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Truck carrying livestock falls to the side of a road

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KANANGA, Leyte—Two passengers of a truck carrying livestock were injured when the vehicle they were in lost its brakes and fell off the side of a hilly road, dragging a hatchback vehicle along with it.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:20 pm on Friday (May 17) along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion.

The injured passengers were identified as Aser Avila, 29, and Filmar Cawayan Silao, 24, both residents of Brgy. Maybog, Baybay City.

Police reported that the vehicles involved were a gray Toyota Wigo with plate number HAC 3328, driven by Ulysses Semaña Silva, 49, a self-employed resident of Sitio Tabunok, Brgy. Poblacion, Kananga, Leyte, and an Isuzu Broiler Steel Cage Truck with plate number 0716-0559896, registered to Alma Palcon Gunhuran of St. Scholastica’s Village, Guindapunan, Palo, Leyte, and driven by Jonathan Jadina Castañas, 40, a resident of Brgy. Maybog.

Initial investigation revealed that the Isuzu truck, loaded with poultry livestock, was descending from Rizal-Hiluctogan-Lim-ao Road towards the national road when its brakes malfunctioned.

As a result, the driver lost control, causing the truck to veer off the road and collide with the Toyota Wigo, which was traveling along the National Highway towards Ormoc City. The collision caused both vehicles to fall off the elevated edge of the road.

Passengers Avila and Silao sustained injuries and were transported to Kananga Municipal Hospital by the Kananga Emergency Response Team for immediate medical attention.

Both drivers suffered minor injuries and were taken to the station for further investigation. The truck driver requested additional medical assistance and proceeded to Ormoc City for further treatment.
(ROBERT DEJON)

Sta. Margarita joins list of areas declared as SIPS status by the Army

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The town of Sta. Margarita is the latest area in Samar to be declared as stable internal peace and security (SIPS) status. This declaration, made on May 16, was welcomed by local and security officials of the town. (PHOTO COURTESY)

In Samar

The town of Sta. Margarita is the latest area in Samar to be declared as stable internal peace and security (SIPS) status. This declaration, made on May 16, was welcomed by local and security officials of the town. (PHOTO COURTESY)

TACLOBAN CITY—Sta. Margarita town in Samar province is the latest municipality to be declared as having Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status.

The declaration was made on Thursday (May 16) by the 43rd Infantry Battalion and the 803rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, led by Mayor Felix Panganoron.

The event was attended by Vice Governor Arnold Tan, 802nd Brigade Commander BGen Efren Morados, LtCol Nasser Do Arojo, and Samar Police Provincial Office Deputy Director for Operation LtCol Edwin Barbosa.

The town received the SIPS status due to the absence of recorded non-violent activities and sightings of the New People’s Army for over a year, successful local peace engagements, and the surrender and disaffiliation of former rebel members and supporters from the armed struggle.

“May this declaration pave the way for creating a conducive environment filled with opportunities for further growth and development in the municipality,” said LtCol Arojo in his message.

He expressed confidence that any attempts at local terrorism resurgence would be severely rejected, with the delivery of government programs and services remaining a top priority.

Mayor Panganoron emphasized the importance of maintaining the peace achieved with the help of uniformed forces and other government agencies like the Department of Interior and Local Government.

“The declaration of SIPS is not the end of our journey but the beginning of a new chapter. Let us continue to work together, support one another, and strive for continuous improvement,” he added.

Sta. Margarita is the third municipality in Samar province to be granted SIPS status, joining Tarangnan and Pagsanghan.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Borongan city gov’t offers ‘libreng sakay’ to selected beneficiaries

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Borongan City is now offering free rides to students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda lead the launching of the program on Monday(May 20). (BORONGAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
Borongan City is now offering free rides to students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda lead the launching of the program on Monday(May 20).
(BORONGAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)

TACLOBAN CITY – The city government of Borongan has launched the “Libreng Sakay” program, fulfilling Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda’s promise to make transportation more accessible, especially for those who cannot afford regular fares.

Launched on Monday (May 20), the Libreng Sakay program is available for senior high school and college students, persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and government and barangay health workers.

An ordinance, the “Borongan City Libre Sakay Ordinance of 2024,” was enacted on May 15 of this year by the Sangguniang Panlungsod to support the program.

Beneficiaries of the free ride will receive an e-card from the city government. The application for this e-card was developed by students of the Eastern Samar State University College of Information Technology with assistance from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The e-card is for exclusive use by the registered beneficiary and cannot be transferred to others. Violators will face fines ranging from P500 to P5,000 or imprisonment, at the court’s discretion, and will lose their privileges.

