ORMOC CITY-An incumbent village councilor who is running for chairman in the forthcoming village polls was caught in possession of an unlicensed firearm in a checkpoint in Barangay A. Tumamak, Villaba, Leyte on Sept.13 at about 7:30 am.
Town police chief, Major Edwin Tolibas, identified the suspect as Renante Ytang, 41, and a resident of Brgy. Iligay, Villaba, Leyte.
Major Tolibas, in an interview, said that while he was leading a checkpoint in the said barangay together with personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, they flagged down a person on board a single motorcycle with a yellow-green sling bag that was hanged in his shoulder.
He disclosed that he questioned Ytang about what was inside his bag, but ignored them.
Major Tolibas continued that they suspected that the content of the bag was a firearm and asked again the suspect to open his sling bag.
When the suspect opened his bag, the police officers saw the caliber .45 pistol and immediately arrested the suspect.
The arrested person was brought to the Villaba municipal police store with the confiscated evidence for proper disposition. (ROBERT DEJON)
TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Northern Samar has recognized local government units that have exemplary performance in the implementation of the ecological solid waste management.
The Environmental ‘Dayaw Awards’ 2023 is a program of the provincial government giving recognition to local government units that are properly executing solid waste management programs.
Solid waste management is one of the climate change mitigation efforts by reducing plastic waste consumption and enhancing segregation at source in the barangay and municipal level which will help protect and conserve the environment as well as create self-sufficient and climate change-resilient communities.
Dayaw Award is a collaboration of the provincial government together with the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), and the League of Environment and Natural Resources Officers.
Governor Edwin Ongchuan was thankful to the leadership of the 24 LGUs in the province and to all municipal environment and natural resources officers (MENRO) for ensuring that the solid waste management programs are properly implemented in their respective areas and in the province.
Under the replicable and regenerative residual waste processing categories, awardees are the local government units of Gamay, Laoang, Palapag, San Antonio, and Victoria.
For the responsive composting facility, the awardees were the municipalities of Palapag, Catarman, San Roque, Laoang, and Victoria.
For the productive materials recovery facility, the awardees were the towns of San Roque, Bobon, Victoria, Allen, Laoang, and Catarman.
For the most improved municipality in ecological solid waste management, the towns of Gamay, Catarman, San Roque, Allen, Laoang, and San Antonio got the citation.
The environmental stewardship awards are given to all 24 LGUs under the province.
Special award was also given to individuals recognizing their contribution and work in the implementation of solid waste management program.
These awardees were Sixto Ano of Palapag as best composting facility manager; Jesus Acebuche, the MENRO of Laoang for the leadership award for best performing MENRO, and posthumous environment service award were given to Maria Luz Doroga-Molato of Catarman, and Nancy Amaro-Evaristo of San Jose. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
ORMOC CITY-Five fishermen were arrested by local police after they were caught conducting illegal fishing at about 8:45 am Tuesday (Sep.12) at the territorial seawater of Barangay Mapuyo, Kawayan town in Biliran province.
Police identified the five violators as Lino Galan 52; Rammy Monsanto, 41; Rodito Tapaya, 47; Rosalito Beril, 36; and Bernie Vere, 32. All residents of Brgy. Binongtoan, Culaba, also in Biliran.
The Kawayan police said that they were conducting a seaborne patrol operation which resulted in the interception of one fishing boat marked “Parekoy” while they were caught in the act of engaging in Illegal fishing activity using active fishing gear locally known as ‘hulbot-hulbot.’
Confiscated from their possession was the fishing vessel with an engine, fishnet, scaring ring lines (tabog), a ring with weight stone, and buoy with a total estimated value of P120,000.
Also recovered were an estimated 4-5 kilos of caught fish with an estimated price of P400.
Charges of violations of municipal fishing laws were immediately filed by the arresting police to the violators. (ROBERT DEJON)
Before our local hardwoods totally disappear from the forests, people should be made aware that hardwood trees, which include species like narra, hamurawon, banuyo, gisok, play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, sequestering carbon, providing habitat for wildlife, and supporting various industries. There are some strategies for preserving hardwoods.
One is to encourage and enforce sustainable logging practices that include selective harvesting, reforestation, and protection of sensitive ecosystems. Sustainable forestry practices can ensure a steady supply of hardwoods while preserving the long-term health of the forest. There is a need to promote and support forest certification programs. These programs provide guidelines for sustainable forestry practices and help consumers identify wood products from responsibly managed forests.
Since old-growth hardwood forests are valuable ecological habitats that host unique species and store large amounts of carbon, efforts should be made to protect these forests from logging and development. For instance, implement and enforce regulations and zoning laws that govern the logging of hardwoods and the conversion of forested land into other land uses. These regulations should prioritize the conservation of hardwood resources and forests.
Promote the preservation of biodiversity in hardwood forests by protecting and maintaining a variety of tree species, including rare and threatened species. Biodiversity is crucial for ecological resilience. Or else, protect hardwood forests for the sake of wildlife conservation. Many species, including birds, mammals, and insects, depend on these forests for food and habitat. Public awareness then about the importance of hardwood forests and the need for their preservation should be raised.
