Ron weds his Sassy Girl

THE moment we learned that Sheryl Guillemer will finally glide down the aisle, we knew it would be a magical event not worth missing. Typical of her expressive nature by the way she bares her heart online for all her friends to read and see (the photos), Sheryl practically introduced to the world the love of her life via Facebook months before the actual event.

There was an outpouring of approval from friends and loved ones who liked and posted their congratulatory messages for months. The lucky guy turned out to be Ronald Chwieroth. What’s not to like about him? A handsome fella from Philadelphia, Ron is well-bred and a successful chemical engineer, financial analyst and computer expert. Quite a catch if you ask some of Sheryl’s girlfriends who have been keeping their jealousy secret.

To those who know Sheryl, everything has to be colorful in her life – including her love story. But this part of her life wasn’t that eventful even as she went in and out of a few relationships that were not entirely meaningless if only for the lessons she learned along the way.

Beneath the gloss, Sheryl -- the free-spirited, modern, 21^st century party girl -- is a serious romantic after all. Every afternoon she would pray in front of the altar of Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Church, asking God when she will walk down that aisle. She’s not alone in her prayers, though. Parents Jun and Beatty Guillemer wanted a secure, happy future for their only daughter.

The turn of events was miraculous when Sheryl was introduced by her aunt Ma. Lucita Morhead to Ron on Oct. 10, 2010. Miraculous I say because aunt Lucita turned out to be an experienced matchmaker who successfully paired her own sister Gilda Guillemer-Capala to Harvey Moles of California.

The rest is history made on Planet Love. But some well-meaning friends couldn’t help wonder how Sheryl’s bubbly personality blend with the mild-mannered Ron. But there shouldn’t be any worry about that after the couple pulled off a successful wedding bash.

The event was actually a glimpse of how they would complement their differences. The red-motif wedding was all Sheryl – from the entourage’s upbeat entrance in the reception, to the program’s music and games. Most applauded was the on-site video created by France Arrogante of Cebu.

Not to be overlooked is the ceremony that was administered by Msgr. Jaime Villanueva and Rev. Fathers Dennis Winston Son and Ramon Fian Jr.

Sheryl’s parents were just glad to see her get wed, though dad Jun looked uncomfortable during the couple’s 30-second kiss. It was THE event for their family that was witnessed by people from here and abroad. There was aunt Lucita and boyfriend Harold White from California, the Moles couple also from California, Brad Lee Deaman of Australia and Jean Kruska of Germany.

Friends and loved ones flew from Cebu, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Bohol, Manila and even Singapore. For its success, Sheryl would like to thank France Arrogante for the excellent videos, Ralph Matres for the stunning photos and her talented classmate Sheila On for the makeup.

Also worth mentioning is the presence of nine priests namely Rev. Fr. Michael M. Arevalo, Rev. Fr. Gilbert G. Urbina, Rev. Fr. Alejandro V. Avelido Jr., Rev. Fr. Rodolfo P Barro, Rev. Fr. Melvin T. Insigne, Rev. Fr. Restituto A. Lumbre Jr., Rev. Fr. Martin Cubi, Rev. Fr Herculano R. Tabada, all from from the Palo Archdiocese, and Rev. Fr. Conrado C. Sedillo Jr. of the Cebu Archiocese.

DILG sees no adverse COA report on Ormoc

THE Department of Interior and Local Government has identified Ormoc as one of the few local government units (LGU) that will receive the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) in recognition of the LGU’s excellent performance in governance. Ormoc is the only city in Region 8 to receive the Seal.

This latest feat of the city government was posted on its website on Sept. 1 and is based on DILG’s assessment. The SGH is a mechanism comprising a set of criteria that recognizes LGUs’ good performance in internal housekeeping in the areas of planning, sound fiscal management, transparency and accountability, and valuing performance management.

Only LGUs that have been fully compliant of the requirements and standards are given the Seal to include compliance to the Anti-Red Tape Act and the DILG’s Full Disclosure Policy. Further, LGUs should have no adverse report from the Commission on Audit in 2010 which means they should have complied with all the government auditing requirements.

Other requirements include full disclosure or compliance with the directive to post in conspicuous places the 12 important documents on fund utilization, procurement and other financial transactions for public consumption. “These documents are not new. These are supposed to be done for transparency and accountability,” Local Government Operating Officer V Myles Colasito said.

Meanwhile, Leyte is the only province in Region 8 that will also receive the SGH. In the municipal level, the towns of Alang-alang, Burauen and Jaro in Leyte; Hinunangan, Southern Leyte; Naval, Biliran; Laoang, Northern Samar; and Guiuan, Eastern Samar will also receive the same Seal.

Kawayan was the first LGU in Region 8 to receive the Seal in January while Biliran and Almeria towns were given the same recognition during the DILG Tapatan Roadshow in July this year. The three municipalities are in Biliran province which has the most number of SGH town recipients in the region.

The LGUs that receive the Seal are eligible for a Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) project cost sharing scheme for projects within their comprehensive development plan. The national government will match the LGUs’ investment up to P7 million for provinces, P3 million for cities and P1 million for municipalities.

Projects eligible for the PCF subsidy are those aligned to the achievement of Millennium Development Goals such as school buildings, health centers and birthing facilities; or for Local Economic Development such as roads, bridges, tourism facilities, irrigation systems, post harvest facilities, cold storage facilities, ports and wharves, and other economic infrastructures; or for Adaptation to Climate Change and Disaster Preparedness projects such as flood control, reforestation, solid waste management facilities, storm drainage and related flood protection measures.