Students who drop out of school or transfer to institutions outside Borongan City, residents who transfer their voter registration elsewhere, and health workers not employed by the government will be disqualified from the program.

“We, the LGU of Borongan, are truly dedicated to providing convenient transportation for our beneficiaries, offering it to them for free,” Mayor Agda said, explaining that the initiative aims to help Borongan residents by providing free transportation without the burden of costly fees.

“Through the efforts of stakeholders like ESSU and DOST, we can offer free rides and help bridge the gap between different communities, promoting a more inclusive and cohesive city today and in the future,” the city mayor added.

The free rides will operate from Barangay Camada to Brgy. Bugas from 5 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday.

The city government explains that the limited number of sectors benefiting from the program ensures minimal impact on the transportation industry, such as tricycle drivers who earn modest incomes.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Lope de Vega bested floats in this year’s Ibabao Float Parade Festival

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Now on its 2nd year

TACLOBAN CITY—Lope De Vega town clinched the top prize, besting 22 other towns in the second edition of the 2024 Ibabao Festival Float Parade held in Catarman town.

Located around 30 kilometers from Catarman, Lope De Vega, which primarily depends on coconut and other farming products, won a P50,000 cash prize.

In 2023, Lope De Vega secured second place among 19 participating municipalities during the inaugural Ibabao Festival Float Parade.

This year, San Roque town took second place, winning P250,000, while Pambujan secured third place with a P150,000 prize.

Each colorful float showcased and reflected the unique history, identity, culture, heritage, products, livelihood, and tourist attractions of the participating towns using indigenous materials.

The parade route started from the provincial capitol grounds in Catarman, proceeded to the town proper, and returned to the starting point, attracting an estimated 18,000 spectators along the main street of Northern Samar’s capital.

The strong support from the people highlighted the festival’s role in fostering unity and cultural pride, reinforcing the province’s reputation as a vibrant and welcoming destination for both tourism and investment.

This year’s 23 float participants exceeded the 19 participants from 2023 when San Jose town won the title in the inaugural run.

The float parade marked the beginning of the month-long Ibabao Festival, celebrating the 59th founding anniversary of the province.

“The previous years have been good to us, and we have every reason to celebrate the 59th founding anniversary of our beloved province,” said Governor Edwin Ongchuan during the float parade awards ceremony and the opening program for the 2024 Ibabao Festival.

“Through the Ibabao Festival, we hope to foster cultural awareness and a deeper appreciation of the history, cultural heritage, and development of our province,” Ongchuan added.

He noted that this year’s festival activities span an entire month, compared to only two weeks last year, to attract more visitors and promote the province’s tourism potential.

The preparation for the month-long festival, to culminate on June 19, was headed by Vice-Governor Clarence Dato.

Other activities for the 2024 Ibabao Festival include a business conference, cultural exhibits, local history lectures, a trade fair, the Mutya san Ibabao beauty pageant, a concert, the Ibabao Festivals of Festival, the State of the Province Address, and the 59th founding anniversary program. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)

High electric bills

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At this time of the year when temperatures are soaring high, air conditioners, fans, and refrigerators have become essential for surviving the sweltering heat, especially in regions where temperatures can soar to dangerous levels. This dependence, while necessary, leads to an inevitable spike in electricity consumption, resulting in electric bills that strain already tight budgets.

The need for cooling appliances is a matter of survival, not luxury. Heatwaves have become more frequent and intense due to climate change, making it almost impossible to endure without some form of artificial cooling. For vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children, prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to severe health issues or even fatalities. Consequently, households have no choice but to run air conditioners and fans almost continuously during the hottest months. This relentless use of electricity pushes consumption to unprecedented levels, inevitably leading to higher utility bills.

These increased electric bills pose a significant financial burden for many families, particularly those with limited incomes. The cost of running air conditioners and other cooling devices adds up quickly, depleting funds that could be used for other essential needs like groceries, medical expenses, or education. For low-income households, the choice often becomes one of stark trade-offs: endure unbearable heat or cut back on other necessities to pay for the increased electricity usage. This dilemma highlights a harsh reality wherein maintaining a basic standard of living in the face of extreme weather becomes a matter of economic survival.

