ONGOING WORKS. The Tacloban City District Engineering Office announces of a 30% completion of the housing projects at Suhi and Greendale subdivisions, both located in the northern portions of Tacloban City.
ONGOING WORKS. The Tacloban City District Engineering Office announces of a 30% completion of the housing projects at Suhi and Greendale subdivisions, both located in the northern portions of Tacloban City.
TACLOBAN CITY— The ongoing construction of retarding basins at the Housing Projects at Suhi and Greendale subdivisions has achieved a significant milestone, with completion now standing at 30%.
These basins play a crucial role in flood control, effectively managing excess water during heavy rainfall to prevent flooding.
The construction process involves carefully laying and compacting layers of base materials to form a strong foundation.
Clean materials are used to ensure stability. Concrete is reinforced according to strict standards, with the right mix of water and cement, and securely fastened steel bars to enhance durability. Properly sized stones are also used to keep the structure stable.
Regular construction joints are included every 50 meters to maintain the structure’s strength. After construction, a survey will be conducted to ensure everything meets the required standards. Any defective pipes found during the construction will be replaced.
The ongoing construction of these retarding basins is funded under the General Appropriations Act 2023, with a total contract amount of P101,207,765.11. Once completed, these basins will serve as reliable and effective solutions for flood control in the Tacloban City area.
Future plans include the construction of a water treatment system. This system will clean the water captured by the retarding basins, ensuring that it can be safely returned to the natural river stream without causing pollution.
“We are pleased with the steady progress of the project. The retarding basins are essential for flood control and we are on track to deliver a reliable solution that will protect our communities from the impacts of excessive rainfall.” OIC District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse said, emphasizing the project’s importance.
(IAN YVES G. DE PAZ,PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSISTANT, PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT,TCDEO)
COLLISION. One was declared dead while two others were injured in a deadly collision at the iconic San Juanico Bridge on Wednesday(May 22).
(PHOTO COURTESY)
COLLISION. One was declared dead while two others were injured in a deadly collision at the iconic San Juanico Bridge on Wednesday(May 22). (PHOTO COURTESY)
ORMOC CITY– A motorcycle with a sidecar driver was declared dead on arrival at the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Tacloban City after his driven vehicle collided with an incoming van at about 7:30 pm on Wednesday (May 22) at the iconic San Juanico Bridge in Brgy. San Juan, Sta.Rita, Samar.
The victim was identified as alias “Loy” of legal age, married, and an official of Barangay Pilit, Sta. Fe, Leyte.
The driver of the van, meantime, was identified as alias “Allan” 45, married and a resident of Brgy. 2, Dolores, Eastern Samar.
Initial investigation conducted by the responding police disclosed that the victim was tailing a TMX 125 single motorcycle, driven by alias “Jay” of legal age, married and a resident of Brgy. San Pedro, Sta Rita both traversing the national highway within the vicinity of Brgy. San Juan of the San Juanico Bridge, heading towards Samar side.
On the other hand, police investigators said that the Isuzu Truck (Van Truck), bearing plate number RMP 535, driven by alias Loy was traveling towards Tacloban City.
The police added that upon reaching the place of the incident, at the San Juanico Bridge, Samar side portion, the single motorcycle driven by alias Jay hit the back portion of the sidecar causing the driver to lose control of his driven vehicle and encroached to the opposite lane, where it resulted in a head-on collision of the Isuzu truck pinning the sidecar driver in the process.
As a result, the drivers and passengers of the two motorcycles were injured and were immediately brought to EVMC hospital for medical attention but the sidecar driver was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
The local police are still conducting a thorough investigation of the incident while the truck driver was brought to Sta Rita police for proper documentation and disposition together with the vehicle involved.
The Philippine National Police regional office recently announces on the confiscation of cache of firearms from a group of suspected armed men operating in the western part of Leyte.(PRO-8)
The Philippine National Police regional office recently announces on the confiscation of cache of firearms from a group of suspected armed men operating in the western part of Leyte.(PRO-8)
TACLOBAN CITY—In a significant crackdown on criminal activities, four suspects in possession of firearms and illegal drugs were intercepted by Leyte police in a checkpoint in Barangay Cristina, Calubian, Leyte, on May 17.
The concerted efforts of the Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company, Calubian Municipal Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Leyte Provincial Special Operations Group, Regional Intelligence Division, 121st SAC 12th SAB, and the Highway Patrol Group led to the apprehension of four suspects who were only identified through their aliases-Wally42; Alan,27;Boy 20; Roy, 32, all residents of Villaba, Leyte.
