As people continue to lower their defenses against the lingering Covid-19 pandemic, the positivity rate likewise increases, sadly in key areas of the country. Based on the recent report of OCTA Research, this said rate has increased in the National Capital Region (NCR/Metro Manila) in just a matter of one week.
Why is the NCR crucial in this infection spike? Well, it is the country’s center of governance, commerce, education, and many others. As such, it is frequented by so many people from different parts of the country—people who may be exposed to new infections and thus bring home the virus, spreading it anew in regional centers.
With this increasing positivity rate, it is likely that Covid cases may rise again, not just in Metro Manila, but throughout the country. That means another wave of infections may continue to increase in the next few weeks or months. This spike, health experts believe, may have been caused by a new infectious sub-variant of Omicron.
Indeed, the observance of basic health protocols proves wise in that this pandemic is not leaving us alone. The battle is far from over, and the risks are still real. Making light of this pandemic now is too early, although it has been around for years. It could still make people sick, or even make them die. Keep observing the health protocols, and get the necessary vaccine or booster.
Why gamble when the risks are still extant? It’s better to be branded as overacting than to be menaced by this existing, dreaded virus.
FIREARMS SURRENDERED. Military personnel checks the 18 firearms surrendered by a former member of the rebel communist group, the New People’s Army on Sunday (Nov. 20). With his surrender, alias ‘Aljur’ also stand to receive about P1 million as a reward. (VICENTE LUKBAN)
TACLOBAN CITY– At least 18 assorted firearms were surrendered by a former rebel to Army officials in Samar on Sunday (Nov. 20).
The cache of firearms was surrendered by alias ‘Aljur,’ 19, to Col. Juanito Parazo, Jr., the commanding officer of the 46th Infantry Battalion based in Calbiga town, Samar.
Based on the report of the battalion, the firearms were buried by the rebels in Barangay Sinalangtan, a remote and mountainous village of Calbiga which was once under the influence of the communist armed group, the New People’s Army (NPA).
Captain Ryan Layug, the spokesperson of the 8th Infantry Division based at the Samar provincial capital of Catbalogan City, said that the surrendered cache of firearms will undergo some ‘technical inspection.’
“Part of the technical inspection is to determine if (these firearms) came from our inventory and how we lost (them),” he said.
Layug also said that all these recovered firearms will be decommissioned as part of their SOP or standard operating procedure.
“Among the types of firearms recovered, only M16 rifle is being used by the AFP,” he said.
Of the 18 firearms recovered, four were M14 rifles, six M16 rifles, four AK47 rifles, and one each of shotgun, KG9, 38 caliber pistol, M79 grenade launcher, and 14 AK47 magazines.
Last August 20, no less than Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen.Bartolome Vicente Bacarro led in the decommissioning of 65 firearms either surrendered or captured by the government troops from the NPA members in the region.
Aljur, who just surrendered on Nov.19 to the government, was said to belong to the Squad 3, ‘Bugsok’ Platoon of the communist group operating in the towns of Sta. Rita, Pinabacdao, and Calbiga.
The former teener rebel disclosed that he has two elder brothers who are still active NPA members and urged them to return to the folds of the law.
Col.Parazo said that he welcomed the decision of Aljur to surrender together with the firearms.
“We sincerely thank them to abandon their wrong ideology and embrace the government’s program to achieve peace,” he said in a statement, referring to their appeal for the remaining rebels to give up their armed struggle against the government.
For his part, Col. Lenart Lelina, the commanding officer of the 801st Infantry Brigade based in Hinabangan town, also in Samar, vowed to help Aljur by providing him all the benefits he is entitled as surrenderee.
Lelina, for one, said, with the surrendered firearms alone, Aljur stand to receive almost P1 million.
The government provides a cash incentive to rebels who surrender their firearms. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
CALBAYOG CITY– The provincial government of Samar in partnership with the National Commission on Culture and the Arts-Philippine Cultural Education Program (NCCA-PCEP), UST Graduate School-Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics, and the city government of Calbayog, hosted a three-day national training on vulture-based governance for local government units at the Calbayog City Convention Center from November 16-18, 2022.
Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan delivers her keynote speech during the opening of the three-day national training on culture-based governance for LGU on Nov.16 held in Calbayog City. (SAMAR PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE)
Key players in the use of culture-based governance shared how cultural awareness can promote economic development through tourism, culture, and heritage.
Governor Sharee Ann Tan, in her Spark Culture presentation, shared how her administration endeavored to change the negative image that has long lingered in the province, thus the birth of Spark Samar.
With the Spark Samar Development Agenda, several programs have been crafted to address the problems on insurgency, disaster, and poverty.
“We started with the cultural mapping program. This is a big help to really know who we are. Moving forward, we will know how to deal with the people to bring our Province to the next level,” Gov. Tan said.
The governor also said that the results of cultural mapping should be shared and utilized by the community.
“It is about time for our children to appreciate what our ancestors have gone through, and understand our heritage. Through this, the dignity and pride of being a Samarnon is intact,” she stressed.
Moreover, Dr. Sonny Cristobal, director of NCCA-PCEP, emphasized the important role of the local government in ensuring that the youth and the community understand its culture to better understand development.
Meanwhile, Vigan City former mayor Eva Marie S. Medina, and Iloilo City Tourism Officer Junel Ann Divinagracia shared their best practices that are worth replicating.
Medina likewise stressed that the community should feel how the programs positively impact each and every one saying, “Give importance to your people, involve them. Involve all sectors.”
“Take care of the culture that has been lovingly taken cared of by our ancestors,” Ms. Medina added.
On the other hand, Dr. Eric Zerrudo of UST Graduate Studies reminded the participants that there should be sustainable development in cultural heritage conservation and to do this, there should be intergenerational responsibility.
Cultural mapping, is an approach used to identify, record, and use cultural resources and activities for building communities, where communities map what is important to them.
The training gathered around 200 participants from the academe, local officials, tourism and cultural workers, artists club and organizations all over the country. (SAMAR PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE)
The DENR Warriors with DENR Warriors with Head Coach Joselin Marcus E. Fragada, Undersecretary for Field Operations – Mindanao. (photo by: Jaspher L. Lumagbas)
QUEZON CITY – The UNTV Cup Season 9 was formally opened on 21 November 2022 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, here.
The prestigious Liga ng Public Servants is a charity tournament among government agencies. Each team is composed of 15 players who are not less than 32 years of age and an employee of the agency at least two years at the start of the tournament. Players who have played in any professional league within the last five years are disqualified.
Twelve teams are participating this season were divided into two brackets, namely: Bracket A: 1. AFP Cavaliers, 2. JUDICIARY Magis, 3. GSIS Furies, 4. OP-PMS Trailblazers, 5.
PHILHEALTH Konsulta and 6. DA Food Masters. Bracket B: 1. NHA Home Masters, 2. PNP Responders, 3. Ombudsman Graft Busters, 4. SSS Kabalikat, 5. SENATE Defenders and 6. DENR Warriors.
Each participating team has a chosen beneficiary that will receive the cash prize that will be won by the team.
In his opening remarks, UNTV Cup Commissioner Fortunato G. Co, Jr., the famous ”Atoy Co” of the Crispa Redmanizers, expressed his excitement as he saw the teams and their fans see face to face after the pandemic.
He then explained that the tournament format will be a single round-robin in each bracket. The last two teams after the round will be eliminated. The four teams in each bracket will advance to a cross-over quarter-finals.
The final four teams will play in a single round-robin semi-finals to determine the pairing for the finals. The founder of UNTV Cup, Daniel Soriano Razon, delivered his inspirational message to the participating teams and the fans that filled the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It would be recalled that in the UNTV Season 8 held in 2019-2020, the DENR Warriors won against the 3-time champion AFP Cavaliers.
It became the first rookie team in UNTV Cup history to win the championship. The cash prize of P4 million was awarded to its chosen beneficiary, the Environmental Heroes Foundation, Incorporated.
This year, the DENR Warriors has chosen the Environmental Sports Association, Inc. (ESAI), a non-stock, non-profit association, as its beneficiary.
In an exclusive interview with ESAI president, Engr. Al Ellema, explained that the association aims to promote health and wellness among environmental workers and advocates both in the government.
“The Environmental Sports Association, Inc. was organized in response to the challenges of the covid19 pandemic that our country suffered. During the pandemic, we were confronted with the reality where workers fell unwell and unhealthy while others succumbed to the dreaded covid19 disease” Ellema explained.
