ORMOC CITY-Two individuals facing charges of oral defamation were arrested by police following warrants of arrest issued by a local court on Wednesday morning, July 24, in Barangay Mapuyo, Kawayan, Biliran.
The first arrest occurred at approximately 8:40 am and involved “Neto,” 78, married and jobless.
The second arrest took place around 9:00 am the same day and involved “Jo,” 43, single and jobless. Both individuals are residents of Brgy. Mapuyo.
The arrests were made based on warrants of arrest dated July 11, 2024, issued by Judge Annabelle Donasco-Balledo, acting presiding judge of the 8th Judicial Region, 1st MCTC (Almeria-Kawayan), for grave oral defamation.
The court has set bail at P9,000 for each individual for their temporary liberty.
The accused were taken to Kawayan municipal police station for documentation and proper disposition before being presented to the court that issued their warrants. (ROBERT DEJON)
OPEN AGAIN. The famous Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, considered among the premier tourist attractions in Leyte, is ready to welcome guests on Friday, July, after five days of closure for it to ‘breath again’ as the local government conducted clean-up drive on the island. (PHOTO COURTESY)
OPEN AGAIN. The famous Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, considered among the premier tourist attractions in Leyte, is ready to welcome guests on Friday, July, after five days of closure for it to ‘breath again’ as the local government conducted clean-up drive on the island. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY – The temporary closure of Kalanggaman Island for rehabilitation ended on Friday, July 26.
The local government unit (LGU) of Palompon in Leyte province temporarily closed Kalanggaman Island for all tourism activities for five days.
“The five-day activity is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Kalanggaman Island’s pristine ecosystems. This initiative provides a crucial break from regular tourist activities, allowing the island’s natural environment to recover from the impacts of tourism,” the Palompon LGU said in an advisory released on Monday, July 22, and posted on their Facebook account.
The island holiday a yearly activity since the premier tourist destination in Leyte opened to the public, aligns with sustainable travel practices, urging visitors to be more conscious of their impact on the delicate environment.
This proactive step aims to foster a sustainable relationship between tourism and the environment, ensuring that Kalanggaman Island remains a breathtaking paradise for generations to come.
During the five-day closure, participants and volunteers from the LGU, various government agencies, and the private sector conducted clean-up drives and facility rehabilitation.
Participants were encouraged to engage in eco-friendly activities and adopt responsible stewardship of natural resources. Volunteers conducted cleaning activities around the island, reinforcing the movement’s focus on eco-tourism.
Kalanggaman Island is accessible by about 45 minutes of sea travel from Palompon town center and is one of the top tourist attractions of the region.
The island’s picturesque, postcard-perfect view, with powder-white sand and crystal-clear waters, is ideal for relaxation, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. It is one of the sites offered as a cruise tourism destination in the Eastern Visayas and is frequently visited by cruise ships making port calls in the region.
Kalanggaman has brought prestige to Palompon, receiving awards such as the Best Tourism-Oriented Local Government Pearl Award (2014-2017), Climate Change Adaptation Award by the Climate Change Commission (2016), Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan Award (2016-2017), and Galing Pook Award on Integrated Community-based Tourism (2017). (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
The recent mention of Samar State University (SSU) by President Marcos Jr. in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) as one of the globally recognized and high-performing universities is a significant point of pride for the residents of Samar as it places SSU on the global academic map, highlighting its contributions to higher education and its role in shaping future leaders and innovators. For the local community, this is not just an accolade but a validation of the hard work and dedication that the university has consistently demonstrated over the years. However, this global acknowledgment starkly contrasts with the harsh realities faced by those trying to access the institution.
Despite its esteemed status, SSU remains almost inaccessible due to the deplorable condition of the Samar highway leading to Catbalogan. This highway, notorious for its huge cracks and crevices, poses significant risks to vehicles and passengers alike. The treacherous road conditions have the potential to upturn vehicles and endanger lives, making the journey to SSU a hazardous endeavor. For a university of SSU’s caliber, such infrastructural deficiencies are unacceptable and undermine its ability to serve as an educational hub in the region.
Compounding this issue is the perplexing destruction of newly rehabilitated road portions by heavy equipment. This seemingly inexplicable activity has caused traffic jams and delays for motorists, leading to widespread frustration and suspicion among the residents. The suspicion is that these actions are driven by corruption, with authorities exploiting new funds for road repair as a source of illicit income. This cycle of destruction and reconstruction not only wastes public funds but also hampers the region’s development and accessibility.
