The municipality of Guiuan, Eastern Samar represented by Mayor Annaliza Gonzales Kwan enters a memorandum of agreement with the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority for the construction of a tourist rest area in Calicoan Island, a major surfing destination in the region.(Photo Courtesy)
At a cost of P10 million
The municipality of Guiuan, Eastern Samar represented by Mayor Annaliza Gonzales Kwan enters a memorandum of agreement with the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority for the construction of a tourist rest area in Calicoan Island, a major surfing destination in the region.(Photo Courtesy)
TACLOBAN CITY – The local government unit of Guiuan in Eastern Samar and the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), an attached agency of the Department of Tourism (DOT), signed a memorandum of agreement last week about the construction of a tourist rest area (TRA) in Calicoan Island.
The TRA is a flagship program of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco where foreign and local tourists can approach to get information on tourism sites, activities, accommodation, and other concerns.
This will also provide information to tourists on safety and security protocols while they are staying in the area.
The establishment and construction of a TRA will promote, encourage, and develop tourism as a major socio-economic activity and to further improve tourism infrastructure and accessibility for the enhancement of the overall tourist experience.
In the region, Calicoan is one of the two areas identified for the construction of TRA.
The other one is in Tacloban City, the region’s capital which will be put up at the ‘Balyuan Grounds.’
The Calicoan and Tacloban tourist facilities are part of the second batch of TRA that the DOT and TIEZA will fund and open in the whole country.
The MOA signing between the municipal government of Guiuan, as represented by Mayor Analiza Gonzales-Kwan, and TIEZA sealed the construction of the P10 million facility in Calicoan – a top surfing destination in the region.
The facility will also have a ‘pasalubong’ center where micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) producers may display and sell their products for tourists and visitors to buy, public toilets and showers, and a tourist police station.
The facility will also have a rain harvesting system and solar power energy which is a standard design of all TRA’s in the Philippines. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
TACLOBAN CITY– The Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reported the completion of the road upgrading of a busy road in Barugo town.
District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura mentioned that 7,095 square meters of asphalt have been laid on top of existing pavement in Poblacion District II in the said town to provide a smooth road to motorists and the traveling public.
The project, which covers the Bagahupi-Babatngon-Sta Cruz-Barugo-Carigara road, costs P19.51 million and intends to make travel safer and more convenient.
Additionally, it improves the road’s surface capability, making it easier and quicker to get to the nearby government offices, schools, health facilities, and other public and commercial entities.
Other provisions of this project include a 41.12 meters of off-carriageway, re-blocking of damaged pavement, and the application of reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians, especially at night. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
Probationers clean the vicinity of the Nasunugan Watchtower, the selected heritage site in Biliran province, during the launch of the special project “Adopt a Heritage Site” on April 22. The undertaking is a collaboration of the Parole and Probation Administration, DOLE, DOT, and the municipal local government unit of Biliran. (Photo: PIA Biliran)
Probationers clean the vicinity of the Nasunugan Watchtower, the selected heritage site in Biliran province, during the launch of the special project “Adopt a Heritage Site” on April 22. The undertaking is a collaboration of the Parole and Probation Administration, DOLE, DOT, and the municipal local government unit of Biliran. (Photo: PIA Biliran)
NAVAL, Biliran– The Parole and Probation Administration (PPA), an attached agency of the Department of Justice, launched a special project dubbed “Adopt a Heritage Site” in Biliran province on April 22.
A total of 17 probationers who are residents of the municipality of Biliran conducted community service by cleaning the surroundings of the Nasunugan Watchtower, an architectural ruins in Barangay San Roque that was built at the time of the Biliran Religious Revolt from 1765 to 1774, led by a certain Padre Gaspar, as per the account of local historians.
According to Jeannette B. Avorque, chief probation and parole officer of PPA Biliran, the special project is under the restorative justice program of their office, where probationers will conduct community work services with the aim of restoring the relationship between them and the community.
Avorque also shared that the probationers will maintain the cleanliness of the heritage site within the duration of 10 months based on the special project. However, she further said that the time duration may be extended as other partner agencies have signified continuity in the implementation of the project.
Francisco A. Segovia, officer-in-charge of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Biliran Provincial Field Office, has already signified intent to enroll the probationers involved in the project under the TUPAD program so they may also earn while doing community work service.
Meanwhile, Estrellieta C. Jornales, Biliran municipal assessor and the designated tourism officer, reminded the probationers not to alter or deface any part of the Nasunugan Watchtower as it is a violation of the regulation imposed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
The PPA collaborated with DOLE, the Department of Tourism and the municipal local government unit of Biliran in choosing Nasunugan Watchtower as the project site.
The “Adopt a Heritage Site” program was simultaneously launched in all 12 PPA offices in Eastern Visayas, coinciding with the celebration of World Earth Day bearing the theme: Planet Versus Plastics. (RSV, PIA Biliran)
The recent incident involving Chinese ships spraying the Philippine flag aboard a Philippine Coast Guard vessel in the West Philippine Sea is not merely a display of aggression, but a blatant act of bullying and mockery of the Philippines’ rights within its territorial waters. Such behavior undermines international norms and aggravates tensions in the region.
The act indeed is a flagrant violation of the Philippines’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. The West Philippine Sea falls well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, as recognized by international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). By aggressively intruding into these waters and harassing Philippine vessels, China is not only disregarding established legal boundaries but also showing contempt for the rights of a sovereign nation.
The use of enormous water cannons to douse a Philippine Coast Guard ship flying its own flag is a clear demonstration of power and intimidation. It sends a chilling message to the Philippines and other countries in the region that China is willing to use force to assert its claims, regardless of the consequences. Such aggressive tactics only serve to escalate tensions and create a hostile environment that threatens peace and stability in the region.
