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Police arrested region’s number 5 drug personality in Ormoc City

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ORMOC CITY– Joint forces from the Station Drug Enforcement Team of Police Station 1 and the City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Ormoc City Police Station arrested a drug personality during a buy-bust operation at about 12:05 pm on Friday, July 5, along the road of Barangay Doña Feliza Mejia, this city.

The suspect, identified as Joepet Bacaltos, 39, single, unemployed, and a resident of Agua Dulce Brgy. South, was listed as No. 5 on the Regional Priority Target List of the Philippine National Police (PNP-8)

Recovered from his possession were two sachets containing white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu, procured by an operative for P2,000.

Further search on the suspect, police recovered a brown envelope containing ten sachets of white crystalline substances, one of which was medium-sized.

The illegal items recovered were estimated to weigh 2.3 grams with an estimated street value of P15,680.

During an interview, the suspect disclosed that he turned to illegal drugs due to poverty. He admitted ownership of the recovered illegal drugs, stating they were just delivered by an unidentified supplier.

Charges for violation of Article II of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Drugs of 2002, were filed against Bacaltos who is now detained at the locked-up cell of Police Station 1 at the Government Center in Brgy. Cogon.
(ROBERT DEJON)

Construction of a coastal diversion seen to attract tourists, investors

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NEW COASTAL DIVERSION ROAD. Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group and Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda on Wednesday, July 10, lead in the groundbreaking of the coastal diversion road project, connecting the Sabang North and Sabang South. (ROEL T.AMAZONA)

In Borongan City

NEW COASTAL DIVERSION ROAD. Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group and Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda on Wednesday, July 10, lead in the groundbreaking of the coastal diversion road project, connecting the Sabang North and Sabang South. (ROEL T.AMAZONA)

BORONGAN CITY-The construction of a diversion coastal road here is seen to bring opportunities for the capital city of Eastern Samar province, according to its city mayor.
This coastal diversion road, which broke ground on Wednesday,July 10,links Sabang North and Sabang South, providing an additional and alternative access route for travelers heading to the northern and eastern parts of Eastern Samar via Borongan City.

According to Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, this will ease traffic flow along the national road within Borongan’s downtown area.

The coastal diversion road project spans a total length of 0.825 kilometers, featuring a 150-meter linear bridge that connects the existing road at Baybay Boulevard to the national highway at Sabang North.

Since the road project traverses the more than 2-kilometer stretch of Baybay Boulevard, a major tourist destination, it is expected to attract more visitors, thereby boosting economic activity, Agda said.

“This is really a milestone, not only providing accessibility but also contributing to the overall development of our city, especially this 2.1-kilometer stretch of Baybay Boulevard. It will spur economic and sports tourism development,” he said.

Baybay Boulevard is home to Baybay Beach, the venue for the annual national surfing championship sanctioned by the United Philippine Surfing Association (UPSA). The boulevard also hosts various sports facilities, including a Skateboard Park, basketball, and tennis courts.

The area is a popular spot for Borongan residents, featuring several parks, food stalls, numerous restrooms, restaurants, and accommodation facilities.

The construction of the coastal diversion road was made possible through the assistance of House Minority Floor Leader and 4Ps party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan.
The project has a total cost of P219 million, with an initial funding release of P163.9 million for 2024.

Libanan assures that the project will be completed by 2025, with additional funding appropriated by the national government for the remaining unfunded portions.
He mentioned that he has already submitted a proposal to Congress for the additional budget, which will be deliberated by members of the Lower House and included in the national budget approval.

Aside from bridge and road construction, the project also includes slope protection and drainage construction.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Tiopes: Another cruise ship to visit Eastern Visayas this year

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RD Karina Rosa Tiopes
RD Karina Rosa
Tiopes

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the region announced that another cruise ship is expected to visit Eastern Visayas this year.

This bit of good news was announced by Karina Rosa Tiopes, DOT regional director, during the weekly press conference spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency’s “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas,” held on Tuesday, July 9.

The Australian expedition cruise ship Coral Geographer, carrying 250 guests, is set to arrive in October and will visit 11 sites in Eastern Visayas, Tiopes said.

“The visit of cruise ships to lesser-known destinations spurs curiosity among local and domestic tourists,” she said.

