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Mayor expresses gratitude to DOH for including his town of its program to address malnutrition

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RECOGNITION. The Department of Health acknowledges several town officials for their respective programs aim to address the malnutrition problem in their respective locality.(DOH-8)
RECOGNITION. The Department of Health acknowledges several town officials for their respective programs aim to address the malnutrition problem in their respective locality.(DOH-8)

TACLOBAN CITY – The mayor of Arteche, Eastern Samar expressed his gratitude for the opportunity given by the Department of Health (DOH) to share his programs addressing nutrition problems in his locality.

Mayor Roland Boie Evardone was one of the mayors from the Visayas who shared their experiences at the Mayor’s Forum for the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP) held last week.

This initiative of the Marcos Administration focuses on promoting good health and nutrition through a multisectoral approach.

PMNP is implemented by the DOH and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in collaboration with the National Nutrition Council (NNC), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“We sincerely thank the DOH and DSWD for giving us the opportunity to share with our fellow mayors from Regions 8, 7, and 6 our health and nutrition strategies through Project Susan.e,” Mayor Evardone said.

Project Susan.e, or Project Sustainable Nutrition and Nanay Empowerment, is a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing the critical issue of malnutrition among children in the municipality.

It has several components, including MaMa (Masaganang Pagbubuntis, Masiglang Kamusmusan/Masustansiya at Masiglang First 1,000 Days), LETRA (Literacy Enrichment Training and Reading Assistance), One Barangay One Gulay, among others.

In his presentation during the forum, Mayor Evardone shared that they successfully reduced the stunting rate in their town from 26.04% in 2023 to 14.89% in 2024.

Additionally, they improved their ranking in terms of the prevalence of underweight children from 2nd among 23 towns in the province with 10.86% in 2023 to 19th with only 4.52% in 2024.

As a recipient of the project, the LGU of Arteche received a total of P1.95 million under Component 1 of the PMNP to support their health and nutrition programs.

Out of the 236 municipalities across the country participating in the PMNP, 70 are from Eastern Visayas, including those from the provinces of Samar, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, and Biliran.

The program, implemented over four years, aims to provide iron folic acid supplementation among pregnant women, ensure access to prenatal care services, offer nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific services, promote breastfeeding, and provide access to sanitary toilets.

LGUs included in the program have stunting rates higher than 17.5%, poverty incidence equal to 21% based on the 2015 Philippine Statistics Authority Small Area Estimate, KALAHI-CIDSS implementation, and are covered by the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Area program.

Throughout the four-year implementation, the region is expected to receive P943 million in funding. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Red tide up in Samar waters

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TACLOBAN CITY– Some major seawaters in Samar and Eastern Samar provinces were declared to have the presence of ‘red tide,’ which makes collecting and eating all types of shellfish and ‘alamang’ not advisable.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources(BFAR) in the region said that the Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City, Samar and the bays of Cambatutay in Tarangnan, Matarinao which covers the towns of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani and Salcedo, and the coastal waters of Guiuan, all in Eastern Samar were found to be positive for Pyrodinium bahamense, a toxic microorganism that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning(PSP).

BFAR said that fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs from the affected bays are safe for human consumption, provided that they are fresh, thoroughly washed, and have had their internal organs, such as gills and intestines, removed before cooking.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)

Rep. Marcelino Libanan conducts monitoring of Jipapad to Las Navas Road Project

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ROAD PROJECT. Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group conducted an inspection of the Jipapad-Las Navas road project, connecting the provinces of Eastern Samar and Northern Samar.(DPWH-LAOANG)
ROAD PROJECT. Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group conducted an inspection of the Jipapad-Las Navas road project, connecting the provinces of Eastern Samar and Northern Samar.(DPWH-LAOANG)

LAOANG, Northern Samar-House Minority Floor Leader, Representative Marcelino C. Libanan, who represents the 4Ps party-list recently visited the Jipapad to Las Navas Road Project to monitor and inspect on the construction of new roads, including the Missing Links/New Roads Arteche, Brgy. Catumsan-Jipapad-Las Navas-Catubig-Rawis Road. His goal was to check the progress and make sure it benefits the local economy and improves life in Northern Samar.

Rep. Libanan was accompanied by Engr. Gil Herrera, Chief of Construction Section, Engr. Jessther Dhian Sosing, and PIO Designate Joemar M. Patilan, representatives from Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (NSSDEO), with the presence of 8th ID Commander MGEN Camilo Ligayo, 803rdBde Commander BGEN Efren Morados, ESPPO Provincial Director PCOL Jose Manuel Payos, 52nd IB Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Rudyard Garcia, Borongan City Vice Mayor Emman Tiusonco, and some members of the Sinirangan Tigers.

