Sports Is The Only Activity That Can Unite Each Nation-Umali

Feb. 8,2012


Sports Is The Only Activity That Can Unite Each Nation-Umali
By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte- Sports is the only activity tha can unite each nation.
This was the statement of guest speaker Tonisito Umali,Assitant Secretary of the Dept. of Education in his speech at the TOPs Grandstand during the official opening of the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA)meet here the host city of Maasin, the capital of Southern leyte province.
“Feel good and be recognized”, he told the crowd of athletes, officiating officials and coaches.”But you need to be good to be recognized”.
Umali who is also an educator and practicing lawyer in the Philippines and the USA,further admonished the 10 delegations to adopt and internalize a “serenity prayer”, which according to him he learned it from his father.
He uttered: “Lord let me learn to accept the things I cannot change, to give me the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”.
Governor Damian Mercado and Congressman Roger Mercado have warmly welcomed the 10 delegations from 6 provinces. The delegations were also composed of some Mayors, Governors and Representatives in the entire Eastern Visayas otherwise known as Region 8(Leyte and Samar islands).
The Mercados have stressed the great importance of unity ,solidarity and teamwork among local and national officials in achieving some goals for the improvement and progress of the city and the whole province.
The younger Mercado was also hopeful that the participating delegations would make their 7-day sports activities more memorable; while the older Mercado has emphasized the importance of becoming as one in achieving excellence and success in the field of sports for the youth.
The congressman also strongly urged the delegations including guests and visitors to follow the first smoke-free policy of the EVRAA of the host cityi”This is to show to other people that we in the Eastern Visayas are one and united”, he said.
Maasin Mayor Maloney Samaco for his part claimed in his short speech that offi cials in the city and the provincial government were united, the reason why Maasin City is developing fast.
Samaco also reminded all the athletes and officials that “we are here to play for sports competitions and winning is only secondary, adding that “we are all champions”.
The sports-minded and sportswriter Mayor further confided that all the athletes of the Maasin delegation are below 18 years old.He was likewise hopeful that the rest of the 9 delegations’ athletes were also of the same ages.”Walang dayaan sa edad!”,he told the concerned officials.

Raising of Banners
The raising of the delegations’ banners has followed. Genis Murallos,OIC assistant School Divisio9n Superintendent, Mayor Samaco,DepEd Regional Director Luisa Bautista-Yu and School Division Superintendents were among t hose who hoisted the delegations’ banners .
Mary Joy Calapre,Batang Pinoy 2011,Gold medalist in tennis led the athletes oath of Amateurism while Cesar Veronque,Regional Sports Coordinator, led the oath of amateurism among officiating officials. City Tourism Officer Royeno Segovia,the EMCEE presented to the whole delegations 6 young Batang Pinoy 2011 athletes of Maasin City led by Mary Joy Calapre.
Calapre holding the lighted torch ran around the oval playground followed by her peers as each athlete passed on the torch to each other as they reached the grandstand.
Here the last athlete carrying the lighted torch passed on to Mayor Samaco who led the run towards th e location of the huge urn adjacent to the location of the EVRAA banner poles. The Mayor then lighted the huge urn and the crowd applauded.
A fifteen to twenty minutes fireworks show has dominated the Mantahan skyline as Dr. Yu officially opened the first smoke-free EVRAA meet 2012.
The 10 delegations were : 1)Southern Leyte-360; 2)Maasin Cityi-460; 3)Calbayog City-350; 4)Eastern Samar-600; 5)Biliran-320; 6)Leyte Province-600; 7)Northern Samar-600; 8)Ormoc City-420; 9)Samar-600; 10)Tacloban City-500.
Games to be competed and its respective venues: 1)archery-PNP Provincial Headquarters; 2)arnis-Abgao gymn; 3)athletics-Southern Leyte Sports Complex; 4)badminton-DILG gymn; 5)baseball-TOPS oval playground; 6)basketball-Asuncion gymn; 7)boxing-Maasin Bus Terminal; 8)chess-RKK Function House; 9)gymnastics-Tagnipa gymn; 10)sipa takraw-TOPS oval playground; alternate venue-Combado gymn; 11)soccer-SJC campus; 12)softball-Maasin Citiy Division office ground; 13)swimming-cacao mountain resort; 14)table tennis-Badiang covered court ; 15)lawn tennis-capitol tennis court; 16)volleyball-Southern Leyte Sports Complex; alternate venue-Bugo gymn for girls and Isagani gymn for boys.
In the evening officials of the ten delegations were treated to a welcome dinner at the city gymn where Umali the DepEd Assistant Secretary received a plaque of appreciation from Mayor Maloney Samaco.
Earlier there was a long afternoon parade of all athletes,officiating officials, coaches,delegations’ heads,including some mayors,Governors and representatives.The parade has started at the Anatalio Gaviola Plaza down to the Tomas Oppus Pilot School in brgy Mantahan.
ABS-CBN 2011 Filipinas Got Talent champion the Maasinhon Trio have entertained the crowd with series of songs during intermissions of the program.
Also present during the formal opening of the EVRAA meet 2012 were Vice-Governor Miguel Maamo,11,SP member Cesar Rey, City Councilors,Atty. Alberto Escobarte,PNP,reservists,some city dwellers and some media personalities.(Quirico M. Gorpido.,Jr.)