Eastern Visayas markets itself as an ideal destination for expedition cruises due to their smaller number of guests, which helps minimize environmental impact compared to larger carnival cruises that carry over a thousand passengers.

Among the sites the Coral Geographer is expected to visit are Digyo and Mahaba Islands (part of the Cuatro Islas); Sambawan Island, the island municipality of Maripipi in Biliran province; Biri Rock Formation in the island town of Biri, and the La Laguna Mangrove Eco-Park in Lavezares town, both in Northern Samar.

The La Laguna Mangrove Eco-Park is the newest site to be included in the cruise itinerary.
Since 2013, the region has been part of the country’s cruise tourism, starting with Kalanggaman Island.

From a single destination, the number has increased to over 10 sites across four of the six provinces in the region.

Tiopes added that their office is conducting assessments for additional areas to be included in future cruise destinations.

They have pitched the Pacific coastal towns in Northern Samar province, Higatangan Island in Biliran, and various heritage tourism sites in Samar province to cruise tour operators as potential sites for future international cruise ship arrivals.

This development highlights the growing interest in and potential of Eastern Visayas as a key player in the Philippines’ cruise tourism sector, Tiopes said.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Maasin Cathedral now a national shrine

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A first in the region

NATIONAL SHRINE. The centuries-old Maasin Cathedral is now a national shrine as declared by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines on July 6. (PHOTO COURTESY)

TACLOBAN CITY– The Maasin Cathedral in Southern Leyte has been elevated to the status of a national shrine by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

With this designation, the Maasin Cathedral, also known as the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption, has become a focal point of devotion and pilgrimage, the CBCP announced in a statement on Saturday.

Similarly elevated to this status was the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy in Novaliches, Quezon City.

According to the CBCP, these shrines are intended to foster the faith of pilgrims through liturgical celebrations.

The decision was made during the CBCP’s 128th plenary assembly in Cagayan de Oro City.
With its elevation, the Maasin Cathedral becomes the first national shrine in the entire Eastern Visayas region.

The decision was warmly received by parishioners, led by City Mayor Naccional Mercado.
“We are truly honored that our Maasin Cathedral, or the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Assumption, has been approved for national shrine status by the CBCP,” Mercado said in a statement posted on his Facebook account.

“Let us always pray with fervent hope that God and Mama Mary will bless our beloved city and lead us to continue in our mission of making Maasin City truly progressive and sustainable, benefiting all our constituents. Viva Nuestra Senora De La Asuncion,” he further added.

For parishioner Edgar Salazar, the elevation of the Maasin Cathedral was indication how pious the people of the city and the rest of the province.

“It is really an honor for us parishioners that Our Lady of Assumption Parish was converted into a national shrine,” he said.

“This only shows how prayerful we are as a people and this could lead for more pilgrims visiting the Maasin cathedral,” Salazar added.

Historically, Maasin became a parish under Jesuit missionaries in 1771. In 1843, when the Franciscans took over, the parish was dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption.
In 1968, when the parish church became a cathedral, the new diocese also adopted Our Lady of the Assumption as its patroness.

The image of Our Lady of the Assumption received an episcopal coronation on August 15, 2018, in a ceremony led by then Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
On August 13, 2022, the venerated image received another episcopal coronation led by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown. (JOEY A. GABIETA)

Beyond sportsmanship

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Our region’s participation in the Palarong Pambansa is more than just an opportunity to showcase athletic talent; it is a vital platform for the holistic development of our young athletes as it provides a unique avenue for our youth to enhance their physical health, social skills, and overall well-being.

The physical benefits of participating in Palarong Pambansa cannot be overstated. Engaging in rigorous sports activities helps athletes improve their physical fitness, endurance, and overall health. Regular training and competition prepare them to perform at their best, instilling habits of exercise and wellness that can last a lifetime. For the athletes of Eastern Visayas, this means not only achieving peak physical condition but also learning the value of hard work and perseverance. Such traits are invaluable and may extend beyond sports into their academic and future professional lives.

Beyond physical health, its social advantages are immense. Athletes from Eastern Visayas get the chance to interact with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds across the country. These interactions promote camaraderie, mutual respect, and an appreciation for diversity. The friendships and networks formed during the competition can last a lifetime, enriching the social fabric of our region. Through sports, our young athletes learn the importance of teamwork, communication, and leadership—skills that are essential in any walk of life.

