TACLOBAN CITY – Two alleged drug users were apprehended by police operatives in the city as they intensify their campaign against those who are in the illegal drug trade and who refuses to voluntarily surrender.
Arrested during a buy-bust operation were Erwin Edrich Montecastro, 37 and a resident of Fatima Village and Carmela Ponsalan, 26 of Rainbow Village.
The two suspects, who are both jobless, were caught selling the illegal drug of shabu to a police asset in Rainbow Village last Monday (July 25) at around 10:30 in the evening.
City police director, Senior Superintendent Rolando Bade said that confiscated from the suspects were 12 sachets of suspected shabu and the P500 marked money.
Bade said that the two have been under surveillance by the police due to their illegal drug trade activities in the city.
A case for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165 were filed against the two who were detained at the Tacloban City jail. (JAZMIN BONIFACIO)
2 jobless drug users nabbed in a buy-bust operation in Tacloban City
DPWH reports near completion of Leyte bridge
TACLOBAN CITY – The repair of the Hiagsam Bridge in Jaro town, Leyte is to be finished by next month with the completion of the half-lane of the bridge. This was announced by Engineer Carlos Veloso, head of the 2nd Leyte Engineering District of the Department of Public Works and Highways (2nd LED-DPWH). This complete the first phase of the rehabilitation of the Hiagsam Bridge, damaged in 2014 after it was hit by typhoon “Senyang,” The first phase of the project was targeted to be finish this month. However, it was delayed due to the difficulties encountered in driving its huge pier deep down to the soil which needed additional soil exploration and boring tests.
With the completion of the half of the lane, Veloso declared an 83% rate completion of the work. The Hiagsam Bridge, considered among the major bridges in Leyte, is envisioned to be a four-lane bridge to accommodate increasing traffic volume. The bridge is a reinforced concrete deck girder (RCDG) bridge which is 19.3 meters wide and will span the length of 50.8 linear meters. It will be expanded on each side in line with the road widening projects being done to the public highways adjacent to the bridge.
Other improvement works will also be done on the bridge such as slope protection, drainage and sidewalks. The rehabilitation project of the Hiagsam Bridge, which started on November 16,2015 has a budget allocation of P37.9 million. While waiting for the completion of the bridge, an asphalt overlay detour spillway has been constructed as an alternative bridge and has since been utilized to provide access along this route. The detour bridge is accessible to motorcycle, light vehicles and medium truck. The detour bridge runs both ways. (AHLETTE C. REYES)
Matin announces new investors coming to town
“Matin” Petilla
PALO, Leyte- As this historic town celebrates its 186th fiesta next month, Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla disclosed that its economy is on the upswing. In fact, big investors are coming in to the town, one of the areas here in Leyte which sustained much damage when supertyphoon “Yolanda” pummeled the province in 2013. Petilla, in an interview, said that the coming in of new investors to the town will mean not only additional income for the municipal government but more importantly, provide employment for its people.
The town mayor said that one of the country’s most known food chains, Shakey’s, is set to open its outlet in this town of more than 70,000 people. She also announced that she had just met officials of Gaisano which is also set to open its branch in Palo. “I am really upbeat on what is happening here in Palo. New investors are coming in here,” Petilla said in an interview. She also announced that within the year, the new regional center will be constructed in Barangay Campetic. The town mayor, who had just won her third and last term during the May 9, 2016 elections, said that she is just glad that after Palo was hit by Yolanda, it is now slowly recovering from the horrendous devastations.
“I may be on my way out from office but I am sure that whoever will succeed me will continue whatever we have pursued to ensure that Palo will become an economically developed town,” she said. “After Yolanda, we are now in the upswing and I will not allow it that whatever gains that we have will just be wasted,” Petilla added. Meantime, as part of the 186th town fiesta, which falls on August 6, several activities have been lined up by the municipal government. Among these activities is the launching of its tourism and investment promotion underscoring the push of the current administration to promote Palo as the new investor and tourism haven here in Leyte. This year’s celebration carries the theme “Paglipay han Kauswagan han Palo.” (LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)
Mayor Cristina lauds Ombudsman for putting gender information desk
TACLOBAN CITY-The Office of the Ombudsman field office in the city has established a gender information desk (GID) for the effective implementation and responds to gender matters involving complaint against government officials. Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas, Paul Elmer Clemente, who led the opening of the GID said that the rooms were designed to create a safe space that respected the privacy and reduce trauma for women survivors of domestic violence. Legal officers, and their staff as well as their partner agencies like public attorneys, police investigators, psychiatrists, public health personnel and social workers underwent gender sensitivity training.
