TANAUAN, Leyte-At least 30 pedicab drivers from this town received new pedicab units enabling them to earn back their lost incomes after supertyphoon Yolanda.
The units were from Failon Ngayon, a popular public service oriented television show hosted by Ted Failon, in coordination with the Tzu Chi Foundation and the United Architects of the Philippines (Cavite chapter).
The turn- over of the pedicab units was held at the municipal hall last August 19 and witnessed by Mayor Pelagio “Pel” Tecson.
It was learned that the 30 beneficiaries from this town, among the hard-hit areas of supertyphoon Yolanda, were among the identified 200 recipients coming from eight towns in Leyte.
Aside from the pedicab units, the drivers were also given shoes and uniforms as they undergo training on proper grooming and how to deal with tourists.
It was learned that the sponsors are supposed to only give 10 units for Tanauan but were prevailed upon by Mayor Tecson who requested for additional 20 units of pedicabs.
Alex Songalia, one of the beneficiaries, the pedicab units that they received would be of big help to them considering that their previous units were washed out during the onslaught of Yolanda. (KEITH ALBAO)

TACLOBAN CITY- The vice mayor of this city, considered Yolanda’s ground zero, exhorted the public to come out in droves to show their gratitude for Pope Francis coming next year. Vice Mayor Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin said the visit of the Holy Father will surely have an impact to the faithful who are still reeling from the destructions caused by Yolanda which devastated this city more than nine months ago.

Yaokasin also said that he was happy to learn that during his visit in Tacloban, he would be meeting personally with selected ordinary survivors of Yolanda. Earlier, Archbishop John Du said that during his visit, Francis will have among his audience, 30 typhoon victims from Leyte. The Holy Father is slated to visit the country from January 15 to 19 next year. He is slated to arrive in Tacloban on January 17 to hold a mass with millions of faithful coming from other parts of the country and abroad expected to attend.

Yaokasin said that it was good thing that the Pope chose to meet with ordinary survivors and not with politicians like himself. “It would be better if politicians like me should stay only on the sideline, do the groundwork and stay behind the scene,” he said. For Noel Saldan, a resident of this city, the visit of Pope Francis will surely give comforts to the survivors of Yolanda. His coming is an indication that the Pope cares and sympathizes with the survivors, thousands still lives in tents and bunkhouses.
Saldan, who is engaged in selling images of saints and other religious items, said that he is eager to see the Francis, the first ever Pope to visit Eastern Visayas. (REYNALYN BRUSES,LNU Intern)

CALBAYOG CITY- The parents and teachers from the 10 day care centers of Calbayog District II had renewed their strong bond on August 7 at Balud Covered Court during their mass induction and acquaintance party of Day Care Service Parent Group and District Federation. The said annual event for daycare parents and teachers from Balud 1, Balud 2, Balud 3, Capoocan, Carayman, Carmen, Central, Nijaga, Rawis and San Policarpo, was graced with the presence of City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino.

In his inspirational talk, Mayor Aquino recognized the important role of day care parents and teachers in achieving an excellent child day care service of the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development). He said that from the moment the child enters day care, a “mix-up” of involvement of both the parents and teachers should be present especially in molding the children into becoming disciplined and worthy members of the community.

CaLbayog District II area coordinator for day care service Vilma Seragon, meanwhile, thanked Mayor Aquino for the additional eight day care workers for barangays in Calbayog District II. Their district, she added, has now 27 day care teachers serving their day care centers. Also present in the same occasion were Cesar Ventures, designated as chief of staff of City Vice Mayor Diego Rivera, and the barangay officials of said villages. The activity aims to promote camaraderie among daycare parents and teachers in the Day Care Service, as well as, a strategy to advocate and promote women empowerment and leadership.

The Day Care Service of DSWD is supported by the Republic Act No. 6972 or “The Barangay – Level Total Development and Protection of Children Act.” enacted and approved November 23, 1990.” (AIMEE CATALAN/PR)