Northern Samar Rep. Paul Daza appeals to the graduates of the Bestlink Colleges of the Philippines to make a good legacy as he served as its commencement exercises on July 9)
Northern Samar Rep. Paul Daza appeals to the graduates of the Bestlink Colleges of the Philippines to make a good legacy as he served as its commencement exercises on July 9)
MANILA, Philippines-” We all want you to remember that you are the one writing your story, and that’s your best link to a bright future.”
Thus said Northern Samar Rep. Paul Daza to graduates of the Bestlink Colleges of the Philippines (BCP) where he served as the guest of honor and speaker during its 22nd commencement exercises on July 9 held at the Philippine International Convention Center.
This year’s graduation rites of the said school carried the theme “BCP Graduates: Well-Rounded Professionals Equipped to Surmount Global Challenges Through Lifelong Education”.
“You control your destiny, we believe in YOUR STORY. I challenge you–leave a beautiful story of kindness, compassion, hard work, love for God, for Country, and your Family….and make a difference along the way…That is your legacy,” Daza, who is also a House Senior Deputy Minority Floor, said. (PETER PAREDES)
BORONGAN CITY-Department of Public Works and Highways Eastern Samar District Engineering Office (DPWH ESDEO) is set to implement 21 school building projects in Eastern Samar amounting to P152.8 million.
According to District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio, the 21 school building projects comprise 19 – one storey, two-classroom-type school buildings and 2 – two storey, eight-classroom-type school buildings.
The following are the schools that will receive school-building projects:
Buenavista Elementary School in Arteche; Balangiga Central Elementary School in Balangiga; Guinpoliran Elementary School in Balangkayan; Can-avid National High School in Can-avid; Dapdap Central Elementary School, Darahoway Elementary School, Caybane Primary School and Dolores National High School in Dolores; Calutan Primary School and Vigan National High School in General Mc. Arthur; Salvacion Elementary School in Giporlos; Cantahay Elementary School in Guuiuan; Padang Elementary School in Hernani; Cagmanaba Elementary School in Jipapad; San Isidro Primary School in Lawaan; Llorente Central Elementary School in Llorente; Maydolong Natonal High School in Maydolong; Saurong Elementary School in Oras; Pagbabangnan Elementary School in San Julian; and Taft National High School in Taft.
The district engineer added that the procurement process for these school building projects is already ongoing and expected to be awarded next month.
These school building projects are in convergence with the Department of Education, and aside from this coming construction of school buildings, the DPWH ESDEO already implemented seven school building projects in 2022, amounting to P43.508 million, and five school building projects in 2020, amounting to P41.673 million.(JAYSON ESPESO/PR)
BOOK DRIVE. Beneficiaries of books and school supplies donation drive in Roxas village in Northern Samar. The Philippine Army has expanded the initiative in a bid to help suppress the insurgency.
(Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army has expanded its books and school supplies donation drive, covering a remote campus in Catubig, Northern Samar, in a bid to help communities suppress the insurgency.
BOOK DRIVE. Beneficiaries of books and school supplies donation drive in Roxas village in Northern Samar. The Philippine Army has expanded the initiative in a bid to help suppress the insurgency. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)
The donation drive in Roxas village that benefitted 400 learners and out-of-school youth is the fourth school reached by the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion (IB).
Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, 20th IB commander, said Friday they donated on July 2 storybooks, school supplies, slippers, and bags containing small toys and goodies. They also turned over reference textbooks to the school teachers of Roxas Elementary School.
After the distribution of gift packs, conduct of parlor games, and storytelling, soldiers also initiated a feeding program that catered to almost the entire village, composed of 290 families with a total population of 1,648.
Dubbed as KinaBOOKasan Project, the initiative is in its second year of reaching conflict-affected areas and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas since its launch in December 2021.
“This project showcases the commitment to helping the student sector, which is usually exploited and became a victim of the deceptive recruitment of the New People’s Army (NPA), as it aims to put a premium on the continuous learning of the students amidst the challenges of poverty and insurgency,” Buban said.
Launched in December 2021, the project has already covered Rizal Elementary School in Rizal village in Las Navas, Northern Samar; Siljagon Elementary School in Siljagon village, Mapanas, Northern Samar; San Jorge Elementary School in San Jorge village in Las Navas, Northern Samar; and Roxas Elementary School in Roxas village in Catubig, Northern Samar.
Roxas village is situated 15 kilometers away from Catubig town center and can be reached through a five-minute motorboat ride and another one-hour single motorcycle ride. The village is hardly accessible during rainy days.
The community is considered one of the conflict-affected villages and was infiltrated by the NPA in Northern Samar through intimidation and extortion. (PNA)
The war on drugs in the Philippines has been a contentious issue, with President Rodrigo Duterte at the forefront since assuming office in 2016. Duterte’s administration has maintained a strong and relentless approach to curb the drug problem in the country, which has seen tremendous successes. But with Duterte out of the scene now, the resurgence of drug proliferation has gradually emerged.
