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.)

Cigarettes Are Eating You Alive Campaign Launched In Maasin

June 4,2011

Belgian Philanthropist Distributes Wheelchairs To Immobile Persons

By Quirico M.Gorpido, Jr.

Macrohon, Southern Leyte -A Belgian national who was married to Filipina lass of brgy. Molopolo here in this municipality has distributed forty wheelchairs to persons with disabilities.

The donation of 40 units of used wheelchairs was coursed thru the Municipal Social Welfare Department office headed by Brenda Decenteceo Lagunda.

During the awarding ceremony of the aforesaid wheelchairs held at the gymnasium led by the husband-and-wife donors and Lagunda, Mayor Fe Gaviola-Edillo expressed her profuse thankfulness to Patrick Hajhedoreen and his wife Sandra Peroso-Hajhedoreen for t heir altruistic and humanitarian concerns.

Edillo told the audience composed of 40 recipients and their parents and close kin that although Patrick is a Belgian national “his heart is a Macrohanon” ”, she said

She stressed that as a form of transparency, they did not take funds from the municipal coffer but used the proceeds of the tickets sales from various activities during the previous fiestas handled by the Fiesta Executive Committee.

The incumbent Mayor also disclosed that Hajhedoreen himself was the one who dismantled all the given wheelchairs and put it on the boxes during shipment. He was also the one who assembled it upon arrival in Macrohon.

She implied that although the total of 100 used wheelchairs were shipped to Cebu from Belgium cost much to the donors, their financial pinch was lessen.

“Patrick has requested us to provide for the transporting expenses from Cebu to Macrohon via freight handling committee amounting to P20, 000.00 for the services. The payment could serve as a souvenir project from the FEC, she added.

Pedroso for her part, speaking in behalf of her husband divulged that although they have collected wheelchairs from different persons in Belgium , the work of gathering it was not that easy.

“Sometimes we have to drive along a highway where stopping is prohibited and we have to constrain a personal call by nature and drove fast just to reach the other end where we could attend to the nature’s call”, she intimated.

There was also an instance, she said, when the place where they have resided in Belgium got flooded, but they have to go on with their activity of collecting some wheelchairs from friends and some concerned individuals.

The Belgian philanthropist who presently resided in brgy. Buscayan, Macrohon with his wife confided that he has also distributed 40 wheelchairs in Padre Burgos for the same purpose. While the remaining 10 units were given individually according to request from families who have disabled and immobile family members.

Furthermore, the second hand wheelchairs still looked functionally good. It could serve the beneficiaries for quite some years if properly maintained.

MSWD officer Lagunda enjoined the recipients to take care of their kins’ mobility support by applying some oil from time to time on its wheels and other parts to sustain its functionality.

She also reminded them, who came from different Macrohon barangays, to turn over their wheelchairs at a time when they would no longer be using it. This could be necessary, she said, so that those who are indigent families who need wheelchairs for their members could be provided by her office.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

Feb. 27 Woud Be An Annual Memorial Day To Honor War Hero Ruperto Kangleon

May 17,2011

February 27 Would Be An Annual Memorial Day To Honor War Hero Ruperto Kangleon

By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has approved the persistent requests of the Federation of Senior Citizens and World War 2 Veterans and Guerillas here thru their respective resolutions submitted to the Provincial Board last February 2011 to make yearly February 27 as Ruperto Kangleon Memnorial Day throughout the province of Southern Leyte, which was the date when the late War Hero died.

Kangleon who hails from Macrohon town which is about 15 kilometers away from Maasin city proper is not only a local war hero but also a national hero of significant prominence. He was a Guerilla Commander in the whole island of Leyte during the World War 2 when he was a soldier.

Information gathered also disclosed that he was in constant clandestine contact with General Douglas MacArthur who was in Australia for logistics and ammunition support for the Guerillas in the entire island of Leyte. The armed support from the American General Commander of the Pacific were coursed and secretly delivered to the Guerillas via Submarine called M/V Nautilus that landed near the sea facing Hinunangan.

Fierce fighting between the Japanese Imperial army and the combined forces of Americans and Filipinos have occurred in various areas of Leyte, of which at that time, it was not yet divided by boundaries of the current two provinces of Leyte Province and the Province of Southern Leyte.

