TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list, under the leadership of Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Rep. Jude Acidre, in partnership with House Speaker Martin Romualdez, continues its mission to bring government services closer to Filipinos.

Recently, they concluded Ayuda sa Kapos Ang Kita (AKAP) programs in Quezon City and San Juan City, distributing aid to 2,000 beneficiaries and launching two new Tingog Centers in these areas.

Last August 29, the Tingog team distributed P3,000 in financial assistance to 1,000 beneficiaries in Project 4, Quezon City.

“Tingog remains committed to helping Filipinos, especially the poorest of the poor,” said Rep. Acidre. “We are continually expanding our reach through our centers, which now number 136 nationwide. Our goal is to establish 200 Tingog Centers across the country by the end of this year.”

The following day, August 30, Tingog visited San Juan City to distribute P3,000 in AKAP funds to another 1,000 beneficiaries.

In addition, a new Tingog Center was unveiled in the area to enhance access to Tingog services for local residents.

The newly opened Tingog Centers, located on the 2nd Floor of the Barangay Marilag Multipurpose Building in Project 4, Quezon City, and on F. Sevilla Street, Barangay Pedro Cruz, San Juan City, aim to serve as community hubs providing accessible support and resources to residents.

“Tingog Centers are designed to ensure that government programs and initiatives reach the grassroots level effectively, improving the quality of life and promoting inclusive development,” Rep. Acidre concluded.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Part of their benchmarking

TACLOBAN CITY – Officials from the provincial government of Benguet visited the wind power project site in San Isidro, Northern Samar, on August 30 as part of their benchmarking activities, according to the Provincial Information Office.

The Benguet delegation, accompanied by John Allen Berbon, chief of the Northern Samar Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO) and Provincial Information Office, toured the 176-hectare renewable energy project.

This site spans several coastal villages, including Salvacion, San Juan, Palanit, Mabuhay, Veriato, and Caglanipao in San Isidro.

Known for its commitment to sustainable development, the Benguet delegation was keen to observe the advancements and operational strategies of the San Isidro Wind Power Project.

Spearheaded by Lihangin Wind Energy Corp (LWEC), this major renewable energy initiative features 33 wind turbine generators with a total capacity of 206.25 megawatts.

Currently in the construction phase, which began in the second quarter of this year, the project is expected to be completed by mid-2025.

Once operational, it is projected to significantly contribute to the Philippines’ goal of achieving a 35% renewable energy share in the national energy mix by 2030.

“Integrating wind power infrastructure with thriving economic enterprises offers a compelling model for sustainable tourism development in Northern Samar,” Berbon said.

The Benguet officials, led by senior board member Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes, expressed admiration for the project’s progress and its potential for both energy production and economic growth. They also discussed possible areas for collaboration and knowledge exchange to advance renewable energy initiatives in their province.

The Benguet delegation also visited some of the province’s popular tourist destinations like the Biri Rock Formation and the Lalaguna Mangrove Eco Park.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY- Six individuals, including a two-month-old infant and a four-year-old boy, were injured in a crash involving a three-wheeler vehicle, known as a “Mocab,” on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

The accident occurred around 5:30 pm along a national highway in Barangay Sangalang, Biliran.

The vehicle involved was a yellow Ape City Ruscoe driven by a 40-year-old resident of Brgy. Salawad, Cabucgayan, Biliran, identified only as “Marmar.”

The victims included were alias “Yeye”, 40; “Rosa”, 39; “Bebe”, 2 months old, female; “Ali”, 4; “Ason”, 50; and “Jek”, of legal age.

All the victims are residents of Brgy. Salawad.

According to the initial investigation by responding police, led by PSSg Carlos Gelizon Jr., the incident occurred when the vehicle was traveling from the capital town of Naval, Biliran, to Salawad.

The left rear tire of the Mocab exploded suddenly, causing the driver to lose control and crash.

Emergency services were alerted by a concerned citizen’s call.

The injured passengers and driver were taken to the rural health unit in Biliran for initial treatment and then referred to Biliran Provincial Hospital in Naval for further medical care.
(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY – 4Ps party-list Rep. and Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has challenged Sen. Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa to acknowledge his role in the tragic loss of over 27,000 lives during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

A long-time advocate for justice rooted in moral and ethical principles, Libanan emphasized the importance of honesty and accountability in light of the grave accusations of extrajudicial killings.

“Senator de la Rosa, what we’re asking for is quite simple – be honest to the people and to God. The truth has a way of coming out, no matter how much we try to hide it. It is better to face it now with honesty,” Libanan urged.

“As a former PNP chief, Sen. dela Rosa should be an example of honesty and justice. But now, it’s more important that he serves as an example of admission and repentance. Let us accept the fact that no one can escape divine justice and the law,” Libanan added.

He underscored that being truthful is a fundamental value, not just for public servants, but for all individuals who aim to serve with integrity.

Libanan also expressed deep concern over the serious allegations against de la Rosa and the Philippine National Police (PNP) as he commended those who have chosen to speak up, like PNP Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido, despite the risks involved.

“Espenido’s bravery is an example of one’s love for the truth and country,” the solon said as he urged other witnesses to come forward to ensure that justice is served for the families who lost loved ones during the drug war.

Libanan further questioned de la Rosa’s conscience and the long-term implications of his actions.

He also encouraged Dela Rosa to seek forgiveness and come clean about his role in the extrajudicial killings.

“Senator, it’s not yet too late to admit and repent. The path to redemption is always open for those willing to walk it,” Libanan concluded.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)