A copra processing facility in being planned

TACLOBAN CITY—The provincial government of Northern Samar plans to further boost its coconut industry by partnering with the Board of Investment (BOI) to attract investors to build a copra processing facility.

John Allen Berbon, head of the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (Pedipo), said that they presented their proposal to the agri-based industry division of BOI on Thursday (May 9), and received an encouraging response.
“The BOI will facilitate connections with potential investors for our envisioned coconut processing center,” he said in an interview.

He emphasized that the establishment of such a facility would lead to the comprehensive utilization of coconut resources, including husk, juice, shell, and not just copra (meat).
Furthermore, Berbon highlighted the direct benefits to coconut farmers, anticipating an increase in copra prices as they would have the option to sell their produce directly to the facility, bypassing middlemen.

“This would reduce their expenses and result in higher earnings for farmers,” he added.
Northern Samar ranks as the 18th largest coconut-producing province in the Philippines, boasting an annual production of 315,000 metric tons in 2023, and with over 86,000 registered coconut farmers.

Berbon disclosed that the proposed facility would require an investment of at least P300 million, with an estimated output of 60 metric tons of coconut products daily.

Despite being abundant in coconuts, Northern Samar currently has limited processing facilities, with only one oil mill, one coco-sugar producer, two virgin coconut oil producers, and three coco coir producers.

Berbon emphasized the significance of capitalizing on the province’s strengths in the coconut industry and expanding investment promotion efforts to drive economic growth and competitiveness in the coconut market.

“By leveraging our coconut industry strengths and enhancing investment promotion initiatives, Northern Samar aims to unlock its agricultural potential, spur economic development, and establish itself as a formidable contender in the coconut sector,” he said. (JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Police Regional Office (PRO-8) commended the orderly proceedings of the five-day Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet 2024, which ended on Friday (May 10) at the Ormoc City Sports Complex.

According to official reports, there were no major incidents recorded throughout the week-long athletic extravaganza, which kicked off on May 5, 2024.

EVRAA 2024, hailed as the region’s premier sporting event, was graciously hosted by the city government of Ormoc and its schools division, participated by more than 9,000 young athletes coming from the region’s 13 schools’ divisions.

“The tranquil and organized execution of EVRAA Meet 2024 is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our security forces and partner agencies in preemptively addressing potential threats and upholding the highest safety standards,” Police B/Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, police regional director, said.

“PRO 8 remains resolute in its commitment to fostering a safe and secure environment for all,” he added.

To ensure the safety of all attendees, PRO-8 implemented heightened security measures by deploying 892 police personnel alongside an additional 2,000 security personnel from various agencies, all dedicated to safeguarding the proceedings.

Also, medical teams and emergency responders remained on standby to promptly address any medical emergencies that might arise.

Officials confirmed that there were no reports of significant injuries or disruptions to the games, despite the sweltering heat index.

This year’s EVRAA Meet was dominated by the host city, garnering 411 medals harvest of which 217 were gold, 118 silver, and 76 bronze.

Former perennial champion, Leyte, landed as runner-up with a medal tally of 51 gold, 53 silver, and 58 bronze, followed by the regional capital of Tacloban City with 23 gold, 33 silver, and 42 bronze, and Maasin City with 23 gold, 26 silver, and 22 bronze.

In his message, Rep.Gomez, former city mayor, said that their decision to put a premium on sports development is now reaping based on the number of medals it harvested as it continues to dominate the regional sporting competition.

“It is an opportunity to uncover and nurture the top talent within the city, empowering the youth, our young athletes to pursue their dreams with passion and dedication,” he said during the closing ceremonies.

“Additionally by engaging them in sports, we provide the youth with a positive outlet with an energy and creativity, steering them away from the influences that may lead to delinquency,” he added.

Before the closing ceremony, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced that an initial 497 athletes had qualified to participate and compete at the 2024 Palarong Pambansa which will hosted by Cebu City.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/RONALD REYES )

ORMOC CITY – A 56-year-old from this city died from a suspected heat stroke around 11:45 am on Saturday (May 11) at Sitio Tabuk, Barangay Mabato, this city.

Police identified the man as Melchor Mercado, a resident of Brgy. Lao, also in the same city.
According to Police Corporal Johannes Macalinao, the case investigator, Mercado had visited a friend in Brgy. Mayahag, Merida, also in Leyte and was returning home around 8 am. He arrived home after 11 am.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing Mercado stop his motorcycle and park it on the side.

They observed him disembark and stand beside it before eventually sitting down. When approached by a concerned resident, Mercado indicated he was not feeling well.

Shortly after, Mercado collapsed onto the ground, prompting the resident to move him to a shaded area and seek assistance from neighbors.

Despite the prompt arrival of rescue personnel, Mercado was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending nurse.

His remains were swiftly transported to a local funeral parlor for a post-mortem examination.
(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY– A passenger tricycle en route to its owner’s residence was engulfed in flames along Arradaza St., in front of the Saints Peter and Paul Parish in this city, at about 11:30 am on Saturday(May 11).

Fire Investigator Fire Officer 2 Michael Puña identified the driver as Romulo Luceños, 59, married and a resident of Brgy. Margen.

Luceños was driving a red Honda Supremo, bearing a temporary plate number 083207, with a blue passenger sidecar marked with police number 1114.

In an interview, FO2 Puña stated that the tricycle had just completed a trip from SM Hypermart Ormoc, transporting a passenger from Brgy. Bantigue.

Upon dropping off the passenger at the mall, Luceños returned to the tricycle’s owner, identified as Elyer Abenio of Bantigue.

However, he noticed flames emanating from the carburetor beneath the gas tank. Despite attempting to detach the gas tank, which was bolted onto the chassis, the fire rapidly intensified, forcing Luceños to flee and seek assistance.

FO2 Puña said that firefighters were already on the scene, and at about 11:38 am, the blaze had been completely extinguished.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the fire, which caused an estimated damage of P150, 000.
(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY– Local authorities apprehended a farmer for his absence during a court hearing in Malabon, Metro Manila, around 6:30 pm on Friday (May 10) in Isabel, Leyte.
Arrested by local police was Leodegario Cañete, 53, and a resident of Brgy. Sto Niño of the said town.

Cañete’s arrest was executed based on a bench warrant issued by Judge Rhoda Magdaline Mapili-Osinada, pairing judge of the Regional Trial Court- National Capital Judicial Region, Branch 170, dated April 30, 2024, for the crime of estafa.

The court set bail at P40,000 for Cañete’s temporary release.

Upon apprehension, Cañete was informed of the reasons behind his arrest and was briefed on his constitutional rights in a language he understood.

Subsequently, he was transported to Isabel municipal police station for proper documentation and disposition before being returned to the court that issued the bench warrant.
(ROBERT DEJON)