PARANAS, Samar – Former president and outgoing House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo paid a brief visit to this town, one of the areas that benefitted the US-funded Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) that started during her administration.
And during her June 14 visit to this town, the House Speaker listened among members of various peoples’ organizations (POs) how their lives were changed after the construction of the MCC road in their area.
Among them are PO’s whose members are all male and former engaging to illegal logging but are now into tour guiding, the Ulot Extreme Torpedo Boat Ride.
Eugene Igdalino, who is the president of the Ulot Extreme Torpedo Boat Ride, told the former President that before the road was constructed, he along with other men were into illegal logging.
But with an improved road network, they were able to change for the better as they became tour guides as tourists were coming in to Paranas in droves.
The extreme boat ride is among the top tourist attractions of Paranas.
Igdalino told Arroyo that as tour guides, they are assured of a steady and legal income. Just last year, their organization generated tourist receipt of about P2.4 million.
Igdalino added that aside from the Torpedo boat ride, they are also developing an eco-trail which will be supervised by women’s group that could augment the income of their husbands who are doing tour guiding in Ulot River.
For her part, Elizabeth Pangilino, president of the Tenani Association for Women and Development (Tawad), also informed House Speaker Arroyo that because of the road project, they became aware and is helping the government in curbing the problem on trafficking on their area.
Lack of opportunities and being remote then made some of the villagers immune to getting trafficked, she said.
But with a new road, not only their village became connected to the rest of Paranas but also they became aware how to fight those who are engaging in human trafficking.
Pangilino added that another big contribution of the MCC road project to the community is the efficient delivery of their farm products and they were able to send their children to college.
Hearing this positive feedback, Arroyo said that she is thankful that the project under her term really benefited the poor communities.
“I am so happy to be here this afternoon because you told me how it helped you and that is one of the happiest things I’ve ever heard,” Arroyo said.
“Thank you very much for this wonderful opportunity for me to interact (with you). I hope that tourism will continue to grow and help for you to develop sustainably and to help in addressing poverty in Samar Island and in the whole Philippines,” she added.
The 222-kilometer Secondary National Roads Development Project (SNRDP) was funded by the MCC for $214.4-million which was started during the term of Arroyo.
The project was composed of four contract packages that start in the Pan Philippine Highway along the junction in Barangay Buray, Paranas, going to Taft and end in Guiuan town, both in Eastern Samar.
The project started in 2009 and was finished in 2013.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
House Speaker Arroyo visit MCC road project in Samar; happy of positive impact to the villagers
San Antonio de Padua Mission Center in Basey now a parish
BASEY, Samar – San Antonio de Padua Mission Center located in Barangay San Antonio, this town, is now a parish by virtue of a decree issued by Most Reverend Isabelo C. Abarquez, D.D., bishop of Calbayog.
The decree erecting San Antonio de Padua Parish was signed by Bishop Abarquez and Rev. Fr. Noel Labendia, Chancellor of the Diocese of Calbayog.
The pronouncement of the erection of San Antonio de Padua Parish and appointment of its first parish priest was made by Bishop Abarquez before he presided the High Mass in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua about 9 am on June 13 on the feast day celebration of Brgy. San Antonio, with Nenita “Mabel” Cabonce Labitigan-Calip as ‘hermana mayor’ for this year.
After the declaration of Bishop Abarquez about the significant historic events on this year’s fiesta, the decree erecting the San Antonio de Padua Parish and the appointment of Rev. Fr. Basil S. Salino as its first parish priest were read by Rev. Msgr. Niceas Abejuela, vicar general of the Diocese of Calbayog.
Fr. Salino who was installed as priest-in-charge of San Antonio de Padua Mission Center on March 15, 2019.
He is the fifth priest to be assigned in San Antonio following Rev. Fr. Agustin O. Gelera, Rev. Fr. Rex M. Ibañez, Rev. Fr. Eduardo T. Bersamin and Rev. Fr. Noel A. Abiertas.
Bishop Abarquez explained to the faithful the intricate process in erecting a parish saying it started with a letter submitted to him by the previous Fr. Abiertas signifying the intent for San Antonio to become a parish.
The letter was indorsed to the Council on Parish Creation which favorably recommended it to the Board of Consultors before it was submitted back to him for his final decision.
In his homily, Abarquez explained that San Antonio will be a parish under the Diocese of Calbayog.
He asked the community to do their part not only in supporting the parish priest in his pastoral ministry but in the temporal needs as well. He also challenged the faithful to live harmoniously by living the gospel values of forgiveness and compassion as a community.
The High Mass of the fiesta celebration was presided by Bishop Abarquez as the main celebrant joined by other priests in the diocese.
This year’s barangay fiesta was led by the 2019 ‘hermana mayor’ Labitigan-Calip together with her siblings Dra. Myrna C. Labitigan-Labanda, Merle C. Labitigan-Huppenthal, Merlo C. Labitigan, Melba C. Labitigan and their respective families.