I Leave My Case To My Lawyers-Duterte

August 19,2011

I leave My Case To My Lawyers-Duterte
By Quirico M. Gorpido, Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-Controversial Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte disclosed that she left her case to her lawyers to unburden her mind from additional obligations that might affect her duties and responsibilities as a public servant in a big city.
“I have endorsed all the formal complaints to my lawyers who handle my case,”’she told the media in an ambush interview at the city hall here after the anniversary program held at the city gymnasium.
She said she allowed a group of human rights advocates who came to Davao to investigate regarding the past vigilantes activities happening in the city.
However, she said the group was not able to get negative feedbacks from the people of Davao themselves when probing of the past alleged drug pushers’/drug addicts killings in that place.
Also asked if she had already apologized to a court sheriff Abe Andres, who did not mind her request to postpone the demolition of settlers for 2 hours in Agdao District until she would arrive at the place to avoid violence.
Duterte informed that she sent somebody to negotiate with the sheriff for their one-on-one talk about the incident.
Nevertheless, the victim of the mayor’s punching “to defend on behalf of the poor settlers” told her that according to her emissary the latter has no personal grudge and that there’s no need for them to talk personally.
The Mayor also revealed to the press that in Davao City they have no PHILHEALtH program for indigents.Since based on their findings only 1/4 of the whole indigents’ membership would really avail of the PHILHEALTH services.
What they have instead is called “Lingap”,she said, whose funds is from the city government to provide financial assistance to indigent patients who were suffering from serous illnesses/diseases.”The funds were endorsed to the hospital’s management under the DOH”,she said.
Earlier, upon her arrival here as the guest speaker to the Eleventh Maasin City Charter Day anniversary celebration, she visited her relatives together with Mayor Maloney Samaco in brgy. Laboon, the place of her father Rodrigo Duterte and where the latter was born before moving to Mindanao in Davao where he found his niche.
On the other hand, the parade which was supposed to be participated in by different city offices, private and public schools/colleges was inevitably cut off due to continuous outpouring of rains. This was the very first time in the history of Maasin City Charter Day celebration that the early morning rains have occurred and lasted until eleven in the morning.
Meanhile,Mayor Samaco welcomed the visitors and the crowd inside the gymn.He introduced the guest speaker from Davao City who delivered a lengthy speech. The guesting of Duterte has led to the sisterhood agreement between Maasin and Davao.
The papers on the formal declaration of sisterhood shall be signed among the Maasin City officials’ and Davao’s on March 16,2012,the Charter Day anniversary of Davao,according to Samaco and Duterte.
Winners on various activities/events that transpired during the Charter Day celebration were the following: 1)2011 Maasin City Anniversary Muse-Ms. Guene A. Resos-brgy. Tomoytomoy; 2)Runner-up Anniversary Muse-Pamela Ann S. canales-brgy.Mantahan; 3)2011 Fiesta Muse-Lelibeth S. Ligad-brgy. Asuncion; 4)Miss Smart and Best in Swimsuit-Guene Resos; 5)Most Photogenic and Best in Hataw Production number-Pamela Ann S. Canales; 6)Best in Sports Wear-Guene A. Resos.
Pabulhon GAames Winners: 1)Cookfest-First prize-Gregoria Amarille-Lanoa-P1,000; Second prize-Visitacion Damole-tawid-P800; Third prize-Carolina Abulog-San Rafael-P600.
2)Palay Pounding-First prize-Juan Siega and Melanie Siega-P1,000;-San Isidro; Second prize-Domingo Batestil and Willie Diaz-Batuan-P800; Third prize-Renato Alvarez and Sinforiano Padon-Nonok Norte-P600;
3)Coconut Husking-First prize-Gil Rojas-Bato 2-P1,000; second prize-Jerome Ozon-Gawisan-P800; Third prize-Manolo Marsada-Hinapu Dako-P600;
4)Carabao Race-First prize-Cresencio Saavedra-Bogo-P3,000; second prize-Mario Morales-Bagtican-P2,000; Third prize-Jacinto Delfoso-Hantag-P1,000;
5)Baroto Race-First prize-Joel Mantilla-Kabulihan-P1,000; second prize-Romeo Gonzales-Cabulihan-P800; Third prize-Robert Boiles-Combado-P600;
6)Pasol Contest(Catching Fish)First prize-Romeo Fileces-Tunga-Tunga-P1,000; second prize-Reynaldo Gaviola-Pasay-P800; Third prize-Joel Caube-Sto. Rosario-P600;
7)Piglet Catching(the one who caught a piglet owned it): 1)Isidro Bontog-Libertad; 2)Cesar Bug-os-Batuan; 3)Leomar Valdez-Cabadiangan; 4)Diego Quirong-Lanao; 5)Reynante Alberca-Hanginan; 6)Victor Magadan-Laboon; 7)Rudy Espere-Matin-ao; 8)Rolando Abande-San Agustin; 9)Jimmy Ranes-Pansaan; 10)Benjamin Pedragosa-Sto. Niño; 11)Donato Acasio-Malapoc Norte; 12)Bienvenido Ponce-Tigbawan;13)Linda Caube-Libhu; 14)Elena Galo-Lunas; 15)Leonila Bandibas-Bilibol.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