Furthermore, the escalating cost of electricity is compounded by the inefficiencies of older cooling appliances. Many households cannot afford to upgrade to energy-efficient models, which, although more cost-effective in the long run, require a significant upfront investment. As a result, they continue to use outdated units that consume more power, further exacerbating the problem. This creates a vicious cycle where high energy consumption leads to high bills, leaving little room in the budget for purchasing more efficient appliances that could alleviate some of the financial strain.

In response to this pressing issue, governments and utility companies must step in with solutions. Subsidies for energy-efficient appliances, incentives for households to adopt solar energy, and tiered billing systems that provide relief to lower-income families can help mitigate the financial impact. Additionally, investing in community cooling centers and urban greening initiatives can reduce the overall demand for home cooling. Addressing the root causes of climate change through stringent environmental policies is equally vital to ensuring long-term sustainability and reducing the need for excessive energy consumption.

Indeed, the high consumption of electricity driven by the necessity to cool homes in extreme heat is an unavoidable reality for many households. The resulting financial strain from massive electric bills highlights the need for systemic interventions to support those most affected. By promoting energy efficiency, providing financial assistance, and tackling climate change, we can help households manage their electricity consumption and alleviate the economic burden that threatens their well-being.

Endless journey

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DOMS PAGLIAWAN

In this era that we live in, the idea of staying rooted in one place seems almost antiquated. The modern individual is often characterized by an insatiable wanderlust, a perpetual craving to explore new horizons. This inclination towards constant movement, an unrelenting desire to experience the unfamiliar, has become more than just a trend; it’s a defining feature of our time. The reasons for this are manifold, from the quest for personal growth to the simple thrill of adventure.

Whatever the motivation, the result is a global phenomenon where people are more mobile than ever before, catalyzing the rise of an expansive travel industry designed to cater to their every whim. The proliferation of tourist attractions across the globe is a direct response to this new age of mobility. Places that were once remote and inaccessible are now hotspots, meticulously developed to offer unique experiences to the curious traveler.

From Southeast Asia’s sun-kissed beaches to Iceland’s rugged landscapes, the world is dotted with destinations that promise to satiate the ever-growing appetite for discovery. These attractions are not just natural wonders but also man-made marvels, constructed to draw in visitors and provide them with memorable experiences.

Alongside these attractions, the hospitality industry has flourished spectacularly. Hotels range from the humble to the opulent, catering to every type of traveler. The rise of boutique hotels, with their bespoke designs and personalized services, mirrors the diverse tastes of modern explorers. Even budget travelers are not left out, with a surge in affordable accommodations like hostels and Airbnb rentals that make it possible to traverse the globe without breaking the bank. This vast network of lodging options ensures that no matter where one’s journey takes them, a comfortable place to stay is never far away.

Transportation has also evolved to meet the demands of this restless generation. Air travel, once a luxury, is now commonplace, with budget airlines making it possible to fly across continents for the price of a nice dinner. High-speed trains zip through countries, providing a scenic and efficient way to traverse vast distances. Even road trips have seen a renaissance, with the rise of camper vans and car-sharing services. The world has become smaller, and more interconnected, and the means to explore it are more accessible than ever.

The allure of travel lies not just in the destinations but in the journey itself. Each trip is a story, an adventure waiting to unfold. It’s the unexpected encounters, the serendipitous moments, and the challenges faced along the way that make travel so compelling. People travel not just to see new places, but to experience different cultures, to taste exotic foods, and to immerse themselves in environments vastly different from their own. This immersion creates a sense of connection and understanding that transcends geographical boundaries.

Yet, this ceaseless movement is not without its downsides. The environmental impact of mass tourism is a growing concern, with fragile ecosystems being trampled by the ever-increasing footfall of curious visitors. Local communities, while benefiting economically, often struggle with the cultural and social ramifications of becoming tourist hubs. The authenticity of places can be diluted, turning vibrant cultures into mere spectacles for consumption. It’s a delicate balance between preserving the essence of a place and making it accessible to outsiders.

Despite these challenges, the human spirit’s yearning for exploration shows no signs of waning. If anything, technological advancements and increased awareness are prompting more sustainable ways to travel. Eco-tourism is on the rise, encouraging travelers to respect and preserve the environments they visit. There is a growing emphasis on slow travel, where the journey is savored rather than rushed, allowing for a deeper connection with the places and people encountered along the way.

In essence, the modern nomad is proof to the enduring spirit of adventure that resides within us all. While the comforts of home are undeniable, the call of the unknown is often too strong to resist. This perpetual state of motion, this desire to keep moving, to keep discovering, is what shapes our world today. It is a reminder that the journey, with all its twists and turns, is as important as the destination itself.

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