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PSA receives lot for its office in Eastern Samar

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TACLOBAN CITY-The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) accepted the parcel of agricultural land donated by the municipal government of Balangkayan, Eastern Samar during a ceremonial signing of the deed of donation held 19 March 2024.

Among those who attended the event were PSA Regional Director Wilma Perante, representing National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Usec. Claire Dennis Mapa, and Mayor Edith Anne Basco.

During the event, Mayor Basco expressed that the donation of the 1,596 sq. meters lot located at Sitio Sabang, Barangay 2 is a pivotal move to make the services of PSA Eastern Samar more accessible not only to the residents of the municipality but to the people of the entire province.

She stressed that PSA shall have the exclusive use in relation to the performance of its governmental functions.

On the other hand, Perante conveyed her sincerest appreciation for the earnest effort and generosity of the municipal government of Balangkayan as this signals for more persistent lobbying for budget support from the Regional Development Council (RDC) needed for the proposed construction of the PSA-owned office building.

The PSA field office is presently located at J.B. Japson Building circumferential road, Brgy. Balud, Borongan City.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Guiuan municipal government to come up with a development plan for Homonhon Island

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TACLOBAN CITY—Homonhon Island is on the brink of long-awaited development, as Guiuan Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan announced plans for a comprehensive land use and development strategy that will encompass the island’s needs.

Mayor Kwan stated that as their town prepares its comprehensive land use plan, they will also integrate a five-year comprehensive development plan for the historic island.
This inclusive plan will engage all stakeholders, including mining companies, which currently have four active operations on the island.

Kwan emphasized that the plan will prioritize ensuring that mining activities adhere to regulations and eliminate environmental abuses.

Measures will be outlined to ensure that mining companies operate in compliance with established guidelines.

Also, the plan will provide guidance to villages on the proper utilization of the social development management program (SDMP) funds.

SDMP funds, which constitute 10 percent of the total operational costs of mining companies on the island, have previously been misused for purposes unrelated to development, such as fiesta celebrations.

“We already had our first meeting last March 15, and next month we will be conducting a series of meetings to finalize our plans for the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) for Homonhon Island and identify the needs of the eight villages,” the town mayor said.
Additionally, Mayor Kwan revealed that the municipality is set to receive P5.6 million in excise tax this quarter.

All excise tax revenue generated from the mining companies operating on the island will be allocated to the villages of Homonhon, providing crucial resources for local development initiatives, she added.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Catbalogan City Mayor honors various individuals, groups whose contributions help city’s development

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Mayor Dexter Uy

On his 3rd SOCA

Mayor Dexter Uy

TACLOBAN CITY – Catbalogan City Mayor Dexter Uy held his 3rd State of the City Address (SOCA) by recognizing agencies of the government, individuals, and private organizations that made a huge impact on programs and projects implemented in the city.
The SOCA was held Tuesday (March 19) at the Tandaya Hall with a theme ‘OSCARS’ or Outstanding Stakeholders of Catbalogan Advocates of Resiliency and Sustainability.
“Aton napag-desisyunan nga igpadayon an tema han naglabay nga tuig because we see this as the perfect way of giving recognition to everyone who helped us and is continuously helping us in achieving our vision for the city,” Mayor Uy said in his message.

The recognition was based on 12 developmental agenda of the city presented through 12 short films.

The awardees include Kamurayaw Katbalogan – 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, PLtCol Edwin Barbosa of Samar police provincial office; Kabataan Katbalogan – Samar State University – Samar Island Center for Good Governance; Kamaataman Katbalogan – PNP Women and Children Protection Desk, Department of Labor and Employment Samar Field Office; Kahusay Katbalogan – Department of Tourism 8.
Kalibungan Katbalogan – Forester Angelito Villanueva of Provincial Environment and Natural Office-Samar; Kinaadman Katbalogan – Maximo Aljibe, regional director of the Commission on Higher Education and Catbalogan city schools division; Kultura Katbalogan – Samar Provincial Tourism Office; Karibhung Katbalogan – Bureau of Local Government and Finance, and Samar Provincial Office of the Department of Trade and Industry; Kahimsug Katbalogan – Department of Health 8; Kasiguraduhan Katbalogan – Prof. Renato Diocton, Samar PPO, and Karigon Katbalogan – Provincial Government of Samar.

Mayor Uy clarified that although they presented their gains by showing short films, these are based on the actual accomplishments of every sector of the city government.

“Slowly but surely atun gin aayos an mga pundasyun labi na an pag identify han mga importante nga projects, programs and activities. We are trying to fix what needs to be fixed. We replace what needs to be replaced, and revamp what needs to be revamped,” Mayor Uy added. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Man arrested for drug possession valued at over P117,000

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ORMOC CITY– A man was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Bato, Leyte on Monday (March 18) who was in possession of alleged shabu with a commercial value of more than P117,000.

Arrested by personnel from the local police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) was Gerry Mae Salvame,42, in a sting operation in Barangay Daanglungsod at about 8:30 pm.

