TACLOBAN CITY – Christina Vanhefflin of Babatngon, Leyte, was crowned Miss Leyte Liberation 2024 during the coronation night held on October 18 at the Leyte Academic Convention Center.

Vanhefflin took home a P80,000 cash prize, along with a crown, bouquet, and the opportunity to represent Leyte in a national pageant.

She triumphed over 13 other candidates representing various towns and cities in the province.

“I believe that heroism is not just a legacy of the past. It is something we live every day, and I believe we Leyteños experience heroism in our daily lives. For me, I believe I am a hero because I have overcome my trauma, and I am grateful for that. It has shaped me into the empowered woman I am today,” Vanhefflin said during her message, honoring the 80th year of valor and heroism.

Jamby Belegorio of Tacloban City was crowned Miss Leyte Liberation Heritage, receiving a P50,000 cash prize, while Niña Athena S. Ariza of Tunga, Leyte, won the Miss Leyte Liberation Tourism title and a P40,000 cash prize.

Rounding out the winners were Sheena Margarette M. Abayabay of Baybay City as first runner-up and Karen Janario of Palo, Leyte, as second runner-up.

Miss Leyte Liberation is an annual beauty pageant hosted by the provincial government of Leyte and is one of the highlights of the Leyte Gulf Landings Commemoration.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

PALO, Leyte– House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez emphasized the importance of international solidarity and diplomacy in achieving peace as the Philippines marked the 80th anniversary of the historic Leyte Landings, led by U.S. General Douglas MacArthur in October 1944, a pivotal event in World War II.

Speaking at the 80th Commemorative Anniversary held at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Candahug, Palo, Leyte on Sunday, Oct.20, Romualdez underscored the progress made by nations in resolving conflicts through diplomatic means rather than armed violence.

“Your presence today is a testament to how far we have come in terms of promoting and protecting our respective national interests – no longer through the destructive contest of arms and violence, but through peaceful diplomatic efforts, which are more sustainable,” Romualdez told the gathered foreign diplomats and dignitaries.

The Speaker commended the enduring partnership of nations that were once at war, citing Australia, Japan, and the United States for their collective efforts toward maintaining peace and security in the region.

“We commend the solidarity of the nations of Australia, Japan, and the U.S. in our shared aspirations for a secure and peaceful region. The Leyte Landing was a turning point in World War II here in the Asian region,” Romualdez said, recalling the historic moment that helped liberate the Philippines from Japanese occupation.

Romualdez also called for continued efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties among nations, reflecting on how the solidarity forged during wartime has evolved into peaceful cooperation.

“These [diplomatic efforts] pave the way for the continued development of our respective countries, further strengthening our diplomatic and economic relations, opening up new opportunities, all for our mutual benefit. Let us continue working in this regard,” he urged.
The event, which honored the sacrifices made by Allied forces and Filipino soldiers during World War II, was attended by prominent foreign diplomats, including Australian Ambassador Hae Kyung Yu, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, U.S. Major General Matthew McFarlane, as well as local officials and national leaders.

Tingog party-list Reps.Jude Acidre and Lolita Karen Javier (2nd district) were also present at the commemoration.

The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) Administrator Reynaldo Mapagu, Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, and Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health’s (DOH) Mobile Laboratory Clinic, recently handed over to the provincial government of Northern Samar, was utilized in the 29th Kauswagan Caravan held in Barangay Enriqueta, Lavezares.

The mobile clinic provided crucial healthcare services to the far-flung areas of the province, delivering comprehensive medical check-ups and diagnostics.

The mobile clinic offers free healthcare services to remote communities, enabling doctors to perform a thorough evaluation of patients’ health conditions.

“With this facility, our health experts can conduct laboratory services in remote areas, outside of the regular hospital laboratories,” the provincial government said in a statement.
Equipped with modern diagnostic tools, the mobile clinic includes a digital X-ray machine, an ultrasound machine, a hematology analyzer for blood tests, a binocular microscope, an ophthalmoscope for eye exams, a lab-grade refrigerator, telemedicine equipment, and a power generator to ensure functionality in areas without electricity.

The unit was turned over to the province in August.

During the caravan on October 15, 2024, over 1,735 families from the barangays of Chansvilla, Toog, Salvacion, Libertad, and Enriqueta benefitted from the mobile clinic and other services offered.

The Kauswagan Caravan, an initiative spearheaded by Governor Edwin Ongchuan, is a collaborative program aimed at providing essential services to underserved communities.
In partnership with national government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private sector groups, the caravan delivers free medical check-ups, educational resources, food assistance, circumcisions, haircuts, and other basic services to remote areas.

Volunteers from partner agencies and private sector organizations contributed their time and resources to the event, embodying the spirit of volunteerism.

Additionally, as part of the caravan’s activities, hybrid coconut trees were planted, symbolizing the province’s commitment to environmental sustainability and long-term community development.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)