VOL. 20 NO. 49 ORMOC CITY P 15.00 at the newsstands DEC. 30, 2019-JAN. 5, 2020

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DOH-8: ‘Firecracker injuries down by 14% in Eastern Visayas’By Marie ToneTTe Grace MarTicio

Albuera poultry gutted by big fire on third day of 2020

sEE FIRE p. 10

PASSENGER VAN MEETS ACCIDENT IN A MUDSLIDE. A passenger van and two other passenger vehicles bound for Borongan City from Tacloban City were covered in a mudslide in Barangay Binaloan, Taft, Eastern Samar around 4 PM on January 3, Friday, while passing by the area that has been experiencing heavy rainfall days before the incident. Fortunately, no passenger was buried or hurt during the incident. (By Marie Tonette Marticio & Photo by Norman Clyde; Full story on page 2)

TACLOBAN CITY – Fire-cracker-related injuries during the holiday season have decreased by 14 per-cent in Eastern Visayas with the Department of Health Regional Office 8 (DOH-8) reporting only 6 cases as of Thursday, Janu-ary 2, compared to the same period last year with 43 cas-es. They have also recorded a significant downtrend of cases in the last 4 years.

The incidents were reported in Dulag, Leyte, Rosario, North-ern Samar, Oras, Balangkayan, and Borongan all in Eastern Sa-mar, and Daram, Samar.

All of the victims sustained minor injuries, including four males and 2 females, whose age ranges from 10-29.

DOH 8 Information Officer John Paul Roca said 4 suffered from eye injuries and 2 cases for blast or burn without amputation.

He added that a 12-year old girl was referred to Eastern Vi-sayas Regional Medical Center in Tacloban City due to an eye injury caused by ‘kwitis’.

The official shared that there were no stray bullet incidents, no amputa-tions, and no ingestions recorded.

He has attributed the ‘positive’ development on their intensified information drive against illegal distributors of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices, as well as the weather condition in the region.

“There are few illegal sellers

this year so the public had lesser access to firecrackers,” he noted.

Roca disclosed that they would continue to monitor the incidents while Code White Alert is up until 5:59 A.M. on Jan 6.

Meanwhile, PLtCol. Bella Rent-uaya, Police Regional Office 8 infor-mation officer, said the celebration of the Yuletide Season in the region has been generally peaceful with no untoward incident reported.

ORMOC CITY – Two separate fire incidents occurred as the years turned anew: one bid 2019 good-bye and the other welcomed 2020.

In the nearby town of Al-buera, Leyte, an industrial stor-age or poultry farm owned by Engr. Rexes Morales situated in Sitio Lomboy, Brgy. Sherwood became ash when a fire gutted it past seven o’clock in the evening of January 3, 2020.

In an interview with FO1 Jay-son Cadiong, PIO of BFP-Albuera Station, he revealed that it was around 7:48 in the evening when they received a telephone call from Mr. Morales informing them of the said fire. Immediately they deployed their fire truck manned by Engine Company personnel FO1 Ramondito Padoga and FO1 Jeruzamel Ablacion. The poultry farm is located more or less 8 kilometers from the fire station in the town proper.

Accordingly, upon reaching the fire scene, 70% of the struc-ture was already burned, which

caused the fire crew to request for assistance from the Ormoc Fire Station. The help given eventually led them to declare the ‘fire under control’ at 8:20 PM; and finally, a fire out at 8:49 PM.

The Information Officer fur-ther told the EV Mail that an estimated damage of Php 14-illion was declared, based on their as-sessment and interview with the owner. Accordingly, Mr. Morales told the BFP-Albuera that they have just loaded 27,000 chicks a couple of weeks ago.

As of this writing, the Albuera Fire Station is still conducting thorough investigation as to the cause of the said fire, because as per initial questioning that they conducted with the poultry per-sonnel, the caretakers said that they were having dinner when they saw a fire ablaze in the middle of the building.

The station, meanwhile, un-der SFO3 Celso Bolaño as OIC Fire Marshall, encourages citizens of the timely reporting of any fire

incident or occurrence in their area of residence; and for imme-diate response, they may contact their Hotline Numbers 562-9539 / 09551580868. According to BFP Albuera, for 2019, they were able to respond to one residential, one industrial, and one vehicular fire incidents, and a few grass fires.

While in Ormoc City, a half-concrete, single-storey house owned by a certain Dominador Baring, 42 years old from Purok 2, Brgy. Day-hagan, was burned down at more or less 10:00 0’clock in the evening of December 31, 2019.

Fire Inspector Felipe Ali-cando, Ormoc City Fire Marshall, who led the team that responded at the fire scene, observed that the property is made up of light mate-rials, which was why it was easily and fully burned. An estimated Php 50,000 worth of damage to the property, caused by unattended cooking at the kitchen, was also declared by the BFP. The victim-

2 DEC. 30, 2019 - JAN. 5, 2020

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‘Ursula’ destroys 233K houses in EV

‘Ursula’-hit Biliran welcomes 2020 damaged, helpless... yet hopeful

Police confirms ‘zero firecracker-related incidents’ in Eastern Visayas during 2019 Yuletide festivities

A man rummages through damaged homes in his neighborhood to salvage a few items for rebuilding his new home a few meters away.

CAIBIRAN, BILIRAN – It was a bleak New Year’s celebration for some 4,000 families here whose hous-es were washed out by a storm surge and damaged by the pounding winds and heavy rains brought by Typhoon ‘Ursula’ on Christmas eve.

Some loca ls made makeshift houses from the debris in order to have a temporary shelter.

Allan Almen, 56, a fa-ther of 10 from Brgy. Vic-tory, was trying to remove nails from the wood of his nephew’s house washed out by a 4-meter storm surge.

Brgy. Victory was one of the villages worst hit when ‘Ursula’ landed in its adjacent town Cabucgayan. Based on the local govern-ment unit’s initial assess-ment, about 622 houses were partially damaged, while 130 were totally dam-aged. Some sitios remain isolated because of a broken footbridge.

He said he will be using whatever he could salvage so he could make a tempo-rary shelter for his children.

He earns around Php 100 from fishing and now that his boat was also destroyed, he said that it would be dif-ficult for him to feed his fam-ily who consumes at least a ganta of rice a day.

According to him, de-spite having 10 children,

they were not able to avail a unit in the Yolanda hous-ing project by the National Housing Authority (NHA).

“Kung nabigyan sana kami ng pabahay hindi na-min mararanasan ang ma-bagyo dito,” he lamented.

Mayor Rhodessa Del-ante Revita said they have initially recorded Php 38 million worth of damaged houses living on coastal ar-eas and upstream villages.

They have an initial re-port of 3,300 partially dam-aged and over 500 totally damaged houses in Brgys.

Victory, Palengke, Asug, Binohangan, and Uson.

“The problem of our town is those whose houses were destroyed by the ty-phoon, but were not able to avail units from the Yolanda housing project. They are staying in our evacuation centers for the meantime because we are still arrang-ing that they be allowed to occupy empty units,” she explained.

Noel Beltran, 46, said they were able to avail a

housing unit but was also damaged by the typhoon. They settled with a make-shift house where their old house stood and placed a mat on the sand for his fam-ily of six to sleep on.

He said that they just try to fit themselves in the mat like a can of sardines when they feel sleepy.

“Wala kaming nasalba dahil lumikas lang kami sa munisipyo noong mataas na ang tubig. Tiis-tiis lang muna ngayon dahil wala

sEE BILIRAN p. 5

TACLOBAN CITY (PNA) – The number of houses destroyed by Typhoon Ursula (international name Panfone) in Eastern Vi-sayas has now reached 233,353, the Department of Social Welfare and Devel-opment (DSWD) reported on Friday, January 3, 2020.

Of the number, a total of 16,161 houses were totally damaged and 217,192 par-tially damaged, said Theo Felices, DSWD (Eastern Visayas) regional disaster response operation division project development officer.

“Most of the totally damaged houses are those made of light materials and built along coastal vil-lages,” Felices said.

Leyte has the highest number of destroyed houses at 129,835, followed by West-ern Samar (43,515), Eastern Samar (35,364), and Biliran (24,639). The typhoon has affected 371,132 families from 1,778 villages in over 70 towns regionwide.

Felices clarified that the number is not yet the final count.

“We set the deadline for the submission of re-ports per local government units on December 29. Right now, we are still consoli-dating and finalizing the

report, and see to it that all validated data has been ac-counted,” he said.

After the assessment, Felices said, LGUs, together with other concerned agen-cies, will convene for a consultation meeting to determine the appropriate recovery phase programs for the affected towns.

“We will finish the assess-ment report as soon as pos-sible so we can proceed now to the next step and formulate the best recovery plans to be endorsed to the central office for funding,” he said.

This includes emer-gency shelter assistance and cash-for-work programs, the official added.

As of January 2, a to-tal of 22,839 family food packs have been trans-ported to towns in Eastern Visayas that requested for augmentation. This amounts to Php 9,169,402.

Each food pack contains six kilos of rice, four cans of corned beef, four cans of meatloaf, six sachets of coffee good for three to five days for a family of five members.

Also distributed are non-food items such as shel-ter and hygiene kits.

The DSWD reminded the public that the relief items are not for sale.

Mudslide buries 3 passenger vehiclesTACLOBAN CITY – Two passenger buses and a utility vehicle (UV) were covered by a mudslide in Barangay Binaloan, Taft, Eastern Samar around 4 P.M., Friday afternoon, January 3.

According to the De-partment of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Eastern Samar District En-gineering Office, JM Liner and Eaglestar Buses and a passenger van were bound for Borongan City from Ta-cloban City when they were covered by about 10,000 cubic meters of rocks and debris as a result of the incident.

The passengers were able to vacate the vehicles,

hence, no casualties were recorded.

Prior to the incident, two landslides were re-ported at around 9:30 and 11:00 A.M. in the area.

Reports said the town has been experiencing heavy rains since Thurs-day night causing the soil to loosen, which could have triggered the landslide.

As of 6:30 P.M. on Fri-day, the Wright-Taft Road in Barangay Binaloan was not passable to all types of vehicles. Motorists coming from Tacloban were ad-vised to take alternate route via Buenavista-Lawaan-Marabut, while DPWH con-ducts a clearing operation. By Marie Tonette Marticio

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Tacloban City Police Director PCol. Michael David led the inventory and disposal of seized firecrackers, including ‘boga’ all over the city last December 2019.

TACLOBAN CITY – The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) has noted zero firecracker-related in-cidents in Eastern Vi-sayas as of 8 A.M. on New Year’s Day.

P L t C o l . M a . B e l l a Rentuaya, PRO-8 infor-mation officer, said there were no casualties due to firecrackers based on their ‘Oplan Ligtas Paskuhan’ 2019 report, although they have recorded one inci-dent of illegal discharge of firearm and 13 incidents of illegal possession, use or sale of firecrackers since December 16.

She added that despite the significant downtrend on firecracker-related inci-dents in the last four years, they continue to strictly monitor the unauthorized use, trade, and distribution of firecrackers and pyrotech-nic devices in the region.

Last year, there was an 11 percent decrease in firecracker-related incidents with only 39 cases.

Accordingly, the Ta-cloban City Police Office conducted an informa-tion awareness campaign through ‘Bandillo’ in line with their ‘Oplan Iwas Paputok’ 2019 in various villages. They were also

able to seize firecrackers from unauthorized sellers, which they immediately disposed of.

PRO-8 had only 6 reg-istered dealers and 55 retailers authorized in selling firecrackers and

fireworks in Region 8. She said a total of 1,365

personnel were deployed in places of convergence, transportation hubs in or-der to ensure safe celebra-tions of the Yuletide Season. By Marie Tonette Marticio

3DEC. 30, 2019 - JAN. 5, 2020

Pagtikang sa ‘Bag-ong Tuig’ walay nabothan, pero may nasunogan

Nag ‘Bag-ong Tuig’ sa hospital tungod sa aksidente

HAPPY NEW YEARTO ONE AND ALL

Greetings From:Hon. Michael “Mike” Torrevillas

Mayor, Matag-ob, Leyte

May our 2020 be filled with goodness, kindness, and prosperity!

BAYBAY HOLDS FESTIVE 12TH BINAYBAYON FESTIVAL… with Ciabu National High School becoming the overall champion of the 12th edition of the annual festival.

The school-contingent also bested eight other schools in the following categories: Grand Ritual Showdown, Choreography, and Musicality. Also, the festival queen from Ciabu National High School was crowned as Binaybayon Festival Queen 2019.

Meanwhile, contingents from Pomponan National High School bagged the awards ‘Best in Street Dance Showdown’ and ‘Best in Costume’. They also landed 2nd Place in the Grand Ritual Showdown and Festival Queens Dance Showdown.

Third Placers were Plaridel National High School in the Grand Ritual Showdown and Caridad National High School in the Festival Queens Dance Showdown. (By Dailyn Cabarse)

ORMOC CITY – Sa wala pa ang Bag-ong Tuig, subsob ang kapulisan sa pagpa-hibawo sa publiko bahin sa dili pagpabuto. Kun dili gyud malikayan kadtong mga pabuto nga gitugot lamang sa mga awtoridad ang gamiton.

Ang kapulisan nga na-glangkub sa tulo ka es-tasyun naaabot sa mga barangay nga sakop sa ilang huresdeksiyun aron ipasabot sa katawhan ang kampanya, ug sa posibling epekto kun may mabuthan. Niini nga tuyo, nilampos ang mga awtoridad kay

sa pagtikang sa Bag-ong Tuig, ilang gisusi ang mga tambalanan sa Ormoc ug wala gyoy bisan osa nga nabothan, butang nga gika-himuot sa mga awtoridad.

Pero sa laing bahin, may nasunogan niadtong Desiyembre 31, kapin osa ka oras na lang sa dili pa motikang ang 2020. Sa report nakuha sa EV Mail gikan sa Bureau of Fire Pro-tection (BFP), ang alarma sa sunog ilang nadawat alas diyes trese sa gabii gikan sa ginganlan ug Ru-ben Baring, taga barangay Dayhagan. Dali niresponde

ang mga kawani sa BFP, gipangulohan ni City Fire Marshal SINSP Felipe Ali-cando Jr., pero sa ilang pag-abot sa lugar dako na ang kalayo ug hapit na napokan ang nasunog nga balay. Ang gihimo sa mga bombero igo lang pag-bomba ug tubig hangtud napawong ang kalayo. Si SINSP Alicando nagsilbi nga ground commander.

Ang balay nga nasu-nog iya sa managtiayung Dominador Baring. Si FO3 Samuel Matugas, ang in-bistigador nga nahinabi, niingon ang hinungdan sa

sunog mao ang nabiyaan nga kalayo sa abohan. Sayo sa gabii nagluto ang pami-lyang Baring para saw-an nila sa Medya Noche. Hu-man sa pagpangluto na-nimba ang managtiayun, gibiyaan ang ilang balay. May baga pa diay nga na-habilin sa abohan, kadto ang hinungdan sa sunog. Nauli ang managtiayun gikan sa simbahan, igo lang sila sa paghilak dihang na-kita nga ang ilang balay nga naugdaw na.

Ang banabana nga danyus sa sunog Php 50,000. Ni Paul Libres

ORMOC CITY – Sa ospital nag Bag-ong Tuig kining nagmotor dihang aksi-dente siyang nibangga sa gisundan nga sidecar.

Kini nahitabo sa baran-gay Danhug, Desiyembre 31, pasado ala una sa hapon. Ang biktima giila nga si El-ionor Companado, hingkud ang panuigon ug taga Calu-nasan, Merida. Mga pulis gi-kan sa Traffic Management Unit (TMU) dali niresponde, hasta ang rescue team sa BFP. Sila na ang naghatud sa biktima sa OSPA-FMC. Ang sidecar gimaneho ni John Mark Arcuino, 22 anyus ug taga barangay Tambulilid ning siyudad. Ang biktima nakaangkon ug mga bon-og sa lawas.