Mayor Samaco Signs MOA For Construction Of Brodeth Commercial Complex

June 4,2011

Mayor Samaco Signs MOA For Construction Of Brodeth Commercial Complex At Old Market by Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-Mayor Maloney Samaco in behalf of the City Government has signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Brodeth Company and Sons, Inc. during the recent Tuesday noon at Sangguniang Panlungsod’s session hall at the city hall.

The signing of MOA which was based on the Aquino Administration’s PPPP (Public Private Partnership Program) and BOT (Build Operate Transfer) concept was witnessed by Vice-Mayor Effie Ma. Abiera-Sabandal, SP’s Presiding Officer, the City Councilors, some city employees, PNP, some army officers and the local press.

Aside from Mayor Samaco the other signatories were owner Rufino Brodeth; Manaya Land Holdings, Inc. Manager Erwin Brodeth; and Chief Operation Officer of the Brodeth Company and Sons Romil C. Brodeth.

In his speech Erwin, son of the owner, said that he now sees some changes in the face of Maasin, the place were they were born, raise and grow. He said they have felt that the time has come to put up an expansion of their business with the construction of the two-one-storey buildings at the old public market facing the sea.

“WE could see now the culture of good governance with the leadership of Congressman Roger Mercado, Governor Damian Mercado and Maloney Samaco”, he said.

While other places are only dreaming of cooperation and unity, he said, here we see it materializing. “Now is the time to give back to Maasin our blessings”, he said.

The Mayor in his speech claimed that Maasin has still that peace and order situation compared to other places in the region. Although he admitted that some unlawful acts were also committed in the place but in manageable level and are not so much compared with other areas of the country.