Lawyer Eduardo Kangleon, Ombudsman acting regional director, ensured that their particular staff and partner agencies are fully equipped with knowledge on judicial guidelines, the environment of the office were sensitized to consider the needs of the victims, and that they had the capacity to fully implement Domestic Violence Law in according with CEDAW (Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women) guidelines. “We focuses on sexual violence that affects women and children, because of its prevalence within the reality of sexual and gender-based violence in fragile and conflict situations, and on justice sector and related reforms that may effectively deliver justice and redress to victims as well as successfully hold perpetrators accountable,’ Atty. Kangleon said. Support to stand tall In Tacloban City, Marta, (not her real name) a 35 year old mother of two children was trapped into a violent marriage. According to her, she tried several times to seek help but had no success.
Eventually she turned to the Tacloban Women Shelter, a facility run by the city government for abused women and children. And with the help of the center, Marta recovered from trauma and abuse. She also gained the confidence to bring her case to court. “The therapy made me see things for what they really were. It brought me out of the darkness,” Marta said. Tacloban Women Shelter is now a safe home for more than hundreds of women and children survivors of domestic and gender violence in the city. Through this project of Mayor Cristina Romualdez since she was still a councilor of the city, the institution provide dignity, shelter, food, legal counseling, livelihood skills and leadership training to women.
According to Mayor Romualdez, it helped to expose the issue of domestic violence in the city and it strengthen the empowerment of women to better reduce the effects of economic insecurity, which often leads to discrimination and violence against women. “Consistent support will encourage women suffering and victims of domestic violence to step out and break the tolerant culture towards violence against women and current scenario of societal discrimination against women who walk out of abusive marriages,” Mayor Romualdez said. “Just knowing that a safe home is available for them, it will be easier for women to take a step towards an abuse free life,’ she added. (Photos by: TIM CANES/JESSA BACTOL-TISAT/Kanhuraw Media Team)
A JOURNEY TO HAPPILY EVER AFTER: A Modern Day Fairy Tale
By Frances Rodelle B. Go
When a man meets a woman at the most imperfect moment but on God’s perfect time, just when they thought things weren’t going as they hoped them to be, God had His own way of showing His perfect plan in one of the greatest stories of love. A match made in heaven tested by time, distance, challenges and catastrophes, literally especially when it has endured supertyphoon “Yolanda”. Everything actually started off with a maybe when Paul never knew who the real “Ruby Grace Lastrilla” and the details about her life including her family. Years passed, struggles literally became real. The “maybe” became the “yes”. We didn’t even see it coming but Paul and Grace proved that even fairy tales exist. It was never easy for both of them. Doubts here and there… trials everywhere.
“Paul, who wanted to prove himself to my family was set to leave for abroad but typhoon Yolanda happened,” narrates Atty. Ruby Grace Lastrilla-Ortillano. “God provided a way for US TO BE TOGETHER.” Our Romeo’s (Paul) only fault was to fall in love with a girl who came from a traditional, very conservative Chinese family. But that alone didn’t scare him goodbye. Not at all. To some it may be ironic but to those who witnessed how these two fought for LOVE, it’s inexplicable happiness and sweet “FINALLY!” True love indeed CONQUERS. It conquers even distance. Their DIFFERENCE in FAITH… Several attempts by The Don Robert to break them apart were fruitless. She was set to lose her inheritance but that did not matter, they still decided to be together.
On June 22, 2016, two different worlds finally connived as one and vowed for a lifetime commitment to be each other’s protector, friend, confidant, and partner. An intimate afternoon filled with so much love, laughter, and tears of joy as families, relatives and close friends gathered together to witness the civil wedding of Paul Anthony Ortillano and Atty. Ruby Grace Allawan Lastrilla. And it all transpired at the breath-taking view and lovely ambiance of Rafael’s Farm in Babatngon, Leyte made more enchanting with a combination of ultra-romantic classic fairy tale setting and country-inspired rustic setting. The ceremony was officiated by no other than City Mayor Cristina Gonzales Romualdez. Paul Anthony Ortillano is the son of Pablito Sr. and Antonieta Ortillano from Daram, Samar while Atty. Ruby Grace Lastrilla is the daughter of Ma. Norma Lastrilla and Robert Lastrilla from Tacloban City.