Sa inbistigasyun ni P/MSgt. Angelito Dante sa TMU niingon nga gikan sa Albuera si Companado, ang sidecar nga nagdiliber ug softdrinks gikan dapit sa San Antonio. Nagsunod ang duha pero pag-abot diha sa barangay Danhug, kalit niliko si Arcuino, ug

wala makabantay ang nag-motor, resulta nibangga siya sa sidecar. Nabuwag kini sa gisakyan niyang motor.

Sila FO3 Gian Luzures ug FOI Clyde Wong, mga nurse nga bomber, mao ang nag asikaso sa sa biktima aron mahatud sa tambalanan.

Ang sidecar nga gi-maneho ni Arcuino ug ang motor nga gimaneho ni Companado, anaa karon sa buhatan sa TMU. Ning paghimo sa balita, gihuwat sa TMU kon makagawas na si Companado aron ma-hibaw-an unsa ang iyang hukom, mokiha ba siya o dili sa drayber sa sidecar.

Subli nipasidaan si P/MSgt. Dante sa mga motor-ista nga kanunay gyud mag igmat sa pagmaneho, kun moliko, kanang dili apike ug mogamit sa signal lights aron makabantay ang nag-sunod kaniya. Sa datus nga nakuha gikan sa TMU, sa pagtikang sa bag-ong tuig kini lamang nga aksidente narehistro sa ilang buhatan. Ni Paul Libres

Onse anyus nga lalaki nadasmagan ug motorORMOC CITY – Nalanding sa tambalanan ang onse anyus nga batang lalake dihang nadasmagan kini ug osa ka motor alas otso pasado sa gabii, Enero 2, diha sa dalan Hermosilla.

Ang biktima giila nga si Kimrod Sode. Ang mo-tor nga nakabangga kaniya gimaneho sa ginganlan ug Nino Judilla, 23 anyus, ulitawo, taga barangay Tab-gas, Albuera, ug trabahante sa osa ka water refilling sta-tion dinhi sa Ormoc.

Matud sa mga naka-saksi sa hitabo, tulin kaayo nakapadagan sa motor si Judilla unya ang biktima ni-kalit ug tabok sa kalsada ug maayong pagkasabak ang

bata sa motor ug nalagpot.Ang biktima nadali ug

hatud sa Ormoc Doctors Hospital samtang si Judilla nadala sa mga pulis sa Traffic Management Unit (TMU). Nakaagum siyag mga bon-og ug pangos sa tuhod ug sa bukton. Si P/MSgt. Angelito Dante, ang inbistigador nga nakuhaan sa iyang pana-hum, niingon ang ginikanan sa bata, wala pa moanha sa ilang buhatan. Si Judilla nga nakuhaan sa iyang habig ni-ingon wala siya makabantay nga may nilabang nga bata sa kalsada.

Huwaton sa mga awto-ridad ang tagtungod sa bik-tima aron sayran gikan mis-mo kanila kun mopasaka pa

silag kiha batok sa drayber sa motor. Nahibaw-an nga student permit pa raba ang lisensiya niini. Giisyuhan na hinuon siyag citation ticket sa mga awtoridad tungod sa kalapasan niyang nahimo. May nigawas nga estorya nga ang inahan sa drayber nga nakabangga niduol na sa ginikanan sa bata, kun unsa ang unod sa ilang giistoryahan, kini ang wala pa masayri sa taga TMU. Ni Paul Libres

PPA nakarehistro ug kapin 9,000 ka pasahero sulod sa 17 ka adlawORMOC CITY – Ang Philippine Ports Author-ity (PPA) nakarehistro ug 91,739 ka pasahero nga nangabot ug nigikan sa Ormoc sulod sa desesiete ka adlaw lamang.

Ang mga nangabot mao kadtong namakasyon niadtong Pasko ug sa Bag-ong Tuig. Mas daghan ang nanguli sa Leyte kay sa mga nigikan, pero nianang Enero 1, daghan ang ihap sa namalik sa Cebu base sa datus nga nakuha sa EV Mail gikan sa PPA.

Si Port Police Lt. Col. Jundy Mantus sa interbiyu sa EV Mail Enero 3 niingon, kining maong gidaghanon sa Ormoc lamang, pero kun sumadahon ang mga pasahero nga nigikan ug nangabot sa Leyte sulod sa desesiete kaadlaw, niabot sa 185,745 gilangkuban sa mga pantalan sa Bato, Hilongos, Baybay, Ormoc, Isabel, Palompon, Villaba, ug apil na ang isla sa Bili-ran. Ang “Oplan: Biyaheng Ayos, Pasko 2019” gisugdan niadtong Desiyembre 16 ug

matapos sa Enero 6, 2020.Matud ni Mantus, ang

way biyahe sa mga barko niadtong Desiyembre 24 lamang tungod sa bagyong Ursula, pero ang nangatang-gong nga mga pasahero nakagikan hinuon nianang Desiyembre 25 dihang gilib-kas na sa PAG-ASA ang signal sa bagyo dinhi sa Sidlakang Kabisayaan.

Sa nahisgotan nga datus, ang mga nangabot sa panta-lan sa Ormoc anaa sa 53,429 samtang ang nigikan anaa sa 38,310, suma total 91,739. Sa laktud madugangan pa unya ang gidaghanon inig kahuman sa OPLAN, kay ang gihatag nga datus sa PPA kutob Enero 2 lamang.

Enero 3, nakit-an sa EV Mail ang pagdasok sa mga pasahero diha sa pas-senger terminal area. Sila kadtong mamalik na sa Cebu human sa bakasyon. Mas daghan ang nanakay sa mga fastcraft, pero sa mga dagkong barko, daghan sab ang nanakay kay wala na man sila makalukat ug ticket para sa Ocean Jet ug Supercat, kay okopado na hangtud sa Enero 5.

A n g P PA u g a n g Philipppine Coast Guard nipahinumdum sa mga pasahero nga mosayo ug anha sa pier aron malikay-an ang kalangan tingale’g mabiyaan na hinuon sila sa barko. Ni Paul Libres

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4 DEC. 30, 2019 - JAN. 5, 2020

Managing Editor: JIMA ZANDRA J. VERGARA

As we enter the New Year

LALAINE MARCOS (ON LEAVE)Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Correspondents / Columnists: DAILYN CABARSE, FR. ROY CIMAGALA, DR. NINO DOYDORA, HENRY GADAINGAN, ROLEX GELIG, ATTY. EMMANUEL GOLO, PAUL LIBRES, TED MARCOS, MA. TONETTE MARTICIO, RICARDO MARTI-NEZ, JR., DR. MANUEL K. PALOMAR Ph.D., ELMER RECUERDO, MYRA TAMBOR

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Liver Cancer Awareness Month

EDITOR’S NOTE:The View From Ormoc

column will return next issue.

sEE HEALTH p. 10

Why Hangovers Feel So Awful

sEE HANGOVER p. 6

DEBAUCHEROUS evening last night? You’re probably dealing with veisal-gia right now.

More commonly known as a hangover, this unpleasant phenomenon has been dogging humanity since our ancestors first happened upon fermentation.

Those nasty vertigo-inducing, cold sweat-promoting and vomit-producing sensations after a raucous night out are all part of your body’s attempt to protect itself from injury after you overindulge in alcoholic beverages. Your liver is working to break down the alcohol you consumed so your kidneys can clear it out ASAP. But in the process, your body’s inflammatory and metabolic reactions are going to lay you low with a hangover.

As long as people have suffered from hangovers, they’ve searched in vain for a cure. Revelers have access to a variety of compounds, products and devices that purport to ease the pain. But there’s a lot of purporting and not a lot of proof. Most have not been backed up well by science in terms of usefulness for hangover treat-ment, and often their effects don’t seem like they’d match up with what scientists know about the biology of the hangover.Working overtime to clear out the booze

Hangovers are virtually guaranteed when you drink too much. That amount varies from person to person based on genetic factors as well as whether there are other compounds that formed along with ethanol in the fermentation process.

Over the course of a night of heavy drinking, your blood alcohol level contin-ues to rise. Your body labors to break down the alcohol – consumed as ethanol in beer, wine or spirits – forming damaging oxy-gen free radicals and acetaldehyde, itself a harmful compound. The longer ethanol and acetaldehyde stick around, the more damage they can do to your cellular mem-branes, proteins and DNA, so your body’s enzymes work quickly to metabolize acet-aldehyde to a less toxic compound, acetate.

Over time, your ethanol levels drop through this natural metabolic process. Depending on how much you consumed, you’re likely to experience a hangover as the level of ethanol in your blood slowly returns to zero. Your body is withdraw-ing from high levels of circulating alcohol, while at the same time trying to protect itself from the effects of alcohol.

Scientists have limited knowledge of the leading causes of the hangover. But they do know that the body’s responses in-clude changes in hormone levels to reduce dehydration and cellular stress. Alcohol consumption also affects a variety of neu-

CANCER IS ONE of the four epidemic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) or lifestyle-related diseases (LRDs), which include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and chronic respiratory diseases. These NCDs are now considered a “silent disaster” of massive proportion that af-fects the Filipino population. NCDs share common risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activ-ity and the harmful use of alcohol.

Cancer remains a national health prior-ity in our country with significant implica-tions for individuals, families, communities and the health system in general. Among Filipino men, the 6 most common sites of cancer diagnosed in 2010 (Globocan) were lung, liver, colon/rectum, prostate, stom-ach, and leukemia. Among Filipino women, the 6 most common sites diagnosed were breast, cervix, lung, colon/rectum, ovary and liver. Furthermore, 189 of every 100,000 Filipinos are afflicted with cancer while four Filipinos die of cancer every hour or 96 cancer patients every day, according to a study conducted by the University of the Philippines’ Institute of Human Genetics, National Institutes of Health.

In response to this growing and alarm-ing epidemic of cancer, there is a need to revisit and strengthen the Philippine Can-cer Control Program, which started in 1990 through Administrative Order No. 89-A s. 1990, amending A.O. No. 188-A s. 1973.

Hence, the National Cancer Control Committee (NCCC) developed the National Cancer Prevention and Control Action Plan (NCPCAP) 2015-2020. It promotes cancer awareness campaigns to be spearheaded by the government aided by the private sector to help prevent the increase of cancer incidence.

In the recent years, more Filipinos are being diagnosed with liver diseases, yet it remains a “silent epidemic”. Lifestyle, largely influenced by western practices, is said to in-fluence its rising numbers. Fatty liver disease, Hepatitis B and C infections, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer cases are on the rise locally. Conditions leading to liver cirrhosis (irrevers-ible scarring of the liver) can also indirectly

lead to the development of liver cancer. Liver or hepatic cancer is the third

most common cancer in the Philippines. It is the 2nd most prevalent cancer among men, and 9th among females in the country, according to the Department of Health. The lack of access to affordable healthcare services, lack of information and dissemi-nation about this condition are hindrances to detect the condition early and provide intervention for liver diseases.

Liver cancer develops slowly, often presenting no symptoms until the tumor is in the advanced stage. And this time, its outcome for recovery is bleak. While there is supposedly a five-year survival rate after liver cancer is diagnosed, in actuality patients who undergo treatment only have a 35 percent chance of surviving that long, while those who are not given intervention have less than a 5 percent chance or sur-vival. Most of the time, people diagnosed with the disease can die within a year of diagnosis. Former Senator Cayetano was diagnosed with liver cancer. His son even donated his other lobe of his liver to his father; but he eventually succumbed to death a few weeks after liver transplant.

Globally, it is just as worrisome. In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) said 50 million deaths a year were attributed to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in the last two decades. In 2014, liver cancer claimed the lives of 20 Filipinos a day; the number is projected to double by 2030.

Many experts put the blame on unhealthy lifestyle. Fatty liver has since taken over as the country’s top liver disease problem. The DOH has noted studies, which emphasize a causal relationship between infection with Hepatitis B and liver cancer, citing countries with high prevalence of hepatitis B also having high prevalence of liver cancer.

The Hepatology Society of the Phil-ippines (HSP) defines fatty liver as the accumulation of fats in the organ and is highly associated with a “good food and

EVERY NEW YEAR reminds us, of course, of another opportunity to make a new beginning in our life. This is a law that governs us in this life. We have to begin and begin again, because no matter how far we have reached and how much we have gained in terms of experience if not of wealth, power, etc., we can never say that we have reached our ultimate goal, which is to be with God in heaven forever.

There will always be the need to make a new beginning. So let us enter the New Year with a renewed spirit of faith, hope and charity, the basic and indispensable guide we need as we go through our life’s journey that will involve all sorts of temporal and earthly affairs that are supposed to be the means and occasions to lead us to heaven.

Let us remember that our life is not sim-ply earthly, material, temporal and natural. It is also spiritual and meant to be super-natural and eternal in its final, definitive state. We have to develop our life in such a way that its spiritual and supernatural character is never compromised.

We should not forget that the ultimate parameter or condition of everything in our earthly life is to be with God. We should not exchange this condition for whatever good that the world can offer us. As Christ said: “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mk 8,36) As we enter the new year, let us tighten our relation with God first.

In this regard, we have to make some kind of prognostication of what we can expect for this new year. It goes without saying that there will be new things, new challenges, new goals, etc., that we have to contend with. In fact, we can expect so many of them that if we are not careful and prepared, we can easily get lost or at least get confused.

The profusion of new things should not surprise us anymore. The great progress in the arts, sciences and technologies, and the grow-ing number of people going into all kinds of inventions and creations, etc. insure that more and more new things will come our way.

We really would need to be very discern-ing in getting involved in these new things, lest we can get swallowed up by them and thrown into a current, which we would be unable to give proper direction. These new things can be a blessing or a curse. They can give us some advantages and conveniences, but they can also be sweet poisons and Trojan horses. They can be a friendly fire and repli-cate the story of the tower of Babel.

These new things are supposed to en-hance, not stifle, our life, especially our basic duties toward God, our families and others, and our own selves. What oftentimes happens is that the new things tend to disorient us, to distract us from our more basic duties.

So, if these new things become an ob-stacle in carrying out our duties to God, to the family, to others and to ourselves, then they are no good. If they only would lead us to self-indulgence and self-absorption

sEE PASSERBY p. 6

5DEC. 30, 2019 - JAN. 5, 2020

ABS-CBN franchise up for renewal?!

The older we get

GOODBYE 2019(#OneMoreChance)

EDITOR’S NOTE:POTPOURRI will be back next week / next issue.

Source: www.boybanat.com

Boy: Alam mo ba ang pinakamasarap na feeling sa buong mundo?

Girl: Ano?Boy: Ang maka-feeling ka!

rrrBoy: Ano, ang init naman ng smile mo

parang apoy.Girl: Bakit naman?

Boy: Cause you always melt my heart whenever you smile.

rrrBoy: Eto ang tatandaan mo…

Girl: Ano?Boy: Hindi lahat ng buhay ay buhay.

Tulad ko, buhay pero patay na patay sayo.

GENERAL ATTITUDES or the occasional bad joke can leave some would be seniors hating old age. Although our maturing years definitely indicate a very different phase in our lives, it does not have to be a bad one.

I am particularly delighted to find the results of research that confirms what I have been thinking all along. Our later years (retirement and beyond) are to be accepted, enjoyed and possibly even treated as some of our very best.

A survey found that two thirds of people over 70 claim they are “happier than they have ever been,” with half adding that they are in the “prime of their life.”

The study’s participants said that wor-rying less, no longer caring about what people think and having more time to get in-volved in activities that they really enjoy all contribute to their feeling of empowerment and life satisfaction. I agree 100% to that.

And what truly makes me happy? Physi-cal exercise, enjoyable mental challenges and being with family, relatives and friends are ingredients for my joyous lifestyle.

According to a number of scientific studies, humans peak at certain ages for dif-ferent things, from childhood right through to our 70s and 80s. While teenagers might have youth on their side when it comes to some forms of brain power, arithmetic skills are said to peak at around age 50. Although we might be fitter in our 20s, people are generally more content with their lives the older they get, with people over 60 report-edly having a better life satisfaction than those younger than them.