When Douglas MacArthur arrived in Leyte with fleet of battle ships in fulfillment of his promise, “I Shall Return”, the late Col. Ruperto Kangleon was there welcoming him. On that memorable day, the arriving American General Commander pinned on him the Distinguished Service Cross by the United States of America.

The American soldiers arrived in Dulag and Palo via barges and pettiboats after American battle ships from afar cleared the area by the continual bombardment of cannons and dropping of bombs from fighter planes.

According to additional information being gathered, the late Ruperto Kadava Kangelon is not only a national hero but also recognized and respected war hero of international scale.

Kangleon also gave honor and prestige to the Southern Leyteños as the first and only Southern Leyteño Senator. He was later appointed by President Rojas as the Secretary of National Defense during his active career in the Government Service.

His incorruptible reputation and good records as public servant is widely known in the country. It is also important, it was said, for the younger generations of Southern Leyteños to know and be reminded of the exemplary achievements of the late Ruperto Kadava Kangleon (1890-1958)as an outstanding military officer and World War 2 Guerilla Commander in the entire Leyte Island who is worthy of emulation by all.

The heroic war exploits of Southern Leyteño war hero, including that of the Guerillas during the war have greatly contributed much to the victory of the war against the foreign invasion. And the said exploits serve as the gratitude of all Southern Leyteños in particular and in the country in general.

Lourdes Bantug, Governor Damian Mercado’s Office Secretary informed that Mercado had already signed the SP resolution approving the 2 ordinances endorsed by the abovementioned organizations. Letters of communication were already sent to all Chief Executives of the one city and 18 municipalities, including all public and private schools in the entire province.

Recommendation

Furthermore, some concerned citizens recommended that DepEd should require students in both private and public schools in all levels-elementary, high school and colleges as part of their reading materials the 2 books written about the late war hero Ruperto Kangeon.The books that tackled about the life of RKK as a citizen, a soldier and as a public servant who showed to the world the love of one’s country and God need to be reinforced in the minds and hearts of our present generations of Filipinos.

The two books entitled “Love Of Country(Saga of Ruperto K. Kangleon and the Leyte Guerillas) by Atty.Joaquin G. Chung,Jr.,copyright 1989 and “The Soldier and Statesman” by Alfonso J. Aluit,copyright 2001, are worthy references and reading books on excellent soldiery and statesmanship that every student,professor,researcher,writer,anthropologist and avid reader should include in their reading.

Our youth, they averred, need good leaders to look up to whose characters and deeds are worthy of emulation.

W have been taught from time and again while in school about the lives of Jose Rizal, Emilio Aguinaldo, Andres Bonifacio,Apolinario Mabini,the sublime paralytic)Marcelo Lopez Jaena,etc.But a only little of Lapulapu of Mactan Island.

Now is the time to consider other heroes that we have in the past but still remain unknown because no-one or no writer/writers have ever written about their lives. Writers and researches should start now their literary journey which is the gathering of the vast field of untapped valuable materials about our silent heroes in the country. They are not only in Luzon area, but also in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Good Models

Our young and younger generations of Filipinos need good models of leadership because they are the ones who will replace the old ones when they have departed from this life. The past heroes we have learned in schools are not sufficient models to the present batch of the younger generations of Filipinos. They need other heroes to look up to as source of inspiration, courage and honesty. The search for heroes in various fields of endeavor who will serve as models for our youth should not be confined only in Luzon area alone. The search for heroes by our writers, scholars and researchers as sources of materials in writing books about their lives should not imposed delineations of ragionalistic boundaries. But rather be made encompassing down to the nooks and crannies of the entire country, Irrespective of their regional languages and classifications.

If a hero’s life is colored with good acts and deeds like honesty,compassion,generosity,hard work, courage and dedication to his/her calling then his/hers is a good material for writing a book for the young and the old readers alike. Thus the two books regarding RKK”s life as a soldier and statesman should be mass produced with permission from the authors. These are for distributions/acquisitions to all public and private schools throughout the country.

