In Maasin City

TACLOBAN CITY – At least 20 minors who were involved in riot incident were meted with a penalty by Maasin City Mayor Nacional Mercado.

The minors were penalized with community service by the city mayor.
The riot incident happened on December 1 during the opening salvo of the activities for Christmas festivities in the city.

“As much as we want to impose a much higher penalty for the offense committed as the general public would encourage us to do so, we are always guided and bound by the statute covering this provision,” Mayor Mercado said, citing his reason why he only imposed community service as a penalty to the minors involved.

According to Mercado, the penalty for community service is in accordance with RA 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 which gives protection to minors who are considered to be in conflict with the law.

Responding to the incident, the City Social Welfare and Development Office of Maasin together with the Maasin City Police Station-Women and Children Protection Desk, conducted a case conference to identify the minors who were involved in the incident.
After the involved youth were identified, the city officials talked with them in the presence of their parents and guardians and agreed that adolescent offender to do community service as penalty for their offense.

The offenders in the presence of their parents and guardians agreed that they will do community service by doing a clean-up drive at the Maasin City Plaza and City Gymnasium, and coastal clean-up at the reclamation area to Metro Hyper.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

PALO, Leyte–Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla and his wife, provincial tourism consultant Frances Ann Petilla, along with other government officials, led the opening of the new Leyte Pasalubong Center Tours and Products at the Leyte Convention Center Grounds in Barangay Pawing, this town on Saturday (Dec.9).

“This is not just a store; it’s a haven for the best local products and treats that Leyte has to offer. From delicacies to crafts down to its travel and tour services, the Leyte Pasalubong Center is your one-stop-shop for authentic Leyteño goodness,” Gov. Petilla said.

The governor also urged the exhibitors and stall owners to continue to be innovative with their products in the face of globalization while assuring them of the government’s support, particularly on the packaging and promotion of their products and services, among other things.

Karen Tiopes, the regional director of the Department of Tourism (DOT), lauded the Provincial Tourism Office’s initiative.

According to her, the Pasalubong Center “is not merely a commercial venture; it is a gateway to the heart and soul of Leyte, showcasing the warmth of our hospitality and the diversity of our local products.”

“It is through initiatives like these that we strengthen the foundations of our tourism industry and contribute to the prosperity of our region,” Tiopes said.

The Leyte Pasalubong Center is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 9 am to 7 pm.
(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY– The Leyte II Electric Cooperative (Leyeco II) held the ceremonial switch-on of its Christmas lightings at its main office on December 6.

According to the management of Leyeco II, the activity is a part of their annual Christmas tradition and as a way of bringing the holiday spirit to its member-consumer-owners (MCOs).

The Christmas lightings is open to all who want to visit, take photos, and celebrate the holidays.

“May the joyous holidays bring you love, peace, and abundance of blessings, and may the bright lights symbolize the hope we hold on amidst the countless challenges and hurdles we have faced this year” the management of Leyeco II, addressing its member-consumers.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)