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DBSN files multi-million suits against ex-Palompon mayor

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BAYBAY CITY– Palompon, Leyte Mayor Ramon Oñate, proprietor of the DBSN Farms Agriventures Corp., together with his family filed a multi-million damaged suit against former Palompon Mayor Myra Georgina Arevalo for the recovery of damages at the Regional Trial Court Branch 14, this city.

Included in the complaint filed by Oñate on December 28 was Jerome Pastor, former municipal planning and development officer of Palompon.

Arevalo could not be reached for her comment on the complaint against her.

The case stemmed from the action of Arevalo, who was mayor at that time, on illegal, inappropriate, and pure political harassment from her denial to the renewal of the business permit of the DBSN Breeder farm located in Barangay San Joaquin, Palompon last January 25, 2021 and issuance of cease and decease order on February 19, 2021 despite complying with all statutory requirements.

The Oñates believed that the closure made by Arevalo was designed merely to harass them and for purely personal and political motives.

It can be recalled that a temporary restraining order (TRO) and preliminary injunction were already issued by Branch 17 of the Regional Trial Court of Palompon and upheld that DBSN has the right to continue the chicken breeder farm operations.

Such actions made by Arevalo and Pastor have caused DBSN to suffer from huge financial losses and due to the non-delivery of hatching eggs to the hatchery by virtue of the questioned cease and desist order of respondent, the DBSN suffered additional losses in terms of penalties from San Miguel Foods Inc. and paid the amount of over P110.93 million.

The DBSN management prayed that both Arevalo and Pastor be jointly and severally liable for the damages in terms of loss of income and penalties incurred due to the non-delivery of fertilized eggs in the amount of P195.25 million.

Lawyer Gerestain Banzon, who accompanied DBSN management in filing, in an interview said they filed the case for recovery of damages here because the main office of DBSN is located in Brgy. Antipolo, Albuera, Leyte which is under the jurisdiction of RTC Branch 14 here.

He added that more than P195 million in damage came from the penalties of DBSN for the non-delivery of hatching eggs to the hatchery of San Miguel Corporation worth P110.93 million and the company’s losses worth P84.31 million.
(ROBERT DEJON)

Nutritional status of children in Biliran improved in 2023

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NAVAL, Biliran– The nutritional status of children aged 0-59 months in Biliran has improved in 2023 as compared to the previous year, an official of the Biliran Provincial Health Office (PHO) said.

The comparative report on the nutritional status of children 0-59 months old was based on Operation Timbang (OPT) conducted in 2023 and 2022, the results of which were discussed by PHO nutrition program coordinator Rio R. Rosales during the year-end meeting of the Provincial Nutrition Council.

Rosales reported that improvement in eight nutritional areas was recorded last year, such as underweight (UW), severely underweight (SUW), stunted (ST), severely stunted (SST), moderately wasted (MW), severely wasted (SW), overweight, and obesity.

He said underweight cases in 2023 were recorded at 4.83 percent, a decrease compared with 5.64 percent in 2022, or 724 UW children, against 878 in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
In severely underweight children, 0.92 percent was recorded in 2023 compared to 1.26 percent in 2022, corresponding to 138 SU children in 2023 compared to 195 SU in 2022.
In stunted children, 8.67 percent was noted in 2023 compared to 10.26 percent in 2022, reflecting 1,300 ST children in 2023 compared to 1,570 ST in 2022.

For severely stunted children, 2.51 percent was recorded in 2023 compared to 3.04 percent in 2022, equivalent to 376 SST children in 2023 compared to 473 SST in 2022.

The moderately wasted population decreased from 3.43 percent in 2022 to 1.98 percent in 2023, compared to 3.43, or 297 MW children in 2023, compared to 534 MW in 2022.
For severely wasted, 0.58 percent was recorded in 2023 compared to 1.27 percent in 2022, a reduction in the number of cases from 197 SW children in 2022 to 87 SW children in 2023.

Overweight cases likewise decreased, from 2.28 percent in 2022 to 1.90 percent in 2023, with the number reflecting 284 overweight children in 2023 compared to 355 in 2022.

Rosales said that the provincial government will step up more of its efforts in improving its nutrition program in 2024, with the target of bringing the majority of the nutritional areas into a single-digit improvement with the help of all nutrition stakeholders in the community, especially the parents of the 0-59-month-old children in the province.
(MMP/RSV/PIA Biliran)

Country’s peace advocates to gather in a summit in Quezon City

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TACLOBAN CITY– The Political Officers League of the Philippines, Inc. (POLPhil), an organization of individuals dedicated to peace and progress, is set to host a National Peace Advocates Summit on January 20, 2024 at the Hive Hotel in Timog Avenue, Quezon City.
Under the theme “Kapayapaan: Noon, Ngayon at Bukas” (Peace: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow), this event intends to serve as a platform for learning and sharing.