These 2 books should also be made available nationwide in bookstores in all cities of every province so that readers, students, teachers and professors can buy them for reading and as reference books.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

Rechanneling Measure Would Suspend SAG Permittees In Subang Daku

May 6,2011

Rechanneling Measure Would Suspend SAG Permittees In Subang Daku Damaged By January 2011 Flashfloods

By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-The assessment of the Environment Officials in this province on the damage brought about by the January 2011 flashfloods in Subang Daku in Sogod town has reached an estimated cost of P18M,which would inevitably lead the provincial government to rechannel the Big River.

The continual heavy rains last January of the current year has caused series of flashfloods and landslides in some areas of the province, not only in Sogod but most particularly in St.Bernard where hundreds of families and thousands of individuals were affected and were temporarily sheltered in evacuation centers. Also hit by the flashfloods were Bontoc and San Francisco municipality in the Panaon Island.

The findings has led Governor Damian Mercado to suggest during the recent Provincial Mining Regulatory Board meeting “to suspend first all the existing permittees contracts in Subang Daku, where they have to extract sand and gravel materials, so that the plan for the rechanneling by the provincial government could proceed”.

SP Daisy Gumale, who attended the PMRB meeting, disclosed to her colleagues during the recent weekly session held at the provincial capitol, that part of the condition of the permits issued to extractors is to do the rechanneling in the Big River, “but none so far of the permittees have done their part”.

Gumale also claimed that what the provincial government has actually collected from them is only P900, 000.00 and it cannot even cover one tenth of the cost of damage to Subang Daku as a result of the recent flashfloods.

With this rationality, the youngest SP member has moved to pass a resolution requesting the Mines and Geoscience Bureau Regional Office in Tacloban to temporarily suspend the operations of all existing SAG permittees in the famous Big meandering River so that the rechanneling could be implemented the soonest possible time.

However, SP Teopisto Rojas,Jr. said he believed there’s already an approved contract with the contractors who would rechannel the area. “I think there’s no due process of law if we suspend without hearing from the permittees’ side who have violated”, he stressed.

Although Gumale has accepted Rojas statement, but another SP Albert Esclamado revealed to the august body that most of them (the permittees) did not follow the provisions of the permits, wherein they are supposed to extract only in specific areas. He said:”Everytime they are extracting the materials the volume is being recorded per cubic meter. That is why there’s no violation of the contract, even if we suspend their extraction permits for the moment. They can go back after the provincial government shall have finished the rechanneling.”

Moreover, SP Abelardo Almario,Chairman Committee on Laws, explained to all and sundry,saying,”If we make an action on this proposed resolution without being briefed on the details on what were the bases of their commendations to the Provincial Mining and Regulatory Board, there might be some business rights that might be violated on the suspension”.

For his part Gumale, for the information of Almario and her colleagues read the contents of the PMRB resolution to MGB: 1)The operation in Subang Daku is not properly undertaken by the permittees which defeat the purpose of the rechanneling; 2)The provincial government intends to fast track the implementation of the rechanneling program thru contracting to prevent eminent damage of lives and properties of the area caused by flooding; 3) In the exercise of its mandate to provide ample protection to both life, limbs and properties within the vicinity of Subang Daku(Big River) in its exercise of public welfare.”

It was also learned from Rojas that whenever there’s flashfloods and the sediments will cover the river, the floodwaters will overflow towards the nearby areas and the municipal officials will always request the provincial government to conduct a rechanneling in Subang Daku.

Despite of the facts and reasons mentioned by Gumale and Rojas, the latter still supported Almario’s decision to refer the PMRB’s resolution to the Committees on Environment and Laws for further study considering that the suspension might create a violation on the already approved contracts.

The Provincial Mining Regulatory Board meeting was also attended by Neone Asilom for scale mining; Ronald Salas, SAC/NGO representative; Florentino Cadavos of Mines and Geoscience Bureau Regional office and DENR Officer.

According to Gumale, Asilom was the only one among the invited permittees who has attended, which the permittees should have given their time, because it concerns with the program of rechanneling that will temporarily affect their works at the Big River.

(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

P1.7M Tandem Ziplines Constructed At Agas-Agas Bridge Completed

April 29,2011

P1.7M Tandem Ziplines Constructed At Agas-Agas Bridge Completed

By Quirico M.Gorpido, Jr.

