FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido formally received the five-hectare land donation from San Andres Fishing Industries, Inc. represented by its president Commodore Marfenio Y. Tan (Res) in a deed of donation signing ceremony at the headquarters of Task Force Gensan in Barangay Bula, General Santos City on October 28, 2024.
“This donation will help enhance the country’s strategic bases and power projection platforms aimed at maintaining a robust and responsive force,” the Army Chief said in his remarks during the ceremony.
Lt. Gen. Galido added that the donated vast tract of land will be of great use to enhance the Army’s disaster response capabilities, ensuring that the Army can mobilize swiftly and effectively during humanitarian crises.
“As we move forward, we must ensure that our assets such as our lands are well-managed, come up with good proposals to make these productive,” the Army Chief said in his remarks during the ceremony. (PR)
DENGUE FEVER SPIKE. The Department of Health reported of increase of dengue fever cases as of last week. It, however, clarified that the surge was due to late reporting from their field offices.(DOH-8)
With more than 14,400 cases with 25 deaths
DENGUE FEVER SPIKE. The Department of Health reported of increase of dengue fever cases as of last week. It, however, clarified that the surge was due to late reporting from their field offices.(DOH-8)
TACLOBAN CITY—The Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas has reported a surge of dengue fever which now reached 14,414 cases from January 1 to October 26, 2024, with 25 recorded fatalities.
This number represents a staggering 314% increase compared to the same period last year, which saw 3,485 cases and 9 deaths.
From October 20 to 26 alone, cases rose by 8,720%, with 441 reported cases compared to just five in the previous week, according to Jelyn Malibago, the DOH regional information officer, on Monday, Nov. 4.
Malibago clarified, however, that this spike was largely due to delayed reporting from their provincial and city health offices.
“This is mainly because of late reporting. Generally, we have noted a decrease in the number of cases across all provinces compared to previous months, thanks to the concerted efforts of local government units, national agencies, and the public,” she explained.
Malibago said that the delay was due to the needed verification process and cleaning of data to ensure that the information falls as dengue cases.
Despite the downward trend in recent weeks, the DOH has renewed its call to the public to strictly implement the 4S strategy to prevent the spread of dengue.
The 4S strategy includes search and destroy mosquito breeding sites by eliminating potential mosquito habitats both indoors and outdoors, ensuring stored water is covered and kept clean; seek consultation promptly, especially if experiencing sudden high fever within two days along with other symptoms; self-protect by using insect repellent, and wearing long sleeves, light-colored clothing, and long pants; and support fogging activities in communities if a dengue outbreak is anticipated.
Hospitals and health facilities have also been urged to ensure the availability of dengue fast lanes, sufficient healthcare providers, and necessary dengue medicines to provide prompt care, Malibago added.
Of the six provinces in the region, Leyte recorded the highest number of dengue cases, with 6,116, followed by Samar with 3,621 cases; Southern Leyte, 2,551; Northern Samar, 855; and Biliran, 271.
The 25 deaths attributed to dengue were recorded in the following areas: Samar with 11, Leyte with 6, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar with 3 each, and Southern Leyte with 2.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus, primarily transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and a skin rash.
In severe cases, the disease can progress to life-threatening conditions marked by severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, blood in bodily excretions, and breathing difficulties. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
TACLOBAN CITY– In a strategic move to bolster efforts against insurgency, the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army held a send-off ceremony on Monday, November 4, for 190 newly-minted Scout Rangers.
The troops are being deployed across Samar Island to support the division’s mission to eradicate remaining communist terrorist groups in Eastern Visayas.
The deployment aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to end insurgency in Eastern Visayas, particularly on Samar Island, before his term concludes in 2028.
Samar Island, which comprises the provinces of Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar, has historically been a hotspot for insurgent activities.
The arrival of the Scout Rangers, known for their rigorous training and tactical expertise, is expected to strengthen stability, security, and peace initiatives across the region.
During the ceremony held at the Old Terminal of Calbayog Airport/Gen. Perfecto Peñaredondo, the commanding general of the 8th ID, commended the dedication and sacrifices of the troopers, recognizing the significant morale boost their commitment provides to both the military and the communities they serve.
