The top management of the Department of Agrarian Reform Regional office 8 presents to its employees the various awards received by the said office for the 2023 implementation of the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project during the National Summative Assessment in Angeles, Pampanga. (JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)
The top management of the Department of Agrarian Reform Regional office 8 presents to its employees the various awards received by the said office for the 2023 implementation of the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project during the National Summative Assessment in Angeles, Pampanga. (JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA)
TACLOBAN CITY –The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Eastern Visayas has garnered numerous awards and recognitions at the National Summative Assessment for its outstanding implementation of the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project in the region.
Held in Angeles City, Pampanga on March 5 to 8, the said event highlighted the region’s exceptional performance in advancing agrarian reform initiatives.
During the flag-raising at the DAR Regional Office in this city on March 11 this year, Regional Director Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, alongside Assistant Regional Director for Operations, Renato Badilla and Assistant Regional Director for Administration, Ismael Aya-ay, proudly showcased the awards before the agency’s employees and the Project SPLIT team.
Aya-ay expressed gratitude to the project implementers, acknowledging their relentless efforts and dedication which played a crucial role in securing these prestigious awards for this region. He emphasized that the team’s hard work reflects the department’s commitment to excellence and innovation in agrarian reform.
Project SPLIT represents DAR’s focused efforts on accelerating the subdivision of collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) into individual titles, thereby reinforcing the rights of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).
With its comprehensive approach encompassing parcelization of collective CLOAs, capability building, and stringent project management with monitoring and evaluation, the project stands as a testament to DAR Region 8’s unwavering commitment to ARB development.
Aya-ay said that the recognitions received are not only a tribute to the hard work and perseverance of DAR in Eastern Visayas but also a motivation to continue striving for excellence in the pursuit of justice and equity in agrarian reform. (MARVIN R. ORQUIOLA/PR)
AVIAN FLU CONTROL. The reported outbreak of avian flu in Kananga, Leyte resulted for several local government units to impose restrictions. Among these are the city of Baybay and the provincial government of Borongan.
(PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Eastern Samar and the city of Baybay have imposed a no-entry policy of chickens to their respective areas, amid a confirmed report of bird flu in a poultry farm in Kananga, Leyte.
AVIAN FLU CONTROL. The reported outbreak of avian flu in Kananga, Leyte resulted for several local government units to impose restrictions. Among these are the city of Baybay and the provincial government of Borongan. (PHOTO COURTESY)
Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone, in his order, mandated all personnel who are manning border and animal quarantine checkpoints that all live poultry, eggs, and even chicken dung coming from Leyte should not be allowed entry in the province.
Poultry products, the governor added will only be allowed to enter Eastern Samar if documents are presented such as the certificate from the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).
The directive of Evardone was in accordance with the recommendation of the Provincial Veterinary Office.
Meantime, Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos Cari also issued an order prohibiting entry of live chicken, raw poultry meat products, and other poultry derivatives coming from areas where there are confirmed avian flu.
Live chicken, raw chicken meat, and processed poultry meat products coming from places where there are no avian flu cases will be allowed entry, the order of the city mayor said.
The City Agriculture Office was also tasked to conduct monitoring all commercial and backyard poultry farms in the city if there are chickens showing symptoms of the virus.
Earlier, the municipal governments of Matag-ob, Palompon, Merida, and Isabel also imposed a ban on entry of chicken coming from Kananga, in particular.
Likewise, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia also issued an executive order banning chicken to the province coming from Leyte.
Earlier, the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has confirmed of an outbreak of avian flu cases in one of the poultry farms in Kananga.
The management of the said poultry farm killed over 60,000 chickens as part of its mitigation solution. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
Charged for malversation of public funds of property
ORMOC CITY-Charged with malversation of public funds and property, a former mayor of Culaba in Biliran has been arrested for failing to return a sound system acquired during his term, although he remains free after posting bail.
Lorenzo Reveldez, 57, was apprehended on a warrant issued by Judge Constantino Esber, executive judge of the Regional Trial Court-Branch 37 in Caibiran, Biliran, on March 26 of this year, on charges of malversation of public funds and presumption of malversation.
Reveldez, who held the mayoral position for three terms until 2019, was arrested at his residence in Barangay Habuhab.
The charges against Reveldez stemmed from the disappearance of a sound system worth P900,000, which was procured during his tenure.
Upon an inventory of municipal assets conducted by Mayor Humphrey Olimba, it was discovered that the sound system was missing.
Mayor Olimba requested Reveldez to return the sound system, but he failed to comply, prompting legal action.
Reveldez, who ran unsuccessfully for vice governor of the province in the 2019 elections, was subsequently charged.
During his arrest, Reveldez was informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights in a language he understood.
He was then taken to the Culaba municipal police station for documentation and processing but was released on bail of P60,000 pending further legal proceedings. (ROBERT DEJON)
Like many other tropical countries, our country is now experiencing a concerning trend of rising temperatures, causing the heat index to soar high across the archipelago. This is not just a source of discomfort; it poses significant health risks and environmental challenges that demand urgent action for people to combat these soaring temperatures and take necessary measures to mitigate their impact.
The escalating heat index poses serious health risks as prolonged exposure to high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be fatal if not promptly treated. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of extreme heat. People must then prioritize their health and take steps to stay cool and hydrated during periods of intense heat.
This increasing heat index also exacerbates the effects of climate change, leading to environmental degradation as exemplified by water scarcity and biodiversity loss. Rising temperatures contribute to the melting of polar ice caps, causing sea-level rise and coastal erosion, which pose alarming threats to low-lying areas in the Philippines. Additionally, extreme heat can trigger more frequent and intense weather events that further endanger communities and worsen the cycle of destruction and recovery.
