TACLOBAN CITY – Establishing a ‘super health’ center alongside the existing rural health unit will significantly enhance local government efforts in providing minor medical interventions, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

For this to be sustainable, sufficient funding must be allocated for its maintenance, emphasized Dr. Antonio Ida, chief of the DOH Leyte Provincial Office, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the P12 million super health center in Matag-ob, Leyte on Feb. 28 .

“With a super health center, we can offer special diagnostic services like chest X-rays and ultrasound,” Dr. Ida stated, highlighting that this would reduce patients’ financial burden, particularly on transportation costs.

However, for the center to fully serve its purpose, the local government unit (LGU) must ensure adequate funding.

“That is why I urge the LGU of Matag-ob, Mayor Bernie (Tacoy), and the municipal officials to allocate funds to properly maintain this Super Health Center,” Ida appealed.
The Matag-ob super health center is among several similar facilities funded by the DOH across the region.

Mayor Tacoy welcomed this call for support, expressing plans to purchase medical equipment such as an X-ray machine, basic laboratory equipment, and a dialysis machine.
He hopes that partners like the DOH, Senator Bong Go, and Tingog party list will assist in funding these vital additions.

“We truly want to procure these, and we will seek help from our partners. This facility will not only benefit Matag-ob residents but also those from neighboring towns,” Mayor Tacoy said.

The construction of the Matag-ob super health center is expected to be completed within three months. It is one of 20 facilities funded by the DOH under its Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY– A 39-year-old ‘habal-habal’ driver, alias “Rolan,” was arrested in a buy-bust operation by the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) in Sitio Upper Dapdap, Barangay Agpangi, at 6:42 am on February 21.

Authorities seized three sachets of suspected shabu and a marked P500 bill used in the operation.

The suspect was informed of his rights and is now facing charges for selling and possession of illegal drugs under RA 9165.

He remains in custody at the Naval Municipal Police Station.
(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY– Two individuals were apprehended by local police after attempting to evade a checkpoint while transporting undocumented coconut lumber on February 26, in Barangay Anquiana, San Jorge, Samar.

San Jorge OIC-Chief of Police, PCpt. Petronio Piangco, identified the suspects as alias “Jessreil,” 30, a driver with a live-in partner, and alias “Harold,” 46, married, both residents of Sitio Anisyao, Barangay Makiwalo, Mondragon, Northern Samar.

According to Piangco, the suspects were on board a green Isuzu Wing Van with plate number RME510 when they passed through a spot checkpoint in Poblacion I. Upon being flagged down by authorities, the vehicle suddenly sped away, prompting a police chase.

The officers caught up with them in Barangay Anquiana, where they were finally stopped.
Upon inspection, the police discovered the vehicle was loaded with coconut lumber, which was visible through a hole in the van’s door. When asked to present the necessary transport documents, the suspects failed to provide any permits for their cargo.

Authorities confiscated, aside from their vehicle, 226 pieces of coconut lumber totaling 2,266 board feet, with an estimated market value of P47,988.00; 84 pieces (2x6x12); 125 pieces (2x6x10); and 34 pieces (3x6x8.)

The arrested individuals and seized materials were taken to the San Jorge Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition. Charges are being prepared against the suspects for violating Republic Act No. 10593, also known as “An Act Providing for the Regulation of the Cutting of Coconut Trees, Its Replenishment, and Providing Penalties Therefor.”

Authorities remind the public that transporting coconut lumber without proper permits is a violation of the law and may result in legal consequences.

(ROBERT DEJON)