INCENTIVES. Boxer Aira Villegas continues to receive rewards for her exploits at the Paris Olympics, winning a bronze medal. On August 23, the 29-year old boxer received keys to her house and lot, and SUV from Tingog Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, among others.(TINGOG PARTY-LIST)
INCENTIVES. Boxer Aira Villegas continues to receive rewards for her exploits at the Paris Olympics, winning a bronze medal. On August 23, the 29-year old boxer received keys to her house and lot, and SUV from Tingog Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, among others.(TINGOG PARTY-LIST)
TACLOBAN CITY – Tacloban-born Olympian Aira Villegas received a brand-new car worth P1.4 million as a surprise gift during the “Tribute to Our Local Athletes” ceremony on August 23.
The event was organized by the Office of House Speaker and First District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, along with Tingog Party-list Representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre, held at the People’s Center, this city.
The car, personally handed by Rep. Yedda Romualdez to the bronze Olympic medalist, was used to bring Villegas and her family to her new house and lot in Palo, Leyte, valued at P6 million, a promise fulfilled by Speaker Romualdez during Villegas’ visit to Congress a week ago.
On Thursday, August 22, Villegas received P2 million in cash rewards from Mayor Alfred Romualdez, the Tacloban City Council, and the Hiraya Foundation.
Villegas, 29, made history as the first-ever Olympic medalist from Tacloban, winning a medal in boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Meanwhile, during the same event, Eastern Visayas athletes who participated in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa, which saw Eastern Visayas’ highest placing at 7th, along with their parents and coaches, received P10,000 in assistance/incentives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Medalists received additional incentives: P7,000 for bronze, P8,000 for silver, and P10,000 for gold. Coaches of winning athletes also received an additional P10,000.
Aside from Rep. Romualdez, also present during the event were Karla Estrada, Department of Education Regional Director Evelyn Fetalvero, and DSWD Assistant Regional Director Clarito Logronio. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
Tacloban City— The Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) participated in the conduct of upkeep and cleanliness inspection of equipment/vehicle documents by the Equipment Management Division (EMD) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VIII on August 16, 2024.
The inspection was led by Engr. Jaryd Jay T. Latoza (Engineer II), Engr. Lattrell Francis Ruth R. Carolino (Automotive Equipment Inspector II), Mr. Jasper C. Sarmen (Automotive Equipment Inspector II), and Ms. Maria Luisa V. Pedrosa (Administrative Aide IV).
During the visit, the team checked several important documents, including trip tickets, equipment logbooks, and updated LTO registration and insurance papers. They also reviewed property acknowledgment receipts, driver’s license, and ensured that the vehicles had the correct DPWH logo and plate numbers. Additionally, the inspectors conducted an inventory of the district engineering office’s equipment holdings and discussed the proper completion of equipment logbooks and daily maintenance procedures with all drivers and operators.
The team also inspected the TCDEO vehicles to ensure they were in good condition and safe to use. The initial findings of the inspection were positive. It was noted that TCDEO is compliant with the necessary documents asked during the inspection. It was also noted that all vehicles checked were in good condition.
District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse thanked the inspection team for visiting TCDEO. She said “I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Equipment and Management Division of DPWH Region VIII for doing this inspection. It helps ensure that our equipment/vehicles, as well as the drivers and operators, have the documents necessary for their operation.” (PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT)
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) checks if monuments are properly in place after the conduct of subdivision survey in Hilongos, Leyte under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual titling (SPLIT) project.
(RANULFO ADVINCULA, DAR-Hilongos)
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) checks if monuments are properly in place after the conduct of subdivision survey in Hilongos, Leyte under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual titling (SPLIT) project. (RANULFO ADVINCULA, DAR-Hilongos)
HILONGOS, Leyte – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) works double time by conducting simultaneously subdivision survey and inspection of surveyed lots in this town to expedite the issuance of individual land titles to agrarian reform beneficiaries under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project.
