficient air bases, and highly trained personnel.

The celebration not only commemorates its rich history but also serves as a reminder of its unwavering commitment to protecting the nation and its skies. (PR)