ESAI shall take a pro-active role in keeping the awareness of every worker that their health is primordial in maintaining productivity in their respective work. The call to maintain a healthy physical and mental condition is everyone’s responsibility. A healthy workforce will not only improve productivity but peace and happiness for every worker’s family.
It was learned that the DENR Warriors is coached by DENR Officials from Region 8 with its Head Coach, Atty. Ernesto D. Adobo, Jr., CESO I, Undersecretary for Legal, Administration, Human Resources and Legislative Affairs and Atty. Norlito A. Eneran, LL.M., CESO III, Director for Legal Affairs Service. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
Globe Platinum has been a long-time supporter of the arts. This year, it goes regional by co-presenting the 2nd Visayas Art Fair happening from November 25 to 27, 2022 at the Oakridge Business Park in Mandaue City, Cebu.
Themed “Connecting Visayas Through Art,” the event was organized by Cebu Design Week, Inc., which advocates for the cultivation of culture, arts, creativity, and innovation in Cebu and the region.
For its participation in the region’s largest art festival, the brand brings with it the Platinum Series Hub featuring the work of Filipino street artist Distort Monsters.
Globe Platinum customers are also invited to all exhibits. As a special treat, they will get an exclusive collectors’ preview at the Vernissage complete with cocktails and a live performance on November 24.
“We are excited about our participation in the 2nd Visayas Art Fair. This is an opportunity for us to showcase the brand’s expanding ownership of art and design to Cebu, engage more customers and supporters of the arts, and bring the Platinum experience to them,” said Kaisie Del Carmen-San Pablo, Business Unit Head for Globe Platinum.
During the Main Exhibit’s public opening on the 12th Floor of IT Center 3, Globe Platinum patrons can partake of refreshments and lightning-fast Internet speeds while discovering the breathtaking driftwood sculptures of James Doran-Webb, the creative graphic designs of Happy Garaje duo Johanna Velasco and Mark Joseph Deutsch, and other skillful Cebuano artists.
They may also participate in the raffle and purchase select pieces from the showcase of talent on display.
On the other hand, the Platinum Series Hub, which was launched last September in Manila, takes centerstage at the Atrium Garden where clients get an entrance fast lane, a complimentary fan and mask kit designed by Distort Monsters, and access to exclusive Distort Monsters merchandise for sale. Distort Monsters partnered with the brand for unique dynamic pieces in which customers can immerse themselves.
The fair’s Bodega 2022 also has a selling platform for the best of Cebu’s design, home furnishings, interiors, and home accessories curated by world-renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue and Cebu’s Creative Hub private sector head Butch Carungay.
Globe Platinum has been sponsoring key events in Metro Manila such as Art Fair and Art in the Park as art and design are among the top passion points of its customers. (PR)
TACLOBAN CITY– A first termer councilor from Eastern Samar won handily as the region’s president of the Philippine Councilors League- Eastern Visayas chapter in elections held in Cebu City Wednesday (Nov. 23).
VICTORY. Councilor Ralph Vincent Evardone of Sulat, Eastern Samar was elected as the new president of the Philippine Councilors League-Eastern Visayas chapter on Wednesday (Nov. 23). The neophyte councilor is the son of Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone. (Photo Courtesy)
Ralph Vincent Evardone, 22 and a council member of Sulat town, defeated Chique Uy, a councilor from Palo town, who is the incumbent interim chairman of the said league.
“Of course, I am happy but at the same time, anxious because I am in a position that I cannot disappoint,” he said in a phone interview.
Evardone obtained 61 votes against the 39 votes of Uy.
The newly-minted PCL-Eastern Visayas chapter who is also a son of Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone, vowed to make their group a working one for the region’s over 1,200 councilors.
“While the councilors are aware that PCL exists, many of them do not know of its benefits like they can apply for further studies, it offers medical assistance and even mortuary,” he said.
He also said that while he may be the youngest among the newly-elected president, his slate is ‘full of veteran politicians who can help him.
“I have a good relationship with them. I’m pretty sure I can work with all of them,” Evardone, who is a graduate of management economics at Ateneo de Manila University, said. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
