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Gov. Evardone laments lack of support on internship program; seeks Congress help

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Governor Ben Evardone

Want to see a national policy on the matter

Governor Ben
Evardone

TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone is calling on the national government to establish a comprehensive national policy on college internships with dedicated budget allocations.

According to the governor, this is a critical component in producing quality graduates.
Evardone made this appeal during the launch of Eastern Samar State University’s (ESSU) BALUS initiative on July 29, 2024, in Borongan City.

BALUS stands for Building Alliances and Leveraging Unwavering Support, a program initiated by ESSU aimed at strengthening partnerships with Student Internship Program Host Training Establishments (HTEs).

At present, a wide range of industries and partners like the provincial government of Eastern Samar participate ESSU’s internship program.

BALUS is an annual event organized by the internship office of ESSU to foster strong relationships with industry partners and ensure that students have relevant opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

In his speech, Evardone stressed that a national policy on college internships would significantly impact the country’s educational system.

He highlighted the importance of internships in human resource development, job matching, networking, and overall economic contribution.

“If there is a comprehensive program by the national government on internships, supported by budgetary allocation, I believe it will have a more significant impact,” Evardone stated.

“Sadly, the national government is not giving importance to this program.”

The governor’s interest in this issue arose from complaints by parents of ESSU students who were forced to sell properties, such as agricultural lands and carabaos, to fund their children’s internship requirements.

“Our house-help in Sulat town asked for financial help because her child needed to pay for the internship facility,” Evardone narrated.

“What about those who have nothing to sell? It’s not fair that these students are required to pay.”

He emphasized that students should not be required to pay internship facilities since they contribute to the workforce.

“Besides, they are supposed to impart knowledge, transfer technology, and build confidence among these students,” he added.

Gov. Evardone intends to discuss this matter with senators like its Senate president Francis Escudero to address the issue at the Senate.

He also expressed hope that this issued would gain traction with the help of Reps. Ma. Fe Abunda, the lone congressional representative of the province and Marcelino Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group is who from Eastern Samar.(JOEY A. GABIETA)

RPO-8 recognizes cops, stakeholders during closing of the PCR month celebration

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TACLOBAN CITY-The Police Regional Office in the region honored outstanding police officers and key stakeholders during the culmination ceremony of the 29th Police Community Relations (PCR) Month at Camp Sec. Ruperto Kangleon in Palo, Leyte, on July 31, 2024.

Regional Director Arnel Agabe of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-), who served as the guest of honor, praised the leadership of police regional director Brigadier General Reynaldo Pawid and all police personnel in the region for fostering an “essential partnership between the police and the community in realizing a vision of a secure Philippines.”

“The journey towards a safer Philippines requires ongoing commitment and cooperation from all stakeholders,” he said, echoing this year’s theme, “Ligtas ka sa Bagong Pilipinas!”
As he commended the police-community relations in the region, Agabe also reminded the police officers to “remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to prevent crime and ensure public safety.”

The police officers and police units recognized for their outstanding performance across various categories included Lieutenant Colonel Ramil Amodia as the Outstanding Police Community Affairs Division (PCAD) Senior Police Commissioned Officer (PCO); Captain Solomon Agayso as the Outstanding PCAD Junior PCO; Senior Master Sergeant Aileen Balleta as the Outstanding PCAD Senior PNCO; Corporal Albert Cebrano as the Outstanding PCAD Junior PNCO; non-uniformed personnel Melody Pie Bagay as the Outstanding PCAD NUP; Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO) as the Outstanding Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit (PCADU); and Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) as the Outstanding City CADU.

Additionally, plaques of appreciation were presented to resource speakers during the Basic News Writing and Basic Social Media Management Seminar-Workshop for all provincial and city police units in Eastern Visayas.

