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Aboitiz InfraCapital explores future-ready airport in Northern Samar to boost tourism amidst growing renewable energy investments

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NEW NORTHERN SAMAR AIRPORT? Governor Edwin Ongchuan(center), joined by Vice Gov. Clarence Dato(right), held a meeting with officials of the Aboitiz InfraCapital for the possible construction of a new airport in the province. The meeting was facilitated by Board of Investments. (THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
NEW NORTHERN SAMAR AIRPORT? Governor Edwin Ongchuan(center), joined by Vice Gov. Clarence Dato(right), held a meeting with officials of the Aboitiz InfraCapital for the possible construction of a new airport in the province. The meeting was facilitated by Board of Investments.
(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar– The Conglomerate Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., through its subsidiary Aboitiz InfraCapital, has been approached by the provincial government of Northern Samar to explore the feasibility of constructing a state-of-the-art airport to meet future demands.

This initiative was facilitated by the Board of Investments (BOI), and a meeting was held on January 25, 2024, between Governor Edwin C. Ongchuan and executives from Aboitiz InfraCapital.

The BOI, represented by Executive Director Atty. Bobby Fondevilla and Director Ernesto de los Reyes of its Investment Assistance Services, presented the idea of establishing a new airport in Northern Samar to prepare for the projected increase in tourism.

This development comes as renewable energy companies express their interest in investing in Northern Samar.

Director Ernesto de los Reyes stated, “We have been collaborating closely with the Northern Samar PEDIPO as numerous Renewable Energy (RE) companies approach us to connect them with the Provincial Government of Northern Samar.”

Gov. Ongchuan inquired about how Aboitiz InfraCapital would recoup its investment, to which Atty. Ferdinand Tolentino, the adviser for external affairs of Aboitiz InfraCapital, said that “airport projects generate revenue from commercial sources.”

He referred to these as “non-aero or commercial revenues”. Additionally, Aboitiz Infra has devised a robust business plan for its airport projects to ensure their commercial viability.
Despite their significant investment in airport projects, Aboitiz InfraCapital remains open to pursuing other infrastructure initiatives based on the needs of the communities they serve.
Director Eleazar Ricote of the PPP Center shared that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 11966, known as the PPP Code of the Philippines, in December. This new law has streamlined and expedited the project approval process.

“For local projects, the framework is simple. Regardless of project costs, local government units (LGUs) may initiate their own PPPs with the approval of the local Sanggunian,” added Ricote.

Gov. Ongchuan revealed that the proposal for the new airport in Pambujan has already received endorsement from NEDA. However, the CAAP and the DOTr have yet to secure funding for the project.

“As a user of the Catarman airport, I believe that the best way to expedite the construction of a future-ready airport in Northern Samar is through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP)” stated Governor Ongchuan.

In addition to the airport construction, Gov.Ongchuan has engaged in discussions with executives from Philippine Airlines (PAL) about adding more flights to the province.(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)

DOT is on the lookout for more cruise tourism sites in EV

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TACLOBAN CITY – The regional office of the Department of Tourism (DOT) is looking for more sites in the region that can be pitched to cruise tour operators for bigger cruise ships to visit.

Eastern Visayas has been part of the cruise tourism industry since 2013 but with only smaller vessels carrying from 100 to about 600 guests for expedition cruises, sites have been curated.

Among the destinations frequently included in the cruise itinerary in the region are Kalanggaman Island and Cuatro Islas in Leyte province; Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte; and Capul Island in Northern Samar.

Newly included places for cruise destinations are Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte; Canigao Island, Tacloban City, and Palo in Leyte; Maripipi and Sambawan in Biliran; and Biri Island in Northern Samar.

“They want an area where the water is clear, snorkeling is good. They are not even asking for extravagant facilities,” DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said, adding that functional comfort rooms or toilets that will be used by the guests are very important.
The beach area they are looking for should be within the mainland which can accommodate 1,000 to 2,000 guests.

Tiopes added that they are particularly looking for these areas in the provinces of Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar where there are long coastline of beaches that are still untouched and unexplored by most tourists.

“They are looking for a Boracay-like experience but with less people,” she added.

Since 2013, several cruise ships have visited the region and expanded the number of areas visited from only one to 11 areas.

For this year, the DOT regional office is preparing two additional areas for cruise destinations. Included in these two additional sites is Maasin City, the capital of Southern Leyte.

