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Higher survivability on a plane crash

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CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III

In a story appearing at the British Broadcasting Corporation website as written by Sofia Ferreira Santos & Konul Khalilova, it talked about Dozens Surviving Kazakhstan Air Plane Crash. This is something interesting for someone who hates flying and fears crashing down on a plane. As a disciple of sorts and teacher of Physics this is something a big news as it would be certain death when a plane crashes and you are a passenger.

But this one proved that it is quite the opposite, Plane Crash are giving a passenger higher chance of surviving.

Surviving a passenger plane crash is more likely than many people think. According to the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), more than 95% of passengers survive accidents, including 55% in the most serious incidents. The survival rate is even higher for less severe crashes.

Factors that influence survival include the severity of the crash, the presence of fire, and the effectiveness of rescue operations. For instance, crashes on land generally have higher survival rates compared to those in the ocean due to quicker rescue response times.

It is even easier to survive a hijacking incident as data shows : While hijackings are often associated with high-profile and tragic events like the 9/11 attacks, many hijackings have ended without fatalities. For instance, during the “Golden Age of Hijacking” from 1968 to 1972, there were over 305 incidents globally, but most ended without fatalities.

The recent Kazakhstan Air Line incident shows, it is possible to escape, a bit rattled, injured but alive.

A quick check on the news around the Kazakhstan Air Line crashes shows that the Fuselage Integrity (Durable Plane Body) and the quick response of the ground emergency saved the lives of dozens passengers.

For a self-confessed person with Flying Phobia, this is quite a relief . This is a note -to- self-moment. We can survive a plane crash, easier than we thought! If only we can convince ourselves that it is so and tame our fears as we go and take-off.

Rounded belief

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AL ELLEMA
AL ELLEMA

We do not know who and where the idea of collecting round fruits for luck in every new year emanated. The practice of collecting such round fruits, in some places thirteen kinds while in other places of a different number, is widespread across the socio-economic strata. Rich and poor are afflicted with the belief that good fortune is bound to come to those who are able to collect for display those round fruits. Practically, it is really tough finding round fruits in all its strictest sense since most fruits are either oblong, oval or in some cases pointed and elongated far from round. But those in the practice had the tolerance of seeing fruits to be round even if they are actually not. In the haste of completing the number of kinds, people take even the not round fruits as acceptably round.

If there is good luck in the practice, it is chiefly to the fruit vendors who take the opportune time to increase their sales volume as well as their profit margin due to the high demand. In some cases, the buyers who are duped into the belief are forced to take fruits that are not only not round but are not mature and not ripe and are not for human consumption as well. Such fruits are truly for display in the passing of year and never for consumption by the person who bought such fruits. These unripe and immature fruits are later to be found in the waste bin or compost pit, for luck that this writer would never be able to understand how.

Good manners is always towards not wasting food as the fruits are, they being graces from God. It is mind boggling how people who could hardly eat or afford a good meal for the family can spend so much on an unfounded belief, buying overpriced round fruits that are not even for consumption but for mere display as the gods of superstitions tell through mongering out of nowhere. There is nothing wrong just taking the belief as passed on by word of mouth those who are into the practice would justify. But spending so much on overpriced fruits that are not really round as mandated at the expense of significant things like basic food for the family is just so grave a wrong by any measure.

Those who had been at it had surely remained wishing for that same good luck that every new year brings. Doing the ritual every year is an indication that the good luck of the past years never came true as the round fruits collected in those years were believed to have brought about. Only the opportunist sellers of overpriced fruits that look like or as if round are getting the goodness of that promise, by raking in a good fortune from the sales of such fruits every start of the year.

If anything, such belief departs from our belief in God who grants us all the graces and blessings we need. We do not know how accurate the belief is or if the same had really some goodness brought for the new year. Nothing had ever been recorded as resulting from such belief of collecting round fruits every new year. We had just been following what some consider as tradition, one whose beginnings we are unsure of. A belief whose foundations are as unfounded as its founders are except that money brings prosperity to those who sell round fruits to people who had somehow been captive in the belief of roundedness.
comments to alellema@yahoo.com

DPWH Northern Samar First DEO completes 11 rainwater collection systems to enhance water access

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Catarman N. Samar-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Northern Samar First District Engineering Office (DEO) has successfully completed the installation of 11 rainwater collection systems, benefiting nine schools and two offices within the 1st district of Northern Samar.

The project, with a total cost of P2.89 million, aims to address water scarcity in the district.
According to District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio, the district office achieved a 100% accomplishment rate for the installation of rainwater collection systems in various schools and offices.

A resident of Brgy. Jamoog expressed relief, saying, “The lengthy walk to the deep well to fetch water will no longer be needed with the newly installed rainwater collection system at the center.” said Gina C. Alcera.

Similarly, a child development worker disclosed the positive impact of the project.

