ORMOC CITY-A woman died on the spot after she was stabbed to death by her live-in partner due to jealousy at about 7: 30 pm on Tuesday(April 30) in Borongan City.

The victim was identified as “Angel” 40, with a live-in partner, self-employed, while the suspect was identified as “Jerry” 52, an electrician, both residents of Barangay Songco.

Initial investigation conducted by responding police disclosed that the live-in partners were at their residence when a heated argument ensued due to jealousy of the suspect.

The police said the argument led the suspect, who was under the influence of intoxicating liquor, to stab the victim using a short-bladed weapon which resulted in her instant death.

The suspect is now under the custody of the Borongan city police office and was charged with murder. (ROBERT DEJON)

To bring back its sporting glory of N. Samar

TACLOBAN CITY– The provincial government of Northern Samar is embarking on an ambitious project aimed at reviving its provincial sports center.

This initiative of Governor Edwin Ongchuan coincides with the province’s 60th founding anniversary celebration next year, its provincial media office said.

“The endeavor is expected to inject new energy into the sports scene in Northern Samar and lay the groundwork for the province to regain its status as a hub for athletic events,” it said.

It, however, did not disclose the amount the provincial government will set aside for the major repair of the facility, located in Barangay Cawayan, Catarman.

Upon completion of this project, Gov. Ongchuan envisions Northern Samar as a venue capable of hosting prestigious events such as the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA), the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA), and potentially even the national-level Palarong Pambansa in the years ahead.

Significantly, the Northern Samar Sports Center made history by hosting the inaugural EVRAA meet in 1976.

Among the facilities planned in the rehabilitation of the sporting complex include volleyball courts, badminton courts, sepak takraw courts, a tennis court, and a basketball court.
Also, an Olympic-size swimming pool will be built there.

Inside the stadium, athletes and spectators can anticipate a football field, a 400m standard track, two volleyball courts, two basketball courts, a tennis court, three high and long jump areas, and a javelin throw runway.

Plans also include the addition of a skate park and a cafeteria within the complex to diversify recreational options.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)

DA says losses to crops reached over P4B

TACLOBAN CITY– Senator Imee Marcos said that she will call for an ‘urgent investigation’ as to what are the preparations of the government on the El Niño phenomenon, considering its adverse impacts, particularly on the agriculture.

The senator, who was in the city last Saturday to attend a gathering of the Commission on Higher Education of its ‘Tulong Dulong’ scholarship program, said that there is a need to address the concerns of those in the agriculture and fisherfolk sectors as they were hard-hit by the dry spell.

“We will convene on Monday, and I will request an urgent investigation into the government’s El Niño plans because the impact on us is too severe. It’s really serious,” Marcos said.

According to the senator, because of the dry spell, those in the agriculture and fisher sectors, are the most affected and thus need immediate assistance from the government.

“I think we have to hasten the giving of assistance to them. The Department of Agriculture is supposed to be giving P5,000 to the rice farmers. There is a subsidy for transport of P3,000 for our fisherfolks,” the presidential sister said.

According to her, the farmers and fishermen have been waiting for their stipend or financial assistance from the government due to the destruction of their crops in the aftermath of the El Niño phenomenon.

“I think a lot of rice farmers, for example, are still waiting for their stipends because so much of their crops have been destroyed. It’s really heartbreaking,” she said.

The DA has earlier reported that due to the prolonged dry spell, losses to the agriculture sector have already exceeded P4 billion, prompting several affected local government units to declare a state of calamity.

Asked if she finds the performance of Agriculture Sec. Francisco Laurel Jr. wanting amid this situation, Sen. Marcos replied in the negative.

“Well, he is very new (to the post),” she said.

Laurel was appointed as DA chief in November of last year, succeeding the President who held the same portfolio after he assumed the presidency.

Meantime, Sen. Marcos chided the government for resorting to importation every time there was a shortage on supplies.

“Parang nagin reaction na lang natin na kada problema natin, mag-import. Hindi naman bumababa ang presyo sa palengke. Sobrang mahal naman pagdating sa palengke.So there seems to be some disconnect in the supply chain,” she said.

The government, she said, must provide more assistance to local farmers, for example, and help them increase their yield and income. (JOEY A. GABIETA)