Moreover, the province’s lack of air transport further isolates SSU. The old airport, which has remained non-operational for decades, represents a missed opportunity for improving connectivity and fostering regional growth. An operational airport would significantly enhance accessibility to SSU, attracting students, faculty, and researchers from across the country and the world. The continued neglect of this crucial infrastructure is a disservice to the province’s potential and the aspirations of its residents.
To truly honor the global recognition of Samar State University, the government must prioritize improving transportation access to the institution. This involves not only repairing and maintaining the Samar highway but also ensuring that newly rehabilitated roads are preserved and not subject to unnecessary destruction. Additionally, reopening and upgrading the old airport should be a top priority to facilitate air travel to and from the province. Through all this, the government can ensure that SSU’s global recognition translates into tangible benefits for the community and the region.
While the global recognition of Samar State University is a source of immense pride, it also underscores the urgent need for infrastructural improvements in Samar. The government must take decisive action to enhance transportation access to SSU and prevent the misuse of public funds in road projects. It must support the university’s mission to be an educational hub and ensure that its recognition on the world stage is matched by the quality of its local environment and accessibility.
I’ve always been fascinated by the world of entertainment, particularly the ‘Got Talent’ shows. They are a global phenomenon, drawing in millions of viewers with their promise of uncovering hidden talents and providing a stage for ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things. Over the years, I’ve watched in awe as contestants have performed feats that seem almost superhuman—magicians who defy logic, dancers who move with otherworldly grace, and singers whose voices touch the soul. However, my perspective began to shift as I started to dig deeper into the origins and nature of some of these performances.
What initially appeared to be harmless entertainment started to reveal darker undertones. I noticed that some acts went beyond mere talent, crossing into the realm of the inexplicable. There were moments when the lines between reality and illusion seemed to blur, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more at play. The more I thought about it, the more I became convinced that some of these performances were not just displays of human ability, but manifestations of demonic presence.
My suspicion grew stronger when I recalled specific acts that left even the judges speechless, not just in awe, but in palpable discomfort. For example, I’ve seen magicians perform tricks that defy the laws of physics—objects levitating, appearing out of nowhere, or disappearing into thin air. These tricks go beyond the realm of sleight of hand and into the territory of the supernatural. Could it be that these performers are channeling forces beyond our comprehension?
I started to research and found that many cultures and religions have long-held beliefs about demonic intervention in human affairs. Throughout history, there have been accounts of individuals who possess extraordinary abilities attributed to demonic pacts or influence. This led me to wonder: could some of these ‘Got Talent’ contestants be tapping into these same dark forces? It seems plausible, given the inexplicable nature of their abilities.
Spectators, of course, are often unaware of these possibilities. They marvel at what they perceive as exceptional talents, attributing them to years of practice or natural gifts. But what if they are unwittingly witnessing manifestations of demonic power? The thought is unsettling, yet it aligns with some of the performances’ eerie, almost otherworldly quality. It’s as if the stage has become a modern-day battleground between good and evil, with the audience none the wiser.
The judges and producers of these shows also play a significant role in this dynamic. They often encourage and promote acts that push the boundaries of what we consider possible. While their intentions might be to entertain and captivate, they could inadvertently be giving a platform to forces beyond their control. It’s a chilling thought that the entertainment industry, in its quest for the next big sensation, might be opening doors to darker realms.
This realization has changed the way I view these shows. I now watch with a more critical eye, aware of the potential for something more sinister lurking beneath the surface. It’s a reminder that not everything is as it seems, and that in our pursuit of wonder and amazement, we must remain vigilant about the sources of these extraordinary displays. The ‘Got Talent’ stage, while a beacon of opportunity for many, might also be a gateway for forces best left unexplored.
My admiration for the ‘Got Talent’ shows is now tempered with caution and skepticism. While I still appreciate the genuine talents that these platforms uncover, I am also wary of the possibility that some performances might be more than meets the eye. The idea that we could be witnessing demonic interventions is unsettling, but it serves as a reminder to question and critically evaluate the extraordinary. Entertainment, after all, should not come at the cost of our discernment and awareness.
THAT gospel episode where Christ shocked his disciples when he told them that they themselves had to feed the big crowd that followed Christ (cfr. Jn 6,1-15) reminds us that we should just have confidence in the ways of God even if what we are asked to do is considered by us not only as difficult but also impossible. We just have to make ourselves available to his will and designs since in the end he will take care of everything.