“The growth of cruise tourism is not only measured with the number of cruise calls. It may be one cruise ship but it visited several destinations like the Coral Adventurer wherein from the original nine destinations to visit in Eastern Visayas it increased to 11 sites,” she added.
Coral Adventurer is expected to return this year with a new batch of tourists.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Over 34,000 poor Samarnons have benefited from the ‘Ospital sa Barangay’ program

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The ‘Ospital ng Barangay,’ a program of Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan has benefited over 34,000 poor residents of far-flung barangays in the province since its implementation last November, 2023. (SAMAR INFORMATION OFFICE)
The ‘Ospital ng Barangay,’ a program of Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan has benefited over 34,000 poor residents of far-flung barangays in the province since its implementation last November, 2023. (SAMAR INFORMATION OFFICE)

TACLOBAN CITY– The provincial government of Samar has announced that about 34,987 poor people have benefited the medical programs being offered under its ‘Ospital sa Barangay’ since its inception in November last year.

And this kind of program will continue to ensure that people living in remote villages, the main target of the program, will have a good and healthy life, Governor Sharee Ann Tan said in a statement.

“Upon visiting our communities, especially in the remote areas, I have seen and heard how our constituents faced challenges in accessing medical services, despite it being free. That is why we have strategized this program where our medical experts provide the much needed health care of our fellow Samarnons,” she said.

“Just like everybody else, it is my dream that every Samarnon is in good health and better living conditions through the services provided by the provincial government,” the governor added.

Through OSB, medical teams visit barangays, where it does not only brings the regular health care services of a medical mission but also brings services normally seen at the hospitals or clinics like laboratory tests, ultrasound, and X-ray.

The provincial government also partnered with One Life, whereby a digital healthcare system was created, thus, making diagnostics and health data available.

Through this, the province can get a glimpse of the general health status of Samarnons, thereby providing an avenue to come up with programs that would best cater to the needs of the people.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Welcoming a DepEd Order

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Finally, with the recent issuance of DepEd Order No. 2 series of 2024, Filipino teachers will be relieved from administrative tasks that have long burdened their already hectic schedules. This development signifies a much-needed boost to the education system in the Philippines, as it allows educators to focus more on their primary duty—teaching.
For years, teachers in the country have been overwhelmed with paperwork, record-keeping, and other administrative responsibilities, leaving them with limited time and energy to fully engage with their students. The recent measures to streamline administrative tasks will undoubtedly enhance the overall quality of education in the Philippines.

Indeed, it’s been one of the major obstacles faced by Filipino teachers—the excessive paperwork and redundant administrative duties that they have to fulfill. Countless hours were wasted on mind-numbing tasks like filling out endless forms, documenting attendance, and preparing reports. This administrative burden not only took away valuable time from instructional activities but also negatively impacted teachers’ work-life balance and professional development.

By eliminating or minimizing such administrative tasks, teachers can now redirect their efforts toward more meaningful and impactful aspects of their profession—such as lesson planning, student support, and curriculum development. Moreover, the reduction in administrative tasks will foster a more collaborative and innovative teaching environment. Filipino educators will finally have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, share best practices, and collaborate with colleagues.

With less paperwork and more time for interaction, teachers will be able to expand their knowledge and skills through professional development activities, workshops, and conferences. Furthermore, this will allow teachers to fully focus on meeting the individual needs of their students. By having more time and energy, educators can personalize their teaching methods, offer more individual attention, and cater to diverse learning styles.

We hope this order will take effect for real and not just end up as a similar story. To ensure that this is implemented, teachers should learn to complain to the highest authorities in case the order is being ignored by their immediate superiors. Teachers, on the other hand, should make sure that they now devote more time to teaching-related tasks as a way of helping their students succeed academically.

The reason why

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DOMS PAGLIAWAN

A simplistic categorization of ineffective teachers is that they do not teach at all. While it is true that some teachers may not effectively deliver the curriculum or engage their students, there are complex factors underlying their case, or potential reasons for ineffective teaching.

Well, teaching is a unique profession that demands a diverse skill set. Teachers must navigate various challenges, including managing classroom dynamics, adapting teaching strategies to different learning styles, and addressing individual student needs. Thus, simply labeling teachers as inadequate or non-teaching may undermine the complexity of their roles. Recognizing that some teachers may struggle in certain areas, such as instructional delivery or creating engaging learning environments is more productive.

