TACLOBAN CITY-The local police here are conducting a thorough investigation over the shooting that led to the death of a businessman last March 21.
The victim was identified as a certain Deo, 51, and a resident of Brgy. 28, P. Gomez St., this city, who was shot dead at about 5:30 am by still unidentified suspects who were on board a single motorcycle.
Investigation conducted by the local police disclosed that the victim was walking on the sidewalk along P. Gomez, St., and upon reaching in front of a pawnshop, one of the suspects, who seemed to be waiting for him in the area, suddenly pulled an unknown caliber of a firearm a shot the victim in his abdomen.
The suspects fled after the incident on board a scooter-type motorcycle with no plate number.
The victim was brought by residents in the area to Divine Word Hospital for medical attention but was declared dead on arrival by his attending physician.
Operatives of Police Station 2, of Tacloban City Police Office are now conducting a follow-up investigation for the possible motive and identification and arrest of the suspects. They likewise continue the backtracking of CCTV footage in the area for the identification of the suspects.
SOCO operatives that processed the crime scene recovered two empty shells of fired cartridges and one slug of an undetermined caliber of firearm. (ROBERT DEJON)
Only seven of 116 state universities and colleges (SUCs) have a college of medicine.
House of Representatives Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan wants the country’s SUCs to launch their own medical schools so that they can produce more doctors that are badly needed to build up the public healthcare system.
“Congress must enable highly advanced SUCs, particularly those in the provinces, to put up their own medical schools where tuition fees are at least partly paid for by the state,” Libanan said in a statement on Sunday.
“Very few Filipino families can afford to send their children to private medical schools that are very expensive. This is one of the reasons why we are not producing enough doctors,” Libanan pointed out.
“We must improve access to state-subsidized medical schooling if we want to produce a greater number of Doctor of Medicine graduates in the years ahead,” Libanan added.
Libanan made the statement as he batted for the immediate passage of his bill seeking to establish the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) College of Medicine.
As proposed by Libanan in House Bill No. 9872, the new college of medicine would be formed in the Borongan City campus of the ESSU, the second-largest SUC in Eastern Visayas by student population.
Libanan previously served as representative of Eastern Samar’s lone congressional district for nine years. He is now 4Ps party-list representative.
Though a lawyer by profession, Libanan also holds a degree in medical technology.
“There are many SUCs that are highly capable of creating and running their own medical schools, but would they need the support of Congress by way of amendments to their charters and new appropriations,” Libanan said.
At present, only seven of the country’s 116 SUCs have a college of medicine.
The SUCs currently offering the Doctor of Medicine program are: Mariano Marcos State University, University of Northern Philippines, Cagayan State University, Bicol University, West Visayas State University, University of the Philippines, and Mindanao State University.
Based on Department of Health data, the country’s doctor-to-population ratio is only around 3.6 doctors for every 10,000 people.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has pegged the ideal ratio at 10 doctors for every 10,000 population, or one doctor for every 1,000 people. (PR)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Regional Development Council VIII-Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RDC VIII-RPMC) inspected the Tacloban Causeway Project on 23 February 2024 to check on its progress.
This PhP4.59 billion project has two ongoing sections contracted to SUNWEST, Inc.. It includes a 2.57- kilometer, 4-lane road embankment with separate bike lanes, concrete canals, sidewalks, and wave deflectors on both sides. It also includes the construction of a 180-meter length bridge and five Reinforced Concrete Box Culverts (RCBCs).
The project envisions reducing travel time from Tacloban City proper to the Tacloban Airport from approximately 45 minutes to just 10 minutes. Additionally, it aims to protect the lives and property of residents from the damaging tidal surges and flooding brought about by typhoons and storms, which are regular occurrences in the region.
According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) VIII, the project is set to use an innovative construction method, using geotextile tubes, also known as “geo tubes” for the first time in the region. It will help protect the causeway from damage by water. The tubes are made of a special permeable fabric that allows water to flow through while holding the sand or soil-fill material inside the tubes in place. It acts as a buffer to reduce erosion from waves and currents. Moreover, it helps prevent the natural water flow around the causeway from being disrupted. This makes geo tubes an effective and environment-friendly way to build sturdy structures along coasts and rivers.
The project commenced on 27 February 2023 and is targeted to be completed on 23 December 2024. The overall project accomplishment stands at 4.28 percent with a -5.02 percent slippage due to unfavorable weather conditions.
The causeway will complement the ongoing Tacloban Airport Development Project supporting the City’s growth as an economic hub in the region. (PR)
TOURISM BOOST. The municipal governments of Naval and Maripipi, both in Biliran province, is pushing for a homestay arrangement in a bid to bolster its tourist arrivals. Upper photo shows the Higatangan Island in Naval and Sambawan Island in Maripipi(lower photo), the main natural attractions of the two towns, respectively. (DOT-8)
TOURISM BOOST. The municipal governments of Naval and Maripipi, both in Biliran province, is pushing for a homestay arrangement in a bid to bolster its tourist arrivals. Upper photo shows the Higatangan Island in Naval and Sambawan Island in Maripipi(lower photo), the main natural attractions of the two towns, respectively. (DOT-8)
TACLOBAN CITY – As part of further promoting Higatangan Island and Maripipi Island as tourist destinations in Biliran province, the municipal governments of Naval and Maripipi had sought the help of the Department of Tourism to conduct homestay training for island residents who are willing to open their doors and rooms to accommodate guests.
Homestay program plays a pivotal role in the country’s tourism industry allowing tourists to have authentic experiences from the local culture, traditions, and way of life.