While the assessments show a positive picture for older generations, they were determined by using averages. Some of the research were also gotten through surveys, rather than controlled trials. In any case, the evidence which points to having an improved psychological well-being even at 82 years of age could only be a good thing.

Listed below is a full break down of the ages most of us supposedly peak at:

7 years old: Learning a new language18 years old: Brain processing power

22 years old: Remembering names23 years old: Life satisfaction25 years old: Muscle strength

26 years old: Finding a partner for marriage28 years old: Running a marathon

30 years old: Bone mass31 years old: Playing chess

32 years old: Remembering faces39 years old: Salary (women)

40 years old: Making a Nobel Prize winning discovery

48 years old: Salary (men)50 years old: Arithmetic skills

51 years old: Understanding people’s emotions69 years old: Life satisfaction (again)

71 years old: Vocabulary74 years old: Happiness with your body82 years old: Psychological well-beingHere is then to aging, not just grace-

fully, but with absolute joy, especially since not everybody is given the privilege of reaching a ripe old age.

Happy New Year to the young, and to my age group and beyond!

Dear Atty. Golo,Nalooy ko sa bata nga naputol ang

kamot kay nabuthan sa paboto. Goodbye Philippines man kono ang ngan sa pabo-to. Di ba illegal ang pagpaboto, ngano wa man na undanga? Unsaon gahi man pod ta og u. Bisan gidid-an, pabuto lang gi-hapon. Nagtoo-too nga kon magpaboto, mologpad ang mga dautang esperitu. Karon kay wa na may paboto, balik na pod ang mga dautang esperitu? Ang mga pulis pod, bisan ilang trabaho manakop og paboto, di pod manakop. Gahi lagi og u. Ang akong bana gahi pod og u. Akong giingnan dili na moinum, nahu-bog hinoon pagka “new year”. Maglagot gani ko buwagan jud nako si Pedro. Gahi kaayo og u. Peru, ang iyang u lang ang gahi. Inig katog namo, ambot lang...

Hahay, Inday

Dear Inday,Ang mga paboto kon “firecrakers”

nga makapatay o kaha makaputol sa kamot o tiil, sama sa goodye Philip-pines, gidili sa balaod (Sec. 3, RA 7183). Peru, angay ta malipay kay kon ikom-parar sa nangaging katuigan, menus karon ang nabuthan. Mi dyutay na pod ang nagpaboto. Pasalamat ta sa governo, labi na sa atong Presidente, nga nangampanya batok niini. Apan duna gihapon nakalosot, kay matud pa nimo, gahi man og u. Bitaw, daghan ang gahi og u. Peru, kon makasabot na, mahumok na ang u. Depende lang na pag esplekar. Bahin sa imong bana, ayaw ka “discourage” nga ang iyang u na lang ang gahi. Hatagi pa og “chance” si Pedro kay 2020 na.

Imong amigo, Manny G. Golo

THE MEDIA network ABS-CBN Corpora-tion’s franchise will expire soon on March 30, 2010 and is required to file for its re-newal before congress under Republic Act No. 3846. But President Duterte warned that, “If you renew it, I don’t know what will happen to you.”

President Duterte said the remarks after he vowed to see to it that ABS-CBN would lose its fight to renew its franchise. Mr. Duterte further advised: “If I were you, just sell it. Because it’s only now that the Filipino can retaliate against your abuses. And I will make sure that you will remem-ber this episode of our times forever.” He has vowed to block the franchise renewal, reiterating his previous accusations that the TV network swindled him by not air-ing his paid political ads during the 2016 presidential elections.

Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano said the House prioritized the work on the 2020 national budget and shelved hearing the re-newal of ABS-CBN’s franchise. Speaker Cay-etano commented that he too had a personal complaint against the ABS-CBN TV network, but he vowed that the House would be fair

in deliberating its application for a franchise.There was no comment from the ABS-

CBN network on this issue. The network has an employee force of 10,955 workers and has total assets worth Php 84.6-billion.

President Duterte’s remarks about blocking the network’s franchise renewal resulted in condemnation from media groups and the political opposition, which hit the move as a blow to press freedom.

However, the chairman of the House committee on legislative franchises Pala-wan 1st District Representative Franz Alvarez said that the congressional grant allowing the ABS-CBN Network to con-tinue its operations is a privilege, and not a right under the law.

Opposition Rep. Edcel Lagman, mean-while, asked President Duterte to file charges before the proper courts against ABS-CBN, instead of resorting to the ex-trajudicial killing (EJK) of media freedom.

It is up to Congress to process and approve the renewal of the network’s fran-chise, but the bill still has to be approved by President Duterte.

The Feast of the Baptism of the LordJanuary 12, 2020

Matthew 3:13-17Jesus came from Galilee to John at the

Jordan to be baptized by him.John tried to prevent him, saying, “I

need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?”

Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”

Then he allowed him.After Jesus was baptized, he came up

from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him.

And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

naman kaming magagawa. Nasira ang bangka namin. Ayaw kong humiwalay sa dagat dahil nandito ang kabuhayan namin. Dito na lang kami maski ganito ang kalagayan namin ngayon,” he shared.

He said that it’s the first time that they have experienced such wrath by a typhoon. Their house was not even damaged by Yolanda in 2013.

“Makabili lang sana kami ng sliced bread para may mapagsalu-saluhan kaming mag-anak,” he said when asked about their plans for the New Year’s celebration.

Ambrosio Corpin, 63, a father of 7, was emo-

tional as he shared that his 6 fishing boats, 4 pigs, and 2 houses were destroyed by the typhoon. He said he is having chest pains and difficulty breath-ing ever since the typhoon happened.

Corpin said he invested everything he had in those houses and fishing boats. He was, at least, thankful that no one in his family was hurt.

He now lives with one of his children in a small house in the town proper. Like most of the typhoon victims, Corpin hopes to be able to rebuild in Brgy. Victory. He is not keen about moving to Manila to be with his wife and other children.

“Humihingi ako ng tulong sa kung sino

man ang makakarinig sa amin. Dito lang ako sa Caibiran. Gusto sana namin maibalik ang bahay namin at ikinabubuhay,” he said.

If there is a lesson that they have learned from the typhoon, he said that they would evacuate as soon as there is an advice of an impending storm.

He recalled that the water was already knee-deep when they decided to run to the town proper. There were flying and falling debris around and they just used helmets for safety.

Mayor Revita said they have already de-clared a State of Calamity in their town with Php 18 million damage on infrastructure and Php 28 million on agriculture and fisheries recorded.

“We really need help here in Caibiran be-

BILIRAN ... from P. 2 cause our quick response fund is not enough. We still have relief goods left after ‘Tisoy’ but we still need to purchase more,” she appeals.

She also called on the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to help the fishermen who lost their boats because it is their main source of livelihood.

“May isang Tatay na lumapit sa akin ang sabi maski hindi muna sila mabigyan ng paba-hay ang importante makabalik sila sa pangin-gisda para may maipakain sila sa mga anak nila. Sana matulungan talaga kami,” she said.

She also urged her constituents not lose hope because their officials and the provincial government of Biliran are doing their best to help them. By Marie Tonette Marticio

6 DEC. 30, 2019 - JAN. 5, 2020

rotransmitter systems in the brain, including glutamate, dopamine and serotonin. Inflammation in-creases in the body’s tissues, and the healthy gut bacteria in your digestive system take a hit too, promoting leaky gut.

Altogether, the combination of all these reactions and protec-tive mechanisms activated by your system gives rise to the experience of a hangover, which can last up to 48 hours.Your misery likely has company

Drinking and socializing are cultural acts, and most hangovers do not happen in isolation. Hu-man beings are social creatures, and there’s a high likelihood that at least one other individual feels the same as you the morning after the night before.

Each society has different rules regarding alcohol use, which can affect how people view al-cohol consumption within those cultures. Drinking is often valued for its relaxing effect and for pro-moting sociability. So it’s common to see alcohol provided at celebra-tory events, social gatherings and holiday parties.

In the United States, drinking alcohol is largely embraced by mainstream culture, which may even promote behaviors involving excessive drinking. It should be no surprise that overindulgence goes hand in hand with these celebra-tory social events – and leads to hangover regrets a few hours later.

Your body’s reactions to high alcohol intake and the sobering-up period can influence mood, too. The combination of fatigue that you ex-perience from sleep deprivation and hormonal stress reactions, in turn, affect your neurobiological responses and behavior. As your body is at-tempting to repair itself, you’re more likely to be easily irritated, exhausted and want nothing more than to be left alone. Of course, your work produc-tivity takes a dramatic hit the day after an evening of heavy drinking.

When all is said and done, you’re the cause of your own hang-over pain, and you’re the one who must pay for all the fun of the night before. But in short order, you’ll for-get how excruciating your last hang-over was. And you may very soon talk yourself into doing the things you swore you’d never do again.

Speeding up recoveryWhile pharmacologists like

us understand a bit about how hangovers work, we still lack a true remedy.

Countless articles describe a variety of foods, caffeine, ion replenishment, energy drinks, herbal supplements including thyme and ginger, vitamins and the “hair of the dog” as ways to prevent and treat hangovers. But

the evidence isn’t really there that any of these work effectively. They’re just not scientifically vali-dated or well reproduced.

For example, Kudzu root (Pu-eraria lobata), a popular choice for hangover remedies, has primarily been investigated for its effects in reducing alcohol-mediated stress and hangover. But at the same time, Kudzu root appears to inhibit the enzymes that break down acetal-dehyde – not good news since you want to clear that acetaldehyde from your system quickly.

To fill this knowledge gap, our lab is working with col-leagues to see if we can find scientific evidence for or against potential hangover remedies. We’ve focused on the benefits of dihydromyricetin, a Chinese herbal medicine that is currently available and formulated as a dietary supplement for hangover reduction or prevention.

Dihydromyricetin appears to work its magic by enhancing alcohol metabolism and reducing its toxic byproduct, acetaldehyde. From our findings in mice models, we are collecting data that support the usefulness of dihydromyric-etin in increasing the expression and activity of enzymes respon-sible for ethanol and acetaldehyde metabolism in the liver, where ethanol is primarily broken down. These findings explain one of the several ways dihydromyricetin protects the body against alcohol stress and hangover symptoms.

We are also studying how this enhancement of alcohol metabo-lism results in changes in alcohol drinking behaviors. Previously, dihydromyricetin was found to counteract the relaxation affect of drinking alcohol by interfering with particular neuroreceptors in the brain; rodents didn’t become as intoxicated and consequently reduced their ethanol intake. Through this combination of mechanisms, we hope to illus-trate how DHM might reduce the downsides of excessive drinking beyond the temporary hangover, and potentially reduce drinking behavior and damage associated with heavy alcohol consumption.

Of course, limiting alcohol intake and substituting water for many of those drinks during an evening out is probably the best method to avoid a painful hangover. However, for those times when one alcoholic bever-age leads to more than a few more, be sure to stay hydrated and catch up on rest. Your best bet for a smoother recovery is probably some combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen, Netflix and a little downtime.

HANGOVER ... from P. 4

and all kinds of disorder, they are a great danger to us. If they trap us into their fascinating dynamic and desensitize us from our duty towards God and others, they are actually our enemies.

We need to be truly discerning because definitely we just cannot discard these new things altogether.

PASSERBY ... from P. 4We cannot and should not ignore the many good things they offer us. In fact, we should take advan-tage of them. But we need to be well-grounded on the right sense of priorities because these new things will pose competing values to us, and we simply have to know which one has priority over the other.

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Ormoc ends year with ‘Youth Jam’

Missing Filemon entertaining their Ormocanon fans with hits such as Prinsepal, etc.

ON SATURDAY evening, De-cember 28, 2019, Ormoc City was once again filled with a loud crowd, there to celebrate the year-end youth jam that was held at the Ormoc City Stage and organized by the City Youth Development Office (CYDO) in partnership with SK Federation president Joan Mar-bie Simbajon and with the help of the Ormoc City Government and Mayor Richard Gomez.

According to SK Federation President, Joan Marie Simbajon, the year-end youth jam serves as their gift for the Ormocanons and to the youth.

The crowd was entertained

b y i n v i t e d g u e s t s Ta m m y Brown and Kirara, comedians from a punchline comedy bar, who amused the audience with their jokes, and the five “Bidaman(s)” a boy group from the famous noontime show “Showtime”, who not only entertained but also did a ‘paper dance’ game.

During the same event, the CYDO and the SK Federation also awarded barangays in Ormoc City that was doing an impeccable job with youth participation. In the ‘Top Five Most Friendly Baran-gays’, the following received the award: Barangay Milagro, 1st spot; District 13, 2nd; Barangay Dolores,

3rd spot; Camp Downes, 4th; and Barangay Margen, 5th spot.

Meanwhile, ‘Top Two Most Outstanding Youth Organiza-tion’ are Leading Active Youth Advocates and Hayag Youth Organization.

Finally, before the night ended, the bisaya and Cebu-based ‘Missing Felimon’ band performed their famous and favorite bisaya songs as well as covered songs from bands such as Rivermaya and Eraserheads. Missing Felimon did not disap-point their Ormocanon fans and even invited a few people to sing and jam with them. (Contrib-uted by Jessiel Mae T. Racho)

Envisioning a relevant, responsive, reliable House of the peopleMANILA (PNA) – The House of Representatives for the 18th Con-gress has set its vision to become a real “House of the people” that is bent on prioritizing key measures that would help pro-vide Filipinos with a safe and comfortable life.

Upon taking the chamber’s helm, Speaker Alan Peter Cay-etano vowed to make the House “relevant, responsive, and reli-able” by changing negative per-ceptions and restoring the waning trust of the public.

“Let us do what is right. People love their congressmen, but they

love to hate Congress. This is some-thing I ask all of you: In unison, let us change that because this is the ‘House of the People’,” he said in his speech after being sworn in as the nation’s 22nd Speaker.

Cayetano emerged victorious in a tight speakership battle with major contenders, such as Marin-duque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, Davao del Norte Rep. and former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, and even Davao City Rep. and presi-dential son Paolo Duterte.

However, the top position of power in the House comes with a

price as Cayetano must honor a 15-21 term-sharing deal with Velasco.

Under the term-sharing agreement brokered by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 22, Cay-etano would hold the post for 15 months, or up to October next year, after which Velasco takes over for the final 21 months.

With already five months in, the incumbent Speaker has so far displayed stellar performance as made evident in his high trust and approval ratings that reflect restoring public trust in Congress.

House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez noted that for the first time ever, a Speaker of the House received an 80-percent trust rating and 76-percent approval rating in the latest survey of Pulse Asia con-ducted in December.

“I share the belief of the ma-jority of our people that the House of Representatives did a marvel-ous job in its First Regular Session. Our people have spoken. They are in approval of and satisfied

sEE HOUSE p. 7

7DEC. 30, 2019 - JAN. 5, 2020

HOUSE ... from P. 6with the performance of their con-gressmen under the leadership of Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano,” Romualdez said. “I am elated that Filipinos are now apprecia-tive of the hard work exerted by their representatives in Congress. They have seen how congressmen rolled up their sleeves and buck-led down to work from the first day of the 18th Congress.”

Romualdez, who chairs the House Committee on Rules, said the chamber processed a total of 900 measures in 32 session days – or an average of 28 measures per day – as a commitment to deliver the legisla-tive agenda of President Duterte.

Among the priority measures were the postponement of the May 2020 barangay and Sang-guniang Kabataan elections to December 2020 and the estab-lishment of Malasakit Centers as one-stop shops for financial and medical assistance, both of which had been signed into law.

Romualdez highlighted that the record time approval of the proposed 2020 Php 4.1-trillion national budget was one of the major achievements of the House for the first regular session of the 18th Congress.

“We were able to steer the ap-proval of the 2020 national budget in record time through creative initia-tives never before experienced in the House of Representatives,” he said, adding, “Committee hearings for the budgets of various departments and offices were held simultaneously, from day to night, Monday to Friday.”