Among them were Reyan Arinto, the regional director of the Philippine Information Agency; Marie Tonette Grace Marticio, correspondents of Manila Bulletin; and Ronald Reyes and Roel Amazona, both of Leyte Samar Daily Express.
(RONALD O. REYES)

Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Caravan stages its biggest edition in Eastern Visayas

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BAGONG PILIPINS SERBISYO FAIR. House Speaker Ferdinand Martin, joined by Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez in the distribution of cash assistance and services during the conduct of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair held in Tacloban City on August 2.(BAGONG PILIPINAS FACEBOOK)

On its 21st edition

BAGONG PILIPINS SERBISYO FAIR. House Speaker Ferdinand Martin, joined by Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez in the distribution of cash assistance and services during the conduct of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair held in Tacloban City on August 2.(BAGONG PILIPINAS FACEBOOK)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in the region, spearheaded by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Friday morning, August 1, marked the biggest and grandest staging of the service caravan.

This event was notable not only for the total value of services delivered but also for the number of lawmakers who attended.

The BPSF is the premier service program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., designed to bring the services and assistance packages of various government agencies directly to the people.

The 21st staging of the BPSF in Eastern Visayas provided over P1.2 billion worth of government services to 253,000 beneficiaries, of which over P800 million was in the form of cash assistance.

Similar mini-BPSFs were also held in Catarman, Northern Samar; Borongan City; Catbalogan City; Maasin City; and Naval, Biliran.

The event saw the participation of 240 congressmen, led by Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan, and Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre.

In addition to the House members, other officials who supported the service caravan included Senator Ramon Revilla Jr., Leyte Governor Jericho “Icot” Petilla, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, Department of Migrant Workers Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac, 12 governors, three vice governors, nine mayors, and 16 other officials from the Executive Department.

Tingog Rep. Philip Jude Acidre emphasized that the presence of the lawmakers at the service caravan demonstrated the solid support of the House for Pres. Marcos Jr.’s initiatives to bring positive change to Leyte, Eastern Visayas, and the entire country.

“Consistent po ang ating Speaker (Romualdez) at ang ating Presidente Marcos na ilapit ang serbisyo sa taong bayan. So let’s take advantage of it,” said Rep. Acidre.

Speaker Romualdez, who represents Leyte first congressional district, stated that the BPSF could more quickly achieve its goal of delivering needed services to all 82 provinces of the country if implemented regionwide. This approach also improves efficiency in the utilization of manpower and resources.

During his message, Romualdez declared the two-day event as historic, thanking the people of Eastern Visayas for their support.

He highlighted that the BPSF is a citizen-focused program that ensures government services reach those in need.

Romualdez reiterated that this endeavor not only cements the government’s commitment to providing quality service but also broadens the reach of the government’s helping hands, guiding the people towards a secure and progressive ‘Bagong Pilipinas’.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Man arrested for possession of firearms and ammo in Biliran

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ORMOC CITY-Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Biliran Provincial Field Unit, together with local police, recovered firearms and ammunition at the house of an electrician during the service of a search warrant at about 7:16 am on July 29, in Barangay Padre Sergio Eamiguel, Naval, Biliran.

Police identified the suspect as alias “Eson,” 58, married, an electrician, and a resident of Padre Sergio Eamiguel.

The recovery of the firearm and ammunition, leading to the arrest of the suspect, was conducted under a search warrant issued by Judge Luz Navarrete, presiding judge of Regional Trial Court -Branch 16, Naval dated July 24, 2024, for violation of RA 10591, the Comprehensive Law Against Illegal Possession of Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives.
Recovered from the suspect’s possession during the search were one 38 caliber revolver with a defaced serial number; two live ammunition for the .38 caliber; and a 38 caliber revolver marked “Shooters.”

Charges for violation of RA 10591 have been filed at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against the suspect, who is temporarily detained at the locked-up cell of Naval Municipal Police Station.
(ROBERT DEJON)

Constant changes

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The Department of Education (DepEd) has long been a cornerstone of the country’s efforts to nurture young minds and prepare them for the future. However, the department has also been plagued by frequent changes in leadership, causing constant shifts in the curriculum and leaving teachers and students caught in a whirlwind of confusion and adaptation.

When new secretaries take the helm, particularly those from different political parties, they often implement significant changes, ostensibly to leave their own mark. This political “come-and-go” culture within DepEd creates a cycle of instability that undermines the quality of education. Teachers get burdened with the constant need to adapt; students are left confused and disadvantaged; and the department as a whole loses a clear and consistent direction.

