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Sanctification a constant concern

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THIS is what we can gather from that gospel parable about a certain man who planted a fig tree in his vineyard and who after 3 years sought for a fruit but did not find one. (cfr. Lk 13,6-9) Frustrated, he wanted to cut it down, but was appeased by the vineyard dresser to give the tree a grace period of one year.

Indeed, God expects us to bear the fruit of sanctity since he already has given us everything we need to achieve that goal. God had to become man in Jesus Christ so that we can be given “the way, the truth and the life” that we need in the context of our wounded condition here on earth.

We really have no excuse why we cannot achieve that goal, since with Christ any condition and situation in our life, including the worst scenario in our life, can be an occasion to gain and regain sanctity. As St. Paul once articulated, “all things work together for good to those who love God.” (Rom 8,28)

We just have to see to it that everything in our life—our work, for example—should have as its main purpose the achievement of holiness, and not just the fulfillment of some technical requirements and the attainment of some worldly goals, no matter how legitimate they are.
And the secret is always to do everything with Christ and for the glory of God. We should not just do anything with our own intention and on our own effort alone, because such way of doing things negates the plan that God, our Father and Creator, has for us. We should be guarded always against this strong tendency of ours to do things simply on our own.
It’s also interesting to note that the above-mentioned parable is preceded by a warning Christ gave to some people that we should stop comparing ourselves with others, especially when we think we are better than them, and thus, would feel self-contented.
Christ wants us to always acknowledge our need for repentance and conversion, since we cannot deny that in spite of the many good things we may already have done, we still are hounded by weaknesses, temptations and sin itself.

Let’s see to it that our work, for example, should have as its main purpose the achievement of holiness, and not just the fulfillment of some technical requirements and the attainment of some worldly goals, no matter how legitimate they are. Remember Christ saying, “What does it a profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul.” (Mk 8,36)
We should see to it that the Christ-and-Church provided instrumentalities lead us to have a living encounter with Christ, something that can happen only when we activate our faith, hope and charity through a functioning life of piety.

“Do you think that these Galileans were sinners above all the men of Galilee, because they suffered such things?” he asked those who told him about those Galileans that Pilate put to death. “No, I say to you, but unless you shall do penance, you shall likewise perish.” (Lk 13,2-3)

We can never over-emphasize this need for our conversion and renewal. In spite of our best intentions and efforts, we somehow would find ourselves in some irregular, imperfect if not completely sinful situation.
God will always welcome us back, even if we appear to be already abusing the goodness and mercy of God. We should just put our mind and heart to this fact of life that we are all sinners and that we need to convert.

DPWH TCDEO conducts equipment cleanliness inspection

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TACLOBAN CITY-The Tacloban City District Engineering Office (DEO) actively participated in the recent Upkeep & Cleanliness Inspection of equipment and vehicle-related documents, ensuring compliance with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) standards. The inspection was conducted on March 11, 2025, within the office grounds.

The inspection covered essential documents such as Trip Tickets, Equipment Logbooks, Updated Land Transportation Office (LTO) Registration & Insurance, Updated Property Acknowledgement Receipts, Driver’s Licenses, DPWH Logos marked “For Official Use Only,” and Plate Numbers. Additionally, an inventory of District Engineering Offices’ equipment holdings was conducted.

As part of the activity, a lecture was held for drivers and operators on the proper filling out of Equipment Logbooks and adherence to daily maintenance checks, following the BLOWBAGETS protocol (Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Engine, Tire, Self-safety). The team also inspected the status of water-based equipment assigned to dredging sites within the concerned DEOs. Furthermore, employees underwent inspection as part of the evaluation process.

The activity was spearheaded by personnel from the Equipment Management Division of DPWH Regional Office VIII, namely Engr. Chester F. Nibla, Mr. Jasper C. Sarmen, Ms. Maria Luisa V. Pedrosa, and Mr. Pedro E. Adre, Jr.

“Regular inspections like these are crucial in ensuring that our equipment and personnel are in top condition. This allows us to provide uninterrupted public service and maintain safety standards,” District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse said in a statement, emphasizing the importance of the initiative in maintaining operational efficiency and compliance.

(PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT)

DOT-8 urges participation in Earth Hour 2025, advocates for lasting sustainability

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TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the region calls on stakeholders and the community to join Earth Hour 2025 on Saturday, March 22, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, as part of a global movement for environmental protection and sustainability.

While millions worldwide will switch off their lights as a symbolic commitment to the planet, DOT-8 encourages people to go beyond the hour by integrating sustainable practices into their daily lives and launching long-term environmental initiatives.

“Earth Hour is more than just turning off the lights; it is a powerful reminder that small actions, when done collectively, can create a significant impact,” said DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes.

“Sustainability is not just about protecting our natural resources—it is about securing a better quality of life for ourselves, our families, and future generations.”

DOT-8 urges local government units (LGUs), tourism stakeholders, businesses, and individuals to take concrete steps beyond the event, such as organizing tree-planting drives, coastal cleanups, and eco-tourism projects.

Tiopes emphasized that true change comes from consistent, everyday efforts rather than one-time activities.

