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Samar provincial gov’t launches new tourism program

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Under the banner of ‘Spark Samar’

TACLOBAN CITY-The provincial government of Samar is to launch its newest tourism program under its “Spark Samar” campaign on Tuesday (April 16) in Basey town.
The tourism program, Tandaya Trail Tourism Circuit features the wonders of the municipalities of Sta. Rita, Marabut, and Basey.

In Tandaya Trail, one can explore the breathtaking Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge, marveling at the wonders of nature. A tourist can also immerse in the centuries-old tradition of mat weaving in Basey where craftsmanship meets culture.

One can also experience a farm-to-table concept restaurant overlooking picturesque farm landscapes and magnificent rock formations in Marabut. And delight in fresh, locally sourced ingredients while taking in the beauty of Samar’s natural scenery.

Tourists can also experience a culinary feast on sumptuous seafood dishes at San Juan by the Bay with the magical backdrop of San Juanico Bridge in Sta. Rita while enjoying the aesthetic lighting of the iconic bridge.

Second offering is the Mabaysay Cultural River Cruise where one can dive deep into Samar’s rich cultural tapestry with the Mabaysay Cultural River Cruise in Basey.

Cruise along the Cadac-an River, known as the Golden River, and one can get to stop by different wharves that offer different experiences. Guests will also get to learn the local dances, relish the delicacies, and discover the vibrant history of Samar’s Mamanwa Tribe.

Culinary treasures of Samar with the ‘Secret Kitchens of Samar’ are expected to be revealed through a gastronomy tour, the third package of the program.

One can witness cooking demos, meet kitchen heroes, and savor the flavors of authentic Samar cuisine passed down through generations.

The Spark Samar campaign is dedicated to sustainable tourism development, placing the community and its people at the heart of Samar’s tourism journey.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

At least 360 college students from ESSU received cash assistance from ChEd’s SMART Grant program

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TACLOBAN CITY – About 360 college students from the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) received cash assistance from the Commission on Higher Education’s Student Monetary Assistance for Recovery and Transition, or Smart Grant.

CHEd Smart Grant is a one-time assistance by the agency which includes funds for education expenses and cost of living allowance under the National Employment Recovery Strategy aiming to increase the success of students to graduate despite being affected by the pandemic.

The recipients of this grant are indigent incoming first-year college or freshmen students who are enrolled in any higher education institution (HEI) recognized by CHED and are not recipients of any scholarship grant from the government.

Each student received a P25,000 cash grant during the ceremony held last Friday (April 12).

House Minority Floor Leader and 4Ps party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan, ChEd Regional Director Maximo Aljibe, and ESSU University President, Andres Pagatpatan, Jr., led the distribution of cash grants at the ESSU main campus in Borongan City.

“The impact of this initiative goes beyond just the recipients of the scholarship, as it helps to build a more educated and skilled workforce that can drive economic growth and innovation in our country,” said Pagatpatan in his welcome message.

In his message, Rep. Libanan expressed his hopes that the financial assistance given to the students will help them with their studies.

Among those who received were 263 from ESSU Main Campus, 39 from ESSU Can-avid, 33 from ESSU Guiuan, 18 from ESSU Salcedo, and 5 from ESSU Maydolong.

Some students from St. Mary’s College Borongan, and students enrolled at the Eastern Visayas State University and Leyte Normal University in Tacloban City but from Eastern Samar province also received the SMART grant.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Borongan City to play host for the swimwear competition of the 2024 Miss Earth Philippines

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TACLOBAN CITY – The city government of Borongan will host the swimwear competition of the Miss Philippines Earth 2024.

The Borongan delegation, led by City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda met with the Carousel Productions of Miss Earth to finalize the upcoming visit of reigning queens and 2024 candidates to Borongan City and Eastern Samar for a 5-day tour and advocacy drive.
“We are thrilled to host Miss Earth and welcome the reigning queens and 2024 candidates to Borongan City, Eastern Samar,” Mayor Agda said.

“This event not only promotes environmental advocacy but also showcases the beauty and hospitality of our community. We look forward to a memorable and impactful experience for everyone involved,” the city mayor added.

This is the first time that Borongan, the capital of Eastern Samar province, will be hosting a national pageant, particularly on beachwear scheduled at Baybay Beach.

The competition will be joined by 29 candidates representing various local government units from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

They will be joined by the reigning Miss Philippines Earth 2024 Yllana Marie Aduana.
It was learned that the candidates will not only visit Borongan for the swimwear competition but will also visit other places in Eastern Samar to promote advocacy work focusing on environmental protection.

Miss Philippines Earth 2024 is set to be crowned this May 11, 2024 in Talakag, Bukidnon. The winner will represent the country at the Miss Earth 2024 competition which is scheduled to be held in a South American country.

Miss Earth is a Philippine-based international pageant that advocates for environmental awareness, conservation, and social responsibility.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Franchise renewal of Leyeco II passes first reading at the Senate

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Engr. Fernan Paul Tan
Engr. Fernan Paul Tan

TACLOBAN CITY– The management of Leyte II Electric Cooperative (Leyeco II) has announced that its application for franchise renewal passed through the first reading at the Senate.

Engr. Fernan Paul Tan, the general manager of Leyeco II, made this disclosure during the meeting of the representatives of the Association of Leyeco II Active Member-Consumers (Alamco) last Sunday (April 14).

The bill is being sponsored by Senator Grace Poe.

