NSSDEO, Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, Northern Samar-– Motorists traversing the PAMAGALA Road along Barangay Nipa in Palapag town are now benefiting from the newly-asphalted road section implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (NSSDEO) that provides a smooth and safe travel experience.

The road improvement project started last March 06, 2023 under contract of ANLE Construction and was completed on April 05, 2023. Its scope of work covers asphalting of 480.00 meters roadway with thickness of 50mm and 6.70m wide. The project was funded under CY 2023 General Appropriation Act (GAA), DPWH Regular Infrastructures.

The P5.885 million asphalt overlaying of the said road section provides reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings as directional signages for the safety of the motorists.
The implementation of preventive maintenance projects helps prolong the service life of roads by minimizing premature deterioration of pavement brought by the passage of heavy vehicles as well as wear and tear implications.

Economic development and progress are also triggered and enhanced as farm and commercial products and other manpower services are easily delivered to the business center.
(RHODORA R. PUJANTE, PIO STAFF/PR)

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go delivered a co-sponsorship speech on the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers Act during the Senate plenary session on Monday, May 22. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Raffy Tulfo, chair of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers.
In his speech, Go, as one of the authors of the bill, emphasized the importance of passing the legislation to safeguard the rights and welfare of Filipino seafarers, who he referred to as the “unsung heroes” of the maritime industry.

“Ang ating mga seafarers ang isa sa pinakamalaking numero na bumubuo sa industriya ng mga marino. Of the 1.5 million seafarers worldwide, 25% are Filipino sea-based workers, making them the single biggest nationality bloc in the maritime industry,” cited Go.
“Nararapat lamang po na pangalagaan natin ang ating mga Pilipinong manggagawa na handang magsakripisyo para sa kanilang pamilya,” he added.

One of the key concerns raised by Go was the long working hours and limited rest periods experienced by seafarers.

To address this issue, the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers Act includes clear guidelines on maximum working hours and adequate rest periods.

“With this, we can address the issue of fatigue and enhance the safety and well-being of our seafarers,” he said.

Additionally, the proposed legislation recognizes the importance of seafarers’ medical care and access to healthcare services, including mental health support.

“As the chairperson of the committee on health, importante sa akin na mabigyan ng maayos na health services ang ating mga marino, sa gitna ng paglalayag at pati na rin sa kanilang pagdaong sa mga pier,” Go remarked.

The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers Act also places emphasis on training and skills development. The bill promotes quality training programs that enable seafarers to acquire essential expertise and skills, thereby enhancing their competence and effectiveness in their profession.

This provision, according to Go, not only benefits individual seafarers but also raises the global competence of the country’s maritime workforce.

Go then emphasized that Filipino seafarers have long been in need of comprehensive protection and support.

“It is high time that we pass this bill to establish a framework that guarantees their rights, improves their working conditions, and upholds their dignity,” said Go.

Go said that the passage of the measure will be a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Senate in pursuing the interests and welfare of Filipino seafarers, similar to the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers in the previous Congress.

Finally, Go hopes that the passage of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers Act would send “a strong and substantial message to the men and women of the maritime industry – a message of gratitude, appreciation, and firm validation of their contribution in this country.”
“Let us stand together united in guaranteeing that our seafarers are protected, their sacrifices are recognized, and that their rights are upheld,” concluded Go. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Pintados Foundation Inc., has formally announced the 30 official candidates for this year’s Miss Teen Pintados and Miss Pintados search.

The announcement was made after candidates who come from various municipalities and cities of the region made a courtesy visit to Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla on Monday (May 22) for their official sashing.

The candidates were joined by Pintados Foundation Inc. president Eugene Tan during the courtesy call at the Leyte Provincial Capitol Complex in Palo town.

The official candidates for the Miss Teen Pintados 2023 are Victoria Boesen (Tanauan), Alyazia Yvonne Flores (Sta. Fe,Leyte), Angel Huang (Bato, Leyte), Julianne Veronica Elorcha (Palo, Leyte), Shimeah Rhiz Monge (Tunga, Leyte), Cstar Estelle Capon (Alangalang, Leyte), Phoiene Arriana Torita (Tabango, Leyte), Eloida Shane Garcia (Leyte, Leyte), Jalynna Rich Padilla (Calbayog City), Czarynna Kwen Cascayan (Paranas, Samar), Catherine Wardle (Catbalogan City), Zandrae de Leon (Silago, Southern Leyte) Chariz Jane Jayma (Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte), Frincess Samaentha Ysabel Biong (Guiuan, Eastern Samar), Janelle Peca (Naval, Biliran).

For the Miss Pintados 2023, the candidates are Kathreen Kaye Dacanay (Borongan City), Alyanna Kristel Bustamante (Maydolong, Eastern Samar), Marie Jean Baquilod (Llorente, Eastern Samar), Karmela Faye dela Torre (Kananga,Leyte), Justine Casinillo (Bato,Leyte), Jessa May Duavis (Tunga, Leyte), Karen Janario (Palo, Leyte), Shane Antoinette Pigar (Carigara, Leyte), Kareyl May Cabahug (Javier, Leyte), Bianca Cassandra Devora (Tacloban City), Jamby Belegorio (Villareal, Samar), Shaira Jubelle Torbeles (Marabut, Samar), Jhyry-Ross Yboa (Catbalogan City), Jacel Mae Doris Salinas (Sogod, Southern Leyte), and Rica Mae Patual (San Juan, Southern Leyte).

The coronation is scheduled this June 23 at the Leyte Academic Center.
Aside from winning the crown, winners of Miss Teen and Miss Pintados will represent the region at the Miss World Philippines competition.
“This partnership will be launched officially during this year’s staging of Miss Pintados and Miss Teen Pintados where Miss World Philippines National Director, Mr. Arnold Vegafria is set to attend together with other beauty queens and artists under his talent management company,” Pintados Foundation, Inc.said in a statement.
“This partnership will surely be a game changer and expect that this year’s search will be extra special as we bring Miss Pintados and Miss Teen Pintados to the world,” the statement added.

Among the notable winners of Miss Pintados who made it big in the national pageant is Cynthia Thomalla, Miss Pintados 2013, who joined the Miss World Philippines in 2018 and represented the country at the Miss Eco International where she bagged the international crown.

Chelsea Fernandez, who was the Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2022 and finished as Top 15 in the Miss Globe competition was the Miss Teen Pintados 2015 titleholder.
Recently, Miss Pintados 2021 1st runner-up Airissh Ramos of Eastern Samar also joined the Miss Universe Philippines and won the best in national costume and landed at the Top 10.
The twin-bill beauty and brain search is among the activities relative to the annual fiesta of Tacloban City.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)