This incident highlights the unequal power dynamics at play in the South China Sea dispute. China’s vast military and economic resources give it a significant advantage over its smaller neighbors, allowing it to assert its claims with impunity. The Philippines, despite its efforts to assert its rights through legal means, is often left vulnerable to Chinese aggression, as demonstrated by this latest incident.
The international community’s response to such provocative actions has been disappointing. While some countries have condemned China’s behavior, others have remained conspicuously silent or even expressed support for its actions. This lack of unified opposition only emboldens China to continue its assertive behavior and undermines efforts to resolve the dispute through peaceful means.
This recent incident in the West Philippine Sea is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by claimant states in the region in asserting their sovereignty and rights. It underscores the urgent need for a coordinated international response to address China’s aggressive behavior and uphold the principles of international law. Failure to do so risks further escalation and instability in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
It’s a unique feeling, like a balloon inflated with fury, bouncing around the confines of your chest cavity. Then it turns into a mixture of wrath and fear, both powerful and devastating emotions, hence difficult to control.
So, there you stand, face flushed with frustration, as the children before you push every button with expert precision. Their antics, though undoubtedly aggravating, are like a twisted form of comedy – each misbehavior is another punchline in the joke that is classroom chaos. Despite the overwhelming urge to unleash a verbal tirade or administer a well-deserved time-out, the law stands as an insurmountable barrier, reminding you of the consequences of crossing that forbidden line.
As you struggle to contain the bubbling rage within, it’s as if you’ve been cast as the lead in a tragicomedy of errors. Every fiber of your being screams for justice, for retribution, but you’re forced to play the role of the reluctant peacekeeper, biting your tongue as the child continues their reign of mischief. It’s a comedy of restraint, a farce of frustration, and a silent scream into the void of legislative absurdity. And so, you soldier on, hoping that someday, somehow, the powers that be will recognize the absurdity of expecting teachers to discipline without the tools to do so effectively.
What a plight for Filipino teachers – armed with red pens, lesson plans, and an unscratchable itch to discipline mischievous students. It’s a comedy of errors, a dance of restraint, and a silent scream into the void of classroom chaos. For years, they’ve navigated the treacherous waters of unruly behavior with nothing but a stern glare and a well-rehearsed “Please behave.” But alas, the ban on physical punishment has left them scratching their heads, and not just because of the stress.
Picture this: a classroom filled with giggles, whispers, and the occasional paper airplane soaring across the room like a misguided missile. The teacher stands at the front, armed with knowledge and a deep-seated desire to maintain order. But as the chaos escalates, so does the temptation to unleash the ultimate weapon: the dreaded ruler slap. Alas, such primitive tactics are no longer acceptable in the modern era of education.
Instead, Filipino teachers must resort to alternative methods of discipline, like confiscating cell phones or assigning extra homework. But let’s be honest – nothing strikes fear into the hearts of students quite like the threat of a ruler to the knuckles. It’s a classic move, steeped in tradition and accompanied by the faint scent of chalk dust and nostalgia.
But fear not, dear educators, for all hope is not lost. While physical punishment may be off the table, there are still plenty of creative ways to keep unruly students in line. How about a rousing game of “Pop Quiz Roulette,” where the consequences of failure are too terrifying to contemplate? Or perhaps a lesson in the ancient art of “Silent Staredown,” guaranteed to silence even the rowdiest of troublemakers?
Of course, some argue that banning physical punishment is a step forward in promoting a safe and nurturing learning environment. And they’re not wrong – after all, nobody wants to see students cowering in fear at the sight of a ruler-wielding teacher. But let’s not forget the comedic goldmine that is the eternal struggle between authority and disobedience.
At the end of the day, it’s a delicate balancing act for Filipino teachers – a constant juggling of rules, regulations, and the occasional urge to unleash their inner disciplinarian. So, the next time you see a teacher scratching her head in frustration, and loudly expressing a soon retirement, spare a thought for the unscratchable itch of discipline. After all, laughter may be the best medicine, but sometimes a well-timed ruler slap is just what the classroom needs.
CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
In a world where material prosperity and social media recognition are the primary motivators, the search for authentic relationships and personal fulfillment frequently suffers. But putting material possessions and popularity ahead of deep relationships and personal development might result in a life that is hollow and devoid of genuine happiness and fulfillment.
The Illusion of Monetary Success
Sure, having money can bring stability and comfort, but it’s also frequently considered as the key to happiness and freedom. However, pursuing it might turn into a never-ending game in which happiness is consistently postponed until the next financial milestone. The warmth of human connection and the small pleasures in life might be eclipsed by this never-ending race. It’s true what they say: “You can’t buy happiness with money alone.” Money cannot satisfy all of the complicated requirements of the human spirit.
The Fleeting Nature of Social Media Likes
Likewise, likes on social media are fleeting signs of acceptance that have the potential to become compulsive. The complexity and depth of in-person encounters are much diminished by them, even though they can temporarily raise one’s ego. Digital thumbs-ups provide a brief dopamine rush, but the continual need for approval can chip away at self-worth and cause people to judge their value more by the judgment of others than by their own principles.
The Richness of Positive Relationships
In contrast, investing in positive relationships—be it friendships, family ties, or romantic partnerships—yields long-term emotional dividends. Such relationships are built on mutual respect, understanding, and shared experiences. They provide a safety net during life’s lows and amplify joy during its highs. Unlike the transient nature of money and likes, the bonds forged through genuine interactions are enduring and grow stronger with time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while money and social media presence have their place in modern society, they should not overshadow the fundamental human need for connection and personal growth. By focusing on nurturing positive relationships and pursuing passions that resonate with one’s core values, individuals can lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. The true essence of living is found not in the external validation of our worth but in the quality of our relationships and the richness of our experiences.