Brgy. Kahupian, Sogod, Southern Leyte-The construction of an estimated P1.7M worth of tandem ziplines above the 350 linear meters in length and 75 meters in height, almost P1B worth of a mega bridge here has been completed during the third week of April 2011.

The soft opening of the eco-tourism attraction was done simultaneously with the ground-breaking ceremony of the Provincial Pavilion to be constructed atop a hill overlooking the Agas-Agas Bridge, considered by bridge builders as the longest and the tallest bridge in the Philippines.

The ground-breaking ceremony of the proposed building where extreme adventure enthusiasts and tourists are to be housed temporarily while waiting for their turn to zipline down the mountain was led by Congressman Roger Mercado and Governor Damian Mercado. It was witnessed by some provincial and city officials and employees, Mayors, some city and barangay officials and the barrio folks.

However, the kind of sandy-looking soil atop the hill for the proposed construction of the provincial pavilion needs some steel or iron reinforcement and embankment to make it strong and durable to resist a potential earthquake tremor that would possibly rock Agas-Agas.

Also present to witness the soft opening of tandem ziplines as well as the provincial pavilion ground-breaking ceremony were, among others, DPWH’s Engr.Celso Veloso, Leyte Vice- Governor Memit Bagulaya, Maasin Mayor Maloney Samaco and some city officials ,DTI-Maasin Michael Nuñez and his staff,DTI-Regional Director Cynthia Miras and some of her staff,DYDM Manager Rev. Arniel Borneo and his men,Rev Celso Paler,Kahupian Brgy.Captain Cristina Kagurol,Dept. of Tourism Regional Director Carina Rosa Teopes ,Abgao Barangay Captain Nacional “Nikko” Verano Mercado.

Tourism Development

Engr. Robert Catañares, President of the newly-organized Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.(SLCCII) revealed to the thick audience that 95% of the businesses in the province were classified as micro-entrepreneurs. The agricultural sector was down with the bunchy top pests attacking the abaca plantations in various municipalities, he said. While 9 Maasin barangays coconut plantations were already infested with brontispa pest.

He further disclosed that 200,000 workers were all employed in different government agencies and offices and only small percentage of private employers have hired to work in their businesses.

He then concluded that the only way to let the province of Southern Leyte become progressive and provide employment to the hundreds of jobless individuals is the development of tourism in every municipality that has tourist spots.

Castañares told the crowd that from 2011 up to 2013 “we will focus here in our region (Region 8 Leyte and Samar) before embarking in other places”. Cable cars and bungee jumping will also be constructed in the Mega Bridge. “We intend to finish these projects in time for the 51st anniversary celebration of the province of Southern Leyte”,he said.

He added to say that a 25-hectare animal teen park shall also be built at the Maasin City Forest Park, formerly Danao Reforestation Project of the DENR in brgy.Malapoc Norte.

MOA Signing

Governor Damian Mercado for his part informed the audience that a MOA was signed between the provincial government and the erstwhile Presidential Assistant for Eastern Visayas Vic Domingo, allowing the former to develop the tallest bridge thru private-public partnership for the enhancement of tourism in the area.

The Governor also urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) not to allow farmers in the nearby areas to engage in kaingin farming and to preserve/protect the forested surroundings of Agas-Agas from poachers including legal and illegal loggers.

He said he intends to also have a MOA sign between the provincial government and DENR to make such agreement more effective and implementable.

He likewise admonished the barangay folks in the area to treat both local and foreign tourists with respect and hospitality and to patronize the local businesses.

Mercado further enjoined the Mayors of the 18 municipalities to allow and encourage their respective bulk of students from different schools to visit the Agas-Agas Bridge particularly during semestral breaks and summer vacations.

Inviting Micro-entrepreneurs, Investors

On the other hand, Congressman Mercado, the Governor’s older brother has expressed his elation that the new bridge construction has provided a comfortable rides for travelers in going to Tacloban and other parts of region 8(Leyte and Samar).

Like the Governor, he also invited micro-entrepreneurs to sell foods and souvenir items near the bridge and for investors to build cottages as their resthouses and for rent to tourists/visitors while they are not occupying it.

