ORMOC CITY— A 39-year-old woman was apprehended by local police in Barangay Libtong, Naval, Biliran following the issuance of a warrant of arrest for a cybercrime violation on Tuesday morning, January 14.
Police identified the suspect as alias “Duday,” a married resident of the said barangay.
The arrest was carried out by virtue of a warrant issued by Executive Judge Luz Petilla Navarrete of the Regional Trial Court, 8th Judicial Region, Branch 16 in Naval.
The court recommended bail of P10,000 for her temporary release in relation to a case filed under Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Authorities confirmed that the accused was informed of the charges against her and her constitutional rights in a language she fully understood.
The suspect is currently detained at the Naval Municipal Police Station for booking and documentation before being presented to the court that issued the arrest warrant. (ROBERT DEJON)
TACLOBAN CITY– The region’s total number of constructions increased by 5.1 percent, from 1,344 constructions recorded in the 3rd quarter of 2023 to 1,413 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2024.
The regional increase was brought about by the 11.9 percent growth in the non-residential buildings with 421 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2023 to 471 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2024.
The number of residential buildings also went up by 5.1 percent, from 804 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2023 to 845 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2024. On the other hand, the combined number of additions/alterations and repairs decreased by 18.5 percent, posting 97 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2024 from 119 constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2023.
In the 3rd quarter of 2024, the number of residential buildings comprised 59.8 percent of the total constructions in the region, while non-residential buildings and additions/alterations and repairs accounted for 33.3 percent and 6.9 percent, respectively.
The growth in the total number of constructions led to a 25.0 percent increase in their total value during the 3rd quarter of 2024. The estimated P 3.0 billion total value of constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2023 went up to P 3.8 billion in the same period in 2024.
This increase was attributed to the 52.5 percent growth in the total value of non-residential buildings, from P1.5 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2023 to P2.3 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2024.
The total value of residential buildings also increased by 2.9 percent from P 1.20 billion in 3rd quarter of 2023 to P1.24 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, the total value of additions/alterations and repair of existing structures went down by 25.6 percent from P0.3 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2023 to P0.2 billion in the 3rd quarter of 2024.
In terms of share to total value of construction, non-residential buildings’ value of construction comprised the bulk at 61.3 percent. The value of construction of residential buildings contributed 32.6 percent, while, additions/alterations and repairs accounted for 6.1 percent of the region’s total value of constructions in the 3rd quarter of 2024.
Average cost of construction per square meter was estimated at P11,108 for residential buildings and P12,261 for non-residential buildings.
Data were based on the results of construction statistics from approved building permits. (PR)
CALL FOR HELP. In the aftermath of severe flooding that devastated Jipapad, Eastern Samar, local officials are urgently appealing for food assistance and livelihood support for affected residents. The town, which has been placed under a state of calamity, continues to grapple with the widespread impact of the disaster.
(DR. BENJIE E. VER FACEBOOK ACCOUNT)
After massive flooding
CALL FOR HELP. In the aftermath of severe flooding that devastated Jipapad, Eastern Samar, local officials are urgently appealing for food assistance and livelihood support for affected residents. The town, which has been placed under a state of calamity, continues to grapple with the widespread impact of the disaster. (DR. BENJIE E. VER FACEBOOK ACCOUNT)
TACLOBAN CITY — The local government of Jipapad, Eastern Samar is urgently appealing for food aid and livelihood assistance for farmers and residents severely affected by massive flooding that began on Friday, January 10.
The continuous heavy rains destroyed newly planted rice crops and impacted over 1,800 families in the low-lying town.
Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Victorina Abestros reported that the floods affected 1,817 families, or approximately 9,913 individuals, across Jipapad.
The devastation included the destruction of 47.99 hectares of rice fields, resulting in crop losses valued at P719,850.
“This involves newly planted rice crops that were completely wiped out,” Abestros said in an online interview on Tuesday, January 14. She emphasized the need for assistance, stating that the local calamity fund of P7.551 million is insufficient to cover the extensive damage.