The vehicle was flagged down based on a tip from a confidential informant about a suspicious red Toyota Innova with mismatched plate numbers (front plate: Z8 P345, rear plate: NHS 1449) heading towards Calubian town proper. Upon closer inspection, officers saw in plain view a rifle bag containing various firearms.
Confiscated from the suspects’ possession and the vehicle were three .45 caliber pistols, each with a loaded magazine; one Ingram submachine gun with a loaded 9mm magazine; two long firearms with loaded 5.56mm magazines; and 36 transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, with an estimated Dangerous Drug Board value of P242,000; and cash amounting to approximately P97,174.00 in different denominations.
The suspects are currently in the custody of the Calubian Municipal Police Station and were charged for violating RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and RA 9165 (Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
PB/Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, police regional director, extended his gratitude to the community for their invaluable cooperation with authorities and their swift action in providing crucial information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
“Your vigilance and partnership are instrumental in ensuring the safety and security of the entire Eastern Visayas. Together, we can continue to uphold the rule of law and combat crime effectively,” Pawid said. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
The scarcity to no-supply of water in Tacloban City and nearby places has become a persistent headache for many residents. This problem has just worsened with the recent drought affecting many parts of the country. People are paying for their water bills, yet they do not get the water that they deserve to get as consumers. The water supplier is obviously not doing what it should to remedy this crisis, given its prevalence.
There are, however, possible factors contributing to the water crisis in the city, one of which is the proliferation of water refilling stations. These businesses, while providing an alternative source of drinking water, may inadvertently be putting a strain on the city’s overall water supply, siphoning it to their storage tanks. The increased demand for purified water could be diverting resources away from household consumption, leading to frequent shortages in residential areas. This raises critical questions about the management and distribution of water resources in Tacloban, necessitating an urgent review by local authorities and water management entities.
The existence of water refilling stations cannot be the sole reason for the city’s water woes. The infrastructure supporting water distribution in Tacloban has long been inadequate, suffering from neglect and a lack of investment. Prime Water, as the supplier responsible for ensuring a consistent water supply, must address these infrastructural deficiencies. The company’s rapid collection of payments contrasts sharply with the poor quality of service provided, a disparity that has understandably fueled public frustration.
The ongoing drought has undeniably intensified the water crisis, but it should not be used as an excuse for the longstanding issues plaguing Tacloban’s water supply. Prime Water must adopt a certain approach, investing in sustainable water management practices and infrastructure improvements. This includes upgrading pipelines, implementing efficient water usage practices, and exploring alternative water sources such as rainwater harvesting and desalination. Somehow, these can mitigate the impact of droughts and ensure a more resilient water supply for the future.
Indeed, the people of Tacloban deserve reliable access to one of life’s most basic necessities: water. This current situation, marked by frequent shortages and poor service quality, is unacceptable. Prime Water must prioritize resolving these issues, ensuring that their services align with the needs and expectations of the community. Only through these efforts can Tacloban hope to overcome its water challenges and secure a stable and sufficient water supply for all its residents.
Social media in today’s digital age has revolutionized the way we consume information; but this revolution has brought with it a significant downside: the rampant proliferation of fake information. Pranks, exaggerated stories, and sensationalized content are now rampant, driven largely by the monetization incentives for bloggers and content creators, muddling the truth and eroding public trust in genuine news sources. The ease with which misinformation spreads on social media platforms has created a landscape where discerning fact from fiction is increasingly confusing.
As we can observe, one reason behind the spread of fake information is the pursuit of viral content. Bloggers and influencers, motivated by the potential for high engagement and lucrative ad revenues, often prioritize sensationalism over accuracy, leading to a culture where the most outrageous and attention-grabbing stories get the most visibility, regardless of their veracity. In the race to go viral, ethical concerns are frequently cast aside, hence the deluge of misleading and false information that contaminates the public discourse.
The impact of this trend is tremendous. The average social media user is bombarded with a constant stream of content, much of which is designed to elicit strong emotional reactions rather than convey accurate information. This emotional manipulation skews public perception and understanding of important issues. For instance, exaggerated claims about health risks or political events can incite panic, fear, or misplaced outrage, often resulting in real-world consequences such as public protests or the spread of harmful behaviors.