This revolving door of leadership resulting in the frequent overhaul of the curriculum cannot be helped. Each new secretary often seeks to distance themselves from the initiatives of their predecessors, sometimes prioritizing political objectives over educational continuity.

This results in a patchwork of policies that may not align with long-term educational goals. For teachers, this means constant retraining and a perpetual need to develop new materials. The relentless cycle of adaptation could erode the morale of educators, who are expected to adjust to new systems without adequate time or resources.

The students, the most critical stakeholders in the education system, bear the brunt of these frequent changes. Every time the curriculum shifts, students face the challenge of adjusting to new teaching methods and content, disrupting their learning process. The lack of consistency in their education not only confuses them but also hampers their ability to build on previous knowledge. This discontinuity can lead to gaps in learning, making it difficult for students to achieve the necessary competencies at each educational level. This compromises the quality of education and deprives the students of a stable and coherent learning experience.

The political motivations behind these curriculum changes often obscure the real purpose of education: to equip students with knowledge and skills for their future. When curriculum modifications are made to erase the legacies of political rivals rather than to improve educational outcomes, they reflect a misuse of power and resources. This politicization of education leads to a lack of clear direction and long-term planning within DepEd. As a result, the department fails to establish a cohesive vision for the country’s educational system, leaving it vulnerable to the whims of successive political administrations.

For the sake of the country’s future, DepEd should establish a more stable and apolitical approach to curriculum development, ensuring that education remains focused on the needs of students rather than the ambitions of politicians, as it fulfills its mission of nurturing the minds of the next generation.

Life’s reflections

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DOMS PAGLIAWAN

Let me open this essay with a striking reminder of our mortality and the fleeting nature of our concerns. The notion that none of us will be alive 150 years from now and that most of our current struggles will be “TOTALLY” forgotten is both humbling and sobering. It compels me to reflect on the futility of many of the things we stress over daily. It brings a sense of urgency to focus on what truly matters and to question whether our current pursuits will have lasting significance.

Looking back to 1872, we can glimpse how time erases even the most prominent figures from collective memory. We will notice how little we know or remember about people who once seemed vital to their world, then. It’s a poignant reminder that no matter how significant we may feel, time will eventually blur our existence. This thought is both unsettling and strangely liberating, as it challenges the importance we place on legacy and recognition.

Let’s recount past betrayals and violence over trivial material possessions highlighting the absurdity of human behavior driven by greed and power. Reflecting on how people once committed grave acts for items like a piece of land or a pinch of salt makes me realize how little has changed in human nature. The pursuit of material wealth and status often leads to irrational and harmful actions. It evokes a sense of disillusionment with humanity’s obsession with materialism.

Using Michael Jackson as an example, we can illustrate the temporary nature of fame and public memory. Despite Jackson’s enormous influence, even his legacy fades over time. This observation underscores the reality that not even the most iconic figures are immune to being forgotten. It challenges the modern obsession with fame and reminds us that true value lies in more enduring qualities than mere recognition.

The inevitability of death and the eventual irrelevance of material possessions is a sobering reminder of our shared fate. The idea that the things we currently hold dear will one day be meaningless prompts me to reconsider the importance of accumulating wealth and status. This realization encourages a more mindful approach to life, focusing on meaningful experiences and relationships rather than material accumulation.

The call to “let love lead” and avoid malice, jealousy, and comparison resonates deeply. We can only advocate for a life filled with genuine happiness for others and kindness, reminding us that life is not a competition. This truth feels refreshing and necessary in a world often dominated by rivalry and envy. It inspires a shift in perspective toward a more compassionate and supportive approach to living.

The reminder that we will all “transit to the other side” eventually brings a sense of unity and equality. Regardless of our differences, we all share the same ultimate destiny. This thought is both humbling and comforting, as it highlights the transient nature of life and the importance of living authentically. It encourages me to appreciate the present moment and the connections we make with others.

This reflection serves as a powerful call to perspective and mindfulness. It challenges us to look beyond the superficial aspects of life and focus on what truly matters. The message to “take life easy” and prioritize love, kindness, and genuine happiness over material pursuits and competition is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life. This leaves me feeling inspired to live more consciously and compassionately, appreciating the simple joys and connections that make life meaningful.

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