It aims to bring together a diverse array of individuals and organizations, spanning former activists, former military/police, development workers, entrepreneurs, and community advocates, in pursuit of genuine and enduring peace in our nation.

In the face of past challenges that have hindered the peace process, POLPhil seeks to reignite interest and present fresh perspectives on the pursuit of peace.

The gathering is expected to be attended by 200 leaders from all over the country led by its officials, namely, Engr. Virgilio Roseño, secretary-general; Rodolfo Cañeda, national president, and Ricardo Serrano, chairman emeritus, will revolve around four main components: the context of peace; forging peace in the present; sustainable peace and prosperity; and our highest potential as a people.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)

‘Last mile schools’ bring hope to isolated Filipino students amid learning crisis

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Father Loreno Robles officiated the blessing of a new school building under the education department’s “Last Mile Schools” program in San Miguelay Elementary School in Sta, Fe, Leyte on November 23, 2023. (Photos by Ronald O. Reyes)

STA.FE, Leyte– Jessie Creado, an 8-year-old student, could not contain his excitement upon seeing the new school building in their village of San Miguelay, an interior village of this town.

Father Loreno Robles officiated the blessing of a new school building under the education department’s “Last Mile Schools” program in San Miguelay Elementary School in Sta, Fe, Leyte on November 23, 2023. (Photos by Ronald O. Reyes)

“I am happy that we have a new building. It feels good to attend my classes,” the Grade 2 pupil said.

Epimaco Densing III, the undersecretary of the country’s Department of Education (DepEd), who traveled to the village from the capital Manila, emphasized how a school building becomes a symbol of hope to reverse the declining trend of education in the Philippines during the inauguration and turn-over of P13.3-million worth of two new classrooms equipped with solar panels at San Miguelay Elementary School on November 23, 2023.

Education officials, villages, students, and teachers pose at the new school building under the education department’s “Last Mile Schools” program in San Miguelay Elementary School in Sta, Fe town in the central Philippines on November 23, 2023. (Photos by Ronald O. Reyes)

The said school became one of the recipients of the ‘Last Mile School Program’ of DepEd.
The program aims to solve the gaps in facilities of schools located in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and transform makeshift classrooms and other school infrastructures into standard ones.

“Having a building is important in the whole learning process. We must be very clear that the only way to solve the problem of poverty in our country is to make sure that every child gets to go to school,” said Densing III, who is in charge of the department’s school infrastructure and facilities.

Densing III disclosed that DepEd is short of 165,000 classrooms all over the country.
“It will take years to solve this crisis, and to be able to solve this, it should be all hands on deck. The support of the community, of parents, is also needed and not just the government alone solving this education crisis that we are facing,” he added.

Ricardo Abejo, a 43-year-old parent, said that the new school building was a big help to them, especially during the rainy season, when flooding also sets in in their village, as the school is located in a rice field and farm area.

“Before, we found so much inconvenience because the flood water reached the floor of the classrooms. This new building is much better because the design is elevated,” he said.
Abejo has a 10-year-old pupil at the said school.

“I am happy to see him inside his new school. Students usually get too lazy to attend their classes when there is a flood. Now, they always feel good,” he said.

“As a parent and village official, I am touched by the gesture of our government for providing our students a comfortable place to learn” he added.

He assured that he, along with other village officials, would help in maintaining the cleanliness and security of the new school building.

San Miguelay, which is some seven kilometers away from the town proper, has 74 students from Kinder to Grade 6.

Mariza Magan, the education superintendent of DepEd in Leyte province, who was accompanied by Sta. Fe District supervisor Ramil Bingco, lauded the school personnel and village officials for their services to the pupils despite the geographical isolation of their school.

“Your passion is the driving force behind the transformation we are witnessing today. To the students, the heartbeat of this institution, may this building inspire and empower our students to reach new heights in their lives,” she said.

“This new building will be an instrument with more convenience and peace to our learners, for education will pave the way for their personal growth and will help them achieve a bright future,” added the school head Clarissa Arejola.

Aside from poverty, family problems, lack of interest, and transfer of residence, the dearth of classrooms in remote villages also became the reasons why there are students who quit schools.

In Leyte Division alone, a total of 383,515 learners were enrolled before the start of the school year, but only 377,631 are currently attending classes.

