CATARMAN,Northern Samar-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Northern Samar First District Engineering Office recently held a Lenten Recollection on March 1, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the district office. The event aimed to provide a meaningful spiritual experience for its employees as the Lenten season approaches.
The Lenten Recollection was led by Bro. Ed Villacorte, a book author and head of the Center for Christ Leadership. Bro. Villacorte’s topic centered on the importance of faith, prayer, and reflection during Lent, encouraging employees to deepen their spiritual lives and embrace the values of compassion, forgiveness, and service to others.
The spiritual exercise provided employees with an opportunity to pause and reflect on their personal and professional lives, reminding them of the importance of balance and self-care. It also served as a time of fellowship, strengthening bonds among colleagues and promoting a sense of unity within the workplace.
DPWH Northern Samar 1st DEO recognizes the importance of supporting its employees’ spiritual well-being, acknowledging that a strong sense of faith and purpose can positively impact their work performance and overall quality of life.
District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio emphasized the significance of the Lenten Recollection, stating, “The Lenten Recollection reflects the organization’s commitment to holistic development of its members. It ensures that employees are not only equipped with the necessary skills for their jobs but are also nurtured spiritually and emotionally.”
The Recollection concluded with a meaningful and reflective experience for all participants, fostering a sense of spiritual renewal and unity among employees. (ANALIZA A.PABIA, PIO ALTERNATE/PR)
ORMOC CITY– A helper/mechanic from a local motorcycle shop is currently fighting for his life at the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Tacloban City after being shot by an unidentified gunman while on duty inside the shop at approximately 1:20 pm on March 6, in Poblacion District 2, La Paz, Leyte.
Based on the report of the local police, the victim, identified as Darryl Molon, 30, was working at Marticio Motorshop when the assailant, riding in a single motorcycle arrived at the scene.
The suspect, wearing a jacket, a closed helmet, and a baseball cap, lingered in front of the shop for some time.
Surveillance footage from the shop indicated that the suspect, positioned on his motorcycle, seemed to await the opportune moment to attack.
Subsequently, when the timing was deemed appropriate, the suspect ignited the motorcycle’s engine, brandished an unidentified caliber firearm, and fired two shots at the victim, striking him in the abdomen.
Fellow workers rushed the victim to the Rural Health Unit, but due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to the EVMC for urgent medical attention. Medical personnel attending to Molon have classified his condition as critical.
Despite the efforts of local authorities to pursue the suspect, they have yet to apprehend the perpetrator. (ROBERT DEJON)
ORMOC CITY-Three individuals sustained injuries when the vehicle they were traveling in plunged off Labiranan Bridge in Barangay San Jose, Dulag, around 8:45 pm March 4.
According to the authorities, the involved vehicle, a gray Toyota Pickup bearing plate number HAG 5548, was being driven by a certain Molong, 75, and self-employed from Barangay Rizal, Dulag.
His passengers were identified only as Lina, a resident of Barangay Buntay, Dulag, and Sita, from Brgy.Calogcog, Tanauan, Leyte.
Initial investigations revealed that the vehicle was en route from Dulag to Tanauan when the accident occurred. It was reported that upon reaching the vicinity, the vehicle veered to the right, collided with the road barricade, and subsequently fell off the bridge. Both the driver and the passengers sustained injuries to various parts of their bodies.
The driver, unable to provide the vehicle’s registration and his driver’s license, was promptly taken to the Rural Health Unit (RHU) for medical attention.
At present, the SUV remains at the accident site awaiting the arrival of a tow truck for removal. (ROBERT DEJON)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the region led the National Women’s Month Celebration and International Women’s Day at the Robinsons Place Tacloban dubbed as “Trailblazer.”
The celebration features achievements of women in various fields, from literary arts, visual arts, music, business, architecture, and fashion whose talents, perseverance, and innovation defines the tourism, arts, and creative industry.
“We gather not just to celebrate achievement but foster a community united in pursuit of a future where every woman’s contribution is acknowledged and valued,” DOT 8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said.
Joining the DOT-8 in the celebration of the National Women’s Month Celebration and International Women’s Day on March 8 were women leaders from various national government agencies in the region.
The National Women’s Month Celebration is rooted in the International Women’s Day celebrated every 8th of March, a date of celebration for the accomplishments of women in the 20th century.
National Women’s Month is celebrated every year to spread a message of gender equality creating a better environment for both men and women erasing gender biases on both sexes in various fields.
“Look at us today, women are present in various fields, in engineering, doctors, (and) heads of national government agencies. It is very important because we as women, have a certain touch, a certain intuition, and there are learnings that we look on the different point of view from men and most women are mothers, so we have that caring personality,” Tiopes said, responding to a question by reporters why there is a need to celebrate women’s month.
Moreover, in relation to the celebration, the provincial government of Samar has ordered the San Juanico Bridge static lights to use purple, the color associated to women, for the entire month of March. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
COCAINE RECOVERY. Police authorities are appealing to the public to surrender any items that are suspected to be illegal substance amid the recovery of 20 bricks of cocaine in Arteche, Eastern Samar on March 8. The fisherman who recovered the contraband while he was fishing was rewarded of P30,000 by the police and additional P50,000 from the Arteche municipal government headed by Mayor Roland Boie Evardone. (PHOTO COURTESY)
In the wake of the recovery of cocaine in E. Samar
COCAINE RECOVERY. Police authorities are appealing to the public to surrender any items that are suspected to be illegal substance amid the recovery of 20 bricks of cocaine in Arteche, Eastern Samar on March 8. The fisherman who recovered the contraband while he was fishing was rewarded of P30,000 by the police and additional P50,000 from the Arteche municipal government headed by Mayor Roland Boie Evardone. (PHOTO COURTESY)
BORONGAN CITY – The Police authorities in Eastern Visayas are urging residents of Eastern Samar province, especially in the coastal areas, to report and turn over any items that they recovered and suspected as illegal substances.
