SAN ANTONIO, Basey Samar – This year’s fiesta celebration in honor of San Antonio de Padua was culminated with a concelebrated mass with Rev. Msgr. Erlito Amistoso Maraya, parish priest of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño, Tacloban City as main celebrant and homilist.

Eleven other priests from the Diocese of Calbayog concelebrated during the main mass which was held about 9:30 in the morning here.

The concelebrating priests include Rev. Fr. Jonathan Amistoso Zeta, Rev. Msgr. Alfred Amistoso, Rev. Fr. Ferdie Figueroa, Rev. Neil Alavata, Rev. Fr. Jeorge Plaza, Rev. Fr. Jojo Llauder, Rev. Fr. Jomarie Cabuquit, Rev. Fr. Noel A. Abiertas, Rev. Fr. Ronjie Raquil, Rev. Fr. Reynaldo Lucaban and Rev. Fr. Marlo Benjamin C. Mangubat, the Parish Priest of San Antonio de Padua Parish.

In his homily, Rev. Msgr. Maraya focused on five points which he shared with the faithful in attendance. He stressed on the difference between the objective and the means which many people are confused in their daily life.

He encouraged the faithful to focus on the objective which must be achieved through the various means that each person might fit. He cited many examples, first of them has to do with studies. When a person studies as in school, the learner must aim for a perfect grade as anything less would mean that the person is not fully ready to practice one’s profession.
Another example has to do with eating which has good health and wellness as the main objective and not just getting full to eliminate hunger. Missing the objective of eating has been the cause of many illnesses.

In a simple way to emphasize the gospel message, Msgr. Maraya mentioned the purpose of our laws which is to protect life and property.

However, some people consider laws as restriction of basic freedom and liberty, causing them to violate the laws as mere rules that cause inconvenience.

He then discussed the reason of celebrating fiestas of patron saints. The word patron means pattern which is why the life of the patron saint is not just for devotion by reciting novena prayers but to emulate and live the life of the saint as a role model.

The life of Saint Anthony of Padua is a model of our Lord Jesus Christ. He then urged the faithful to live as true believers and followers of Christ by being the light that others may see Jesus in each person’s daily life.

Before the final blessing, the hermana mayor Khyne Silvano-Doctor who spoke in behalf of her husband Rascal D. Doctor, expressed her thanks to all their relatives and friends, donors and sponsors for all their support in making this year’s fiesta celebration a success.
For his part, Rev. Fr. Mangubat extended his sincere thanks and gratitude to the family of the hemano mayor Rascal Doctor and his wife Rhyne for their donation for the repair of the flooring of the sacristy and to Dr. Gil E. Ponferrada and his wife Dr. Socorro D. Ponferrada, proprietor of the Ponferrada Polymedic Hospital in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, for their donation for the repair of the church wiring and wall fans.
(AL ELLEMA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), launched Mining Exhibit 2024 at Robinsons Place, Marasbaras, on Wednesday (June 19).

The event commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by notable guests, including Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and Mayor Annaliza Kwan of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

The exhibit aims to dispel misconceptions surrounding the mining industry and emphasize its positive contributions to economic growth and community development. Additionally, it seeks to educate visitors about the industry’s technological advancements and regulatory frameworks.

During a media press conference held in the afternoon, attendees addressed concerns regarding the environmental impact of mining activities and current issues surrounding the industry.

MGB Regional Director Glenn Marcelo Noble highlighted the region’s rich natural resources, including nickel, gold, sand, and gravel, underscoring the potential for sustainable development through responsible mining practices.

The “Mining Matters” exhibit will run until June 23, offering the public a unique opportunity to explore the complexities of mining and engage in constructive dialogue about its sustainable future.

As the event continues, organizers hope to inspire a renewed appreciation for the industry’s contributions while encouraging ongoing discourse on environmental stewardship and responsible resource management.
(JESRHYLL MAE R. BRISO, LEYTE NORMAL UNIVERSITY STUDENT INTERN)

ORMOC CITY– A fire, whose origin is still under investigation by the local Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), destroyed 28 houses and partially damaged three others at around 2:10 a.m. on Wednesday (June 19) in Sitio Isla Verde, Barangay Dolho in Bato, Leyte.

Bato BFP fire investigator, Senior Fire Officer Dave Cortez, stated in an interview that the fire displaced 136 individuals, including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and infants.

The BFP received the alert minutes after the fire started and immediately proceeded to the area. Upon arrival, they found the fire already spreading, prompting them to request support from neighboring fire stations as the fire was raised to the second alarm level.
SFO1 Cortez noted that the fire spread quickly through the community because the houses were made of light materials.

The narrow passages in the area further complicated the situation, as residents fleeing the fire blocked the way with their belongings, hampering the firefighters’ efforts to enter. Even supporting fire trucks from Hilongos, Matalom, and Hindang municipalities faced the same issue due to the small passageways.

The fire was declared under control at 3:20 am and fully extinguished by around 4:30 am on the same day.

No injuries were reported, and the damage was estimated at P1 million.

The Municipal Social Development Office has provided food packs and relief goods to all victims, while non-governmental organizations have also extended assistance.
(ROBERT DEJON)