“This rainwater collection system has been a tremendous help, especially since I handle 38 students who need water for washing and using the restroom. In the past, we often had to rely on others to fetch water, which sometimes led to frustration, particularly during the summer when water was scarce. It was extremely challenging, not only for us but also for the mothers who struggled as well. That’s why we are deeply grateful for this project provided to us.” said Leticia E. Baloja

The recipient schools and offices include: CENRO (DENR Office), Catarman PENRO (DENR Office), Catarman, E. Duran Elementary School, Bobon, Santander Elementary School, Bobon, Jose Abad Santos Elementary School, Bobon Barangay Bantolinao Day Care Center, Rosario, Barangay 2 Poblacion Day Care Center, Bobon Barangay Commonwealth Day Care Center, Rosario Barangay Guindaulan Day Care Center, Rosario Barangay Jamoog Day Care Center, Rosario, Barangay San Lorenzo Day Care Center, Rosario.

The completion of these facilities improves accessibility to clean water and enhances daily operations specially to those municipalities and communities where water scarcity is a persistent issue.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)

Northern Samar provincial gov’t recognizes outstanding GAD implementers

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CATARMAN, Northern Samar—The provincial government of Northern Samar concluded the annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) with a celebration recognizing outstanding Gender and Development (GAD) program implementers among Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) and Municipal GAD Focal Persons. The awarding ceremony was held on December 18, 2024, at the Provincial Capitol.

The initiative aims to inspire local government units to adopt and replicate gender-responsive programs and policies as best practices. Similar to the Seal of Good Local Governance, the awards assess the functionality and effectiveness of GAD mechanisms within BLGUs. Criteria include having an approved GAD Plan and Budget, efficient budget utilization, capacity development programs, and responsive Barangay VAWC (Violence Against Women and Children) desks, among others.

Governor Edwin Ongchuan graced the occasion, commending the awardees and the provincial government GAD technical working group for advancing gender responsiveness, inclusivity, and empowerment in the province.

He also expressed gratitude to keynote speaker Dr. Virginia G. Balanon from the University of Eastern Philippines College of Arts and Communication for her insightful message, emphasizing collective efforts to end violence against women.

Provincial Administrator Atty. Efren Sabong welcomed attendees, including delegates from various barangays, Municipal GAD focal persons, and members of the GAD executive committee, which includes representatives from national government agencies, NGOs, and Provincial Government office heads.

Outstanding BLGU GAD Implementers 2024 were 1st place, BLGU Daganas, Catarman; 2nd place, BLGU Little Venice, Laoang; and 3rd place, BLGU Lawaan, Laoang.

Consolation prize winners were BLGU Doña Luisa, Laoang; BLGU Zone 5, San Roque; BLGU Macagtas, Catarman; BLGU Lipata, Allen; and BLGU Balnasan, San Roque.

As for the Outstanding Municipal GAD Focal Persons 2024: 1st place, Sarah Irnicka D. Cardenas, Catarman; 2nd place, Maria Ana C. Acebuche, Laoang; and 3rd place, Emma A. Lobos, Mondragon.

Participating BLGUs, local chief executives, and Municipal GAD focal persons were also recognized for their valuable contributions to advancing the province’s gender and development goals.
(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)

DPWH Northern Samar First DEO brings Christmas cheer to families in Catarman

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CATARMAN, Northern Samar – Embracing the true spirit of Christmas, the Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar First District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSFDEO), in partnership with the Northern Samar First Engineering District Employees Association, held a simple gift-giving activity in Brgy. Baybay, Catarman, on December 18, 2024.

A total of 100 families benefited from the event, receiving sacks of rice weighing 5 kilos each.

The initiative was made possible through the collective efforts of officials and employees, who generously shared their resources to bring joy to the community during the holiday season.

“This is our simple way of sharing the blessings we have received and spreading happiness to our fellow Catarmananons,” said District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio.

In addition to this charitable endeavor, the DPWH-NSFDEO is preparing another activity to celebrate the season with the children of its employees. Gifts and tokens will be distributed, and a special appearance by the Jollibee mascot has been arranged to bring smiles and laughter to the young ones.

The DPWH-NSFDEO extends its warmest wishes for a joyful and meaningful Christmas to everyone.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA /PR)

DOST, LGUs push STI dev’t agenda for Southern Leyte

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MAASIN CITY-The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Southern Leyte Provincial Office has initiated efforts to collaborate with the local government unit and provincial authorities to align plans and programs that advance Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) development.

Ramil Uy, provincial science and technology director, presented his agency’s development agenda in a coordination meeting on December 17, which outlined strategic priorities for the anticipated growth in STI fields of endeavor.

“A strong partnership between the provincial and city governments is key to creating a robust STI ecosystem in the province,” Uy said.

Uy presented key results from the recent STI Council meeting and insights from a comprehensive planning workshop that involved various sectors, focusing on innovation-related upgrades.

The discussion included an overview of DOST’s accomplishments in implementing STI-driven projects throughout the province.

Vice Governor Rosa Emilia Mercado described the discussions as fruitful, focusing on programs for the province that utilize technology and innovation.

“I am glad that the implemented and proposed programs of DOST-Southern Leyte Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) complement well with our vision to become a self-sufficient province. Healthy collaborations like this are what I desire,” she said.

Maasin City Councilor Mikhael Mercado, who chairs the city council’s committee on science and technology, emphasized the significance of local collaboration in implementing STI programs.
(AAC/MMP, PIA Southern Leyte with reports from DOST–PSTO)

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