To avert another scenario of a reenacted budget, senators and con-gressmen comprising the bicameral conference committee approved on December 11 the final version of the 2020 national budget.

The national government was forced to operate under a reenacted 2018 budget from January to mid-April this year because of the Senate and the House’s squabble over sup-posed insertions and realignments made by some lawmakers in the Php 3.757-trillion budget for 2019.

Vital tax measures were also approved on final reading by the lower chamber, such as the bill amending the Foreign Investment Act of 1991, the Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxa-tion Act (PIFITA), and the Cor-porate Income Tax and Incentive Rationalization Act (CITIRA).

Meanwhile, another tax pro-posal that seeks to increase the tax on electronic cigarettes and im-pose higher duties as contained in the Package 2 Plus B of the Com-prehensive Tax Reform Program, is up for the President’s signature.

“These bills are important parcels of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program that is required to help reach the A Credit Rating goal of the Duterte administra-

tion,” Romualdez said.He attributed the House’s

productivity to both the majority and the minority’s “tough work ethic in doing their jobs credit-ably,” underscoring that “democ-racy” is at work in the chamber.

“Your congressmen, both from the majority and the mi-nority, worked feverishly in the committee and plenary levels just to get the job done on time. The minority congressmen were given almost 80 percent of the total time allotted in plenary for interpellation,” Romualdez said, adding, “With democracy at work in the House, we manage to craft a national budget that is truly a collaborative product of hard-working legislators. No pork, no parking, and no delay. With the swift approval of the 2020 budget, we are confident that we will meet the country’s economic target of 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent growth for this year up to 2020.”

Other bills approved on third and final reading include pro-posals that would benefit public sector workers, particularly the proposed Salary Standardization Law 5 and the lowering of the optional retirement age of govern-ment employees to 56 years old.

Perfect vision for 2020Cayetano noted that the year

ahead represents a “perfect vi-sion” towards the House’s goal of uplifting the lives of Filipinos, which is the core of most of the priority legislative measures.

“What we can do is focus on things that matter. Arts, sports, culture are always part of educa-tion. (These) teach us hard work, discipline, teamwork, so there are things that we can really do,” Cayetano said, adding, “Kung ano man ang ilagay natin sa edu-kasyon, sa health, sa peace and order, sa defense, hindi naman masasayang yun (Whatever we put and allocate for education, health, peace and order, defense, would not be wasted).”

Romualdez said for 2020, the House would pass important measures, such as the creation of new departments – a Department of Filipinos Overseas and Foreign Employment and a Department of Disaster and Resilience – as well as the bill allowing the Depart-ment of Health to set and approve the bed capacity of its retained hospitals nationwide.

“Our focus right now is to work hard in legislation and pass all the measures needed to im-prove the living condition of our people. That is the marching order from the President,” he said. “We are busy with our work, and we intend to keep it that way. We all have roles to play, and we are just glad to be given the opportunity to serve,” ended Cayetano.

ORCHAM is my home, your home... our home, for together, we prosperIF “HOME IS where your heart is” and your heart keeps you alive, then maybe in business it is safe to say that “home is where your network is”.

I was inducted as a new member of the Ormoc Cham-ber of Commerce and Industry (ORCHAM) last 2018 during its Annual General Assembly and trust me when I say I know how it feels to be one with our city’s active business owners for the first time, not to mention you get to meet the most handsome leader in town – Hon. Mayor Richard I. Gomez but more than getting star struck by our City Mayor, you have now gained access to the voice and the right network that will surely com-municate your dilemmas as a business owner in the city to the government.

Meanwhile, the newly in-

ducted President Aileen Aviles during this year’s Annual General Assembly said and I quote: “It’s not WHAT you know in business but WHO you know that mat-ters.” And as I sat there, I looked around the familiar faces that I have been with during seminars and conferences and thought to myself the heart that keeps my business going, my network. Whether you are in the industry that caters to all market segments or one engaged in a very specific demographic profile, ORCHAM readily gives you a diverse net-work of both consumers and sup-pliers – just be ready with your calling card and charm your way to the hearts of your consumers and future business partners.

ORCHAM is also intimately in coordination with the Negosyo Center Ormoc by the Department of Trade and Industry, which aims

to enable business and em-power consumers through its services, so you can guarantee that when you register to be a member of the Ormoc Chamber of Commerce and Industry, you do not only gain network for your business but be updated and in the loop with the current services provided for you by the government.

With this, I would like to ask you to consider being a member of the ORCHAM for a minimal fee if you agree with me that if indeed network keeps your business alive so then maybe Ormoc Chamber of Commerce and Industry is where your business is at home. Let’s go home. (By Rae Julianne S. Alfaro of Structivo Construction Solutions and Services, a proud member of ORCHAM)

“Miracle in Cell No. 7” is the sleeper hit of the 2019 MMFFAS OF PRESS time, it has a strong showing at the box of-fice with most cinema seats sold out and theater goers lining up for the next avail-able screenings. This is un-expected as the other films participating in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) are all heavyweights with big names, big production budgets, heavy advertising budgets and historically big theatrical ticket sales figures.

From the time the teaser was released last November, there has been a strong interest in Miracle. The teaser had a record setting online viewer figure of over 7 million views in 24 hours. To date, there are close to 20 mil-lion viewers of just the teaser. The full trailer was released in early December and had aston-ishing viewer statistics as well.

Miracle in Cell No. 7 is origi-nally a heart-wrenching, highest grossing film in South Korea in 2013 and currently ranks No. 7 in the list of Korea’s highest grossing domestic films of all time. The film was directed by Lee Hwan-kyung and produced by Kim Min-ki who were in town to witness the premiere of the Philippine version. They had all praises for the cast and and stated that this is a very good remake of their film, with the right Filipino touch.

Directed by Nuel C. Naval (A Secret Affair, This Time), and written by Mel del Rosario, this official entry to the 2019 Metro Manila Film Festival stays faith-ful to the original plot with the unique Filipino touch of humor and drama.

Immediate comments from those who have seen the movie are all praises for the cast of Miracle. Aga Muhlach is really back as he sensitively plays the character Joselito — a man with

special needs who is wrongly accused of a crime. Xia Vigor surprises viewers with her in-nocent yet mature portrayal of Yesha, the daughter of Joselito. Playing Aga’s inmates are criti-cally acclaimed character ac-tors Joel Torre as Boss Sol, Jojit Lorenzo as Bong, Mon Confiado as Choi, JC Santos as Mambo, and Soliman Cruz as Tatang Celso. Award-winning actor John Arcilla assumes the role of the prison chief, Johnny. Bela Padilla proves once again how even a short role can be a great

acting piece. Already there are whispers

of awards for Miracle in Cell No. 7 but the best miracle is that is the Philippines has proudly produced another global movie that has touched many hearts and caused tears of joy to be shed. Miracle is produced by Viva Films.

This holiday season, catch Miracle in Cell no. 7. It will make you laugh, cry, love and truly appreciate the importance of family. And, yes, bring a hanky or two. (PR)

8 DEC. 30, 2019 - JAN. 5, 2020

Republic of the Philippines Province of Eastern Samar

City of Borongan OFFICE OF SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD

ORDINANCE NO. 152Series of 2019

“AN ORDINANCE ENACTING THE CITY OF BORONGAN ANIMAL REGULATION AND CONTROL CODE, PRESCRIBING

REGULATORY FEES AND PENALTY FOR VIOLATION THEREOF, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR SIMILAR PURPOSES, SUBJECT TO ALL LAWS

AND EXISTING LEGAL RULES AND REGULATIONS.”

SPONSORED BY:Committee on Environment and Climate change

EXPLANATORY NOTESection 16 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government

Code of 1991 broadly vests local government units with police powers to ensure the promotion of public health and safety, among many other things that are essential to the promotion of general welfare.

Article I, Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9394 otherwise known as Charter of the City of Borongan, in the city shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those neces-sarily Implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate or incidental for its efficient and effective governance, and those which are essential to the promotion of the general welfare.

Anti-rabies ordinance of 1997 provides only control of rabies from unvaccinated dogs, failing however to consider prevention if not eradication of rabies both in human and dogs. Anti-rabies Ordinance of 2011 only empowers the Barangays regarding Anti-rabies programs, it fails to authorize the barangays regarding the impounding of stray animals.

It is rampant that pet dogs and other animals are left by the owners to stray and roam around in public places and streets. Due to these stray animals, specially dogs, several motorcycle accidents on the streets and along highways had been reported which cause damage to vehicle, injuries and even death of the drivers and passengers.

Rabies is one of the many dreaded disease that are common to infect and kill the citizens of poor countries and there is a need to strictly adhere Republic Act 9482 of the Philippines or the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, in order to minimize, if not totally eliminate incidence of animal rabies bites.

It is the mandate of Republic Act 10631 of the Philippines or the Animal Welfare Act as amended to protect and promote the welfare of all terrestrial, aquatic and marine animals in the Philippines by supervising and regulating the establishment and opera-tions of all facilities utilized for breeding, maintaining, keeping, treating of all animals either as objects of trade or as households pets. For this purpose of this Act, pet animal shall include birds.

This ordinance shall address relatively high presence incidents of road accident due to stray animals and in order to curb the increasing transmission of rabies to humans, this Sanggunian and in the interest of public safety and health sanitation, deems urgent the enactment of a policy aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership while penalizing residents who are negligent in providing proper care to their pet animals. This ordinance will also use microchip/dog tag tagging so that animal control officers and veterinarians can return lost pets quickly to their owners, mitigating expenses for housing, food, medical care, outplacing and euthanasia.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bo-rongan in Session assembled that:

Enacted:ARTICLE I

SHORT TITLE AND DECLARATION OF POLICYSECTION 1. SHORT TITLE – THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE KNOWN AS “BO-

RONGAN ANIMAL REGULATION AND CONTROL (BARC) CODE”. SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY – It is hereby declared policy of the City

Government of Borongan to protect and safeguard the health of its constituents. Towards this end, a synchronized system for the control of stray animals and prevention of the spread and eventual education of animal rabies shall be provided.

ARTICLE IIDEFINITION OF TERMS

SECTION 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS. – As used in this ordinance, the following terms shall mean and be understood as follows:

1. Animal – refer to any animal of whatever specie, genus family, size and purpose which include, but not limited, to dogs, cats, birds, etc.

2. Animal carcass waste – refers to animal`s carcass, animal tissues, organs, blood or its components and body fluids.

3. Animal control facility – refers to an establishment operated and governed by the City Government of Borongan which consists of an animal diagnostic laboratory and medical facility, spay/neuter center and dog impounding.

4. Animal facility – refers to an establishments, other than that of the local govern-ment unit, utilized for breeding maintaining, keeping, training or training of all animals, including birds, either as objects of trade or as household pets. This includes but not limited to, pet shop, kennel, veterinary clinic, veterinary hospital, stockyard, corral, stud farm, zoo, aviary and slaughterhouses.

5.Animal Registration – refers to the authority issued by the City Government allowing a person to possess or keep an animal foe whatever purpose, except those already covered by separate permits.

6. Animal Owner/Pet Owner – refers to any person keeping, harboring or having charge, care or control of an animal including his/her representatives and allows any such animal to remain about his premises for a period of no less than ten (10) days.

7. Animal Microchip/Dog Tag Registration refers to the use of a microchip/dog tag for the permanent method of electronic identification. The chip itself is very small and is implanted subcutaneously between the shoulder blades at the back of the pet`s neck. Each chip has a unique number that is detected using a microchip/dog tag scanner. The microchip/dog tag number is recorded on a microchip/dog tag database registry with details about the animal and owner.

8. Animal Registry – refers to a log where the identity of the animal and its owner are registered.

9. Animal Welfare – the avoidance of exploitation of animals by maintaining appropri-ate standards of accommodation, feeding general care, the prevention and treatment of disease and the assurance of freedom harassment and unnecessary discomfort and pain.

10. Animal Welfare Organization – refers to licensed group of individuals, whose main concern is the welfare of animals.

11. Dog – refers to a common quadruped domestic animal belonging to the other Carnivora (male or female), scientifically known as Canis Familiaris.

12. Dog Farming – refers to the raising of dog for meat, fur and other articles intended for human use/consumption.

13. Euthanasia – mercy killing: putting an end to the life of the animal by humane means in accordance with Republic Act 8485.

14. Endangered Animal Specie – refers to animals under the endangered list of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

15. Exotic Animal Specie – refers to animals generally endemic to the Philippines and those that are not generally taken in as pet animals.

16. Female dog – means any dog of the female gender that has not bees neutered.17. Foster Animal Owner – animal owner keeping animals under custody for a

period of no more than two (2) months.18. Infectious wastes – refers to used cotton, gauze, gloves intravenous lines,

catheters, disposable infected sheets used in veterinary medical treatment and operation.19. Kennel – a small shelter for dogs where they are bred or kept; a dog house.20. Male dog – means any dog of masculine gender, either castrated or not

castrated.21. Neutering – refers to the surgical removal under anesthesia of the ovaries

and uterus in the female and testicles for the male animals, performed by a licensed veterinarian.

22. Neutered Female – refers to any female animal on which ovaries or uterus have been surgically removed by a licensed veterinarian and is accompanied by a certificate that operation has been performed.

23. Neutered Male – refer to any male animal on which testicles have been surgi-cally removed by a licensed veterinarian and is accompanied by asserting that operation has been performed.

24. Other Animals – refers to animal to other than dogs and cats which are kept or cared for by persons as pets.

25. Pet Animals – shall include all domesticated living organisms belonging to the animal kingdom commonly found and kept within the households purposively for pleasure or companionship, i.e. monkey, cat, dog, rabbit, mice, and other mammal species; snake,

turtle, lizard and other reptile species; chicken, goose, pigeon and other bird species acquired either through breeding or by way of commerce.

26. Pet Shop – any store or establishment selling live animals as pets.27. Rabies – refers to a highly fatal disease caused by a Lyssa Virus, transmitted

mainly through the bite of an infected animal and is characterized by increasing salivation, hydrophobia and aerophobia, other neurological manifestations and eventual muscle paralysis and death.

28. Rabies- Susceptible Pet Animals – shall refer to all warm – blooded animals such as but not limited to carnivorous species (dogs, cats, foxes, ferrets, etc.) and other mammals such as not limited to bats including vampire bats, carabaos, cattle, goats, ships primates(monkeys), etc. that are not immune from rabies and are kept commonly as pets.

29. Registration fee – shall refer to the legal cost of registration the Office of the City Veterinarian may impose against Pet Owners as a result of the compulsory registration of all domesticated cats and dogs.

30. Stray Animals – means any unlicensed animal leaving its owner`s place or premises and found loose anywhere in the City limits. Also an animal tied outside its owner`s premises without its owner or is not under its owner`s control.

31. Vicious Animals – means any animal with known tendency to attack unprovoked or to cause injury, or otherwise threaten the safety of human beings or other animals, or has bitten any person.

32. Vaccination – means inoculation of dog/cat with standards Rabies Vaccine by a licensed government or private veterinarian or trained individual under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. The services of the said trained individual shall be limited only to rabies vaccination injection in dogs and cats and only during government mass vaccination campaigns.

33. Veterinary Medical Waste – refers to animal carcass wastes, infectious wastes and sharps (eg. Needles, Syringes, scalpels, broken vials/ampule).