Moreover, the holistic development contributed by Palarong Pambansa participation extends to mental and emotional growth. The competition environment challenges athletes to manage stress, stay focused under pressure, and set and achieve personal goals. These experiences build resilience and a positive mindset, helping athletes brave life’s challenges with confidence. For Region 8, this means nurturing individuals who are not only physically fit but also mentally strong and emotionally balanced, ready to contribute positively to society.

Coaches and officials play a crucial role in this developmental journey, serving as role models of sportsmanship, integrity, and discipline. Their guidance ensures that athletes understand the importance of fair play, respect for opponents, and adherence to rules. This mentorship helps mold our athletes into well-rounded individuals who embody the values of respect, responsibility, and ethical behavior. The influence of these mentors extends beyond the sports arena and contributes to the development of responsible and disciplined citizens.
This participation of Eastern Visayas in Palarong Pambansa is a cornerstone of our region’s commitment to the physical, social, and holistic well-being of our youth. It provides a comprehensive training ground for our athletes, preparing them to become the good, responsible, and disciplined citizens our country needs. As we cheer for our athletes, let us also celebrate the values and life skills they are acquiring, confident that they will lead our region and nation toward a brighter future.

Jumping to touch

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DOMS PAGLIAWAN
DOMS PAGLIAWAN

When I was growing up as a kid, I had a peculiar habit that might seem trivial to some but felt immensely significant to me. Whenever I walked through hallways with low-hanging concrete beams or under trees with branches dangling enticingly above, I had an irresistible urge to jump and touch them. This habit was more than a mere compulsion or youthful propensity; it was to test my height and see how high I could propel myself into the air. Each successful leap brought a sense of accomplishment, a small but satisfying proof of my physical abilities.

This tendency to jump and reach for anything above me became a daily ritual. It wasn’t just about touching an object; it was about pushing my limits, feeling the thrill of that moment when my fingertips brushed against the rough surface of a beam or the smooth bark of a branch. It was an innocent yet unique way of measuring growth, not just in height but in my capability to achieve something with my effort. Each jump was proof of my youthful energy and boundless enthusiasm.

As the years went by, however, that youthful inclination began to wane. The days of jumping to touch tree branches or hallway beams became less frequent. Growing up brought with it a host of new responsibilities and realities. I realized, much to my chagrin, that I didn’t grow up to be particularly tall, nor did I possess an extraordinary ability to jump high. The enthusiasm that once propelled me into the air slowly gave way to a more grounded perspective on life and my limitations.

In many ways, this pattern mirrors our broader life experiences. We test ourselves in various areas to gauge our performance and capabilities. We push boundaries, take risks, and strive to reach new heights. But often, when we hit a plateau or face the harsh reality of our limitations, we tend to stop trying. We convince ourselves that there’s no point in continuing if we can’t improve further. This mindset, however, is a fallacy that can stifle growth and potential.

We shouldn’t limit ourselves based solely on our performance. Life is not a solitary journey, and our abilities, or the lack thereof, shouldn’t define our worth or potential. This is where resourcefulness, leadership, and teamwork come into play. By recognizing that we don’t have to excel in every area on our own, we can begin to appreciate the value of rallying others around us who possess the skills we lack. This is the essence of leadership – understanding that our strength lies in our ability to unite and collaborate with others.
No person is an island. The most successful endeavors are often the result of collective effort and shared expertise. By learning to associate with others, we can create a network of support where everyone contributes their unique strengths. This symbiotic relationship allows us to share what we have and derive what we don’t from those around us. It’s a beautiful dance of give-and-take that enriches everyone involved.

The true purpose of testing and developing our abilities is not merely to enhance our performance but to use those abilities for the benefit of others. When we focus on personal growth to contribute to a larger cause, we find greater meaning and satisfaction in our achievements. It transforms our efforts from self-centered pursuits into acts of service and collaboration.

Reflecting on my youthful habit of jumping to touch anything above me, I realize it was a metaphor for a deeper truth. While I may no longer leap to touch tree branches or beams, the spirit of that action lives on in my approach to life. It’s a reminder that we should always strive to reach new heights, not just for ourselves but for the collective good. We should jump not just for ourselves but to touch others as well—to touch their hearts, to touch their lives.

 

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