A total of 26 participants from the islands joined the training.
DOT 8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes lauded Naval Mayor Gretchen Espina and Maripipi Mayor Joseph Caingcoy for their passion for promoting tourism and the support they extended to the trainees.
She also lauded the two officials for putting tourism in the centerpiece of their developmental programs and for pushing for homestay in their respective municipalities.
Mayor Espina was excited about the homestay training as the town will again host its annual summer festival which is held in Higatangan Island.
The Higatangan Summer Festival 2024 is scheduled this April 5 to 7 and is expected to be attended by hundreds of visitors and tourists coming not only from the region but those coming from other parts of the country as well.
Higatangan Island is blessed with several rock formations and white sand beaches, turquoise-colored seawater good for snorkeling and diving, an underwater grotto, and is also famous for its shifting sandbar.
Meanwhile, the island town of Maripipi is also surrounded by pristine water, and beaches and is known for Sambawan, an islet located around five kilometers from the town proper and declared as a marine sanctuary ideal for diving and snorkeling. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
The implementation of city ordinances aimed at curbing the presence of stray dogs within urban areas is doubtless a commendable effort toward promoting public safety and animal welfare. However, recent observations raise doubts about the true intentions behind such initiatives. Despite the proliferation of stray dogs, particularly in downtown areas where they pose a visible nuisance, the methods employed by enforcement teams seem to prioritize financial gain over genuine problem-solving.
Instead of targeting the numerous stray dogs roaming freely in downtown areas, enforcement teams focus their efforts on affluent subdivisions, where pet ownership is more prevalent. This strategy neglects the immediate concerns posed by the unattended packs of dirty, diseased, and malnourished dogs in city centers. Opting to prioritize the capture of dogs with identifiable owners, the ordinance implementers show bias towards profit generation rather than addressing the root causes of the stray dog population.
The preferential treatment of suburban areas for enforcement not only neglects the issue of stray dogs in urban centers but also reflects a disregard for the welfare of animals and residents. While dogs in downtown areas remain unchecked, posing health hazards and contributing to urban decay, those in residential neighborhoods are subject to punitive measures that disproportionately burden pet owners financially. Such an approach perpetuates a cycle of neglect and worsens the suffering of needy animals.
Furthermore, the emphasis on monetary penalties for reclaiming captured dogs raises questions about the underlying motives of the city ordinance implementation. Seemingly, the enforcement teams create nothing but a profit-driven system that exploits pet owners and their animals. This profit motive undermines the credibility of the ordinances and impairs public trust in the authorities tasked with addressing the issue.
Authorities must reassess their approach to addressing the problem of stray dogs within urban areas. Rather than prioritizing financial gain and targeting pet owners in affluent neighborhoods, a more honest intention should be adopted. This includes serious measures to address the root causes of stray animal populations, such as promoting responsible pet ownership, implementing sterilization programs, and providing resources for animal welfare organizations. The city should achieve lasting solutions that prioritize the well-being of both residents and animals alike.
Raising children in today’s society is undeniably risky, as recent trends in parenting and education in the Philippines have sparked heated arguments. Many lament the perceived decline in discipline and respect among Filipino children, citing a lack of authority and consequences as contributing factors. They characterize the behavior of today’s children as disrespectful, disobedient, and disregarding rules.
One of the key arguments put forth by critics is the prohibition of physical punishment as a means of disciplining children. While the intention behind this legal restriction is to protect children from abuse, its unintended consequences have become increasingly apparent. Parents and teachers find themselves constrained in their ability to instill discipline, as traditional methods of correction are now considered criminal offenses. Consequently, children grow up without experiencing the consequences of their actions, leading to a sense of entitlement and impunity.
The erosion of traditional values and the influence of modern media have further complicated the task of imparting discipline. With the proliferation of technology and social media, children are exposed to a myriad of influences that often promote instant gratification and rebellion against authority. This cultural shift has undermined the authority of parents and educators, making it increasingly difficult to enforce rules and instill values of respect and obedience.
Another contributing factor to the perceived decline in discipline among Filipino youth is the changing dynamics within the family unit. Economic pressures and the pursuit of individual aspirations have led to the prioritization of material success over holistic child-rearing. Consequently, parents may find themselves preoccupied with work or personal endeavors, leaving less time and energy for hands-on parenting. In such circumstances, children may lack the guidance and supervision necessary for healthy development.
The education system plays a crucial role in shaping the behavior and values of young people. However, the focus on academic achievement often comes at the expense of character development and moral education. Teachers may feel ill-equipped to address behavioral issues in the classroom, particularly in light of legal restrictions on disciplinary measures. As a result, students may not receive the guidance and correction needed to cultivate respect and obedience.
Despite these challenges, it should be noted that effective discipline does not always require resorting to physical punishment. Positive reinforcement, open communication, and setting clear expectations are all viable alternatives that can promote responsible behavior in children. Parents and educators must work together to establish a supportive environment that promotes mutual respect and accountability.
Cultivating empathy and understanding towards children is crucial in addressing behavioral issues. Rather than viewing disobedience as deliberate defiance, it is important to consider the underlying factors contributing to a child’s behavior. By addressing root causes such as emotional distress or unmet needs, parents and teachers can develop more effective strategies for guiding children toward positive behavior.
The task of raising disciplined and respectful children requires a collective effort from society as a whole. Government agencies, community organizations, and religious institutions all have a role to play in promoting values of respect, empathy, and accountability. Address the underlying factors that contribute to the decline in discipline among Filipino youth, and we can create a brighter future for the next generation.