“We stand in awe of your achievements, not only in terms of tactical success but also for the impact on the morale and determination of all those who fight alongside you,” BGen. Peñaredondo said.
“Your courage has sent a clear message: we will not back down, and we will fight until peace is achieved.”
The presence of the members of the communist armed group, the New People’s Army, is often cited as one of the reasons why investors are hesitant to relocate in the region which is among the poorest in the country.
TACLOBAN CITY — The Office of the Ombudsman has indicted Mayor Gina Merilo of Tanauan, Leyte for graft following her hiring of two losing candidates within a prohibited one-year period.
The nine-page decision, signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on September 30, was only released on Monday, November 4.
Mayor Merilo faces charges for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) after hiring Quintin Octa Jr. and Reynalda Almaden, who both ran unsuccessfully in the 2022 elections, on July 1, 2022.
Octa, her former running mate, was appointed as a project engineer despite being a dentist by profession, while Almaden, a retired individual, was hired as a mobile nurse for the municipality.
The complaint was filed by Tanauan resident Mildred Lopez, who questioned the appointments due to the one-year ban on hiring losing candidates.
Mayor Merilo defended her actions, claiming good faith in the appointments.
She explained that, as a first-term mayor, she had consulted the town’s human resource officer, who, in turn, sought the guidance of the regional Civil Service Commission and Department of Interior and Local Government offices, both of which reportedly supported the appointments.
Merilo further clarified that both positions were not regular plantilla posts but merely job order assignments.
The Ombudsman, however, ruled that Merilo’s actions showed “manifest partiality” in favoring Octa and Almaden by hiring them on a job order basis to bypass the one-year ban.
“Respondent acted with manifest partiality when she hired Octa and Almaden… [with] the furtive design and intent to circumvent the constitutional and statutory provisions prohibiting the hiring of losing candidates one year after the immediate preceding elections,” the anti-graft court said.
The Ombudsman concluded by finding probable cause for the indictment, ordering that the corresponding information be filed in court.
Reached through her staff, Mayor Merilo stated that she has not yet received the Ombudsman’s complaint but intends to respond once she does by consulting her lawyers. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
As expected, the outcome of the U.S. presidential election holds significant implications for the Philippines, shaping economic aid, defense agreements, and diplomatic relationships. As allies, the Philippines and the U.S. share strategic interests, but their partnership requires mutual respect and genuine collaboration, which recent policies have often neglected.
Whoever wins, the president-elect’s stance on defense commitments and alliances will directly impact regional security in Southeast Asia, especially amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. With China’s territorial claims intensifying, the Philippines needs a steadfast ally to deter encroachment and uphold maritime laws. A U.S. administration willing to invest in military cooperation, training, and technology transfers would reinforce the Philippines’ position and regional stability.
Likewise, U.S. economic policy significantly influences the Filipino economy, particularly through trade, investment, and foreign aid. Changes in U.S. foreign aid, trade agreements, and policies on outsourcing directly affect Filipinos’ livelihoods, especially as the country relies heavily on remittances and trade. A U.S. government prioritizing fair trade and investment in Southeast Asia could help the Philippines address poverty, boost job creation, and strengthen its local industries.
The U.S. president’s stance on climate action is also critical for our country, one of the most climate-vulnerable nations globally. A leader who supports climate funding and sustainable development in developing countries can help mitigate the effects of natural disasters, protect vulnerable communities, and fund resilience-building programs in the Philippines. This assistance is vital, especially as climate change amplifies the frequency and severity of typhoons and other natural calamities.
Immigration policy in the U.S. remains a pressing issue, as millions of Filipinos live and work in the U.S., sending remittances that fuel the Philippine economy. A compassionate, inclusive immigration policy can provide stability for Filipino families abroad, allowing them to contribute effectively to both the U.S. and Philippine economies. Policies that recognize the contributions of Filipino immigrants would not only strengthen family ties but also benefit both countries’ labor markets and cultural ties.
Our country must strengthen its diplomatic channels and advocate for policies that serve mutual interests. Engaging actively with the U.S. on defense, economic cooperation, climate action, and immigration will be essential to ensure that any changes in the U.S. administration benefit the Philippines and uphold its sovereignty, economic stability, and resilience in the face of ongoing global challenges.