ARTICLE III CREATION OF BORONGAN ANIMAL REGULATION AND CONTROL (BARC)

COMMITTEE SECTION 4. BORONGAN ANIMAL REGULATION AND CONTROL (BARC) COM-

MITTEE. – The said committee shall be composed of the following, to wit:Honorary Chairman: City MayorChairman: City Veterinarian also known as the Animal Welfare/Control OfficerVice Chairman: City Health Officer/ Authorized RepresentativeMembers: Chairperson of SP Committee on EnvironmentChairperson of SP Committee on Health and SanitationChairperson of SP Committee on AgricultureCity AgriculturistCity Legal OfficerCity Information OfficerCity TreasurerSK Federation PresidentLiga ng mga Barangay as represented by its PresidentPhilippine Society of Animal ScienceChief of Police of PNP Borongan/Authorized RepresentativeRepresentative from None Government Organization (NGO’s) involved in Human Health and/or Animal Welfare ProgramRepresentative from People’s Organization (PO’s) involved in Human Health and/

or Animal Welfare ProgramDivision Superintendent of Schools/District SupervisorsMedia RepresentativeDILG RepresentativeDENR RepresentativeSECTION 5. RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITY VETERINARY OFFICE- in the imple-

mentation of this ordinance the city veterinary office shall:1. Established an upgraded animal Rabies laboratory diagnostic center to

ensure better services to the people.2. Ensure the availability and adequate supply of Animal Anti-Rabies vaccine

at all times.3. Ensure that all dogs are properly immunized registered and issue a cor-

responding microchip/dog tag for every immunized and registered Dog.4. Establish and maintain Dog pound.5. Strictly enforce Dog impounding activities and field control to eliminate stray

Dogs6. Ensure that Dogs are leashed or confined within the premises of the Owner’s

house or Owners house fenced surrounding.7. Ensure the enforcement of section 6 of Republic Act No. 6465 of “Animal

Welfare Act of 1996”8. Prohibit the trade of Dogs for meat.9. Prohibit the use of electrocution as a euthanasia procedure.10. Require pet shop to post information regarding Rabies and responsible pet

ownership.11. Maintain and improve Animal Rabies surveillance procedure.12. Establish and maintain Rabies free zone in coordination with the LGU

Barangay.13. Immediately coordinate and facilitate for the approval of the sale and use

of Veterinary and Human Barbiturate Drugs and Veterinary euthanasia drugs by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

14. Strengthen the training of the field personnel and the information, education and Communication activities on Rabies Prevention and Control and Responsible Pet Ownership.

15. Conduct research on Rabies and its control in coordination with other agen-cies.

16. Formulate minimum standards and monitor the effective implementation of this Ordinance.

17. Encourage collaborative activities with the LGU-Health Office, City Agriculture Office, PNP, DepEd, DILG, DENR, NGO’s, POs and other concerned section.

18. Provide Post-Exposure treatment at the minimum expenses to individual bitten by animals suspected of being rabid by which will consist of the initial vaccine and immunoglobulin dose.

19. Provide pre-exposure Treatment to high risk personnel such as but not limited to laboratory staff, veterinarians, animal handlers, catchers, vaccinators, and other persons working with Rabies virus free.

20. Maintain an upgraded animal Bite Treatment Center and ensure the avail-ability and supply of Human anti-Rabies vaccines at all times and shall coordinate with other implementing agencies and concerned NGO’s for the purpose.

21. Facilitate procurement of Veterinary and Human Barbiturate Drugs and Veterinary Euthanasia Drug in coordination with the DOH and PDEA.

22. Recommend pertinent strategies for the improvement of the program.SECTION 6. RESPONSIBILITIES OF CITY HEALTH UNIT.1. Coordinate with the Agriculture/Veterinary office in the development of ap-

propriate health education strategy to inform the public on Rabies prevention, control, and elimination and responsible pet ownership.

2. Develop and maintain human Rabies surveillance system.3. Encourage collaborative activities with the LGU-Health Office, DepEd, DILG,

DENR, NGO’s PO’s and other concerned section.4. Referral to identified Animal Bite Treatment Center for post exposure treat-

ment of individual bitten by animal suspected of being rabid.SECTION 7. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CITY LEGAL OFFICERa. Attend to and resolve all disputes, complaints or grievances that may arise

in relation to the implementation of the program, only after failure of mediation in the BARC and the corresponding certificate to file action issued.

b. Recommend penalties to violators in accordance with existing laws.c. Set case hearing and notify the concerned individuals of the schedule.SECTION 8. INFORMATION AND EDUCATION CAMPAIGN. It shall be the main

function of the City information Office to seek assistance and participation of NGO’s, PO’s, DepEd/Academe, Media, Liga ng mga Barangay, SK Federation, PNP, DILG, and DENR in any of the following activities:

1. Community mobilization.2. Strengthen health education/information dissemination on Rabies and

responsible pet ownership.3. Promotion of the Anti-Rabies campaign during pet or any animal shows.4. Any other activities geared towards the prevention and complete eradication

of Rabies.SECTION 9. DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF BORONGAN ANIMAL REGULATION

AND CONTROL COMMITTEE (BARCC). The committee shall undertake the planning, implementation and monitoring of all its programs, projects and activities in coordination

with the National Rabies Prevention and Control Committee (NRPCC) and all concerned government agencies and non-government organizations (NGO’s) with the end in view of eradicating and/or neutralizing the threat of rabies against the population and inline thereto:

a) The Committee may create technical working group which shall likewise be multi-sectoral or multi-agency for the purpose of assisting the committee.

b) The City Veterinary Services Office shall act as secretariat for the Committee. The secretariat shall be responsible among others in the sending of notices, keeping all minutes, records, and documents relative to the meeting or deliberation of the committee and submission of reports to NRPCC and forwarding of list of violators to the City Legal Office for appropriate legal action.

c) The Committee, on common consensus shall schedule a regular meeting during the initial year of implementation of the Borongan Animal Regulation and Control Program and every quarter of the succeeding year; however, a special meeting called whenever necessary.

d) The Committee shall establish the appropriate organizational structure and internal rules governing its operation and management to ensure orderly, consistent and full cooperation of its members effective immediately.

e) The Committee shall formulate its program, and recommend additional rules and regulations in coordination with the NRPCC, as may be necessary in the implementa-tion thereof.

f) The Committee shall likewise be responsible for the following:i. Identify activities, projects and priority areas for rabies elimination.ii. Prepare and recommend the work and financial plan for the Program for

inclusion in the City Veterinary Office budget proposal under the General Appropriation Act.

iii. Identify other sources of funds and authorize receipt of grants/donations to support the implementation of the program.

iv. Recommend the operational budget of the Committee and its Secretariat for inclusion in the annual appropriations of the City Veterinary Office.

v. Monitor the activities contained in the Program by the participating agencies and organization.

vi. Recommend and coordinate the conduct of researches on rabies, its preven-tion, control and eradication in coordination with other agencies.

vii. Recommend the rabies-free areas to the NRPCC for the joint declaration of the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health.

viii. Conduct a local performance evaluation annually or as deemed necessary and assess if the objectives of the program were achieved. Corollary, it shall prepare local annual report to be submitted to the City Mayor and Sangguniang Panlungsod.

g) Enforce the apprehension of dog impounding to eliminate stray dogs.h) Conduct “Search for Best Barangay in Rabies Prevention and Control

Program” to assess or evaluate if the objective of the program is achieved.i) It shall identify “rabies risk” barangay or areas within the City.j) Initiate and exhaust all means for amicable settlement between the opposing

parties or individuals. k) Conduct barangay mediation/ conference between adverse parties and issue

a certificate to file actions and/ or facilitate an amicable settlement any parties it needed.ARTICLE IV

CREATION OF THE BARANGAY ANIMAL REGULATION AND CONTROL COMMITTEE (B-ARCC)

SECTION 10. COMPOSITION. Effective immediately, there shall likewise be cre-ated in every barangay a Barangay Animal Regulation and Control Committee (B-ARCC) who shall implement the program activities in the barangay, the BARCC shall oversee the proper implementation and monitoring of activities of the BARCC to be composed of the following:

a) Barangay Captain-Chairmanb) The School Principal-vice Chairman andc) Membersi.The Barangay Secretaryii.The Barangay Rabies Coordinatoriii.The Barangay Kagawad- (Committee Chairman on Agriculture and Health)iv.The Chief of Barangay PoliceSECTION 11. FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES.a. Appoint the barangay Rabies Coordinator preferably from Barangay Health

Worker.b. Implement and supervise census of animals every first quarter of the year to

be submitted to the Office of the City Veterinary Office on the last office day of February annually.

Strictly implement, supervise and monitor rabies program and activities such as dog registration, immunization and education information campaign in the barangay.

c. Strictly enforce dog leashing and confinement of stray dogs.d. Formulate measures on control of stray dogs or dog impounding to raise

revenue. Accommodate and assist veterinary personnel during conduct of rabies vac-cination and other related activities.

e. See to it that penalties to violators under existing laws are properly enforced.SECTION 12. THE B-ARCC shall conduct regular monthly meetings and may

call special meeting when necessary. The presence of at least 4 members including the chairman shall constitute a quorum.

SECTION 13. THE B-ARCC shall identify activities, projects and priority areas for rabies elimination and shall conduct a B-ARCC performance evaluation annually or as deemed necessary and assess if the objectives of the program were achieved. Corollary, it shall prepare the local annual report.

SECTION 14. THE BARANGAY SECRETARY shall take all records of the meeting to be submitted to Borongan Animal Regulation and Control Committee for monitoring and recommendation.

SECTION 15. THE B-ARCC shall prepare, propose and recommend work and financial plan for the Program for inclusion in the barangay budget proposal under the General Appropriation Act and shall allocate funds for the construction of temporary dog confinement facility or pens accordance with the standards set by the B-ARCC in their respective barangay Internal Revenue Allotment.

ARTICLE VPET OWNER’S DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SECTION 16. ANIMAL OWNERS SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – failure to perform any of these will be penalized by the implement-ing bodies through an Ordinance Violation Receipt (OVR):

a. Take care and provide for the needs of their animals such as proper groom-ing, adequate food and clean shelter and to prevent any from cruelty to their animals in accordance with Republic Act 8485, otherwise known as the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.

b. Shall have their Dog regularly vaccinated against Rabies and maintain a registration card which shall contain vaccinations conducted on their Dog for accurate record purposes.

c. Should keep their animals within their premises. Also owners should not tie or leash their animals in any public property such as sidewalks or streets.

d. To keep his/her animal under control or physical restraint as to prevent such animal from becoming a danger to persons or property or from trespassing upon the property of the other.

e. Prevent his/her animal to run loose in public places, and must not allow it to roam the streets or any public place without a leash.

f. Must not allow the animal to defecate on another person’s property, on any street lane, boulevard, and pathway or on any public place. If unavoidably, the animal defecates on the said places, the owner is responsible for the proper collection and disposal of the excreta/feces.

Penal provisions herein imposed. However, in provoked cases and unlawful entry, the owner shall not be liable to pay.

ARTICLE VIDOG FIGHTING AND DOG AND CAT MEAT TRADING

SECTION 20. DOG/CATS MEAT TRADING- It is strictly prohibited the trading of dog/cats meat. The trade of dogs/cats shall include but not limited to buying and/or selling of dogs, dog meat and carcasses, dog farming, collecting, and/or slaughtering of dogs for commercial consumption.

SECTION 21.MALTREATMENT OF ANIMALS- It shall be unlawful for any person to maltreat, kill or torture any animal or subject any dog to dogfights.

ARTICLE VIIANIMAL REGISTRATION

SECTION 22. COMPULSORY REGISTRATION OF DOMESTICATED DOGS AND CATS.

a. It shall unlawful for any pet owner residing in the City to own, keep or have

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control of any dog or cat within the household, commercial establishment, or any private property without first submitting such pet animal(s) to the Office of the City Veterinarian for compulsory registration. Henceforth, within reasonable time but not to exceed six (6) months after this Ordinance shall have taken effect, the Office of the City Veterinarian shall cause the notification of all concerned city residents of this provision.

b. The Office of the City Veterinarian concerned, upon presentation of any cat or dog for registration, shall require the pet owner thereof the Duly Accomplished Registration From.

c. After due compliance of the foregoing requirements, the Office of the City Veterinarian, within reasonable time but not to exceed three (3) days upon registration, shall cause the issuance of Certificate of Registration of such dog or cat to the pet owner concerned, specifically stating thereon the following:

1. Name, Address, Contact Number and other vital information pertaining to the registrant pet owner;

2. Name, Breed, Sex, Color and other vital information pertaining to the regis-tered dog or cat (i.e., vaccination, medication and/or health record.)

d. To ensure accuracy in identification, the Office of the City Veterinarian shall be authorized to impose permanent Animal Registration using microchips/dog tag upon each registered dog or cat, to consist of information or serial numbers that would exactly and clearly identify the pet animal with the registration Certificate issued there for.

e. Upon reaching three (3) months from birth of the pet, owners shall pay the following amount for registration, vaccination and microchip/dog tag of dogs and cats. The payment of such shall be made directly to the Office of the City treasurer as follows:

First Two (2) Pets - P100 per petThree (3) and succeeding Pets -P300 per pet f. Within reasonable time but not to exceed 6 months after this Ordinance shall

have taken effect, the Office of the City Mayor through the Office of the City Veterinarian shall immediately cause the procurement of Microchips/dog tag for animal registration including the essential accomplishments thereof in accordance with RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

g. The following are deemed exempted from the provisions of this Section:1. Dogs/cats owned or in the custody of or under control of persons who are

non-residents of the city or temporarily sojourning thereat for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days;

2. Dog/cat brought to the city exclusively for the purpose of registering them as participants in dog/cat shows or other animal exhibitions;

3. Dogs/cats placed on sale at pet shops and other enterprises for animals with proper business licenses issued for by the City provided, that immediately upon the sale of any such dog or cat, the storeowner concerned shall not fail to advice the buyer of the provisions required of the latter to accomplish pursuant to this Ordinance. Any negligent act committed by any such storeowner in violation of this Ordinance shall be punishable under this Ordinance.

ARTICLE VIIIVACCINATION

SECTION 23. COMPULSORY VACCINATION OF ALL RABIES-SUSCEPTIBLE PET ANIMALS.

a. No person, while residing in the city shall keep as pet any dog or cat which is unvaccinated with anti-rabies vaccines.

b. The office of the City Veterinarian concerned shall see to it that all registered dogs and cats are re-vaccinated with anti-rabies vaccines every after one(1) year begin-ning from the time of first vaccination or in accordance with the labels of the Bureau of food and Drugs (BFAD licensed rabies vaccines.

c. Refusal/failure by any pet owner to have their dogs and cats vaccinated in accordance with the above-prescribed period shall be punishable with the maximum penalty provided for under this Ordinance.

ARTICLE IXIMPOUNDING AND DISPOSITION OF ANIMALS

SECTION 24. DESIGNATING OF CITY ANIMAL POUND OR BARANGAY POUNDS. For purposes of this ordinance, the city mayor shall designate a place as the city pound or as may pound areas and preferably one for each barangay of this city where impounded animals will be kept or deposited pending their disposition. Every Barangay shall have Barangay Dog Pound.

SECTION 25. IMPOUNDING AUTHORITIES. All barangay official of each barangay of this City, motu propio or through the assistance of the Philippine National Police shall cause the impounding of stray animals in their respective Barangays and shall accompany the City Veterinarian in vaccination and catching dogs and cats.

The office of the City Veterinarian is designated as the principal agency tasked to cause the impounding of stray animals in coordination with each barangay of this City.

SECTION 26. IMPOUNDING OF STRAY ANIMALS. Animal impounded shall only be released to its owner after paying fines imposed under this ordinance. Besides payment of penalty, owners of impounded dogs should present the following before redeeming their dogs:

1. Pets Registration Card2. Pets Vaccination Certificate or Card3. Unregistered Dog must be registered and vaccinated before the owner can

claim their pet.SECTION 27. DISPOSITION – In case nobody claims the animal after three (3)

days from the date of impoundment, the same shall be put or offered for sale/adoption for petting purposes, donated to institutions for medical/scientific study purposes and/or disposed of by means of euthanasia. The adopter shall pay the costs of vaccination, safekeeping and the registration fee. All animals to be adopted should be neutered/spay and vaccinated against rabies before being released.

All Veterinary Medical Wastes which includes carcasses of euthanized animal shall be collected and disposed of properly by the Ecological and solid Waste Management Office or through any other means of disposal authorized by law such as incineration, donation to medical institutions and other animals facilities, etc.