In an interview with the contractor Edwin Sacdalan of Camp Sabros, Digos City, Davao del Sur, he divulged that the estimated P1.7M first tandem ziplines in Eastern Visayas has a length of more or less 880 meters each. That is from the starting point at the topmost part of a hill, down to the other side of the road across the bridge.

The two ziplines were placed parallel to each other, which would take only more or less than 30 seconds to reach the end of the cable wires with stoppers both installed at the end.

Since the opening is free of charge, several curious officials, visitors and extreme adventure enthusiasts were queuing the line. They patiently waited for their turn to test their mettle and the ziplines’ durability.

Additional Ziplines

Sacdalan also informed that an additional 2 or 3 ziplines might be constructed to meet the needs among the extreme adventure enthusiasts that will come to Agas-Agas.

The Leyte and Samar tri-media representatives were also welcome to try it.Nonetheless, the long queue and the fact that all of them have been interviewing personalities involved in the realization of the tourism project, majority of them just let the chance passed by.

Those who have tried the tandem ziplines were the youngest SP member Daisy Gumale of District 2, Anahawan Mayor Roberto Loquinte, President of Southern Leyte Mayors’ League, Carina Rosa Teopes, Brian Sadoguio of the Provincial GSO, City Councilor Nestor Sy, Sr.’s youngest daughter, Panny together with her sister-in-law’s younger sister and some other unidentified individuals.

Moreover, the incumbent Governor after talking to some officials present atop the hill was amazed upon learning that Daisy was one of those who tested the zipline.

The very first to test the zipline as a sample for everybody to see was Sacdalan’s companion. He chose to hang himself in an upside down position-that is his head was below and his feet up!

Australian Jack Reed, 68 years old, married to a Filipina, who was one of those who tried the new tandem ziplines, confided he has already been riding high up the air via zipline in several occasions.

Nonetheless, his very young companion, obviously a close relative of his Filipina wife has vomited right after riding the zipline.It was his very first time to be up in the air. Extreme adventure enthusiasts here in Region 8 and other places can now have their time of recreation, fun and excitement at the Agas-Agas Bridge. (Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

Villa Romana Hotel: 13 Air-conditioned Rooms

With CR and Bathroom In Every Room, Facing

The Breezy Sea of Sogod Bay, One Of The Divesites

Of Southern Leyte Province. Tomas Oppus St. Abgao, Maasin

City, Southern Leyte. Tel. no.(053)381-0639.

Kinamot Sa Abgao Restaurant, Tomas Oppus St.,

brgy. Abgao, Maasin City, Southern Leyte.

Accept Orders.Tel.no.(053)381-3878.

Natasha Service Center/Marikina Shoe Exchange Service Center,

Simplicio Bantug St., brgy. Tunga-Tunga,Maasin City, Southern Leyte.

Tel. no.s (053)570-8144; (053) 381-0430.

"Butete" Is Killing More Filipinos Than Any Other Sea Creatures

April 28,2011

Featured Editorial

“Butete” Is Killing More Filipinos Than Any Other Sea Creatures

A fisherman and his son reportedly died after eating puffer fish, locally known as “butete”, in Bantayan town last week(second week of April 2011). Peter Cordova was declared dead on arrival at the Bantayan District Hospital. His son expired later at the same hospital.

The Cordova family was just the latest of the long list of those who died after eating “butete” and other poisonous fish. Most of the victims are fishermen who are supposed to know that “butete” is highly toxic sea species that is hazardous to human health.

Actually, if cooked properly, “butete” can be eaten. The Japanese have, for many years, perfected the art of safely cooking “butete”.In fine restaurant in Japan,it is an expensive dish to eat.

But in the Philippines, only few know how to cook it. In provinces, many fishermen would just cook “butete” without knowing the techniques of slicing away its highly lethal parts. That is why “butete” has been killing more Filipinos than any other sea creatures.

For years, health authorities kept on reminding fishermen about the danger in eating “butete”.But the reminder will always fall on deaf ears. Some fishermen choose to take the risk than be stricken by death from hunger.