Authorities made this appeal after the recovery of 20 bricks of cocaine in the coastal waters of Arteche by a fisherman, Samuel Dalimpapas, on Friday (March 8) and was immediately reported by the municipal government to the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office Provincial Director PCol Jose Manuel Payos for safekeeping and confirmatory testing.
The PRO8 had already coordinated with the PNP Maritime Police and the Philippine Coast Guard to be on the lookout for the possible recovery of more cocaine bricks floating in the coastal water of Eastern Samar.
“Rest assured that the PNP is doing everything kahit naman lang sa pag recover because that is what we can do now. Marecover lang sana lahat,” PRO8 Deputy Director for Administration PBGen Owen Andarino, hinting that there could be more packs of cocaine floating in the waters in Samar which faces the Pacific Ocean, the most common route of foreign ships.
“The whole PNP is sending appreciation sa fisherman na hindi man lang nag dalawang isip na nung makita, of course may idea na siya, kasi hindi lang ito ang first time, na nung makita niya I turn over ito sa authorities,” PBGen Andarino added.
It is not clear yet how the packs of cocaine were found floating in the waters of Barangay Tangbo in Arteche though the police claimed that these could come from a possible drug cartel operating in Mexico due to the ‘ZZZ markings’ on the items which were wrapped in two plastic bags.
The ZZZ markings are associated with Los Zetas, one of the most notorious drug cartels in Mexico. Los Zetas is the Spanish equivalent of letter Z.
Arteche Mayor Roland Boie Evardone, for his part, also expressed his appreciation to Dalimpapas who did not think twice in surrendering the contraband which had a commercial value of P111.85 million, weighing 21,195 grams.
“We are proud of him. It just goes to show that he trusts us, he trust the village officials, he trusts the local government, he trusts the PNP, and to the government as whole,” Mayor Evardone said.
As a reward, PBGen Andarino turned over cash from the PRO8 to the fisherman worth P30,000, while the municipal government of Arteche is just awaiting a resolution from the municipal council commending Dalimpapas which includes a P50,000 cash reward.
“We are appealing to the people to help us recover this illegal substance. Don’t hesitate to approach me, the barangay captain, and the PNP and drug enforcement unit. We will support and protect you. This is for the betterment not only for us but also for our future generations,” Mayor Evardone added.
This is not the first time that cocaine bricks have been recovered in the coastal waters of Eastern Samar.
A total of 235 bricks of cocaine was recovered in seawater of the towns of Llorente, San Policarpo, Maydolong, Balangkayan, Sulat, Dolores, Salcedo, Mercedes, Arteche, Taft, and Borongan City from December 2009 to January 2010 worth P235 million.
In 2018, a total of 25 bricks were recovered in Sulangan and Homonhon in Guiuan town worth more than P31 million.(ROEL T. AMAZONA/ROBERT DEJON)
COLOR PURPLE. The historic San Juanico Bridge turned purple as the country marks the Women’s Month celebration. Purple is often associated with women as they continue campaign for equality. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY – In celebration of National Women’s Month, provincial employees of the provincial government of Samar have enthusiastically joined the ‘Purple Fridays Campaign’, advocating for gender equality and empowerment.
COLOR PURPLE. The historic San Juanico Bridge turned purple as the country marks the Women’s Month celebration. Purple is often associated with women as they continue campaign for equality. (PHOTO COURTESY)
Throughout the Fridays of March, all are encouraged to don attire with shades of purple, symbolizing solidarity and support for women’s rights.
March 8, International Women’s Day, coincidentally fell on a Friday, making it an apt occasion to deck in purple attire as a mark of recognition and respect for women worldwide.
Governor Sharee Ann Tan conveyed her heartfelt felicitations to all Samareñas and women globally, emphasizing the indispensable role they play as the cornerstone of every household.
Tan highlighted the importance of women taking pride in their crucial roles, serving as the nurturing heart and guiding light within their families.
She underscored the evolving nature of women’s roles in contemporary society, emphasizing their enduring responsibility in shaping community values.
“In this ever-changing world, women continue to be the bedrock of our communities, illuminating the path forward with their grace and resilience,” the governor remarked. “May the warmth of women’s light continue to radiate, inspiring positivity and empowerment wherever they tread,” she added.
In addition to the Purple Fridays campaign, the Purple Your Icon Advocacy has been fervently endorsed, encouraging individuals to adorn their workplaces, landmarks, and surroundings with purple embellishments. This initiative aims to foster awareness and interest in women’s empowerment initiatives.
To support this cause, the province of Samar has adorned the iconic San Juanico Bridge with a radiant purple glow throughout March.
The bridge will feature a dynamic light show every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm, further amplifying the message of gender equality and empowerment.
And as part of the celebration, a lively Zumba dance session was organized following the Friday flag retreat ceremony. This energetic activity aimed to promote health and wellness among employees while celebrating the strength and vitality of women in the workplace. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