It’s odd, isn’t it? Almost everyone, no matter where they’re from or what they believe in, seems to secretly—or not so secretly—dream about hitting the jackpot. The thought of stumbling upon gold, cracking open a treasure chest, or finding some buried fortune has an almost universal appeal. I can’t help but wonder, though: why are we so hooked on the fantasy of instant riches? The more I think about it, the more I see that this hunger is dangerous—sometimes deadly. It’s like an itch that’s never satisfied, making people risk it all for just a whiff of easy money.
If you dig around in history, you’ll find no shortage of folks who chased wealth down impossible roads. From the Spanish conquistadors on quests for El Dorado to modern-day treasure hunters scouring shipwrecks for sunken gold, people have been obsessed with finding easy wealth for centuries. And these aren’t isolated cases; they’re human instincts written in bold. Take some guy in the 1600s, hacking his way through a jungle, imagining he’ll get back home with mountains of gold. That same dream is alive and kicking today—only now we’ve traded the jungle for the lottery ticket, the crypto gamble, or even a heist movie fantasy. It’s like we can’t resist the allure of the “get rich quick” scheme, even though it’s more likely to leave us penniless than anything else.
What strikes me is how this craving can make a person do things they’d never imagine doing otherwise. If you’ve ever caught yourself fantasizing about a big win, you’ll know how quickly you start thinking of all the things you could do with that money. It’s intoxicating. Now, imagine that daydream morphing into desperation. A man can go from wishing to win to willing to steal in the blink of an eye. There’s a point where the craving turns ruthless. Just look at some of those grisly headlines: a friend betrayed, a family torn apart, all for the love of quick cash. And while it’s easy to judge from the outside, I sometimes wonder—if I were pushed far enough, what would I do for money?
There’s a kind of dark humor in how universal this is. I mean, look at religious stories! There’s usually a warning about greed somewhere. In the Bible, there’s the story of Judas, who sold out Jesus for a handful of silver coins. In mythology, Midas wanted everything he touched to turn to gold, only to learn that it made even his food inedible. It’s like every culture’s warning us: “Watch out—chasing wealth can destroy you.” Yet here we are, still diving headfirst into the very traps our ancestors tried to warn us about.
What gets me is how our cravings are even stronger now. In the old days, the quest for riches meant physically traveling to some distant land or diving to the bottom of the ocean. Today, you don’t even need to leave your house. There’s an endless scroll of glamorous lifestyles on social media, flashy cars, luxurious mansions—all within reach, or so they say. It’s no wonder people feel like everyone else is rich but them. When you feel like you’re the only one missing out, that desire to “catch up” can turn frantic. It’s a sad joke that we’re somehow closer to wealth than ever, but happiness? Still just as out of reach.
I think of the people I’ve known who have been lured by these shiny promises. A cousin who burned through his savings on get-rich-quick schemes. A neighbor who got tangled up in scams, convinced he’d hit the big time if he just stuck with it a little longer. They were both so sure they’d found a shortcut to success, but all they found was disappointment. It’s easy to see the warning signs from a distance, but up close, when it’s your own life and dreams on the line, things get a lot blurrier. And before you know it, you’re neck-deep, chasing something you thought would make you free, only to find you’re trapped.
What’s ironic is that we keep convincing ourselves we’ll be the exception. It’s like a massive game of musical chairs, where everyone is sure they’ll be the last one standing. And when the music stops, and someone loses, they’re baffled, as if it wasn’t obvious all along. The system—whether it’s the lottery, the stock market, or another get-rich scheme—wasn’t designed for everyone to win. Yet we all jump in, grinning like fools, convinced we’ve outsmarted everyone else. But in the end, most of us are left holding nothing.
So where does that leave us? I’m not saying we should give up on dreams or that wanting financial security is bad. But maybe the answer lies in recognizing what’s real and what’s not. The treasure we’re searching for isn’t buried in the ground or a lottery ticket. It’s probably closer than we think, lying somewhere in the relationships, passions, and moments we overlook while chasing after something that’ll never really satisfy. Maybe, just maybe, if we stop reaching for the unreachable, we’ll find we’re already richer than we thought.