Samaco informed that the buildings occupied by some dry and wet products businesses and some small stores and carenderias at the old market shall be demolished. The occupants would be transferred to the new reclamation area adjacent to the new P70M market location.

He also instructed the city DSWD head Fe Sta. Cruz to prepare her office in assisting some dislocated small businesses who might go to her office to ask for assistance.

He claimed that the future presence of the Brodeth Commercial Complex would further boost the business progress of the city. “The local revenues have increased considerably from P40M last year to P44M this April of the current year”, he confided. “There are now 300 new small and big businesses that are established in the city”.

The Mayor said that the way he looked at it, means that Maasin is indeed growing and may surpass its category as component city into a highly-urbanized.

In an interview with the media Erwin said that they are going to construct one spacious commercial buildings and another one smaller building that will occupy the 2,167 square meters near the sea. The area would include parking spaces, but whose total budget could not be divulged yet. “We cannot give you now the estimated amount for the constructions of the two-one storey buildings since we still have to make some engineering evaluations of the buildings by our engineer”, he said.

Erwin explained that when the 2 buildings shall be completed, the commercial complex will comprise coffee shops,restaurants,pharmacy,hardware,high-end products and may include an internet café and other things or products that would not compete with the Gaisano Metro’s and the old market’s business items/products.

Queried when they are going to start the construction of the buildings, he estimated to be two months later from the day of the MOA signing. That is, when the demolition of the existing buildings at the old market will be finished and the accumulated files of destroyed building materials would be hauled out.

On the other hand, Samaco further said that the establishment of the Brodeth Commercial Complex will, in the near future, increase funds for the city coffer. That the owner will preferably hire Maasinhon job seekers, which would also eventually decreased the number of applicants at the city hall.

Meanwhile, clearing of the area provided for the construction of the sprawling and spacious one-storey Gaisano Metro which is also at the new reclamation area in brgy. Combado has started last April 2011. If there are no hitches, the construction works with the plan to be conducted in day and night shifting is estimated to be finished within six to seven months period. (Quirico M. Gorpido, Jr.)

Cigarettes Are Eating You Alive Campaign Launched In Maasin “Cigarettes Are Eating You Alive” Campaign launched In Maasin By Quirico M. G

June 4,2011

“Cigarettes Are Eating You Alive” Campaign launched In Maasin

By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-The loud voice of a concerned man from New York City,USA telling smokers worldwide that “cigarettes are eating you alive” has now reached in this country which was launched at the city gymnasium here during the recent Monday under the city’s anti-smoking ordinance no. 2009-042 approved last 2009.

After the testimonial revelations of three former smokers, before the audience composed of city enforcers, city hall employees, some students and the press, simultaneous loud expressions of supports from the attendees followed.

Two groups of marked yellow-colored balloons were released at the city hall playground as witnesses looked up the sky while they clapped their hands in approval and the balloons continued to ascend.

Origin

The launching of the alarming slogan “cigarettes are eating you alive” campaign was originally created by a New Yorker Michael Bloomberg as part of the comprehensive tobacco-control program in New York City several years ago.

The ads campaign were also vigorously tested in other countries including the Philippines, and was found to have motivated smokers to try to quit smoking tobacco.

The same campaign has also been conducted in countries like China, Vietnam, Australia, Lebanon, Mexico, Poland and Ukraine.

Press Conference

During a presscon, Mayor Maloney Samaco, the principal author of the city’s anti-smoking ordinance, which was unanimously approved by the City Council, disclosed that this ordinance started to be implemented in 2009, but it was only this year that the anti-smoking ordinance is vigorously implemented.

H e said that sarisari stores were instructed not to sell cigarettes 100 meters away from the school campuses as well as prohibiting them to sell liquors and cigarettes to all minors.

Samaco said contracts of casuals and job order employees at city hall will not be renewed if they will found smoking at city hall and in public places.

EMCEE Royen Segovia, City Tourism Officer, revealed they have started to encourage residential owners to post anti-smoking stickers inside their houses including the kitchen areas. “The city enforcers as implementors will be the first to put up anti-smoking stickers inside their respective residences”, Segovia said.

Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco, DOH Regional Director of Region 8(Leyte and Samar) divulged that there are now 1B peoples worldwide who are addicted to smoking tobacco.

Classified by the World Health Organization as a “global epidemic kind of an addiction”, Sydiongco said, 17.3M of the above-figured are Filipinos.

She claimed that of the 17.3M, 2M are women who were being urged or influenced by their barkadas (peers), whose number may reach an alarming 8M.

The DOH Director strongly admonished the women sector not to start smoking cigarettes. “Those who are into it,” she said, “should stop this unhealthy habit because it will have bad effects to the fetal development of their babies when they get married”.

Samaco further said that with the passing of the provincial government on anti-smoking ordinance for the provincial implementation, the anti-smoking campaign of the city will now be more emphatic and strong.

Furthermore, he informed that Phillip Morres, one of the popular tobacco producers has sent him a letter. The PM management suggested that some of the city’s anti-smoking ordinance be amended. The tobacco company also suggested that a designated area be provided for the smokers to smoke.

City Councilor Ricky Montalbo, who was present during the launching, stressed that the City Council is persistent that the anti-smoking ordinance should be strictly implemented.

Although another City Councilor Margarita Bantug admitted that upon reviewing the aforesaid ordinance, she found that some of its provisions need to be amended. Yet she did not elaborate.

Likewise, anti-smoking stickers are now posted mostly in public utility of the city government, he said. However, for private individuals it will be under their choice or discretion.

10^th Preventable Mortality

Studies show that tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of mortality in the world today, and is responsible of more than 5M deaths each year-one in ten preventable deaths worldwide.

In Southern Leyte the top ten causes of mortality in 2009 were all tobacco-related diseases. These include pneumonia, hypertension, cancer in all forms, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cerebro vascular accidents, myo-cardial infraction, congestive heart failure, peptic ulcer, diabetes mellitus, and renal diseases.

Vital body organs that are prone to be affected by smoking tobacco are mouth, throat, heart and lungs.

Stop Smoking

The three inveterate smokers who finally decided to give their testimonies and to stop smoking were DOST assistant head Florita “Daphin” Santaigo;President of Barangay Captains Federation Danilo Dueñas and school teacher Melchor “Milly” Gerong,brother of Rafael Gerong,Jr. of the City Mayor’s office.

Santiago who smoked for thirty years, said that she finally decided to stop three years ago. She confessed as a smoker she lacks the appetite to eat. Her decision to stop for good was assisted by smoking cessation tablet which she took for 12 weeks as instructed by a local internist, Dr. Levi M. Tan,cardiologist. She said that even before she could complete her medication, she found that the smell of a tobacco and its smoke has become unpleasant..”Of course some of my friends would offered me cigars but I resolve to avoid tasting it again’, she said. Now Santiago looks bigger than when she was a smoker. “I have gained my appetite now”.

Dueñas was a smoker for 37 years starting in 1974. He said he finally stop smoking last May 20, 2009 in support of the Mayor’s imposition of the anti-smoking ordinance.

He explained his decision to stop smoking is to give an example to his constituents to also stop smoking cigarettes. He confided it was not hard for him to stop the bad habit, saying,”Ang pagdisiplina sa kaugalingon maoy makatabang sa pagpahunong sa pagtabako.”(What is needed to stop smoking is self-discipline).

The President of the FBC also intimated that the campaign slogan on TV ads which says “Cigarette smoking is dangerous to your health”, has further bolstered his decision to quit smoking for good.

School teacher Melchor Gerong, a chain smoker described himself as “a champion in cigarettes smoking” consuming 7 packs a day. He said he was a smoker for 30 years. However, he disclosed that while he was in the seminary he has no vice. But when he decided to go out in the seminary, his barkadas who were members of the Smokers Club have induced him to smoke starting 1968.

He claimed he could have 3 intramurals for days without eating but by just smoking cigarettes without disturbing him. “Smoking would make my mind sharp”, he claimed, “that I can finish writing a drama or my experiences in just 2 hours…And I’m the only teacher who smoke cigarettes inside an aircon room during regional conferences”.