You know what, teachers may be ineffective in their teaching because they may lack adequate training or professional development opportunities. Graduate programs for teachers often emphasize theoretical knowledge and research, but may not fully equip them with the practical skills required to excel in the classroom. By prioritizing theoretical and practical training, educational institutions can better prepare teachers for the complexities of teaching, ensuring a higher quality of instruction.

Here’s another factor to consider, and that’s the challenge of maintaining student engagement in an increasingly technology-driven world. Students are exposed to a multitude of distractions, making it difficult for teachers to compete for their attention. As a result, some teachers may struggle to find innovative and interactive ways of delivering their lessons. Schools can support teachers in this regard, by providing them with resources and professional development opportunities focused on incorporating technology into the classroom effectively.

The pressure of standardized testing and meeting strict curriculum guidelines can also hinder effective teaching. Teachers may feel compelled to teach to the test, leaving little room for creativity and personalized instruction. Imagine, teaching to teach! You teach not because you have something to teach, but because you have to teach something. That makes a big difference! Addressing this issue requires a shift in educational policies and a focus on holistic assessment measures that value critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application of knowledge.

The implications for teachers who do not effectively teach can be far-reaching. Students may become disengaged, lose interest in the subject matter, or develop negative attitudes toward education. This can have long-term consequences for their academic success, future career prospects, and overall well-being. It is vital, therefore, to address this issue promptly and comprehensively.

To ensure that teachers receive the necessary support, schools can implement mentorship programs, where experienced educators can provide guidance and share effective instructional strategies. Additionally, regular performance evaluations and constructive feedback from administrators and colleagues can help identify areas for improvement and provide teachers with targeted professional development opportunities.

It is erroneous to label all teachers who struggle with effective instruction as teachers who do not teach. Teaching is a multi-tasking profession, and various factors contribute to ineffective teaching practices. By acknowledging the complex challenges faced by educators, providing comprehensive training and support, and reevaluating educational policies, we can work towards an effective educational system that empowers both teachers and students.

PI

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AL ELLEMA
AL ELLEMA

This radical number that is used as a constant in computing circumferences and areas of circles has caught this writer’s interest early in his study of mathematics. The number is infinite that its decimal value runs infinitesimally beyond imagination. Its value is so valuable that objects in circles can be quantified in accurate measures for the beneficial use of humankind. What appears to be beyond estimation and understanding can be shown in simple figures to the understanding of the common man. Truly, mathematics is exact science that requires proof with accuracy and certainty.

The problem with radical computations is when human biases become part of what is supposed to be an accurate equation. Results from such mathematical operations are skewed towards where the bias is directed. It is so in the field of social and political sciences when politicians interfere in the operations to introduce their own desired conclusions. The process is reversed in the sense that the desired conclusions are the targets that the process would support based on foregone conclusions.

People of this republic are getting into a political game initiated by politicians who are eager to tinker with the constitution. The power to initiate what they think are to be changed in the present constitution through people’s initiative is being used by politicians in the lower house to advance their interests. The primary reason being raised is the need to amend economic provisions to allow foreigners to own businesses. There too is the proposal to open land ownership to foreigners in order to attract investments.

These proposals had caught the attention of senators, chiefly on the issue of treating the proposed amendments by congress voting jointly. Such move would eliminate the power of the senate to serve as a co-equal body. People without clear understanding of the issue may be duped into voting for the wrong choice and wrong reason. If voting will be done separately, the lower house would certainly outnumber their counterparts in the upper house.

All amendments emanating from the lower house would be railroad as the voting will certainly be in favor of the greater number. This issue is just the tip of the iceberg as other amendments desired by the lower house would be carried by the power of numbers. What will happen to the constitution if it will be amended upon the whim and caprices of politicians whose vested interests would surely be advanced without the needed check and balance by the senate.

Verily, this exercise is not in any sense the people’s initiative envisioned by the framers of the constitution. By all indications, it is not the people that are wanting to initiative constitutional amendments. The powerful and influential politicians are apparently behind this move.

People in circles could be counted to meet the required percentage of every locality or region using mathematical computations. But with political initiative behind, people could only wail and decry and shout out the vulgar Filipino praise with the initials . . . P. I.
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