(AL ALLEMA)
Missing fisherman found dead in Southern Leyte
ORMOC CITY- A fisherman from Barangay Sap-ang, Silago, Southern Leyte who went missing for eight days was found dead at the nearby village on Sunday (June 16).
Town police SSgt. Leonilo Closa, investigator on case, said the beheaded body of Almer Tomol, 36, was already on the state of decomposition when found drifted to a knee-deep seawater in sitio Hibatian of Brgy. Hingatunggan, also of the same town.
His body was already bloated and beyond identification, Closa said.
The victim’s elder sister, Ailene Silda, confirmed the dead body was of his brother, through his short pants, the only clothing remained.
Closa, citing what the victim’s wife stated, said that Tomol gone fishing alone on Saturday morning (June 8), and never returned.
The boat he used was found glided ashore to the nearby village on the same day with his lunch still intact and some catch.
He also said the victim’s wife shared previous incident saying Tomol fell from his boat while fishing and went home with injured knee.
The police said, a local resident found Tomol’s body and reported to the police who responded along with the coast guard personnel.
The town police is still conducting investigation to identify possible crime causing the victim’s death.
(RONALD O. REYES)
Sen. Villar to introduce carabao dairy industry in Northern Samar
CATARMAN, Northern Samar – Senator Cynthia Villar believes that carabao milk is a good alternative livelihood for farmers in the provinces.
During her to Northern Samar on Saturday(June 15), Villar, who topped the senatorial derby of the recently-concluded elections, told members of the media here about her plans of establishing in Northern Samar a livelihood model for dairy production using carabao fresh milk.
Noting that only one percent of the milk supply in the country is produced by local manufacturers, Villar stressed the need to increase local production of dairy.
She said that unlike cattles, the Philippine carabao is easier to tend as it adopts to hot weather conditions.
In 2018, Villar has allocated funds for dairy centers in 15 provinces. This year the senator announced that she will fund for dairy centers in 15 more provinces including Northern Samar.
“Bibigyan ko ang Northern Samar ng isang model, gaya ng ginawa nila sa Ubay, Bohol where carabao milk stalls have flourished because they have a well-managed dairy center,” Villar, who chairs the committee of agriculture at the Senate, said.
The project will require an initial cost of P10 million and will be assisted by the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), she said.
“Tetistingin ko lang na pag binigyan ko kayo kaya nyong ma-expand (yung dairy project). Kasi minsan bibigyan mo imbes na ma-expand nawala,” Villar said.
The P10 million will cover for dispersal of 100 milking carabaos, establishment of a processing center, and a storage.
The senator was in Catarman as guest of honor and speaker for the 58th commencement exercises of the University of Eastern Philippines.
(RACHEL V. ARNAIZ)
Gov. Petilla calls for unity and friendship as Tacloban City celebrates its 130th fiesta
(GINA P. GEREZ)
In honor of Senior Santo Niño
TACLOBAN CITY-Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla issued an appeal that unity and friendship should prevail as this city is to celebrate its annual fiesta celebration on June 30.
Petilla made this call as he led the opening of the ‘Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival Park’ at the RTR Park, this city, on June 14.
Tacloban City is to celebrate its 130th fiesta in honor of Senior Santo Niño.
“We hope that this coming fiesta will be more meaningful. We saw that a lot of blessings are coming to our province (and) to the city of Tacloban,” Petilla said.
“Let us not forget that this coming fiesta is the time for giving thanks, of prayers, of helping each other, of friendship, and unity so that blessing will continue to pour in our province,” he added.
Gov. Petilla added that the annual Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals is a treasure of the province where talents of the Leyteños are showcased in festival competition which they can be proud of presenting in national competitions.
“We will not only see performance but also the dedication to the devotion to Sr. Santo Nino,” he said.
The Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals had produced several winners in national festival competitions like the Aliwan Festival in Pasig and the Sinulog Festival in Cebu.
Among these Leyte-based cultural festivals that made good in the national competitions were the Buyugan Festival of Abuyog; Pasaka Festival of Tanauan; Alikaraw Festival of Hilongos; Lingganay Festival of Alangalang; Buraburon Festival of Burauen; and the Sanggutan Festival of Barugo.
“This proves that we have excellent and talented people that even in the national level, their talents excels,” he added.
Pintados president Eugene Tan, for his part, was thankful to the provincial government and Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla for their continued support to the annual event that is recognized in the national arena of festival competitions.
“This yearly activity will not be a success without the support of Mayor ‘Matin’ Petilla who is always on the forefront of this annual event. Because of their support, we have been successful every year,” Tan said.
For this year, Kasadyaan Festival four contingents are to battle for the title as champion.
These are the Pasaka Festival, Tolo-Usa Festival of Tolosa, Haru Tambalan Festival of Jaro, Leyte and Macarato Festival of Matuguinao, Samar.
The grand champion is to receive P500,000.
The Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals is now on its 24th year while the Pintados Festival is now on its 33rd year.
(ROEL T.AMAZONA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
NEW AND SPACIOUS MARKET STALL