Nonetheless, someone among his colleagues would always be reminding him, he continued, to smoke at the lobby and come back after consuming his cigarettes.

Finally he got sick and was hospitalized, he told the audience, who would laugh from time to time as he narrated his story in a humorous way.

He revealed that after the doctor has examined him, he was diagnosed as having a lung cancer and his legs have become smaller. “I could not walk for 8 months”, he said. “If I’m inside the comfort room I have to crawl…”

Gerong furthermore unfolded that his suffering and pain made him reflect and has realized that “he was ignoring his wife”. Question like “Can my wife feed our children without me?” popped up in his mind. And, he also thrown the same question to all smokers who were present at the launching, and even repeated it for emphasis, to the laughter of the audience.

The former chain smoker moreover said that when Dr. Arthur Bascug knew of his decision to stop smoking for the seek of his family, the latter advised him to make his withdrawal gradual. But, he did not follow the doctor’s advice and “suddenly stop” he said. The quitter however did not elaborate whether he was taking some smoking cessation tablets like Santiago or what. Now he looks healthy and quite strong as he walks.

Smoking Cessation

DOH representative Leticia Obligado Tan, one of the IPHO’s technical staff, enunciated that those smokers who find it hard for them to quit smoking on their own may seek assistance from the Healthy City Initiative office or approach Dr. Teodoro Salas, City Health Officer of the City Health Unit-1 for smoking cessation training-seminar.

Residential owners are likewise encouraged by the city government to post anti-smoking stickers, not only inside their dwellings, but also at their kitchens.

Open Forum

During open forum PDI correspondent Jani Arnaiz suggested that littering of cigarette butts should be prohibited and fined the violators. He told the panelists that this is what the city of Davao and the municipality of Silago were doing to those who have violated such ordinance.

Although Mayor Samaco was amiable that there should be no littering of wastes and cigarette butts in the streets and anywhere, he gave more emphasis on the importance of educating the smokers to quit smoking for their own health benefits. “WE will not fine, but educate them (the smokers) to quit smoking”, he said.

PIA’s Marcelo “Bong” Pedalino asked if ordering smokers to stop smoking is a violation of one’s right.

Dr. Sydiongco explained to Pedalino and sundry that prohibiting or advising smokers to

quit smoking is for their own good. That the quitting would make them regain their health and the harmful smokes they have released in our surroundings would also stop harming their fellowmen’s health. “Their fellowmen have more rights to remain healthy”, she stressed. “It is also one of the provisions of the Clean Air Act of 1999 to provide clean air to the environment”.

Additionally, exercising one’s right that is harmful and destructive to the health or property of one’s fellowmen is understandably not allowable by our law. Since a harmful or bad act is not a right but is considered as a transgression or a crime.

Another media practitioner also suggested that anti-smoking stickers should also be posted in all passenger buses, motorcabs including even the trisikad.This is to remind both the drivers and the passengers not to smoke while riding aboard in any of the vehicles.

Moreover, Samaco told the press that the city government is not only strongly campaigning on anti-smoking, but also in other illegal activities like illegal drugs and illegal fishing in Maasin area.

Some organizations and establishments that are supporting the city’s anti-smoking ordinance are, among others,Maasin Taekwondo Club,Maasin Cycling Club,Inc.,Rose Pharmacy, Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative,Inc.,Vintage Vision International,Inc.,Knights of Columbus, Provincial Government of Southern Leyte,Office of Congressman Roger Mercado,Liga Ng Mga Barangay, OCCCI Coop, Electronics Art Printing, Seventh Day Adventist, Mercury Drug,SuperChar Food Hauz,tle no.(053)570-8623,accept catering, Ampil Pensione(053) 570-8084,ampilpensione@yahoo.com).

Also present were Marysol Balane,DOH-Bloomberg’s Communication Officer; Bloomberg Foundation representative Cane Estela; Christopher Plateros-Leader, Healthy City Initiative; Dr. Imelda Ramos-DOH-Eastern Visayas HCI Coordinator.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)