CATARMAN, Northern Samar – The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) initiated a tax campaign to encourage and help taxpayers understand the importance of paying the correct taxes and availing themselves of its programs on March 14.

According to Revenue District Officer James Balagapo, the tax campaign sought taxpayers’ support in generating funds for the country’s economic recovery.

“With the government’s call to simplify tax filings by introducing the ‘file and pay anywhere’ system and allowing most of the tax processes to be done online, the BIR has adopted an integrated digital tax process to assist taxpayers with their tax-related concerns. These services can be accessed 24/7 through the BIR website,” Balagapo said.

He added that BIR officers organized dialogues with different sectors to discuss specific tax policies and procedures and tax law and regulation changes.

Adelaida Tan, a participant from Victoria in Northern Samar, expressed appreciation to BIR officers for keeping her well-informed about the new tax laws, rules, and regulations.

“I own two commercial buildings, one in Victoria and the other in Catarman. Today, I learned that I need to register my commercial building in Catarman with the BIR to receive another official receipt for my rental business,” Tan said.
(TBC, PIA Northern Samar)

NAVAL,Biliran– ThyroMobile, a pioneering project organized to deliver public information and thyroid healthcare services to areas identified as iodine-deficient by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), recently made a stop in the town of Naval in Biliran province.

Dr. Teofilo San Luis Jr., coordinator for ThyroMobile Philippines, was at the forefront of the mission, which champions the significance of iodine micronutrients in children’s mental development.

“Iodine is an essential micronutrient,” he emphasized in an interview with PIA. “Adequate iodine in expectant mothers significantly impacts the cognitive abilities of their unborn children.”

He explained the significant influence of thyroid problems in mothers on the development of their children, cautioning about the possible decline in a child’s intelligence quotient due to insufficient iodine levels during pregnancy.

His recommendation is simple yet essential: women with thyroid complications should contemplate postponing pregnancy until their condition is under control to avoid negative consequences for their child’s cognitive growth.

Services

Services provided included goiter screenings, thyroid ultrasounds, and blood tests for thyroid hormones and iodine levels for pregnant and lactating women and men with thyroid issues.

Alma Canete Rostata from Caibiran, Biliran, expressed her gratitude for the big help provided by the free consultation services, ultrasound, and extraction of blood samples for the THS and FT4, brought by ThyroMobile.

She looks forward to the holding of another free thyroid service in the province in the future, especially since she was advised to undergo a surgical operation.

Collaborative efforts

Organizations such as the Iodine Global Network Philippines, the Rotary Club of University District Manila, and the Philippine Thyroid Association, among others, widely support ThyroMobile’s mission.

San Luis and other medical experts, such as Dr. Salvacion T. De Vera-Sible, ensure that the events focus on healthcare interventions and provide educational opportunities. This joint effort emphasizes the significance of their mission.

ThyroMobile is currently traveling across the Philippines and playing a crucial role in promoting awareness and providing healthcare for thyroid health.

ThyroMobile is committed to ensuring that no community is left behind in the fight against thyroid disorders. Their ultimate goal is to contribute to a healthier future for all.

(RSV, PIA Biliran)

Globe installed 41 more 5G sites across Visayas and Mindanao in 2023 in line with its strategic rollout of the technology, as it continues to test for certain applications that will enable Filipinos across social classes.

Globe added 27 more sites in Visayas and 14 new ones in Mindanao last year, as part of its broader initiative to enhance digital connectivity in the areas of health, education, finance, and entertainment.

Visayas, a vibrant and culturally rich region in the heart of the Philippines, is known for its vital contributions to the country’s economy through its robust industry and services sector.
Globe’s investment in the region’s digital infrastructure aligns with the national government’s economic targets and the forward-looking Digital Philippines initiative, guaranteeing widespread access to technological benefits for all.

Meanwhile, Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, is renowned for its vast natural resources and burgeoning economic potential. The region is currently undergoing significant transformation, evolving into a critical economic zone.