Earlier, the House of Representatives approved the franchise renewal of Leyeco II which serves Tacloban City and the towns of Palo and Babatngon with over 80,000 member-consumers.

“And if we will be lucky enough, Leyeco II will be the first power cooperative to have its franchise approved by the current 19th Congress,” Tan said.

It was learned from the Leyeco II general manager that 29 franchises of electric cooperatives across the country have pending franchise applications before Congress.
According to Tan General Manager out of the 29 Electric Cooperatives Wanting to Renew
It was learned that the bill for franchise renewal was endorsed to the Senate las December 2022.

However, last March 2024, it was approved on its first reading.

Tan said that during the first day of the Senate committee, Sen. Poe said that she did not see any reason why the franchise renewal application of Leyeco II would be denied, considering of its ‘excellent performance.’

Leyeco II has been judged as a Triple AAA electric cooperative for the past seven years in a row. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

What the teachers need

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In light of the prohibition of physical punishment in disciplining unruly children, elementary and high school teachers must undergo comprehensive retraining and retooling to effectively manage classroom dynamics and address behavioral issues. With the removal of corporal punishment as a disciplinary tool, teachers are tasked with finding alternative methods to maintain order while implementing a positive learning environment.

Retraining these teachers should prioritize the development of effective classroom management skills. Teachers need to relearn how to create a structured and supportive learning environment where students feel safe, respected, and engaged. Techniques such as establishing clear expectations, implementing consistent routines, and utilizing positive reinforcement can help prevent behavioral problems from escalating and promote a conducive atmosphere for learning.

Teachers must be equipped with the knowledge and strategies to handle violent and abusive behavior among students. This includes recognizing early signs of aggression, de-escalation techniques, and appropriate interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of both students and staff. By receiving specialized training in conflict resolution and behavior management, teachers can effectively address challenging situations while maintaining a calm and composed demeanor.

This retooling of teachers should involve education on trauma-informed practices and understanding the underlying factors contributing to disruptive behaviors. Many children exhibit challenging behaviors as a result of adverse experiences or unmet needs, and teachers must be equipped to respond with empathy and sensitivity. Training programs should emphasize the importance of building positive relationships with students, fostering a sense of belonging, and providing appropriate support and resources for those in need.

Ongoing professional development opportunities should be provided to ensure that teachers stay abreast of best practices and evidence-based strategies in classroom management and behavior intervention. Collaboration with psychologists, counselors, and other support communities can also enhance teachers’ ability to address complex behavioral issues effectively. Through continuous training and support for teachers, schools can create a nurturing environment where all students can thrive academically and socially.

The prohibition of physical punishment in schools is already in place, and it underscores the need for teachers to undergo retraining and retooling in classroom management and behavior intervention. We just need to equip teachers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and support so that schools can promote positive discipline practices and create safe and supportive learning environments for all students. Investing in teacher training is essential to ensure the well-being and success of both students and educators in today’s educational landscape.

Gone with time

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DOMS PAGLIAWAN
DOMS PAGLIAWAN

The disappearance of movie houses from the cultural landscape of Eastern Visayas has shown a significant shift in societal entertainment preferences driven by technological advancements. It brings to mind the nostalgic essence of an era where movie houses held a central place in people’s lives, serving as communal spaces where individuals of all ages could escape into the magic of cinema.

In those days, the anticipation of a new film’s release was palpable, with posters teasing upcoming attractions and loudspeakers heralding the daily screenings. The communal experience of watching a movie on the big screen, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts, added an irreplaceable dimension to the viewing experience. Movie houses weren’t just venues for entertainment; they were hubs of social interaction, where communities converged and shared collective experiences.

However, the rise of home entertainment technologies, from Betamax to VHS players and eventually computerized media players, revolutionized how people consumed movies. The convenience and privacy offered by these devices gradually eroded the appeal of movie houses, leading to their decline and eventual demise.

The loss of movie houses represents more than just the disappearance of a physical space; it marks the end of an era in popular culture. For older generations especially, these establishments hold cherished memories of youthful escapades and romantic rendezvous. The transformation of former movie houses into mundane establishments like grocery stores or appliance centers serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of cultural icons.

The narrative of movie houses fading into obscurity in the face of technological progress is not unique to Eastern Visayas; it echoes a broader global trend. Yet, it prompts reflection on the unintended consequences of technological advancement. While computers and digital media have undoubtedly enriched our lives in many ways, they’ve also contributed to the erosion of traditional forms of entertainment and communal gathering spaces.
Ultimately, the demise of movie houses serves as a reminder to cherish and preserve the cultural heritage that enriches our lives. While progress is inevitable, it’s essential to recognize the value of our shared traditions and collective memories, ensuring that they aren’t lost to the relentless march of time and technology.

This transformation of former movie houses into something mundane reminds us of the transient nature of cultural icons. It prompts reflection on the unintended consequences of technological advancement, highlighting the erosion of traditional forms of entertainment and communal gathering spaces in the face of progress. While computers and digital media have undoubtedly enriched our lives, their rise has also necessitated the sacrifice of cherished cultural institutions like movie houses.

Actually, the exit of movie houses into obscurity in Eastern Visayas is not isolated; it reflects a broader global trend. But it underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage amidst the relentless march of time and technology. The demise of movie houses serves as a wake-up call to cherish and safeguard shared traditions and collective memories, ensuring that they are not lost to the annals of history. As we go through an increasingly digital world, we may as well recognize the intrinsic value of cultural institutions like movie houses in shaping our identities and enriching our lives.

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