Daily habits like conserving energy and water, minimizing waste, supporting sustainable tourism, and choosing eco-friendly products can make a lasting difference. The agency also encourages people to be advocates for sustainability by educating others and leading by example.

“The Earth is not just our home; it is the legacy we leave behind,” Tiopes said. “The power to decide is in our hands—whether we conserve or consume, protect or pollute. The future depends on the choices we make today.”
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

DOT-8 makes tourism headway post-pandemic

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TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Tourism Region 8 announced the region earned about P39.33 billion in tourism revenue inbound tourism expenditures in 2024, marking 24.80% increase from the previous year.

The income was derived from the 1.66 million tourist arrivals in 2024. The tourism office also logged in more than 5.5 million same day guests for the same year.

DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said during the recent ‘Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas’, last year’s numbers show a recovery rate of 95% from pre-pandemic levels, which shows the tourism sector in the region is resilient and is fast recovering from the ravages of the pandemic.

“We have a set target of 17% increase and we have surpassed that at 24% in 2024. Exceeding it again this year is something to look forward to,” Tiopes said.

The increasing tourist arrivals has impacted directly on job creation, sustaining small businesses and contributes to the revenues of the local economy, according to Tiopes.
The provinces’ contribution in tourism arrivals came from Samar with 383,724, Tacloban City with 377,612 and Leyte with P361, 291. Peak season in 2024 was in June and December with 163,062 and 152, 241 arrivals.

Lintaon Peak and the 16,000 Blossoms in Baybay City, Canigao Island in Matalom, Leyte Tagbak Marine Park in Liloan, Southern Leyte are the top three sites in the region with the most tourist arrivals in 2024

With tourism as a largely competitive sector, the tourism office in the region continues to develop new tourism products and enhance existing ones.

“Tourists always look for something new or something different to experience. We need to keep up in this ever changing and very competitive industry,” Tiopes said.

The region’s best tourism destinations are offered as “infinite escapes” of Eastern Visayas. These include Infinite Thrills which are nature and adventure tourism: Infinite Dives featuring the region’s world-class diving sites in the Southern Leyte; Infinite Surf Breaks which can be enjoyed through the first-class surfing sites facing the Pacific Ocean in Eastern Samar.

There are also Infinite Stories which are historical and cultural heritage that abound through Spanish-era churches and cultural festivals all over the region; Infinite Discoveries through several of its world-ranked universities and educational institutions; Infinite Expenditures which feature cruise destinations such as the Kalanggaman Island in Leyte.

Also in the product portfolio are Infinite Road Trips which promotes motorcycle tourism; Infinite Harvests and Eats featuring farm visits and culinary delights; Infinite Meet-Ups which comprise hosting of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
The newest is the Infinite Swings which is a significant segment of the tourism industry, that involves trips where the primary purpose is to play golf, often combining it with leisure and exploring new destinations.

(AHLETTE C. REYES/PIA-8)

JRTF8-ELCAC strengthens counter- insurgency efforts in Eastern Visayas

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TACLOBAN CITY – The Joint Regional Task Force 8 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF8-ELCAC) outlined its counter-insurgency measures in Eastern Visayas during the ‘Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas’ media conference on Tuesday, March 18.

The discussion highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to curb communist movements and promote sustainable development in conflict-affected areas.

During the media conference, concerns were raised about the remaining capabilities of the members of the New People’s Army (NPA), particularly their potential to mobilize support during the upcoming elections.

Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, assistant chief of staff for Civil-Military Operations of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, detailed measures aimed at preventing these groups from using mass media and other platforms to spread their ideology and gain followers.

“Our Mobile Community Support Sustainment Program continues, with our armed and security forces constantly moving around to ensure that these groups have no access to the masses,” he stated.

Mobile community support teams have been deployed to address security concerns in vulnerable areas, ensuring that communities feel protected and supported in their transition to peace.

Additionally, JRTF8-ELCAC, in collaboration with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) and the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), reaffirmed its commitment to transforming conflict-affected areas into thriving communities.

With significant budget allocations, infrastructure projects, and livelihood programs are being implemented to provide long-term solutions and diminish the appeal of insurgency.
The government also emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of insurgency, such as poverty and lack of economic opportunities, to achieve lasting peace and development.
(LANCE ARCHIE TORING, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

DPWH-8 monitors national roads and bridges affected by shearline

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TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the region assures the public that its maintenance crew and field personnel are closely monitoring national roads and bridges affected by the shearline.

The DPWH said that based on the report submitted by various engineering district offices among the roads that were rendered not passable due to the bad weather were the Calubian Jct-San Isidro-Tabango-Villaba-Palompon Road at Brgy. Payao, Villaba, Leyte; and the Wright-Taft-Borongan Road in Eastern Samar.

In Leyte, Bagahupi-Babatngon-Sta. Cruz-Barugo-Carigara Road at Brgy. Pinarigusan, Babatngon; Daang Maharlika at Brgy. Liberty, Mayorga; and the Libungao-Matag-ob-Palompon Road at Brgy. Monte Alegre, Kananga, Leyte.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

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