Spanning a total length of 16.640 kilometers between Jipapad, Eastern Samar and Las Navas, Northern Samar, the Jipapad-Las Navas Road has a completed portion of 13.825 kilometers, with an additional 1.635 kilometers for completion in FY 2024, and 1.180 kilometers proposed for FY 2025.

The total project cost is estimated at P1,118,849,000.00, with P946,349,000.00 already funded, P81,206,000.00 allocated for FY 2024, and P91,249,000.00 proposed for FY 2025.
The DPWH NSSDEO is working on this road construction to make travel faster between the towns of Jipapad in Eastern Samar and Las Navas in Northern Samar, which will benefit local people, businesses, and tourists, unlike before that residents of places like Barangay San Francisco had to take long trips by boat on the Panalaran River from 6 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon just to reach nearby areas. Now, with the new road, it’s easier and cheaper to transport important goods like coconuts, abaca, and palay.

The Jipapad to Las Navas Road Project, once completed, is expected to boost the local economy, attract tourists, and improve connectivity in Northern Samar as part of ongoing efforts to develop better infrastructure in the region.

The completion of the Jipapad to Las Navas Road Project is anticipated to further stimulate economic activities, promote tourism, and strengthen connectivity across Northern Samar, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure development in the region.

(DPWH NORTHERN SAMAR-2nd DEO/PR)

Personal battles

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Our political arena in the country has evolved into a disgraceful battleground where personal vendettas overshadow public service. Politicians, entrusted with the sacred duty of governance, have turned government systems and operations into weapons for settling scores with their adversaries. The misuse of power has led to a government that no longer serves its people but instead indulges the egos and rivalries of those in power. The very institutions meant to protect and uplift the citizenry are hijacked to further petty political feuds, leaving the populace to suffer the consequences of these selfish wars.

Every election cycle brings a new set of leaders, but the script remains depressingly the same. Once in power, the victors prioritize retribution over reform, using state resources to hunt down and humiliate their political foes. This vendetta-driven governance not only wastes valuable resources but also paralyzes the administration, causing vital services to grind to a halt. Health, education, infrastructure, and public safety—core functions of any government—are neglected as leaders focus on their personal battles. The result is a country mired in stagnation, unable to move forward as its leaders remain fixated on the past.

The most tragic aspect of this incessant infighting is the collateral damage inflicted on the people. Ordinary citizens, who have no stake in these political rivalries, bear the brunt of the dysfunction. They endure substandard public services, deteriorating infrastructure, and a lack of economic opportunities while politicians squabble over power and prestige. The needs of the many are sacrificed for the whims of a few, creating a society where progress is stifled, and hope for a better future is continually dashed.

This vicious cycle of retribution is as predictable as it is destructive. When a new party ascends to power, it merely repeats the sins of its predecessors, perpetuating a culture of vengeance rather than vision. Instead of breaking this toxic tradition, each new administration seems more determined to outdo the last in its pursuit of political enemies.

This endless loop of retribution ensures that the government remains perpetually dysfunctional, with leaders more focused on settling old scores than addressing the pressing issues facing the nation.

Surely, the country deserves better than leaders who prioritize personal vendettas over public service. It is high time for politicians to rise above their petty feuds and focus on the greater good. The country needs visionary leaders who can set aside their differences and work together to propel the nation toward economic progress and peace. The people should not be forced to pay the price for the political elite’s inability to move beyond their egos. It is a national imperative that governance is restored to its rightful purpose: serving the people and building a brighter future for all.

Awesome tourist attractions

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DOMS PAGLIAWAN

Some glaring and clandestine traces of corruption in our country need not be regarded as useless and embarrassing. They could be converted into something else. Yes, converted into something like tourist spots for local and foreign tourists to behold with awe. We have many of them for our collection, ready for public viewing, and more than enough to earn the country plenty of dollars.

Take for instance the fascinating collection of corruption-induced architectural marvels. If you think Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa is intriguing, wait until you see the Unfinished Yolanda Shelters! These shelters, promised to the survivors of the devastating typhoon, could comprise an open-air museum displaying structures that echo the hollow promises of accountability and progress. They stand as a testament to the Filipino spirit—resilient and capable of living in a state of perpetual “almost there.”