Bato chief of police, Cpt. John Rey Layog said that the suspect is listed as a street-level individual in their drug watch list.

Recovered from his possession was one sachet containing white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu procured by an operative in the amount of P500.

During the conduct of a body search, a coin purse seized from Salvame contained two medium-sized sachets containing suspected shabu.

In all, 18 grams of suspected shabu valued at over P117,000 were recovered from the suspect by the operatives.

Charges for violations of sections 5 (selling illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of Art. II of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Drugs of 2002, were filed by the police at the Provincial Prosecutors Office against the suspect who is temporarily detained at the locked-up cell of the Bato municipal police station.

(ROBERT DEJON)

Honoring Women

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Very few of us are aware that March is not just any month; it’s a time when the invaluable contributions and achievements of women worldwide are being celebrated. Regarded as National Women’s Month, it acknowledges the pivotal role women played throughout history and continues to play in shaping culture and society, hence the need to recognize their accomplishments, address inequality issues, and promote gender parity in crucial areas.

National Women’s Month allows us to reflect on and celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in various fields, including politics, science, arts, and business. From pioneering advancements in medicine to advocating for civil rights and leading groundbreaking research, women have shattered barriers and defied societal expectations. Dedicating a month to honor their contributions, then, validates their accomplishments and inspires future generations of women to pursue their aspirations without constraints.

Despite significant progress, gender disparities persist globally, hindering women’s full participation and advancement in society. This month’s observance serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the need to address systemic barriers that inhibit women’s rights and opportunities. We can mobilize collective action to dismantle discriminatory practices and create inclusive environments where women can thrive and succeed on equal footing with men.

This celebration further empowers and encourages women to embrace their identities, voices, and agency, amplifying the importance of representation across all sectors, and ensuring that women’s perspectives are heard, valued, and integrated into decision-making processes. Promoting diverse female role models and narratives inspires confidence, resilience, and leadership among women and girls, empowering them to pursue their meaningful contributions to society.

Women’s experiences are intersectional and shaped by various factors, including race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and ability. To recognize and address the unique challenges faced by marginalized and underrepresented women, we need to amplify their voices and advocate for their rights, creating a more inclusive and equitable world for present and future generations of women. Let us celebrate the resilience, strength, and contributions of women every day, not just in March but throughout the year.

From mimicry to mockery

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DOMS PAGLIAWAN

It’s trending in social media nowadays—a disturbing sight of individuals attempting to mimic the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in the belief that such acts will earn them favor in the eyes of God, cleanse their sins away, and secure their eternal life in heaven.

What a show of spiritual ignorance, or lack of faith in the finished and all-sufficient atonement that Christ made. This misguided notion not only trivializes the significance of Christ’s sacrifice but also constitutes a mockery of the central tenet of biblical Christianity. Such attempts at mimicry, though perhaps well-intentioned, fail to grasp the deeper meaning behind Christ’s crucifixion and its implications for humanity.

First and foremost, we should recognize the solemnity and sacredness of Christ’s crucifixion. According to the Bible, Jesus willingly endured unimaginable suffering and death on the cross as a means to atone for humanity’s sins. His sacrifice represents the ultimate act of love and redemption, consequently offering salvation to all who believe in him. To attempt to replicate such a holy and divine act through human means is not only futile but disrespectful to the sanctity of Christ’s sacrifice.

The idea that mimicking Christ’s crucifixion could earn one eternal life fundamentally misunderstands the nature of salvation in Christian doctrine. Salvation is not earned through outward displays of piety or self-inflicted suffering but is instead a gift freely given by God’s grace. Christ’s death on the cross was a once-and-for-all event that cannot be replicated or surpassed by human actions. To suggest otherwise is to diminish the uniqueness and efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice.

This mimicry of Christ’s crucifixion risks trivializing the agonizing suffering endured by the Lord Jesus during his final hours. The crucifixion was a brutal and humiliating form of execution, reserved for the worst criminals of the time. To reduce it to a mere spectacle or performance diminishes the gravity of Jesus’ sacrifice and the depth of his love for humanity. It is a disservice to the memory of Christ and a distortion of the true Christian faith.

Moreover, engaging in such acts of mimicry can have harmful psychological and physical consequences for individuals involved. The intense pain and trauma associated with crucifixion cannot be overstated, and attempting to replicate it can lead to serious injury or even death. Moreover, the glorification of suffering and self-harm is antithetical to the message of hope and redemption central to Christianity. It is essential to promote practices that cater to spiritual growth and well-being rather than those that endanger individuals’ lives.

The act of mimicking Christ’s crucifixion reflects a grave misunderstanding of Jesus’ sacrificial death and its benefits for humanity. We have to reaffirm the centrality of Christ’s sacrifice in our faith and decline attempts to trivialize or replicate it through human reenactments. Instead, let us embrace the message of love, grace, and redemption embodied in Christ’s death and resurrection, and strive to live lives that reflect the fruits of the Holy Spirit. No one is qualified to replicate Christ’s atonement; he alone was the lamb of God who could take away the sins of the world.

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