On August 14 and 15, five survey teams were dispersed to this town. Three teams conducted subdivision surveys in 11 lots covered by collective certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs), while two teams inspected separate eight previously surveyed lots to check if monuments are properly in place.
Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Ruben Rebato disclosed that the 11 lots that were subdivided have a combined area of 63 hectares situated in the upland barangays of Agutayan, Cacao and Hitupdan.
According to him, there are 55 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in these 11 lots awaiting for their individual land titles.
Meanwhile, the inspection of the eight previously surveyed lots with an aggregate area of 45 hectares turned out successful with complete monuments properly in place. These lots are situated in Barangays Agutayan, San Isidro, Sta. Margarita and Marangog. Survey documents will then be forwarded to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the approval of survey plans.
Rebato further disclosed that he shares the credit with MARPOs Connie Siegred Ulbata, Melchora Telin and Florida Amores in accomplishing these tasks.
He also acknowledged the support of the local government unit through Mayor Manuel Villahermosa for providing a vehicle in the hauling of the monuments to the above-mentioned villages which are more than 20 kilometers away from the town proper, and a living quarter for the surveyors.
SPLIT project subdivides landholdings covered by collective CLOAs issued under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and replaces with individual electronically generated land titles to improve land tenure security and strengthen property rights of ARBs. This project is funded by the World Bank.
Further, this contributes to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), a whole-of-nation approach in addressing insurgency in the country. (JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)
TACLOBAN CITY – The province of Samar has been placed under a state of calamity due to the alarming spike in dengue cases on August 21.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan issued Resolution No. 17-906-24, officially declaring the entire province under a state of calamity following the significant increase in dengue cases.
The Provincial Health Office reported that the number of dengue cases has reached 2,013, based on the August 4-10, surveillance report.
The public is urged to practice the 5S strategy for dengue prevention: search and destroy dengue breeding places such as containers with stagnant water; self-protection measures, including the use of mosquito repellents; seek early consultation if symptoms are present; support fogging activities to reduce mosquito populations; and sustain hydration to manage symptoms.
Dengue is transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
These mosquitoes lay eggs in clear, stagnant water found in flower vases, cans, rain barrels, and old rubber tires. Adult mosquitoes often rest in dark areas inside homes.
Residents of Samar are advised to be vigilant for common signs and symptoms of dengue infection which include sudden onset of high fever lasting 2 to 7 days; joint and muscle pain, and pain behind the eyes; weakness; skin rashes; nosebleeds as the fever subsides; abdominal pain; dark-colored stools; and difficulty of breathing.
The resurgence of drug proliferation in the Philippines, alleged to be happening at present, is a troubling development that casts a shadow over the gains made during the previous regime. Under the iron-fisted rule of the former president, the country saw a marked reduction in drug-related activities, albeit through controversial and often brutal methods. The decline in visible drug problems was evident, and many Filipinos, especially those in communities long plagued by narcotics, welcomed the seeming eradication of this menace from their daily lives.
However, as reports of drug activities rise once more, the effectiveness and sustainability of the previous administration’s approach are being called into question. The war on drugs was characterized by a no-nonsense, often ruthless approach that struck fear into the hearts of drug syndicates. Extrajudicial killings, widespread arrests, and the dismantling of drug networks were the hallmarks of this campaign. While it undeniably led to a decrease in drug visibility and a temporary disruption of drug networks, it also drew significant criticism both locally and internationally for human rights abuses. Despite this, many argue that the tough stance taken was necessary to confront a deeply entrenched problem that had long been ignored or inadequately addressed by past administrations.
In contrast, the current administration’s approach to the drug problem appears to be more lenient, or at the very least, less aggressive. This has led to concerns that drug syndicates are once again gaining ground, emboldened by the perceived softening of the government’s stance. The alleged return of drug proliferation suggests that the previous administration’s methods, while effective in the short term, may not have addressed the root causes of the drug problem. Without sustained pressure and comprehensive reforms, the drug trade can easily rebound, undoing the hard-won gains of the past.