Next, tourists can visit the famous ‘Riverless Bridge’. Forget the London Bridge or the Brooklyn Bridge; this masterpiece spans over nothing but bureaucratic incompetence and greed. It’s a perfect spot for selfies, especially if you enjoy pondering existential questions about the purpose of life, much like the bridge itself, which questions the very concept of connectivity. Local guides will regale you with tales of budget approvals and mysterious disappearances of said budgets, leaving you both amused and slightly outraged.

For those with a taste for irony, the ‘Bridge with No Roads to Connect’ offers a unique experience. Imagine a grand bridge that majestically connects two lush fields of grass. It’s an architectural metaphor for the Philippines’ journey towards progress—grand intentions leading nowhere. The bridge, like many a political promise, exists in splendid isolation, begging the question: who needs roads when you have such an impressive standalone structure?

If you enjoy destruction with a touch of farce, you’ll love the phenomenon of ‘Wholesome Roads Being Destroyed Just to Be Repaired’. It’s a live-action comedy where perfectly good roads are demolished and rebuilt, often ending up in worse conditions than before. It’s a cyclical spectacle of productivity that keeps the local construction businesses booming and the taxpayers’ money flowing, much like a never-ending sitcom of inefficiency.

For the adventurous tourist, roads that remain in the worst conditions despite the passing of years or decades offer a rugged experience. These roads are historical artifacts, untouched by modern progress. They provide a challenging drive that tests your vehicle’s suspension and your patience. As you negotiate the potholes and craters, you can’t help but admire the steadfast neglect and wonder if the road is an intentional obstacle course designed by some mischievous deity.

In our tour, we cannot miss the ‘Acquired Equipment That Remains Unusable’. This exhibit features state-of-the-art machinery and vehicles that were bought with such cunning skill that they arrived with defects. It’s a showcase of procurement genius, where the goal seems to have been to buy equipment that looks impressive on paper but is utterly useless in practice. A great spot for technophiles who appreciate the irony of high-tech equipment serving as high-end scrap metal.

The ‘Buildings and Infrastructures with Substandard Quality’ segment of the tour is particularly eye-opening. These edifices look impressive at first glance, but upon closer inspection, reveal the marvels of cutting corners. From cracking walls to leaking roofs, these structures are the physical embodiment of the phrase “you get what you pay for,” or rather, what’s left after the funds have been creatively reallocated. They stand as proof to creative budgeting and are a must-see for aspiring architects and engineers.

Then we have the perennial favorites: unfinished government projects of all kinds. These sites, scattered across the country, offer a diverse range of almost-built hospitals, half-completed schools, and semi-functional public utilities. They are interactive exhibits where you can let your imagination run wild, picturing what could have been if only the funds had gone to the right places. It’s a heartwarming reminder that in the Philippines, progress is a journey, not a destination—often a journey that gets perpetually rerouted by the detours of corruption.

We retain them in our hearts

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CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III

Ate Christine smiled
   She always tried
          Ate Christine wrote our titles on the card
             So, we can be at times be paid and be stabilized
                  More than those , things
                     We had her, we loved her
   -For Ate Christine

In our own Daily Planet, we have her as one of our go to gal. She was smiling, accommodating and effective. Her chuckles and joke were fun, yet now she is gone.
In our lives we had people like Ate Christine, adept, friendly and really helpful, thus, having her ending a tour of duty on Earth is sad for us.

As a writer for a paper whose size is not that huge but whose significance is really big for a modest yet large numbers of readers in Eastern Visayas, we had our acts together by an effective secretary who get us paid. She literally kept us afloat. Christine Montances may be a no name to many people but for us at Leyte Samar Daily Express she was our ally, our friend and she keep things in order. Now that she is gone, we mourn her, we missed her friendship and we are sad that she passed on.

She maybe like ALL those someone who rather unceremoniously went ahead and left us orphaned in some ways and that we can only give thanks in our prayers. If there is a real multiverse where different universe exist side by side with ours, she may be there, smiling at us.

They are ordinary people, living with simplicity and then they go, never to return again. The sudden demise is something that even they are not ready for. The family and friends grapple with words and feelings and yet they are gone.

Unexpected death was the most common traumatic experience and most likely to be rated as the respondent’s worst, regardless of other traumatic experiences. Increased incidence after unexpected death was observed at every point across the life course for major depressive episodes, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This is the voice of Psychology, of Science. For the lay person separate from the Psychology Researches ,it simply is pain and loss and the recall of the feeling of love.

In the end we just go back and remembers, with love and fondness. Farewell, Ate Christine, we are missing you and we retain you in our hearts.

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