We should learn to combat the escalating temperatures and their associated risks by taking appropriate measures to adapt and mitigate their impact. This includes staying informed about weather forecasts and heat advisories, seeking shade and cool environments during peak heat hours, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change are essential to address the root causes of rising temperatures. This entails promoting renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient practices, and advocating for sustainable policies at both local and national levels.
This increasing heat index is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and concerted action from individuals, communities, and policymakers alike. We need to take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our surroundings. Through collective efforts, we should mitigate climate change and promote sustainable practices so we can work towards a climate-resilient future for the next generations to come.
Historically, awards were bestowed upon individuals whose accomplishments stood out among their peers, serving as a beacon of excellence within their respective industries. These accolades were a symbol of distinction and were often held in high regard by both the recipient and the public.
Receiving prestigious awards in the past was often a testament to meritorious achievement, a recognition of significant contributions in various fields. These accolades were highly esteemed, not only for the honor they bestowed but also for the accompanying monetary rewards and the validation they provided to the recipient’s efforts and talents. Thankfully, I was repeatedly a recipient of such awards, the most prestigious of which was an international model teacher award that I received three years ago.
In recent times, though, there has been a notable shift in the landscape of award ceremonies and their criteria for selection. Rather than being solely based on merit and achievement, there’s an emerging trend where anyone, regardless of their actual contributions or achievements, can receive an award provided they have the financial means to obtain it. This phenomenon has led to a devaluation of the prestige associated with certain awards, as they become more accessible to those who can afford them rather than those who truly deserve recognition.
Moreover, the rise of online advertising and social media has further exacerbated this issue, with many awards being aggressively marketed and promoted to a wide audience. This rampant advertisement of awards can often overshadow the genuine accomplishments of individuals who have worked tirelessly to make meaningful contributions in their respective fields. Instead, it creates a culture where the focus shifts from genuine recognition of talent and hard work to a pursuit of vanity and self-promotion.
In contrast to the past, where receiving an award was a reflection of one’s dedication and excellence, the current landscape raises questions about the integrity and authenticity of these accolades. The commodification of awards, where they can be obtained for a hefty sum of money, undermines the fundamental principles upon which they were originally established. It blurs the line between true recognition and mere transactional exchanges, diminishing the value and significance of prestigious honors.
This shift also has broader implications for society, as it perpetuates a culture of entitlement and instant gratification, where success can be bought rather than earned through hard work and dedication. It sends a message that meritocracy is no longer the driving force behind recognition, but rather wealth and privilege dictate who receives acclaim and validation.
The evolution of prestigious awards from the past to the present reflects a significant departure from their original intent and value. While once a symbol of genuine accomplishment and recognition, they have increasingly become commodified entities, accessible to those who can afford them rather than those who truly deserve them.
This trend not only undermines the integrity of awards but also erodes the principles of meritocracy and excellence that they were meant to uphold. Award-giving bodies should reassess the criteria and processes involved in award selection to ensure that recognition is reserved for those who have truly earned it through their hard work, talent, and dedication.
This column aims to inspire those who are contemplating on starting their own business and provide motivation for those who have already taken the leap.
Our primary objective is to support our family in any way possible. We understand that embarking on the journey of starting a business requires courage and the willingness to face challenges. Embarking on a business venture can be intimidating, particularly if it’s a spontaneous decision inspired by others’ actions. It’s crucial to pursue something you’ve always desired, as it’s easier to realize your dreams when you’re passionate about them. Just like parenting, a business requires care and attention. Once you’ve established your store and begun operations, you can’t just leave it to run on its own.
Most of us have a common desire to progress beyond our current state. Some of these aspiring entrepreneurs’ energy is palpable, and their numerous questions reflect their enthusiasm. However, I often wondered how many of them truly followed their passion…
Approximately 90% of startups fail within their first year. This high failure rate is often due to inadequate planning and management. To succeed in business, it’s vital to continually learn and stay up-to-date with market trends and demands.
Characteristics of a Successful Startup
You can’t merely dive into a venture believing you’re prepared. While I often advocate for seizing the moment and starting a business today, it’s essential to keep your eyes wide open to the realities of what you’re undertaking. Here are some pointers to help your startup journey become a success story:
1. Ensure your product meets a market demand. While unique products can stand out, they should also address a market need. If your product doesn’t resonate with consumers and only you understand its value, your business may not survive the first month. When brainstorming product ideas, consider what the market needs and will use.
2. Don’t underestimate the importance of business processes. Entrepreneurs should be involved in their business operations. While tasks like answering calls and sending emails are important, they alone won’t guarantee success. There’s a lot more work involved, and everyone in the business should understand their roles to ensure continuity.
3. Don’t fear rapid growth. Fast growth is a positive sign of high demand. While it may be daunting for some, entrepreneurs are known for taking risks. However, these risks should be calculated, meaning you should not overextend your expansion plans. Learn how to manage growth safely and enjoy the rewards of your hard work. But remember, don’t let success blind you and lead to wastefulness.
4. Cultivate versatility. Versatility isn’t just about your team’s skill set. It also refers to your team’s ability to quickly develop new products, marketing strategies, and rebranding initiatives. Building a strong team makes facing these challenges less daunting. Sharing responsibilities and accountability with co-founders can also be beneficial.
Notice how businesses flourished during the pandemic. Many people started online businesses to support their families even if it meant to devote more time in looking after the business, thus there are sacrifices that needed to be done. You would notice how social media significantly become a part of everyone’s life- we no longer use these platforms merely to connect or reconnect with friends, but these have become their means of purchasing things they need even if COVID-19 is no longer a threat as it was before. The resilience and adaptability of entrepreneurs have found success even during challenging times. If they have been successful in making that giant step, so can you. All it takes is self-confidence and faith in our Almighty.