As many would find it, a mere reminder is not enough. Something must be done. Health officials should start finding ways to stop the practice of unsafe cooking of “butete”.

One way is to reach out to those fishermen by fielding experts to teach them the proper way to cook such poisonous fish. Information dissemination is also very crucial in this campaign given the fact that many fishermen still do not know that “butete” is highly poisonous.

Of course, what is more important is for the national government to extend assistance, food or cash, to fisherfolk to enable them to refrain from resorting to cooking poisonous fish. (Source: The Freeman, Cebu-based daily newspaper)

You Don't Have To Be A Superman To Be Great-Duarrte

April 26,2011

You Don’t Have To Be A Superman To Be Great-Duarte

By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-Every person, in his own way, has a kind of greatness in himself unique with other individuals. You don’t have to be a superman to be great, guest speaker Dr. Jude Alteveros Duarte of the Southern Leyte State University Sogod main campus told the 92 STI graduating students during the 10^th STI’s commencement Exercises held at the city gymnasium during the recent Thursday night.

In his less than two-hour inspirational speech before the audience also composed of STI staff,parents,friends and relatives of the graduating students, he mentioned great men who at the start were unknown individuals but later became great men. This include actor Jacky Chan, Abraham Lincolm,Winston Churchill, Alexander The Great, American Inventor Thomas Alba Edison and our very own pound-for-pound boxing icon Emmanuel “Manny” Catedral Pacquiao.From a mere amateur boxer, he gradually rises to become the world’s first Filipino boxer to conquer ten boxing divisions in his career. His coming fight on May 8, 2011 with Shane Mosley at Las Vegas, Nevada, USA would determine how great he is in the field of sports’ self-punishing profession.

He disclosed that all of the great men he mentioned have experienced series of failures in their lives, yet they did not give up. But with patience and determination, they continue to push and push until they have reached their goals for success. He also implied that all of the great men he has mentioned have one thing in common: they have possessed the virtue of being positive in attitude and outlook in life.Pacquiao's childhood struggle against poverty and the two stages he has treaded from rags to riches is an alive and the best example of a success story.

Duarte also informed the graduates that they are lucky because they are now in an era of modern technological emergence which changed entirely the methodology of humankind’s workforce. Before the advent of modern science and technology, he said, man’s works were commonly done manually. It makes man’s way of working things more easy and distant communication and transactions with the outside world is just a call and click away.Thus,making distant nations shrink and become more closer to each other, leading to the coined phrase like ‘global community” or “global village”, he stressed.

Distribution of diplomas to the graduates for the 19 DIT(Diploma in Information Technology),10 CET(Computer and Electronics Technology), 41 HRS (Hospitality and Restaurant Services), 18 PESFA(Private Education Students Fund Assistance) scholars and 4 Octoberian graduates(IT and HRS) was led by STI-Maasin President and Chief Executive Officer Nestor Sy,Sr. and assisted by Faculty Head Hilario Mobe,School Administrator Effie Naida Sy-Visaya,TESDA Director Rolando Juanillo and Dr. Jude Duarte.

The STI President and CEO has also handed over special and academic awards to 10 students-graduates of IT and 12 HRS graduates.

Class Valedictorian Raphael Alexander Plasabas, CIT graduate in his valedictory short speech thanked first of all his parents for their moral and financial support. He also expressed his thanks to his classmates for their camaraderie and friendship during their years of schooling as well as the moral support of his friends and relatives.

However, the honored valedictorian chose not to reveal his strategic plan or scheme on how he could get a job with his IT skill.

Earlier, the STI CEO also handed over plaque of appreciations to SLSU’s Dr. Duarte and TESDA Director Juanillo.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

STI-Maasin,4th floor,Zialcita-Oppus Bldg.,Above Mercury Drug,Infront of Panny's Bakeshop.

Tel no. (053)381-3744.Courses offer:Information Technology,Computer and Electronic Technology,Hospitality and Restaurant Services,Travel and Tourism Services,Hotel and Restaurant Administration.

Short Term Courses:MS Office,Culinary Camp,Commercial Cooking NC2,Food and Beverages Services NC2,Foreign Language(Mandarin).For further details,visit or call STI-Maasin,tel.no.(053)381-3744.