Duterte’s strong stance against illegal drugs has had a significant impact on curbing drug-related activities in the Philippines. His administration has implemented comprehensive policies that focus on anti-drug law enforcement, rehabilitation programs, and government-led community initiatives. The effectiveness of these strategies can be seen in the reduction of drug-use prevalence, the dismantling of drug syndicates, and the seizure of illegal drugs.
One aspect that sets Duterte apart in the war on drugs is his zero-tolerance policy, which entails aggressive law enforcement efforts targeting drug suppliers, dealers, and users. The absence of Duterte’s uncompromising approach, driven by his strong personality, led to diminished law enforcement efforts and fewer crackdowns on drug operations. But with a more lenient approach, consequences such as an increase in drug-related crimes, the resurgence of powerful drug syndicates, and escalating violence associated with these activities became quite common.
One good thing about Duterte’s administration was that it also prioritized rehabilitation programs to address the root causes of drug addiction and provide necessary support to drug dependents. Without Duterte’s leadership and commitment, the continuity of such programs were compromised. The absence of these initiatives not only denies individuals the opportunity for recovery but also hinders efforts to reintegrate them as productive members of society, leading to a relapse in drug-related activities.
Consider the wider socio-political implications associated with Duterte’s absence. His strong anti-drug stance has garnered significant public support, which has influenced the perception of drug-related activities within the country. The absence of his leadership may result in a shift in public sentiment, potentially leading to a loosening attitude towards drug use and a decreased urgency to combat drug proliferation. This shift in public opinion, coupled with weakened law enforcement and rehabilitation efforts, would create an environment conducive to the resurgence of drug-related issues in the Philippines.
In an increasingly globalized world, the allure of exploring foreign lands and pursuing opportunities abroad can be enticing. However, it is essential to consider the wisdom of remaining in one’s home country rather than venturing overseas. By staying put, individuals can tap into countless advantages, ranging from maintaining stability and a strong support network to capitalizing on local opportunities and contributing to national growth.
One’s home country ensures a level of stability and familiarity that can be beneficial to people. By staying grounded within their national environment, people can avoid cultural shock, language barriers, and the challenges associated with adapting to a foreign land. The comfort provided by existing support networks, such as family and friends, can serve as a valuable resource throughout the demanding life’s journey.
Staying in the country allows people to leverage local opportunities specific to their field of interest. Access to these resources enhances the quality of life, leading to a competitive advantage within the national community. In the country, people immerse themselves in their own cultural and social context, deepening their understanding of the national culture, values, and societal issues. This knowledge can contribute to their interactions, fostering a deeper understanding of the national landscape and enabling them to address pressing issues more effectively.
Also, remaining in the country allows people to actively contribute to their nation’s growth and development. By putting their knowledge and skills to use locally, they can support development initiatives, accelerate technological advancements, and address society’s challenges first-hand. Through this engagement, they can become catalysts of change, shaping their country’s future trajectory.
Being home facilitates the establishment of essential networking connections within one’s livelihood. These connections offer valuable support systems and potential collaboration opportunities, as well as access to industry experts, conferences, etc. By cultivating these relationships within the national landscape, young people can lay the foundation for successful careers in their home country.
Moreover, for the youths to remain in the country allows them to gain a deeper understanding of their local job market dynamics, industry trends, and market-specific skill demands. This familiarity prepares them for a smoother transition into their desired careers, as their qualifications align with local requirements and expectations. This advantage minimizes the potential challenges involved in finding suitable employment or starting entrepreneurial ventures.
People who remain in their country contribute to sustaining national brain gain, allowing their nation to retain its top talent. This retention of bright minds in critical sectors helps foster innovation, economic growth, and societal development. By actively participating in their country’s progress, these individuals ensure a prosperous future for their homeland.
While the allure of going overseas may be strong, remaining in one’s home country can sometimes be the wiser choice. By considering the stability, opportunities, familiarity, and the ability to contribute to national growth, people position themselves advantageously for personal and national success, strategically aligning their decisions with the government’s thrusts to ensure the nation’s progress.
It has been years since the city government of Tacloban rerouted traffic flow of the poor man’s public transportation, that is, the motor cab for hire (MCH). It was rammed upon the riding public in the guise of experiment where traffic signs were installed on street corners purportedly on a temporary basis with the aim of quelling public resistance.
That rerouting was designed to ease traffic by making some major streets one-way for MCH. It also paved the way for the entry of four-wheeled yellow spider mini-cabs that competed with the MCH not only in income but the use of city streets. The public transportation inside the city got heavier than the traffic problem that the one-way traffic system aimed to solve.
The direct impact of the traffic rerouting was on the income of MHC operators and drivers who had to go around one-way routes with often one passengers as taking two or three passengers would often be on different destinations and out of way. The driver would be without choice but take one passenger of the shortest route to save on time and fuel.
Under the old two-way route system, an MCH could take at least two or three passengers and pass all destinations on a single round. That was so because the traffic system allows MCH to pass through all city streets or take a u-turn for the next passenger’s destination.
On the part of the passengers, they have to wait for the MCH whose driver would accommodate them for a ride. More than the delay, passengers have to pay more than the regular fare just to get a ride especially if the distance is farther than the regular and the driver would be at a loss for just one passenger. comments to alellema@yahoo.com