SECTION 28. THE KILLING OF ANY ANIMAL OTHER THAN CATTLE, PIGS, GOATS, SHEEP, POULTRY, RABBITS, CARABAOS AND HORSES IS HEREBY DE-CLARED UNLAWFUL EXCEPT IN THE FOLLOWING INSTANCES:

1. When it is done as part of the religious rituals of an established religion or sect or a ritual required by tribal or ethnic custom of indigenous cultural communities;

2. When the pet animal is afflicted with an incurable communicable disease as determined and certified by a duly licensed veterinarian;

3. When the killing is deemed necessary to put an end to the misery suffered by the animal as determined and certified by a duly licensed veterinarian;

4. When it is done to prevent an imminent danger to the life or limb of a human being;

5. When done for the purpose of animal population control;6. When the animal is killed after it has been used in authorized research of

experiments; and 7. Any other ground analogous to the foregoing as determined and certified

licensed Veterinarian. In all the above mentioned cases, including those of cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabaos and horses the killing of the animals shall be done through humane procedures at all times. For this purpose, humane procedures shall mean the use of the most scientific methods available.

SECTION 29. QUARANTINE – A dog/cat which is known to have bitten or injured any person so as to cause an abrasion of the skin, or a dog/cat which in the opinion of any licensed veterinarian to be rabies suspects, shall be closely confined by its owner in accordance with the direction of the City Veterinarian or Barangay.

If the owner of the dog/s cannot be determined or located, then the City Veterinar-ian or Barangay shall order the confinement of the dog at the City/Barangay Pound for a period of not less than three (3) days then turn over to City Veterinarian Office. It shall be subject for observation from the City Veterinarian.

SECTION 30. IMPOUNDING FEES SHALL BE AS FOLLOWS, TO WIT:1. First Offense – P500.00 per dog and P100.00 succeeding days for three (3)

consecutive days;2. Second Offense- P600.00 per dog and P100.00 succeeding days for three

(3) consecutive days;3. Third Offense – Confiscation;

ARTICLE XBORONGAN CITY ANIMAL REGISTRY

SECTION 31. ESTABLISHMENT OF ANIMAL REGISTRY –it is hereby established the City and Barangay Animal Registries in Borongan. The City Veterinarian and Barangay Kagawad of Committee on Health of each barangay are hereby designated as City and Barangay Registrars, respectively.

SECTION 32. BARANGAY ANIMAL REGISTRY. – The barangay Registrar shall

be charged with the duty of registering animals, particularly dogs and cats, within the barangay. The list of registered animals shall be forwarded to the City Registrar, together with all requirements, before the end of the month.

The Barangay Registrar shall also submit a yearly report of all animals registered in their barangay to the city Animal Registry.

SECTION 33. CITY ANIMAL REGISTRY. – The City animal registry shall be charged with the duty of collating data from the Barangay Registries and shall manage the centralized animal registry for Borongan City, including the supervision and control on the issuances of animal registration using microchip/dog tag. The City animal Registry shall also submit a monthly report of all the animals registered in the city to the committee chairman on Agriculture, Health and Sanitation and Environment.

ARTICLE XIANIMAL CONTROL FACILITY

SECTION 34. ESTABLISHMENT OF FACILITY. – It is hereby established a City Animal Control Facility under the control and supervision of the City veterinary Office. The facility shall consist of:

1. Spay Center2. Existing Impounding AreaSECTION 35. COLLECTION OF FEES.A. Fecalysis – Direct Fecal SmearP100.00B. Neutering Male P250.00 (Dog) P150.00 (Cat)Female P300.00 (Dog) P150.00 (Cat)C. Spaying Female P500.00 (Dog) P300.00 (Cat)D. Treatment Fee –P100.00All neutered dogs and cats will be permanently marked. The marking will be based

in accordance with international standards. Fees collected under this section shall go to a Trust Fund for the exclusive use of the City Veterinary Office.

SECTION 36. DOG POPULATION CONTROL- In furtherance of the policy of this Ordinance to prevent, control, or eradicate rabies, there is the need to control the dog population and reduce the number of unwanted stray dogs. As such, it is hereby by mandated that.

a. The City Information Office, City Agriculture Office and City Health Unit in coordination with the DepEd, DILG, Media, DENR, Liga ng mga Barangay, PNP, NGO’s and PO’s shall undertake an educational and promotional campaign on responsible pet ownership, including the option of spaying or castration.

b. An incentive system shall be provided whereby owners of Dogs which have been spayed or castrated shall be given a subsidized or discounted pet registration fee of fifty percent (50%).neutered animals shall avail free treatment services at the City Veterinary Office.

c. Dogs which have been impounded three shall only be released after having spayed or castrated, at the expenses of the Pet’s Owner.

ARTICLE XIIANIMAL FACILITY MONITORING

SECTION 37. REQUIREMENTS FOR ANIMAL FACILITIES.Pet shops and other animal facilities are also required to post information regarding

Rabies and s Pet Ownership.For record purpose, such as Borongan’s animal population survey and other

baseline date, all animal facilities shall provide all the necessary information and data required from them by the services Office.

SECTION 38. REGULATION ON THE SALE OF VETERINARY BIOLOGICS, DRUGS AND MEDICAL PREPARATION

All establishment and facilities concerned shall, without prescription from a licensed veterinarian in accordance with R.A. 382 known as veterinary practice act and R.A. 3720 known as Food Drugs and Devices and Cosmetics Act, regulate the sale of Veterinary Biologics, Drugs and Medicinal Preparation such as Antibiotics, hormones, corticosteroids and immunological.

ARTICLE XIIIPENALTY

SECTION 39. THE PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF ANY OF THE PROVISION OF THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE PENALIZED AS FOLLOWS:

For violation of section 22: Animal Registration First Offense – WarningSecond Offense-P1,000.00 fine and registration of P200.00 per petThird Offense – P 2,000.00 fine plus confiscation of the animal or imprisonment of

one (1) day but not more than five (5) days at the discretion of the court.For violation of Section 23: Vaccination:First Offense – P2,000.00 fine and submit the animal for vaccinationSecond Offense – P3,000.00 fine and submit the animal vaccinationThird Offense –P5,000.00 fine and submit the animal for vaccination or imprison-

ment of one (1) day but not more than five (5) days at the discretion of the court.Offenses will be determined on a yearly basis. So that after the lapse of a year,

everyone will start on a clean slate.For violation of Section 16. Duties and Responsibilities of Pet Owners:First Offense –P500.00 fineSecond Offense-P1,000.00 fineThird Offense – P1,500.00 fine or imprisonment of one (1) day but not more than

(5) days at the discretion of the court. For violation of section 15:Improper Disposal of Pet Animal’s Cadaver –P5,000.00General:For any violation the penalty shall be P1,000 to 5,000 depending of the gravity

of the violation.SECTION 40. RESPONSIBLE OFFICES. - The City Veterinary Services Offices

and the Barangay are directed to strictly implement this Ordinance and are deputized to confiscate animals under the provisions of this Ordinance. The Borongan Police Depart-ment is hereby directed to assist said officials in the confiscation.

ARTICLE XIVISSUANCE OF ORDINANCE VIOLATION RECEIPT (OVR)

SECTION 41. AUTHORITY TO ISSUE OVR. – The City Veterinary Services Of-fice personnel, PNP or other Barangay Enforcers deputized by the City shall issue the OVR to violators of this Ordinance. Such issued OVR(s) shall specifically state therein the type of offense including the amount of the corresponding fine and other observed remarks. Settlement of cited fine(s) shall be made directly at the City Treasurer’s Office (Implementing Body.)

SECTION 42. OVR ISSUANCE. - OVR shall be issued to Pet owners who violate any of the provision of this Ordinance including, but not limited to the following circumstances:

a. During Stray Dog Operation where:1. Stray dog that has already been caught but escaped.2. Stray dog run back home.3. Stray dog that has been caught but was snatched and held back by struggling

owners.4. The dog is tied stationary outside the owner’s premises or in public places.5. The streets are narrow and the impounding vehicle in unable to enter.6. Stray dog is caught defecating or polluting on another person’s property or

on public places.b. Violators of Article III, during monitoring and inspection.c. Unsettled complaints forwarded by the barangay to our office. The said

complaints are those issues and cases that the Lupon ng Barangay wasn’t able to settle or resolve.

d. Failure to perform any of the owner’s duties and responsibilities stated in Article III

SECTION 43. PROCEDURE OF ISSUANCE. – The following procedure shall govern issuance of OVRs:

1. The stray dog will be monitored by enforces to know to whom it belongs. If the dog is tied in a public place, the enforcer should find the owner.

2. The OVR will be issued to concerned owner after being informed of the violation committed and of corresponding fines.

3. All duplicate copies of the OVR issued will be forwarded to the Veterinary Services Office for record keeping.

4. The violator will only be given three (3) working days to comply.5. In case of failure to comply, appropriate legal charges will be filed against

the owner.SECTION 44. DISPOSITION OF FINES. – The fines collected using the OVR for

the violation of this Ordinance shall accrue in favor of the following:

1. 40% to the City Government2. 20% Maintenance of feeds in the City Dog Pound.3. 40% to the Barangays concerned as an incentive for the implementation of

this Ordinance.Provided that only those concerned barangays hereof who actually and directly

collected, through the barangay Treasurer, can avail their apportioned share.SECTION 45. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS it shall be the task

of the Borongan Animal Regulation and Control Committee to draft the implementing rules and regulations within six ( 6) months from the passage of this Ordinance, subject review, approval and adoption by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

SECTION 46. REWARDS AND RECOGNITION – In line with this Ordinance, there shall be an Annual Recognition during the “Pasidungog” to be given by the local govern-ment unit of the City of Borongan selected among barangays with the highest percentage of vaccination coverage and having zero rate of impounded dogs.

SECTION 47. APPROPRIATIONS- An amount necessary to implement the provi-sion of this Ordinance shall be included in the annual budget of the City Veterinary Office, City Agriculture Office and the City Health Unit. The amount so appropriated including an amount for anti-Rabies program and shall be used by the BARCC committee to cover the following the expenses:

a. Acquisition of anti-rabies vaccines for human and dog, and other parapher-nalia;

b. Training of vaccinators and dog catchers;c. Production of information education Campaign materials;d. Celebration of “Anti-Rabies Awareness Month” every month of March of the

yeare. Incentive plaque for Barangay with highest percentage of vaccination cover-

age and zero rate of impounded dogsf. Travelling expenses of the following personnel:• Anti-rabies Vaccinators, Dog Catchers, and Veterinarian• Service Vehicleg. OthersSECTION 48. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE – In case any provision of this Ordinance

is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 49. REPEALING CLAUSE- All ordinances or Resolutions that are inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby amended, repealed, or modified accordingly.

SECTION 50. EFFECTIVITY – This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval and after due compliance with the requirement of publication or posting.

Enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Borongan in Session assembled:(Sgd.) HON. MA. ROZENE D. DAZASangguniang Panglungsod Member

(Sgd.) HON. ANNA KATRINA L. ANACTA-SADAC Sangguniang Panglungsod Member

(Sgd.) HON. KATHLYN JANE B. CAINDAYSangguniang Panglungsod Member

(Sgd.) HON. LYRA GEL A. LIMBAUANSangguniang Panglungsod Member

HON. MELCHO A. ARAGOSangguniang Panglungsod Member

(Sgd.) HON. GLAIZA G. TIUSangguniang Panglungsod Member(Sgd.) HON. RENATO C. BAGACAYSangguniang Panglungsod Member

HON. BYRON M. SUYOTSangguniang Panglungsod Member

(Sgd.) HON. KURT RYAN R. TYSangguniang Panglungsod Member(Sgd.) HON. GLENN A. ESCOTO

Sangguniang Panglungsod Member(Sgd.) HON. RENERIO B. ADOR, SR.Sangguniang Panglungsod Member(Sgd.) HON. MAY LANIE O. ANACTASangguniang Panglungsod Member

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Ordinance was passed and approved during the Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on November 19, 2019 at Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

CERTIFIED AND CORRECT:(Sgd.) HON. EMMANUEL T. TIUSONCOCity Vice Mayor/ Presiding OfficerATTESTED:(Sgd.) ANTONIO B. SACMARBoard Secretary VI(Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod)

APPROVED: (Sgd.) HON. JOSE IVAN DAYAN C. AGDA, Coe,

City Mayor

EV Mail Dec. 23-29, 2019; Dec. 30, 2019-Jan. 5, 2020; & Jan. 6-12, 2020

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registrar

Province: Leyte City/Municipality: Palompon

Republic of the Philippines) Palompon, Leyte )SS

Petition No. CFN-0013-2019 PETITION FOR CHANGE OF FIRST NAME

I, EVELYN CABALLES RAMOS, of legal age, Filipino, and a resident of Zone 6, Mali-walo, Tarlac City, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, hereby declare that:

1) I am the petitioner seeking the change of first name in: a) my Certificate of Live Birth 2) I was born on January 28, 1975 at Palompon, Leyte, Philippines 3) The birth was recorded under registry number 69 (B-75) 4) The first name to be changed is from EVELYNDA to EVELYN 5) The grounds for filing this petition are the following: b) I have habitually and continuously used EVELYN and I publicly known in the com-

munity with that first name; 6) I submit the following documents to support this petition: a) Certificate of Live Birth (SECPA & CRF No. 1A) & Certificate of Baptism of the Child b) Certification from Palompon North District & Secondary Student’s Permanent Record c) Police & NBI Clearances & Affidavit of Non-employment & Marriage Contract d) Affidavit of Discrepancy, Voter Certification & COLB of the Children 7) I have not filed any similar petition and that, to the best of my knowledge, no other

similar petition is pending with any LCRO, Court or Philippine Consulate. 8) I have no pending criminal, civil or administrative case in any court or any quasi-

judicial body. 9)I am filing this petition at the LCRO of Palompon, Leyte in accordance with R.A.

No. 9048 and its implementing rules and regulations. (Sgd.) EVELYN CABALLES RAMOS

Petitioner VERIFICATION

I, EVELYN CABALLES RAMOS, the petitioner, hereby certify that the allegations herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(Sgd.) EVELYN CABALLES RAMOS Petitioner

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 16th day of December 2019 in the city/municipality of Palompon, Leyte, petitioner exhibiting her UMID No. CRN: 0111-9771712-4.

(Sgd.) ANNABELLE P. MARQUEZMunicipal Civil Registrar

ACTION TAKEN BY THE C/ MCR Granted The petitioner, having been able to prove convincingly that she has been using and

publicly known in the community with the first name “EVELYN” as shown by documentary evidences she submitted to this office, the petition to change the child’s first name in the Certificate of Live Birth bearing registry number 69 (B-75) from “EVELYNDA” to “EVELYN” being within the meaning of R.A. 9048 is hereby GRANTED.