The challenge for the current administration, and indeed for any future leaders of the Philippines, is to find a balanced approach to the drug problem—one that is firm and effective, yet respects human rights and the rule of law. It is clear that the issue requires more than just an iron hand; it demands a multiple strategy that includes prevention, education, rehabilitation, and the strengthening of institutions to resist corruption and enforce laws fairly. The fear is that without such a comprehensive approach, the cycle of drug proliferation and violent crackdowns will continue, with devastating consequences for society.
Who among the future presidents will have the courage and wisdom to confront the drug menace in a way that is both effective and just? The iron hand may bring quick results, but only a leader with the vision to implement lasting reforms will truly free the Philippines from the grip of the drug trade. The country waits with bated breath, hoping for leadership that can address this complex issue with strength and integrity.
As Filipinos, we cannot help but feel a deep sense of frustration and helplessness whenever we hear about Chinese warships harassing our fishermen and the Philippine Navy in the West Philippine Sea. This is not just a matter of territorial dispute; it’s an act of blatant bullying. The Chinese government knows full well that the Philippines, with its limited military capabilities, is no match for its massive naval forces. And yet, they persist in these aggressive actions, seemingly without fear of repercussions. It’s as if they’re taking advantage of our vulnerability, knowing that we lack the means to defend our waters effectively.
But there is a stark contrast in how China behaves towards other countries with which it also has disputes. Take Japan, for instance. Despite their ongoing conflict over the Senkaku Islands, China treads carefully. They know that Japan has a formidable military and strong alliances with powerful nations like the United States. Similarly, China’s approach to India, Australia, and Taiwan is cautious, even though tensions run high. These countries can push back, and China knows better than to provoke them in the same way they do with us.
This uneven treatment feels like a slap in the face. It’s a harsh reminder of the reality that in international relations, might often make right. I can’t help but feel angry when I see our fishermen, who are simply trying to make a living, being harassed and driven away from waters that are rightfully ours. The fact that these incidents continue to happen despite diplomatic protests and international attention only adds to our sense of powerlessness.
How can we protect our people and our sovereignty when the bully on the block is so much bigger and stronger?
But it’s not just about military might. What I find particularly infuriating is the arrogance and disregard for international law that China exhibits in these encounters. The Philippines won a historic legal victory in 2016 when the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in our favor, invalidating China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea. Yet, China has refused to acknowledge this ruling, continuing to assert its dominance through sheer force. It’s a brazen display of power that undermines the very principles of international law and order.
We also have that deep sense of disappointment in the international community’s response to our plight. While some nations have voiced support for the Philippines and condemned China’s actions, it often feels like these words are not backed by sufficient action. I understand that geopolitics is complex and that countries must consider their interests, but it’s disheartening to see that our struggle is sometimes met with indifference or half-hearted support. We are not just a small, insignificant nation; we are a sovereign state with rights that deserve to be respected and defended.
There’s also a personal element to this issue for me. I’ve grown up hearing stories of the West Philippine Sea’s rich fishing grounds and the importance of these waters to our local communities. To see our fishermen now being driven away, their livelihoods threatened by foreign ships feels like a personal loss. These are our waters, our resources, and yet we are being pushed out, unable to stand our ground. It’s a painful reminder of the limitations of our power and the vulnerability that comes with being a smaller nation in a world dominated by larger powers.
Despite these feelings of frustration and helplessness, I still believe that we must continue to assert our rights. We may not have the military strength to match China, but we have other tools at our disposal—diplomacy, international alliances, and the moral high ground. We must continue to stand up to this bullying, not just for ourselves but to send a message that might not make right. We must work with our allies, strengthen our defenses, and continue to push for international law to be respected.
In the end, I believe that our resilience will be our greatest asset. We may be a small nation, but we are not without strength. Our history is filled with stories of resistance and perseverance, and I have faith that we can weather this storm as well. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but as long as we continue to stand firm, I believe we can protect our sovereignty and secure a future where our people can live and work in peace, free from the shadow of foreign aggression.