Yes, God can test our faith. But that test is meant to strengthen our faith in him some more. What we should rather do is to make ourselves readily available, and doing this in a cheerful and confident way.
This testing of the faith was shown, for example, when Mary and Joseph were very worried when they lost the child Christ who stayed behind after some trip. “Did you not know that I must be concerned with my Father’s things?” the child told Mary who later on pondered on these words in her heart and made her faith even stronger. (cfr. Lk 2,49)
That response of the child Christ to Mary also showed how fully available he was to the will of the Father, something that he must have wanted to inculcate in all of us. We need to learn how to make ourselves fully available to God’s designs for all of us.
Those who were close to Christ, starting with Our Lady, made themselves available to God’s ways. “Let it be done to me according to your word,” said Mary to the Archangel Gabriel who was the messenger of God. (Lk 1,38) We see this total availability also in the case of Joseph who even had to do some drastic and difficult decisions just to follow God’s will.
In the gospel, many times Christ would tell his disciples to tie their waist with a belt to signify that they had to tighten their loose clothing to be ready to travel and to do a lot of things. We should also understand that to be truly available to God’s will and ways, we have to make full use of our God-given talents and powers.
This belt-tightening can also signify that we should free ourselves from certain attachments that would prevent us from fulfilling God’s will. Indeed, we have to make some great effort to practice a certain detachment since we all know that in this life, we often would find ourselves trapped in some worldly concerns that would make us insensitive to the things of God.
In this regard, it would be good to examine ourselves to see where our worldly attachments are. We need to make some working system of how to free ourselves from these attachments. This surely will be quite a challenge because more than our efforts, no matter how significant, we need God’s grace to free us from our improper attachments.
We need to have a certain detachment from persons and things to be able to give our heart entirely to God, and with him, we actually have everything else we need. As St. Teresa of Avila put it graphically, with God we have enough—“solo Dios basta.”
To be a disciple of Christ, we have to give everything of ourselves to him and to the tasks such discipleship entails. This will allow the very power of Christ to work on us. So instead of hindering our apostolic work, that detachment that Christ requires of his disciples would only enhance that apostolic work.
Company culture is the lifeblood of an organization. It’s a blend of values, beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes that define the workspace. A positive culture fosters collaboration, respect, and shared purpose, driving both employee satisfaction and business success. It’s the invisible yet tangible essence that makes a workplace unique.
The magic of great company culture lies in its ability to foster a positive, productive, and supportive environment. It’s about creating a place where people feel valued, respected, and motivated to do their best work. Here are some key elements:
1. Shared Values: A great company culture is built on a foundation of shared values. These values guide the behavior and decisions of everyone in the organization, creating a sense of unity and purpose. This is the reason why there is a need to hire individuals who believe in your vision because it will be easier for them to do their tasks without hesitation and will be your wings in attaining your goals.
2. Open Communication: Transparency and open dialogue are crucial. Employees should feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and feedback. This fosters trust and collaboration. Allowing employees to share their thoughts on how they think can help boost the company’s success and adds morale to the employees.
3. Recognition and Appreciation: Recognizing and appreciating the hard work and achievements of employees boosts morale and motivation. It shows employees that their efforts are noticed and valued. What makes employees improve in their jobs is being inspired when they are aware that their hard work is being recognized. This increases productivity which has a positive impact to the whole organization.
4. Professional Growth: Opportunities for learning and development are essential. This shows employees that the company is invested in their growth and future. Employees should also be empowered with essential trainings so that they can grow as individuals, as well. Through these trainings, employees can enhance skills which aid in stepping to a higher position that allows them to fulfill their jobs with a positive perspective.
5. Work-Life Balance: A culture that respects and promotes work-life balance can reduce stress and increase job satisfaction. This includes flexible working hours, remote work options, and encouraging time off. Being tied inside the four corners of the room may not be helpful to anyone, for that matter. It is always best to take some time off in order to recharge, become more creative and productive.
6. Inclusivity and Diversity: A diverse and inclusive culture fosters innovation and creativity. It’s about respecting and valuing the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees. Each employee may experience different situations. Whether they are positive or negative, these should be allowed to be voiced out in order for the company to know if there is a need for change or improvement.
Remember, a great company culture doesn’t happen overnight. It requires continuous effort and commitment from everyone in the organization. But the benefits – increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and retention – are well worth the effort. A company’s focus should not be only on how much revenue it will earn. It is crucial that an exceptional company culture is built in a solid foundation in order for everyone to work hand in hand in accomplishing the company’s goals.
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!