Date: 06 January 2020 ANNABELLE P. MARQUEZ

City/Municipal Civil Registrar EV Mail Dec. 23-29, 2019 & Dec. 30, 2019 - Jan. 5, 2020

10 DEC. 30, 2019 - JAN. 5, 2020

Extrajudicial Partition with waiver and Quitclaim

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the property of the late FROCTOU-SO PASTOR re a one-half (1/2) portion of a parcel of land Lot 8890, Psd-083738-007842-D, situated in Brgy. Manlilinao, Ormoc City, containing an area of 21,000 sq. m. covered by TCT No. 27836 was partitioned among his heirs per Doc. No. 365; Page No. 73; Book No. 43; Series of 2019 Notary Public Jasper M. Lucero. EV Mail Dec. 16-22, 23-29, & 30, 2019 & Jan. 5, 2020

Deed of Extrajudicial Settlement NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that the property of the late SPS. RE-BECCA V. BARBUSA and GREGORIO BARBUSA re a parcel of land Lot 11877, C-36, Cad. 566-D, Katibayan ng Orighinal na Titulo Blg. P-45355, with an area of 12,882 sq. m. covered by OCT No. P-45355 located at Brgy. Talisay, Hilongos, Leyte was settled among their heirs and 1/3 each undivided portion of the above mention property donated in favor of DR. ELEANOR R. VILLAFLOR per Doc. No. 264; Page No. 53; Book No. IV; Series of 2019 Notary Public Joseph F. Fulache. EV Mail Dec. 16-22, 23-29, & 30, 2019 & Jan. 5, 2020

Extrajudicial Settlement NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that the properties of the late PATRO-CINIO S. FRUCTUOSO, MARGARET S. FRUCTUOSO re parcels of land TCT No.21709, Lot No. 7452-A-I-B, an area of 35,839.00 sq.m.; TCT No. 21708, Lot No. 7466, an area of 11,711.00 sq. m. ; TCT No.21708, Lot No. 7464, an area of 9,774.56; TCT No. 21,708, Lot No.7467, 9,972.00 sq. m. and TCT No. 21708, Lot No. 7465, an area of 5,260.00 sq. m. all located at Barrio Milagro, Ormoc City were settled among their heirs per Doc. No. 8; Page No. 3; Book No. I; Series of 2019 Notary Public Eugene T. Mateo. EV Mail Dec. 30, 2019-Jan. 5, 6-12 & 13-19, 2020.

Affidavit of Self Adjudication NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that the property of the late ANGELES EAMIGUEL JORDAS re a parcel of land Lot 5448-C-2-G, Psd-08-015184-D, situated in Brgy. Libertad, Ormoc City, containing an area of 200 sq. m. covered by TCT No. 38348 was adjudicated unto himself by RODEL EAMIGUEL JORDAS per Doc. No. 483; Page No. 97; Book No. 97; Book No. CDXLII; Series of 2018 Notary Public Nicolas S. Maglasang. EV Mail Dec. 30, 2019-Jan. 5, 6-12 & 13-19, 2020.

Deed of Extrajudicial Partition NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that the properties of the late EUGENIO C. SALILIN and TEODORA I. SALILIN re parcels of land Lot No. 8228-A, TCT No. 121-2018001115, situated in Brgy. Catmon, Ormoc City, containing an area of 10,572 sq. m.; Lot No. 8228B, TCT no. 121-2018001116, containing an area of 10,572 sq. m.; Lot No. 8228-C, TCT No. 121-2018001117, containing an area of 10,571 sq. m.; Lot No. 8230-A, TCT No. 16343, situated in Brgy. Catayum, Ormoc City, containing an area of 11,036 sq. m.; ¼ undivided share of a parcel of land Lot No. 8209, TCT No. 121-2018000008, containing an area of 33,082 sq. m.; and 1/5 undivided share of a parcel of land Lot No. 8230-B, TCT no. 14315, containing an area of 11,037 sq. m. were partitioned among their heirs per Doc. No. 334; Page No. 67; Book No. LXIV; Series of 2019 Notary Public Philip A. Albeos III. EV Mail Dec. 30, 2019-Jan. 5, 6-12 & 13-19, 2020.

Extrajudicial Settlement NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that the property of the late DULCISIMO TALLADA re parcel of land Lot No. 8229-I, TD No. 00018-00139, situated in Brgy. Catmon, Ormoc City, containing an area of 200 sq. m.; Lot No. 8229-J, TD No. 00018-00140, containing an area of 200 sq. m.; Lot No. 8229-K, TD No. 00018-00141, containing an area of 279 sq. m.; Lot No. 8229-C, TD No. 00018-00142, containing an area of 540 sq. m.; Lot No. 8229-L-1, TD No. 00018-00161, containing an area of 12,971 sq. m.; Lot No. 8229-L-3, TD No. 00018-00162, containing an area of 215 sq. m. ; Lot No. 6886, situated in Brgy. Labrador, Ormoc City, TD No. 00041-00374, containing an area of 7,508 sq. m.; Lot No. 6041-Part, situated in Brgy. Nasunogan, Ormoc City, TD No. 00062-00222, containing an are of 4,676 sq. m.; and Lot No. 6041-Part, TD No. 00062-00223, containing an area of 16,271 sq. m. were settled among his heirs per Doc. No. 422; Page No. 85; Book No. LXIX; Series of 2019 Notary Public Philip A. Albeos III. EV Mail Dec. 30, 2019-Jan. 5, 6-12 & 13-19, 2020.

Extrajudicial Settlement NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that the late ELMA SOLANO MAHINAY had left an active savings account with account nos. 313710140705 and 0000001449364011 at Philippine Na-tional Bank and RCBC, all of Ormoc City Braches were settled among her heirs per Doc. No. 302; Page No. 061; Book No. LVIII; Series of 2020 Notary Public Rene Allan G. Jervoso. EV Mail Dec. 30, 2019-Jan. 5, 6-12 & 13-19, 2020.

Republic of the Philippines

REGIONAL TRIAL COURT

Eighth Judicial Region Branch 14

Baybay City, Leyte EJF No. 214

FOR: EXTRA JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE & SALE UNDER ACT

3135 AS AMENDED. RURAL BANK OF

DULAG (LEYTE), INC. -versus-

SPS. JOSELITO BARABAD and

EDITHA BARABAD Mortgagors,

x----------------------xNOTICE OF EXTRA-

JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE &

SALE Upon extra-judicial

petition for sale under Act No. 3135 as amended filed by the mortgagee RU-RAL BANK OF DULAG (LEYTE) INC. ORMOC BRANCH with principal place of office and busi-ness address at Kempis St., Dulag, Leyte against the mortgagors SPS. JO-SELITO BARABAD AND EDITHA BARABAD, with postal address at Brgy. Balugo, Albuera, Leyte, to satisfy the mortgage indebtedness which as of

November 8, 2019 amount to SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY THREE THOU-SAND FOUR HUNDRED TWENTY SEVEN PESOS AND FIFTY ONE CEN-TAVOS (PHP773,427.51) Philippine currency, in-cluding interest thereon, plus daily interests, other charges and further plus 10% attorney’s fees, the undersigned sheriff un-der the supervision of the Clerk of Court Regional Trial Court, Branch 14, Baybay City, Leyte will sell at public auction on Janu-ary 29, 2020 at 9 o’clock in the morning and will closed at 4 o’clock in the afternoon at the office of the Clerk of Court, Re-gional Trial Court, Branch 14, Baybay City, Leyte to the highest bidder, for cash or manager’s check and in Philippine Currency, the following property with all its improvements, to wit:

R E S I D E N T I A L LOT

ORIGINAL CER-TIFICATE OF TITLE NO. P-90067

TAX DECLARA-TION NO. 03-0003-00094

LOT NO.3601 A residential lot

located at Brgy. Balugo Albuera, Leyte with an

area of FOUR HUN-DRED SEVENTY FOUR (474) SQUARE METERS more or less covered by Original Certificate of Title P-90067 and a Tax Declaration No. 003-0003-00094-R13, a copy of which is hereto at-tached as Annex “A” and Annex “B” respec-tively and made integral part of this Real Estate Mortgage, including all improvements thereon.

A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING

TAX DECLARA-TION NO. 03-0003-00877-R13

A residential build-ing erected on Lot No. 3601 covered by Tax Decla-ration No. 03-0003-00877-R13, a copy of which is hereto attached as Annex “C” and made integral part of this Real Estate Mortgage, including all improvements thereon.

All sealed bids must be submitted to the un-dersigned on the above-stated time and date.

In the event the public auction should not take place on the said date, it shall be held on February 5, 2020 without further notice.

Prospective bid-ders/buyers may in-

vestigate the real estate properties hereinabove described the encum-brances thereon, if any there be.

Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines, December 17, 2019.

(Sgd.) ELWIN G. OPEÑA

Sheriff IV RTC Br. 14, Baybay

City, Leyte Copy furnished: ATTY. PATRICK V.

SANTO Mortgagee Legal

Counsel Tacloban City, Leyte RURAL BANK OF

DULAG (LEYTE), INC. ORMOC BRANCH G/F JGC Bldg., Fr.

I, Cataag St., Dist. 8, Ormoc City S P S . J O S E L I TO

BARABAD A N D E D I T H A

BARABAD Brgy. Balugo, Al-

buera, Leyte WARNING IT IS ABSOLUTELY

PROHIBITED TO RE-MOVE,

DEFACE, OR DE-STROY THIS NOTICE OF SALE

ON OR BEFORE THE DATE OF SALE.

EV Mail Dec. 16-22, 23-29, & 30 & Jan. 5, 2020

Deed of Extra-Judicial Settlement NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that the late ATTY. JUANITO V. RAZA had left shares of stocks from RURAL BANK OF HINDANG (LEYTE), INC. more particularly described as fol-lows to wit:

were settled among his heirs per Doc. No. 338; Page No. 68; Book No. LIX Series of 2019 Notary Public Exzon B. Mendoza. EV Mail Dec. 23- 29, 30- Jan. 5, & 6-12, 2019

Republic of the PhilippinesCITY CIVIL REGISTRY

OFFICEBorongan City, Eastern

SamarNOTICE FOR PUBLICATION

In compliance with the publication requirements and pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1Guidelines in the imple-mentation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012, a notice is hereby serve to the public that PATRICK OROS ALPEZ has filed with this Of-fice a Petition for Correction of Child’s sex from FEMALE to MALE in the Certificate of Live Birth of PATRICK OROS ALPEZ who was born on 7 August 1999 at Borongan, Eastern Samar and whose parents are ELDA M.OROS and ROGER C.ALPEZ.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file written opposition with this office not later than 14 Jan. 2020.(Sgd.) MA. LUISA M.AZUL III

City Civil RegistrarEV Mail Dec. 23-29,

2019 & Dec. 30, 2019-Jan. 5, 2020

Republic of the PhilippinesCity Civil Registry Office

Province of Eastern SamarCity of Borongan

NOTICE FOR PUBLICATIONIn compliance with Sec-

tion 7 of R. A. 9048 Change of First Name & Correction of Clerical error a notice is hereby serve to the public that MA. LORENA ANASARIAS ALIDO, has filed with this Office a Petition for Change of First Name from GINA to MA. LORENA & Correction of Child’s Birth Date from March 25, 1970 to March 24,1970 in the Birth Certificate of GINA ANASARIAS ALIDO who was born on March 25, 1970 at Borongan, Eastern Samar, and whose parents are LEO AMOYO ALIDO and LUCIA GALVE ANASARIAS.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file written opposition with this office not later than 14 Jan. 2020

(Sgd.) MA. LUISA M. AZUL III

City Civil RegistrarEV Mail Dec. 23-29,

2019 & Dec. 30, 2019-Jan. 5, 2020

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office

Province of Leyte City of Baybay

Republic of the Philippines) Province of Leyte)SS

Petition No. CFN-0024-2019 PETITION FOR CHANGE OF

FIRST NAME I, CARMELITA G. BU-

LAWAN, of legal age, FILI-PINO, and a resident of BRGY. PATAG, BAYBAY CITY, LEYTE, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, hereby declare that:

1) I am the petitioner seeking the change of first name in:

a) My Certificate of Live Birth

2) I Born on July 16, 1952 at Baybay, Leyte, Philip-pines,

3) The birth was re-corded under registry number 52-1162,

4) The first name to be changed is from CARMELINA to CARMELITA,

5) The grounds for filing this petition are the following:

b) I have/He/She has habitually and continuously used CARMELITA and I he/she is publicly known in the community with that first name;

f) All my records shows “CARMELITA” as my first name.

6) I submit the follow-ing documents to support this petition:

a) COLB (PSA COPY) b) LCR FORM 1A c ) BRGY. POLICE,

COURT AND NBI CLEARANCE

d) VOTER’S CERTIFI-CATE

e) BAPTISMAL CER-TIFICATE

F) AFFIDAVIT OF UN-EMPLOYMENT

G.) LCR FORM 3a H. ) LCR FORM 1A

CHILD I.) CERTIFICATE OF

INDIGENCY 7) I have not filed any

similar petition and that, to the best of my knowledge, no other similar petition is pending with any LCRO, Court or Philippine Consulate.

8) I am filing this petition at the LCRO of BAYBAY CITY, LEYTE in accordance with R.A. No. 9048 and its implementing rules and regulations.

(Sgd.) CARMELITA G. BULAWAN Petitioner

VERIFICATION I, CARMELITA G. BULA-

WAN, the petitioner, hereby cer-tify that the allegations herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(Sgd.) CARMELITA G. BULAWANPetitioner

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 23rd day of DECEMBER,2019, in the city/municipality of ___, petition-er exhibiting his/her Community Tax Certificate No.___ issued at BCL on ___

(Sgd.) NOEL V. MANAGBANAG

Administering Officer EV Mail Dec. 30- Jan. 5

& 6-12, 2020

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office

Province of Leyte City of Baybay

Republic of the Philippine) Province of Leyte) SS

Petition No. CFN-0023-2019 PETITION FOR CHANGE OF

FIRST NAME I, ZOSIMA I. TABLIGA,

of legal age, FILIPINO, and a resident of BRGY. SAN ANTO-NIO, ORMOC CITY, LEYTE, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, hereby declare that:

1) I am the petitioner seeking the change of first name in:

a) My Certificate of Live Birth

2) I Born on April 04, 1951 at Baybay, Leyte, Philip-pines,

3) The birth was re-corded under registry number 51-749,

4) The first name to be changed is from CRESENCIA to ZOSIMA,

5) The grounds for filing this petition are the following:

b) I have He/She has habitually and continuously used ZOSIMA and I publicly known in the community with that first name;

f) All my records shows ZOSIMA” as my first name.

6) I submit the follow-ing documents to support this petition:

a) COLB (PSA COPY)b) LCR FORM 1Ac) BRGY. POLICE AND

NBI CLEARANCE

d) COLB of CHILDREN (PSA copy)

E) BAPTISMAL CER-TIFICATE

F.) COURT CLEAR-ANCE

G.) AFFIDAVIT OF UN-EMPLOYMENT

H.) LCR FORM 2A OF FATHER

I.) LCR FORM 3A J.) CERTIFICATE OF

INDIGENCY 7) I have not filed any

similar petition and that, to the best of my knowledge, no other similar petition is pending with any LCRO, Court or Philippine Consulate.

8) I am filing this petition at the LCRO of BAYBAY CITY, LEYTE in accordance with R.A. No. 9048 and its implementing rules and regulations.

(Sgd.) ZOSIMA I. TABLIGA Petitioner

VERIFICATION I, ZOSIMA I. TABLIGA,

the petitioner, hereby certify that the allegations herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(Sgd.) ZOSIMA I. TABLIGA Petitioner

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 23rd day of DECEMBER 2019 in the city/municipality of ____, peti-tioner exhibiting his/her Com-munity Tax Certificate No.___ issued at BCL on___

(Sgd,) NOEL V. MANAGBANAG

Administering Officer EV Mail Dec. 30- Jan. 5

& 6-12, 2020

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registrar

Province: Leyte City/Municipality: Palompon

Republic of the Philippines) Palompon, Leyte) SS

Petition No. CFN-0014-2019 PETITION FOR CHANGE OF

FIRST NAME I, ROSITA VALENZONA

LOPEZ, of legal age, Filipino, and a resident of Brgy. Tinubdan, Palompon, Leyte, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, hereby declare that:

1) I am the petitioner seek-ing the change of first name in:

b) the Certificate of Live Birth of ELGIE TERO PAJARON who is my Sister -in-Law

2) She was born on Oct. 5, 1964 at Palompon, Leyte, Philippines.

3) The birth was recorded under registry number 157

4) The first name to be changed is from CRISTITA to ELGIE

5) The grounds for filing this petition are the following:

b) She has habitually and continuously used ELGIE and she is publicly known in the com-munity with that first name;

6) I submit the follow-ing documents to support this petition:

a) CRF No. 1A (SECPA & LCR’s Copy) & Cert. of Baptism of the Child

b) Cer t i f i ca t ion f rom Palompon North District, Citi-zen Army Trng. & Dressmaking Certificates

c) Barangay, Police & NBI Clearances and Affidavit of Un-

employment d) Marriage contract of the

child and Certificate of Live Birth of the Children

7) I have not filed any similar petition and that, to the best of my knowledge, no other similar petition is pending with any LCRO, Court or Philippine Consulate.