“Let us look into our own municipality if there are children and teens who have not completed basic education,” Magan said. (RONALD O. REYES)

Challenges and Perils

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The implementation of the K-12 program in the Philippines brought significant changes to the education system, particularly with the introduction of senior high school. While the additional two years of schooling aimed to enhance the quality of education, recent developments suggest that the senior high school system in the Philippines now finds itself in uncertain waters.

One major challenge plaguing the senior high school system in the Philippines is the inadequate allocation of resources and facilities. With the implementation of additional academic tracks and strands, schools struggle to provide the necessary tools, equipment, and learning materials necessary to effectively deliver quality education. The lack of updated textbooks, laboratory equipment, and facilities limited the opportunities for practical learning, hindering students’ comprehensive understanding of their chosen track. Hence, this resource shortfall poses a threat to the goal of honing well-rounded and competent graduates.

Another pressing issue in the senior high school system is the scarcity of qualified teachers across various specializations. The rapid expansion of the senior high school system created a need for teachers in specific academic tracks, such as sciences, engineering, and computer studies. Unfortunately, the limited supply of qualified professionals in these specialized areas created a gap in skill transfer. Consequently, students may not receive the requisite expertise needed to fully grasp and excel in their chosen disciplines, ultimately undermining the overall quality of education.

A critical aspect in assessing the efficacy of the senior high school system is its ability to adequately prepare students for their chosen career paths or tertiary education. However, recent assessments highlight a significant gap in aligning the skills developed at the senior high school level with the demands of tertiary education and employment. This disconnect jeopardizes the transition of students from senior high school to higher education or the workforce. The absence of a seamless transition resulted in wasted resources, time, and opportunities for the students, limiting their potential for success.

As the Philippine senior high school system continues to undergo challenges and perils, it is imperative to address key issues. To ensure the success of this educational milestone, policymakers, administrators, educators, and stakeholders must collaborate to develop sustainable solutions. The senior high school system should have fulfilled its potential by equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in the dynamic socioeconomic landscape of the twenty-first-century Philippine society.

Competing for females

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DOMS PAGLIAWAN

The connection between human behavior and animal instincts has long captivated scientists and scholars alike. One such parallel is the propensity for males to fight for the right to acquire a mate, which can be observed both in the animal kingdom and among human societies.

The notion that men, like animals, engage in combat for the pursuit of mating opportunities stems from the concept of sexual selection. Competition over reproductive resources is a principal driver of success, explaining why males tend to exhibit a greater inclination towards territoriality and aggression when it comes to acquiring a female partner. This phenomenon occurs in various animal species but manifests differently among human populations due to cultural and societal influences.

While the propensity for males to compete for females can be traced back to our ancestors, humans also display nuanced behaviors shaped by socio-cultural factors unique to our species. These cultural influences add complexity by moderating and shaping the fundamental instinctual drive. Social norms, values, and gender roles engrained within a society can both strengthen or, on occasion, alleviate the inclination for males to resort to physical confrontations in their pursuit of mates.

It would be remiss to analyze the phenomenon of male competition without acknowledging the crucial role of female choice. In many animal species, females actively select their mates based on the perceived traits of dominance, vitality, or resource acquisition potential. Similarly, human females have the power of choice to evaluate potential partners based on a wide range of factors, including physical attributes, socio-economic status, and personality. This power influences the extent to which men engage in competitive behavior to win over a desired mate.

Over time, cultural evolution has shaped the expression and regulation of male competitive behavior for potential mates. Contextual factors such as education, urbanization, and changes in societal norms have transformed the strategies employed by men to attract a female partner. Contemporary society provides alternative pathways for attracting a mate, emphasizing intelligence, humor, empathy, and shared interests over traditional displays of physical dominance or aggression.

Despite the existence of male competition in the realm of mating, it is essential to critically analyze its implications on individuals and society. Overly aggressive or violent manifestations can lead to conflicts, both personal and societal, and reinforce harmful gender stereotypes. Scholars should explore ways to redefine masculinity grounded in empathy and mutual respect, fostering a more inclusive and egalitarian society where cooperation transcends competition.

Humans, as cognitive beings, possess the ability to transcend primal instincts and adapt their behaviors based on complex socio-cultural structures that influence the expression of male competition in the mate acquisition domain. While similarities exist between animals and humans, the nuanced nature of human societies allows for a broader range of courtship strategies, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive analysis when examining male competition for mates. Society can strive to create an environment that supports healthy relationships rooted in respect, equality, and emotional connection.

And by the way, it’s not only the males that tend to engage in fierce rivalry; even females likewise end up in similar situations at times. You see, we live in a highly competition-based world where only those with exceptional traits can enjoy the most carved-for enjoyments.

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