Two totally different individuals who seemed to live worlds apart, but simply fate had its ways. And like what an unknown author once said, “Love knows no reason, no boundaries, no distance. It has the sole intention of bringing people together in a time called forever” and so love did just that for this unlikely couple. From friends, they became sweethearts for six years and finally, after all the trials and challenges, and as God proved to be more powerful than any forces of nature and man, they are now to face life together as husband and wife.
It was a beautiful and romantic garden wedding, thanks to the couple’s “Dream Team” – Leo Empillo Omoy, one of the best if not the best wedding coordinator in the region, who never fail to work his magic in turning dream weddings into realities and to the members of his team, Archie, Satchie & AJ; to Galvhin Ray Contresas (Photographer) & Janry Inot (Videographer), both the Masters of their Crafts in capturing the most unforgettable moments of the celebration of love; to Ariel Ortiz , the artist behind the gorgeous bride’s prettiest day ever and Irene Gorgonia for her stunning gown; Lady Suzette (Marie Daryl Gariando-Baño, Steve Noel Baño & Jairus Campo) & String Ensemble for filling up the place with heart-warming melodies; Jonard Lights & Sound; Rene Tampil of Rafael’s Farm for the scrumptious dinner & picturesque venue; Jessie Chua for the CAKE; Marilyn Go-Uy for the Cocktails and Desserts and to everyone who laboured behind the scene in giving the fabulous pair their Most Memorable Dream Wedding and a Walk to Remember as they journey off to the Greatest Adventure of their lives as a married couple. Congratulations MR. & MRS. PAUL ANTHONY ORTILLANO!!! May you continue to be God’s living testaments of True Love. Cheers to “Happily Ever After to our Modern Day Romeo and Juliet”!!!
Sec. Piñol’s promise to revive abaca industry sparks hope among farmers in S. Leyte
SOGOD, Southern Leyte – The move of the government to revive the abaca industry has sparked hope to San Vicente village chief Oscar Alcotes, who witnessed how people in their community struggled after diseases sent abaca farming back to year zero. “Fibers are now gone but we will never abandon our farms because this was how my parents supported us. We are happy that the new administration listens to our plea,” said Alcotes, 49.
Alcotes recalled that in the early 2000, nobody was poor in their village as people reap the fruit of lucrative abaca farming. When abaca mosaic and bunchy top diseases infested their farms, many people lost hope and some even left to Cebu or Manila to find jobs. “Although I only own a small farm, I remember earning up to P10,000 during harvest season,” he recalled. Due to meager income from planting alternative crops, no one among his three children completed college education after finishing high school. The village chief is just one of the hundreds of abaca farmers who personally heard Department of Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol last week committing P100 million for the revival of abaca industry in this town this year.
It is part of DA’s P2 billion budget left for 2015 that needs to be expended by the end of 2016 or else it will be reverted to the national treasury. Out of the P100 million, P50 million is allotted for the immediate procurement of planting materials, which will cover about 1,500 hectares. The plan is to immediately assist the farmers by buying planting materials from them using the local abaca variety, which is thriving well in the area. “There is a great demand for abaca all over the world and there are only three countries producing it – Philippines, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. We really have to exploit new opportunities in front of us, as far as abaca is concerned,” Piñol said during his visit to this town last week. The allotment fulfills Piñol’s promise to this abaca-producing town during his “biyaheng bukid” last month.
Philippine Fiber Development Authority Regional Director Wilardo Sinahon said they will conduct intensive technical training on production of abaca planting materials, disease management, accurate fertilizer application, proper planting distance, and cultural management practices. In addition to free planting materials, the national government will also provide organic fertilizers to recipient farmers in this town. Sinahon is very optimistic that with the P100 million budget, Sogod will be able to restore its production in the next few years. “The fresh funding support for this town is 14 times more than the current P7 million abaca disease eradication budget for the region’s six provinces,” he added. Sogod is the top abaca producing town in Southern Leyte with about 6,000 hectares devoted to abaca cultivation. About 2,000 of 6,000 abaca farmers in the province are based here. (SARWELL Q.MENIANO)