8) I have no pending crimi-nal, civil or administrative case in any court or any quasi-judicial body.

9) I am filing this petition at the LCRO of Palompon, Leyte in accordance with R.A. No. 9048 and its implementing rules and regulations.

(Sgd.) ROSITA VALENZONA LOPEZ

Petitioner VERIFICATION

I, ROSITA VALENZONA LOPEZ, the petitioner, hereby certify that the allegations herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

(Sgd.) ROSITA VALENZONA LOPEZ

Petitioner S U B S C R I B E D A N D

SWORN to before me this 20th day of December 2019 in the City/Municipality of Palompon, Leyte, petitioner exhibiting her Senior Citizen’s ID No. 9107 is-sued at Palompon, Leyte on July 10, 2018.

(Sgd.) ANNABELLE P. MARQUEZ

Municipal Civil Registrar Administering Officer

EV Mail Dec. 30- Jan. 5 & 6-12, 2020

Publication Notice R.A. 10172

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC PETITION NO. CCE-02-

2019Date: DECEMBER 23, 2019

In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memo-randum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implemen-tation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that JOHN L. BAYANI has filed with this Office, a peti-tion for Change of Gender from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the certificate of live birth of JOHN B. LUCERNAS at BAYBAY, LEYTE and whose Parents are JOSE R. LU-CERNAS and BAROELISA V. BASTASA.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office not later than DECEMBER 23, 2019.

(Sgd.) NOEL V. MANAGBANAG

City Civil Registrar EV Mail Dec. 30- Jan.

5 & 6-12, 2020

Publication Notice R.A. 10172

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC PETITION NO. CCE-0217-

2019Date: December 23, 2019

In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memo-randum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implemen-tation of the Administrative Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A.10172), No-tice is hereby served to the public that NELSITA M. ES-TREMOS has filed with this Office, a petition for Change of Gender from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the certificate of live birth of AJHIE ESTRE-MOS at BAYBAY, LEYTE and whose Parents are NELSITA M. ESTREMOS.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may fie his/her written opposition with this Office not later than DECEMBER 23, 2019.

(Sgd.) NOEL V. MANAGBANAG

City Civil Registrar EV Mail Dec. 30- Jan.

5 & 6-12, 2020

Publication Notice R.A. 10172

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC PETITION NO. CCE-0218-

2019Date: DECEMBER 23, 2019

In Compliance with the publication requirement and pursuant to OCRG Memo-randum Circular No. 2013-1 Guidelines in the Implemen-tation of the Administrative order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby served to the public that EDITHA V. RAGRAG has filed with this Office, a petition for Change of Gender from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the certificate of live birth of EDITHA VILLARAMPA at BAYBAY, LEYTE and whose Parents are CEFERINO VIL-LARAMPA and PROCESA VARRON.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office not later than DECEMBER 23, 2019.

(Sgd.) NOEL V. MANAGBANAG

City Civil Registrar EV Mail Dec. 30- Jan.

5 & 6-12, 2020

Republic of the Philippines Local Civil Registry Office

Province of Leyte MUNICIPALITY OF

KANANGA NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

02 October 2019 In compliance with

Section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048, a notice is hereby served to the public that MA. LINA Z. LAURON , petit ioner, has fi led with this Office a petit ion for CHANGE OF FIRST NAME from “MARCOS” to “REY-NALDO” in the Certificate of Live Birth of MARCOS ASIO ZUELA who was born on December 09, 1982 at KANANGA, LEYTE whose parents are ALBERTO AL-MACION ZUELA and PAU-LITA SARINO ASIO bear-ing registry number 79.

Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his/her written opposition with this Office not later than January 14th 2020. (Sgd.) ENGR. NEWTON A.

ISAACMunicipal Civil Registrar

EV Mail Dec. 30- Jan. 5 & 6-12, 2020

owner of the house has already asked a certification from the BFP for any Cash Assistance from the City Government.

In 2019, according to BFP-Ormoc, the Ormoc Fire Station was able to respond eight fire incidents on structural cases and several grass fires. Both Ormoc and Albuera Fire Stations were only thankful that despite the untoward incidents, no one was hurt or no casualty was reported, which they believe can be attributed to safety lectures and other information drives conducted in the barangays all-year round. By Josephine N. Serseña

FIRE ... from P. 1

good drinks” kind of lifestyle. Its two types are non-alcoholic fatty liver and alcoholic fatty liver disease. A 5-year study was con-ducted at the Philippine General Hospital (1999-2004), aimed to determine if the Phil-ippines’ incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease rate was comparable to other countries. It showed that being female, obese and having elevated liver enzymes and diabetes were risk factors and that the rate - 12.2% - was indeed comparable to that of other countries. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease could progress to liver scarring and cirrhosis. The HSP pointed out that a typi-cal non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patient is also hypertensive, overweight, diabetic, and has high blood cholesterol levels.

The Mayo Clinic noted the damage could be comparable to that inflicted by heavy alcohol use. Alcoholic fatty liver disease is a consequence of habitual alcohol consumption. Thus, those who are heavy alcoholic beverage drinkers have higher risk of developing this disease. Conditions leading to the development of fatty liver disease (which heightens risks for liver cancer) can be prevented largely by diet modification, taking a more active lifestyle, control of diabetes, losing weight safely and avoiding alcohol.

In the case of Hepatitis B infection, a series of vaccination starting at birth should be administered, as Philippines laws re-quire. Prevention and awareness drives are better strategies against fatty liver with much emphasis on frequent check-ups and consultation when risk factors are noted.

There are six possible modes of treat-ment for liver cancer: liver transplanta-tion, tumor ablation, tumor embolization, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy. In the Philippines how-

ever, the DOH has noted that surgery can be curative in the case of patients with early diagnosis but those diagnosed in later stages could receive acceptable, judicious and cost-effective palliative care to still promote quality of life. Many people in the early stage may benefit from curative treatment. But as the disease progresses, the patient will feel fatigue, jaundice, appetite loss, weight loss, itchy skin and nausea.

According to Dr. Michelle Ong-Chu (a Gastroenterologist who trained in Hepatol-ogy/liver diseases in Taiwan; and is cur-rently practicing in Ormoc City), she shared that during her training abroad, there are patients whose liver tumors are as big as 7cm in diameter. And through technologi-cal advancements and interventions such as TACE (trans-arterial chemoembolization) followed by radiation, some tumors are reduced in size. And some of these patients were able to survive longer. However in the Philippines setting, it is the high costs of such treatment strategies, which becomes the limiting factors for Filipinos to over-come the burden of this illness.

The diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer is multi-disciplinary. It entails the expertise of various medical professionals just to get a successful liver transplanta-tion done. In a 3rd world country like the Philippines, the cost of liver transplant could sky-rocket to up to 4 million pesos, which many patients cannot afford. Thus, many patients end up having the palliative / symptomatic (end-of-life) care option, when being diagnosed with this disease due to financial constraints. This is why prevention is really better than cure.

Dr. Doydora is a visiting internist-pulmonologist of OSPA, Gatchalian and Ormoc Doctors’ Hospitals.

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12 DEC. 30, 2019 - JAN. 5, 2020

5 babies, an ‘Ursula’, and a memorable Biliran Christmas

Jennyrose Aragon with her Christmas / Typhoon Ursula baby girl named Merry Chris Ursula.

CAIBIRAN, BILIRAN – Amidst the strong winds and heavy rains brought by Typhoon Ursula, which landed for the second time in Biliran province on Christmas eve, a mother received a precious gift with the help of good samaritans.

Jennyrose Aragon, 22, started feeling labor pains in her house at Villa Vicen-ta, an upstream village, at around 12 midnight while the typhoon was battering their town.

She and her husband decided to go to the nearest lying-in clinic located in the town proper but were not able to reach it because of fallen debris and toppled down electric posts ob-structing the road.

They stopped in a wait-ing shed while the rescuers led by their town mayor were clearing the roads.

“I was dripping wet and was about to give birth in the waiting shed as heavy rains were pounding on us. I was afraid, but I just thought of delivering the baby safely,” she narrated.

Mayor Rhodessa Del-ante Revita said the village was not really far from the town proper, but it took a while to reach Jennyrose because of the debris block-ing the roads.

“We just knocked on a nearby house so she could deliver her baby there with the help of our nurse from the Rural Health Unit,” the mayor shared.

Placida Almen, the

owner of the house, said that they initially refused to let Jennyrose deliver her baby there as they were also dealing with a leaking roof and did not know how to assist her.

“There was a heavy downpour but we had no choice because her water just broke and the baby was really about to come out,” Almen recalled.

Merry Chris Ursula was born at around 1:15 A.M. She is the third child of her parents who recently lost their second child due to heart illness.

“They said that it’s bad luck to name her after a ty-phoon that brought destruc-tion in our place, but she is special, she is our gift,” Jennyrose said.

About 4,000 families lost their homes in the said town. Many of them were left with nothing, yet May-or Delante still considers themselves as blessed be-cause it was not only Merry Chris Ursula who was born at that time.

Four more pregnant women gave birth during the rescue operations in different villages.

The local police and the Bureau of Fire Protec-tion were assisted by PMaj Dinvir Revita, the mayor’s husband and PMaj Jorge Meneses III, both members of PNP Regional Finance Service Office 8, who were conducting clearing opera-tions along the main roads of Caibiran right after the

typhoon made a landfall in Cabucgayan, Biliran, a nearby town of Caibiran when they received a call from Joy Blanquer of Brgy. Manlabang who needed to be rushed to the RHU.

Joy gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Christian Hi-lux at around 12:10 AM while inside the Toyota Hi-Lux of Pmaj Revita.

A n o t h e r p re g n a n t woman named Marilou Regir was also rescued from Villa Vicenta. She gave birth to a baby boy at around 3:15 AM.

As the team headed back to clear the southern part of the town, they en-countered another stranded vehicle at Sitio Andrade,

Barangay Asug coming from Cabucgayan, Biliran.

Onboard was Mary Grace Bacalando, who was also due at that time. She gave birth to a baby girl at around 8:20 A.M.

A certain Catherine Mae Esmeralda from Ba-rangay Bariis, Caibiran was also brought to the RHU and gave birth at around 5:56 AM to a baby boy named Clyde Andrei.

The christening of the five babies is scheduled on January 15, 2020, which co-incides with the celebration of Caibiran’s Pueblo Day, with the members of the rescue team as their god-parents. By Marie Tonette Marticio

Ormoc City welcomes 2020 happy and safeORMOC CITY – This city welcomed 2020, said to be the year of the rat, safely and securely with zero casualties due to the use of firecrackers. This was the overall assessment of the authorities, both from the PNP and medical respond-ers, having no injury or un-toward incident recorded.

The EV Mail also con-ducted surveys of govern-ment and different private hospitals (ODH, OSPA-FMC, Ormoc Doctors Hos-pital, Gatchalian Hospital) and found no victims of fire-cracker use or related cases during the yuletide season, especially the New Year. Birthing centers were also visited and, accordingly, the giving of births only started at past two o’clock dawn of January 1, 2020 the earliest, not like in the past years that New Year babies were born from 12:00 midnight of December 31 up to the 1st hour of January of the coming year.

In a phone interview with P/LTC Joel Camacho of the Ormoc City Police Of-fice (OCPO), he confirmed that there were no reported incidents due to firecrack-ers, stray bullets and indis-criminate firing during the New Year celebration until the fifth day, as their maxi-mum monitoring period of time. “Generally peaceful gani; mas improved ang peace and order and suc-cessful ang holiday celebra-tion,” Camacho said.

The police officer fur-ther revealed that their per-sonnel had religiously been disseminating their “Iwas Paputok” programs and

they are glad that the people embraced the campaign.

The OCPO, under the leadership of City Director PCOL Armel S. Gongona, is so happy to share this result and thanked the support of the LGU, as well as the other friendly forces such as the Army, Coastguard, BFP and most especially the community’s cooperation.

While Dr. Edmund B. Kierulf, Ormoc’s City Health Officer, attributes the safe celebration to the City’s advocacy in the attainment of zero casualty, which goes also with the strict imple-mentation of the City Ordi-nance and by designating the vendors to a safe loca-tion, that is, where to sell firecrackers. He added that City Health personnel from the different districts early on had been conducting a massive info drive in their respective areas, even to the farthest barangays, and this is now the fruit of their labor – zero casualty.

Ormoc District Hospi-tal Chief, Dr. Ma. Lourdes De Lara-Banguesio, also said that hopefully this will continue (no casualty), as accordingly, they would be happy enough not to use their prepared equip-ment. Just like the person-nel on duty at the Emer-gency Room of Gatchalian Hospital who said that it’s good that there is no casu-alty this time, because they pity those patients brought to them whom they would need to amputate or cut any parts of the human body be-cause it was severely hit by firecrackers. By Josephine N. Serseña

Biology student is Miss Baybay 2019

Miss Dianne P. Dacera, a BS Biology student of Vi-sayas State University, was crowned as Miss Bay-bay 2019, representing LGU and National Government Agencies. She is seen here with her escort and with Bay-bay City Mayor Boying Cari. (By Herman Valencia)

BAYBAY CITY – 18-year old Dianne P. Dacera, a BS Biology student of Visayas State University (VSU), is this year’s Miss Baybay City. She was crowned by no less than the Governor of Leyte, Hon. Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla and former City of Baybay Mayor Carmen L. Cari, while Mayor Jose Carlos L. Cari did the donning of cape.

She was sponsored by the Local Government Unit (LGU) and the National Gov-ernment Agencies.

Her royal court, mean-while, included Ms. Mariah Zandra T. Taniza, 1st Run-ner-up, 21 years old and sponsored by the Educa-tors, BAMAVA, Bankers and Chambers, and Ms. April Rose D. Muertigue, 2nd Run-ner-up, 20 years old, and who is sponsored by the Liga ng mga Barangay, Sports Enthu-siasts and Religious Sector.

In his message during the coronation night, Mayor Boying Cari thanked the par-ents of the candidates and the different groups/committees for their cooperation in mak-

ing Baybay City’s month-long fiesta celebration a festive one, especially the success of Miss Baybay despite the chal-lenges and even the weather disturbance brought about by typhoon Ursula.

Ursula is still a blessing the Mayor added, because it kept every Baybayanon “intact” with their families at home particularly the chil-dren, celebrating Christmas together, with a candle light only, symbolizing the birth of the light of the world, Jesus Christ – the true meaning of Christmas. And for the com-ing year he is also positive that Baybay and its people will be blessed because they remain united.

On the other hand, Gov-ernor Petilla recognized the resiliency of the people saying that even if Ursula hit during Christmas time, Leyteños were able to go back immedi-ately to their “normal” lives. There are still many things to thank for in terms of economy and peace and order, the Governor further said. By Josephine Serseña

ORMOC CITY COMMEMORATES HEROISM OF DR. JOSE PROTACIO RIZAL. December 30, 2019 marks the 123rd year of Dr. Rizal’s execution by Spanish colonizers on the same day in 1896. Through Republic Act No. 345, which declares December 30 as Rizal Day or “Araw ng Kabayanihan ni Dr. Jose Rizal”, Filipinos celebrate this national holiday annually.In Ormoc City, the commemorative rites were led by Congresswoman Lucy Marie Torres-Gomez of Leyte Fourth District and Ormoc City Mayor Richard I. Go-mez, together with city councilors. Government em-ployees as well as members and officers of national government agencies also gathered in front of Rizal’s monument, in front of the Ormoc City Museum, to wit-ness and join in the city’s commemoration of Rizal Day.The rites highlighted wreath and floral offering, a 21 Gun Salute, and the releasing of doves. (By Dailyn Cabarse)