In 2023, Globe attained 92.36% outdoor coverage in key Visayas and Mindanao cities and 97.90% in the National Capital Region. This facilitated over 5.8 million devices connecting to Globe’s 5G network in December alone, a testament to the company’s relentless pursuit of technological advancement and superior service delivery.

In the face of challenges posed by market conditions and the ongoing search for viable 5G use cases, Globe has maintained a strategic approach to its network expansion. The company’s sustained spending on new 5G sites underscores its commitment to sustainable growth and the responsible deployment of technology.

“Our 5G expansion in Visayas in Mindanao is a major milestone in our journey towards creating a truly digital Philippines. We are not only enhancing connectivity for Filipinos but also enabling a myriad of opportunities for businesses, communities, and the country as a whole,” said Joel Agustin, Globe’s Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Engineering.

As Globe continues to push the boundaries of digital connectivity, its commitment to bringing the benefits of advanced technologies to Filipinos everywhere remains unwavering.

To learn more about how the company paves the way for a more connected and digitally empowered Philippines, visit Atin Ang Mundo – Globe

In Northern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Northern Samar headed by Governor Edwin Ongchuan conducted its ‘Kauswagan Caravan’ in the island town of Biri, benefitting more than 3,000 residents of various services offered during the whole-day event.

During the caravan, held last Friday (March 22), services such as medical, dental, veterinary, legal, counseling, and other basic services, were provided by various provincial and national offices.

Also, food packs, water containers, toys, school supplies, farming tools, seedlings, blankets, fire control demonstrations, and first aid training, among others, were also provided during the caravan.

“As the Kauswagan Caravan continues, we are also strengthening the culture of mutual help and support for our fellow Nortehanons,” a statement from the provincial government said.

The Kauswagan caravan is a regular barangayan event initiated by Gov. Ongchuan providing essential services to the villagers, especially those living in remote barangays.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY – A farmer is currently recovering from injuries at the Biliran Provincial Hospital after being hacked and stabbed by his elder brother in Barangay Villa Cornejo, Kawayan, Biliran.

The victim, Joel Matencero, 53, was attacked by his elder brother, Jerry Matencero, 60, in an incident believed to stem from a land dispute between the siblings.

According to the initial police investigation, the attack occurred around 4:50 pm while Joel was watching a basketball game near the barangay’s basketball court. Jerry approached Joel wielding a bladed weapon known locally as a “sundang” and viciously hacked him, targeting his head, without any provocation.

Despite the severe blow to the head, Joel managed to flee, but he stumbled and fell on the pavement, where Jerry proceeded to stab him in the stomach.

Following the assault, Joel was rushed to the rural health unit for medical attention, while Jerry was apprehended in front of his residence.

Upon his arrest, Jerry was taken to the Kawayan municipal police station and charged with frustrated murder.

The authorities cited the ongoing land dispute between the brothers as the primary motive behind the incident.

The suspect is now detained at the local police station and was charged for frustrated murder.
(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY– It was first to be a road accident but was later discovered to be involving a shooting incident.

Thus said Police Captain Realthur Tabernero, police chief of Palompon, Leyte, referring to an incident that took place along a national road in Barangay San Juan last Saturday (March 23) at about 2:50 am.

The victim, identified as Cipriano Ochea,31, a cook at a local eatery, was found blooded beside a road whose motorcycle was said to have hit a mango tree.

However upon investigation, it was discovered that the victim had a gunshot wound in the head and other parts of his body.

Members of a forensic unit of the Ormoc city police found two empty shells of an undetermined firearm on the crime scene.

Tabernero said that they are now conducting a thorough investigation over the motive and the identity of the suspects in the killing of the victim who has no known enemy in his area of work.

The victim’s cadaver was brought to a local funeral parlor for post mortem examination.
(ROBERT DEJON)