This spread of fake information is aggravated by the algorithms used by social media platforms, designed to maximize user engagement by promoting content that is likely to be shared and commented on. Unfortunately, this often means that sensationalist and misleading content is given priority over more balanced and factual reporting. As a result, users find themselves in echo chambers, where their preexisting beliefs are reinforced by a steady stream of misinformation.
Such a situation is further complicated by the phenomenon of “fake news fatigue.” With so much conflicting information available, many people become overwhelmed and disengaged, adopting a cynical attitude toward all news. This erosion of trust in both social media and traditional news sources undermines the very foundation of informed citizenship. When individuals can no longer distinguish between credible information and falsehoods, the potential for societal division and conflict increases.
Social media companies must take greater responsibility for the content shared on their platforms. This includes investing in robust fact-checking mechanisms and implementing stricter policies against the dissemination of fake information. Additionally, there needs to be a concerted effort to educate the public about media literacy. Teaching individuals how to critically evaluate sources and verify facts can empower them to make more informed decisions in the digital age.
On the other hand, bloggers and content creators themselves must adhere to higher ethical standards. While the lure of viral fame and financial gain is strong, the long-term health of the information ecosystem depends on the commitment to truth and integrity. Responsible creators can play a crucial role in combating misinformation by prioritizing accuracy over sensationalism and by calling out fake news when they encounter it.
This rampant spread of fake information on social media is a pressing issue, undermining public trust and distorting reality. The pursuit of viral content at the expense of truth continues to create an environment for misinformation to thrive. We must work together to combat this trend. Let’s enforce a culture of accuracy, transparency, and critical thinking, so we can reclaim the integrity of our information landscape and ensure that truth prevails even in the digital age.
While fear is a natural and instinctive response, excessive or irrational fear can be debilitating. It is important to recognize and address fears in a healthy way, seeking support, and developing coping mechanisms to manage and overcome them. By confronting and managing fear, individuals can regain a sense of control, enhance personal growth, and pursue their goals with greater resilience and confidence.
6. Operational Efficiency: New businesses often face operational challenges in streamlining processes, managing inventory, and optimizing resources. Implementing efficient systems and processes, leveraging technology, and continuously improving operations can help address these challenges.
As the business grows, it can be difficult to manage inventory and keep up with the demands of customers. To make it easier, a system should be used to make the processes more efficient and increase productivity.
7. Customer Acquisition and Retention: Acquiring and retaining customers is a common challenge for new businesses. Building brand loyalty and establishing strong customer relationships takes time and effort. Implementing effective customer acquisition and retention strategies, offering exceptional customer service, and continuously delivering value can help overcome this challenge.
A returning customer means that they had a positive experience with your business – either it is because of what they have purchased or the customer service that they have received. Customers want to feel that they are given importance. Hence, giving time to listen to any complaints or suggestions should not be denied from them. These should not be taken negatively as it helps to determine the flaws in the process or with the kind of customer service that they provide.
8. Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the legal and regulatory landscape can be complex for new businesses. Understanding and complying with industry-specific regulations, licensing requirements, tax obligations, and other legal considerations is crucial to avoid penalties and legal issues.
This is often bypassed by small business owners thinking that since they started with a small capital and occupying a small space, that they don’t need to comply with business registration, pay taxes and other legal matters. Most often, they skip this process and just start their business. Little do they realize that it would be a huge disruption in the operation of their business if they do not comply.
9. Scaling and Growth: As a business grows, managing growth and scaling operations can be challenging. Ensuring that infrastructure, resources, and systems can accommodate increased demand while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction is essential.
Every entrepreneur has one goal – and that is to see their business grow. Business growth can mean expanding the current shop or putting up branches to serve a wider market. This can only be possible if there are enough resources to put up another shop, adapted an efficient system and has the necessary knowledge on how to manage a growing business. Thus, maintaining a high-quality products and services is crucial for business growth.
10. Emotional Resilience: Starting a business can be emotionally demanding. Dealing with uncertainty, setbacks, and the pressure to succeed can take a toll on the mental and emotional well-being of business owners. Developing emotional resilience, seeking support from mentors or business communities, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can help navigate these challenges.
Choosing to become an entrepreneur than work an eight-hour job is a huge decision to make. Being an entrepreneur means that you own your time and you are not answerable to any superior. However, while that can be true, you also must realize that as an entrepreneur, you wear different hats which can use up a lot of your time and may affect the time that you have with your family. But then again, knowing how to have a healthy work-life balance can limit your struggles. And when this happens, success is never far behind.
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