“We cannot fully use the fund considering that it is just the start of the New Year. For this year, our calamity fund is about P7.551 million,” she added.
Despite limited resources, the local government has prepared food packs for distribution to affected families.
However, Abestros highlighted that the primary concern remains the livelihood of farmers who lost their crops.
The Sangguniang Bayan declared Jipapad under a state of calamity on Sunday, Jan.12, following the recommendation of Mayor Benjamin Ver.
This declaration allows the local government to access emergency funds to support recovery efforts.
Jipapad, situated near the Oras River and Pambujan River, is highly prone to flooding, particularly during prolonged heavy rains. The recent flooding, triggered by the shearline, submerged rice fields and disrupted the lives of its people.
In previous incidents, floodwaters have submerged houses, schools, and other structures in Jipapad.
VISIT. Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown (center) is welcomed by Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan (left) and newly installed Catarman Bishop Nolly Buco (right) during his visit to the province on Wednesday, January 15. Archbishop Brown led the installation of Bishop Buco as the third resident bishop of the Diocese of Catarman, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the Church and government in fostering peace and development in the community.
(Photo courtesy of Northern Samar Provincial Information Office)
VISIT. Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown (center) is welcomed by Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan (left) and newly installed Catarman Bishop Nolly Buco (right) during his visit to the province on Wednesday, January 15. Archbishop Brown led the installation of Bishop Buco as the third resident bishop of the Diocese of Catarman, underscoring the importance of collaboration between the Church and government in fostering peace and development in the community. (Photo courtesy of Northern Samar Provincial Information Office)
TACLOBAN CITY – Vatican Ambassador to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the church and government.
Brown made this statement during his visit to Catarman on Wednesday, Jan.15, where he led the formal assumption of Bishop Nolly Buco as the third bishop of the Catarman diocese.
“The government is not the same as the Church. The church is not the same as the government. We have different functions, don’t we? But, and this is the important thing, when we work together,” Archbishop Brown said during a short program attended by provincial officials and leaders of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Papal Nuncio underscored that despite the distinct roles of the church and the government, their cooperation can bring about positive outcomes that benefit the community.
“Cooperation between the church and the government is so important,” he added.
Archbishop Brown visited the province to preside over the installation of Bishop Buco as the third resident bishop of the Diocese of Catarman. Bishop Buco was appointed by Pope Francis in October 2024 and previously served as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese before his new assignment.
The Papal Nuncio was accompanied by a delegation that included several prominent church leaders: Bishop Francisco De Leon, Bishop Mylo Vergara, Bishop Ruperto Santos, Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian, Bishop Oscar Florencio, Bishop Sofronio Aguirre Bancud, Monsignor Guiseppe Trentadue, Fr. Ric Marpa, Fr. Vjekoslav Holik, Sr. Leah Vinluan, and Fr. Lambert Ramos.
Provincial officials led by Governor Edwin Ongchuan, Vice Governor Clarence Dato, and 2nd District Congressman Harris Christopher Ongchuan, along with Diocese of Catarman Vicar General Gaspar Balerite, warmly welcomed the Vatican representative.
In his message, Governor Ongchuan highlighted the significance of Archbishop Brown’s visit, describing it as a symbol of the enduring bond between the Vatican and the people of Northern Samar.
“The visit of the Papal Nuncio to our province symbolizes the enduring bond between the Vatican and the people of our province, a relationship rooted in a remarkable history of shared faith, mutual respect, and a commitment to serving humanity,” Gov.Ongchuan said.
He further expressed that the event marks a renewal of hope for the community, especially with the installation of a new bishop to guide the faithful in faith and service.
“This event is a profound moment and renewal of hope for our community as we welcome our new shepherd to guide us in faith and service. As we gather here today, let this moment be a reminder of the enduring power of faith and unity,” he added.
Archbishop Brown’s visit underscores the continued relevance of church-government partnerships in addressing the needs of the people in Northern Samar, fostering hope and strengthening ties between religious and civic leaders.