Engaging local communities and stakeholders can lead to greater support for conservation efforts. Invest in research and monitoring to better understand the health and dynamics of hardwood forests. This information can inform conservation strategies and management decisions. Provide incentives for landowners and organizations to conserve hardwood forests through tax benefits, grants, and other financial mechanisms. Through these, we can ensure the continued availability of hardwood resources and maintain the ecological and economic benefits they provide.
Nowadays when big cities are getting congested, some things must be done, like enhancing and improving rural areas, typically with the goal of increasing economic opportunities, improving quality of life, and promoting sustainability. There are several reasons why countryside development is important:
Cities tend to attract people in search of better economic prospects, which can lead to overcrowding, traffic congestion, and high living costs. Countryside development helps distribute population and economic activities more evenly, reducing the pressure on urban areas.
Since rural areas often rely heavily on agriculture, they can be vulnerable to factors like weather conditions and market fluctuations. Countryside development initiatives can introduce new economic activities such as tourism, renewable energy, and small-scale manufacturing, diversifying the local economy and reducing dependence on a single sector.
It can be noted that rural areas frequently face unemployment and underemployment issues. Countryside development projects can create job opportunities both directly, through the construction of infrastructure or establishment of new businesses, and indirectly, by stimulating local economies.
Rural areas often have strong cultural traditions and historical sites. Countryside development can include initiatives to preserve and promote these cultural assets, attracting tourists and supporting local artisans and traditions.
Rural communities often have limited access to healthcare, education, and other essential services. Development projects can improve infrastructure, build schools and healthcare facilities, and provide better access to these services for rural populations.
Careful countryside development can include provisions for protecting natural landscapes, wildlife habitats, and the overall environment. Sustainable land use planning can help conserve biodiversity and minimize the environmental impact of development.
Many people value the tranquility and natural beauty of rural areas. Countryside development can enhance the quality of life in these areas by improving infrastructure, providing recreational opportunities, and preserving scenic landscapes.
Countryside development can also involve modernizing agricultural practices. This can improve food security, increase agricultural productivity, and enhance the income of rural farmers.
Rural areas often lack essential infrastructure like roads, electricity, and clean water supply. Countryside development projects can address these infrastructure gaps, improving living conditions and facilitating economic growth.
Yes, countryside development can strengthen the connections between rural and urban areas. This can include better transportation networks, allowing for the efficient movement of goods and people between rural and urban centers.
The development of remote areas is crucial for achieving a balanced and sustainable pattern of economic and social development. It can improve the quality of life for rural populations, stimulate economic growth, and help address the challenges associated with rapid urbanization. However, it’s important that such development is carried out thoughtfully, taking into account the unique characteristics and needs of each rural area, and with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity.
In yet another concern by global organizations, the US Agency for International Development (USaid) has awarded the Philippines P240 million ($4.3 million) in grants to help in the country’s civil society organizations to help local communities with their climate concerns.
The USAid’s 11 grants were unveiled at the Ninoy Aquino Parks in Quezon City, in the presence of the US Ambassador to the Philippines and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Environment Undersecretary recently. The grants address the efforts to conserve biodiversity, protect wildlife and implement natural climate initiatives. The same grants were made possible under the USAid’s Investing in Sustainability and Partnership for Inclusive growth and Regenerative Ecosystems (Inspire) Project.
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, realizing the significant role of civil society, was quoted saying “through these grants, we are advancing sustainable local that will help communities address he unique climate challenges they face.” She (Carlson) added that “these grants contribute to our shared goal of a more resilient future where both people and nature thrive.”
Likewise, Usec. Juan Miguel Cuna, in expressing his gratitude to the grant, was quoted saying “we are one with USAid and inspire in the quest for an increased and a more meaningful participation and engagement of all sectors (of society), DENR is grateful for the continued partnership, and we look forward to deepening our engagement as we work toward creating a more equitable world for all.”
It might be worth recalling, that since 2021, USAid has provided more than P20 million ($11.7 million) to civil society organizations purposely to achieve “environmental sustainability and uplifting the lives of Filipino communities.” Some of the beneficiary organizations included BaiAni Foundation, CBCP Foundation, Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, Diliman Science Research Foundation, Impl Project Philippines, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, Mabuwaya Foundation, Surigao Economic Development Foundation, ”Tanggol” Kalikasan, University of Santo Tomas Research and Endowment Foundation, and Xavier Agricultural Extension Services Foundation.
MY COMMENT:
The Philippine government will forever be thankful to the US government through its various organizations, e.g. USAid for many monetary and material assistances. Of these, however, I single out the latest USAid’s 11 grants specifically to support the country tackle climate change challenges. Being an active Biologist, that on the conservation of biodiversity appeals deeply.
A bit unhappy that among the USAid grants recipients, none come from R8!
ooo000ooo
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