TACLOBAN CITY – Filipino seafarers training at the National Maritime Polytechnic in Tacloban City are celebrating the release of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. The newly enacted law has been lauded as a significant milestone, ensuring the rights, safety, and welfare of maritime workers both locally and internationally.
The seafarers, many of whom have been braving the international seas for many years, are one in saying, the passage of this piece of legislation has been long awaited.
Miguelito Miranda, a first assistant engineer of a ship plying international waters said they are happy that Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers is finally ready for full implementation.
“Napakalaking tulong po ito sa amin na mga seafarers as the law aims to create more secure and supportive environment for seafarers at maprotektahan lahat ng karapatan naming mga seafarers,” Miranda said.
Another seafarer, John Jaydee Trono, a motorman whose been on the seas for eight years, admits there has also been discrimination onboard ships between seafarers of different nationality.
Under this newly-enacted law, seafarers shall have the right to be protected from discrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender, religion, political opinion or place of birth.
National Maritime Polytechnic Executive Director Victor Del Rosario welcomes the full implementation of the law saying this is one landmark legislation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos’s administration that will ensure greater protection for Filipino seafarers in all fronts.
Del Rosario also said the law affords the NMP a much-needed support in their role as a government-run maritime training institute to expand its training facilities to other areas in the country and improve its training courses to continually produce globally competitive seafarers in the country.
RA 12021 or the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers provides for the seafarers’ rights and duties, protection of women in the maritime industry, emergency rescue of domestic seafarers, manning levels and crew competency requirements, terms and conditions of employment; accommodation and food; Medical care, inspection and enforcement; and dispute resolution.
The Magna Carta outlines the rights of seafarers, including just terms and conditions of work, the right to self-organization and collective bargaining, affordable access to educational advancement, the right to information, and the protection of a seafarer’s family or next of kin.
The law also ensures seafarers’ right to safe passage, legal representation, medical attention, access to communication, and fair treatment in case of a maritime accident.
Additional protections are provided to female seafarers, safeguarding them from gender-based discrimination and ensuring they receive equal compensation as their male counterparts. (AHLETTE REYES, PIA-8)
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD. The ongoing rehabilitation works at the Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport in Tacloban City are part of a P2.3-billion modernization project aimed at upgrading the facility to meet international standards. The project, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s P7.7-billion Aviation Infrastructure Program, includes a new passenger terminal building, runway expansion, and improved access roads. The upgrades are expected to be completed by 2026 to boost tourism and economic growth in Eastern Visayas. (TACLOBAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD. The ongoing rehabilitation works at the Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport in Tacloban City are part of a P2.3-billion modernization project aimed at upgrading the facility to meet international standards. The project, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s P7.7-billion Aviation Infrastructure Program, includes a new passenger terminal building, runway expansion, and improved access roads. The upgrades are expected to be completed by 2026 to boost tourism and economic growth in Eastern Visayas. (TACLOBAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY—The Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport in Tacloban City is undergoing major upgrades, amounting to a P2.3-billion modernization, to meet international standards.
The project, part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s P7.7-billion Aviation Infrastructure Program, aims to boost tourism and economic growth in Eastern Visayas.
Upgrades include a new passenger terminal building, runway expansion, and better access roads, set for completion in 2026.
The first phase of the terminal construction is valued at P761.91 million, while the second phase has a budget of P1.05 billion, which commenced on January 26, 2024. Current work focuses on roofing and architectural elements.
The airport, among the top 10 busiest in the country, accommodated 1.48 million passengers in 2022 and handles approximately 40 daily flights, with new Iloilo and Davao routes recently added.
“As a highly urbanized city and gateway to Eastern Visayas, it is good news that our DZR Airport will achieve international status by 2026,” Mayor Alfred Romualdez said in his social media post.
“This is a significant step in expanding our connections to the world and opening more opportunities for our people. Let us work together to support the progress of our city,” the city mayor added. (TACLOBAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