No less than President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino Jr. will give the awards to the chosen LGUs in Manila on October at the 20th anniversary of the Local Government Code.
(WLWE issue of Sept. 5-11, 2011)

Donayre confirms Ormoc was a target of a bank robbery

by Elvie Roman-Roa
ORMOC was supposed to have been the next target of a bank robbery, according to outgoing City Police Director SSupt. Nilo D. Donayre in a meeting with the Ormoc Bankers’ Club (OBC) on Sept. 9. The plan was foiled fortunately when police tightened security in Ormoc after they found the getaway vehicle used in the robbery of a cooperative in Calubian town.

Fatima Credit Cooperative in Calubian was robbed on Sept. 2 with the suspects carting off P765,840 worth of cash and items. Two days later, police found the getaway vehicle parked at a pension house in Ormoc. What happened next was a hyped search for the suspects which developed rumors of a hostage-taking incident.

The public alarm caused by the rumor and heightened security measures turned off the robbers from striking in Ormoc. SSupt. Donayre said crime incidence is expected to rise during the “ber” months or last four months of the year. He advised the banks to beef up their in-house security measures.

The OBC has 16 bank members all of which have CCTV and alarm systems in place. The club is headed by its president Ralph Yauna, manager of Philippine National Bank. SSupt. Donayre called for better coordination between the banks and the police, and a dry-run for synchronized response be held regularly.
Meanwhile, as part of the culmination of the 17th Crime Prevention Week, the Ormoc Police Office held a ceremony on Sept. 7 to thank its partner organizations. For the media community, Elvie Roman-Roa of the express and Ormoc Cable received a certificate of recognition.

Others who were recognized are Barangay Captains Janet Pulido-Almario and Norma Lord of Linao and Luna, respectively, and Judy Pidoy of the Justice Department who always witnesses police operations. Councilor Filomeno Maglasang was the guest speaker.
(WLWE Sept. 5-11, 2011 issue)

City Hall employee tests positive of drug use

A CITY government employee tested positive of illegal substance use during the random drug test conducted on Sept. 5 after the flag ceremony. Ten employees were randomly tested and only one of them turned out positive. Still, the result will be sent to the Department of Health (DOH) for confirmation.

If the DOH confirms the findings, the subject employee who is a casual plantilla, will be dismissed from service and his benefits like terminal leave and retirement will be forfeited based on civil service rules, City Administrator Dr. Dennis Capuyan explained.
(WLWE issue of Sept. 5-11, 2011)

Ormoc dads say no to legislated wage hikes

THE City Council passed a resolution requesting Congress to leave the determination of wage increases in the private sector to the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards. Sponsored by Councilor Filomeno Maglasang, the resolution was passed in view of a pending Bill in Congress that grants an across the board wage increase.

Maglasang is referring to HB No. 375 providing for a P125 daily wage increase across the board for private sector workers. While the resolution commends the Bill’s aim to give additional income to workers, it also pointed to an existing law which provides for a more democratic, expedient and equitable way to determine wage increases.

It made reference to the Regional Wage Boards whose function as provided for by Art. 122 of PD No. 442 or the Labor Code is “To determine and fix minimum wage rates applicable in their regions, provinces or industries therein and to issue the corresponding wage orders subject to the guidelines issued by the Commission.”

The resolution mentions that the public perception is that the Wage Boards have been discharging their functions credibly and effectively, and that the business sector favors that wage increases should be handled by the Boards rather than by legislation especially on the basis of “across the board.”

The councilors believe that one of the solid “factors in determining wage increases is the cost of living in a particular area, hence it is impractical and inequitable that the wage increase will be on the basis of across the board throughout the entire country as the cost of living varies.” by Felix Codilla III
(WLWE issue of Sept. 5-11, 2011)

No ‘botcha’ found yet in Ormoc

THE city government is ensuring that no botcha or meat from double-dead animals is sold in Ormoc. This was bared by Slaughterhouse Master II Cristeto F. Mandras who identified the City Veterinary and Health as the offices responsible for monitoring the entry of botcha.

Double-dead refers to livestock killed by accident or disease then butchered to be sold as fresh meat. Monitoring has been tightened with the onset of the holiday season when demand for meat products is at its peak wherein unscrupulous traders may take advantage.

To date, no botcha pork, chicken, carabao and cow have been sold at the public market, Mandras said. Botcha can easily be identified as either pale or discolored meat with foul smell which makes it harmful when eaten.

To assure what they buy is not “double dead,” Mandras advises the buying public to look for a meat inspection (MI) certificate from the meat shop. The MI certificate is issued to livestock that are slaughtered at the city abattoir and serves as a seal of good product. He assures that all meat sold at the public market and private meat shops are slaughtered at the city abattoir. by Jun Colo
(WLWE issue of Sept. 5-11, 2011)

DSWD delists 8,000 4Ps recipients in Leyte

OVER P128 million have been disbursed to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Leyte last year and another P7 million have been released for January-April 2011. This was the status which the Leyte 4Ps team reported to Regional Director Letecia C. Diokno of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Leyte tallied 66,692 registered beneficiaries for the program. The DSWD reports over 8,000 beneficiaries who have been delisted from about 168,000 families identified under the program. The delisting of 8,000 families covered 2009, the year the program was implemented up to August this year.

Foremost reason for the delisting is that the beneficiaries do not anymore have children below 14 years old while others were stricken off the list for non-compliance of the requirements imposed by the program. Gov. Carlos Jericho L. Petilla has earlier urged the DSWD to revalidate its list of recipients after receiving complaints that some of the beneficiaries have steady source of income with regular jobs while others are even serving as barangay officials.

The conditions imposed on recipients include sending the children to school or visiting health centers. Qualified beneficiaries receive P500 a month or P6,000 a year for health and nutrition expenses, and P300 a month for 10 months or P3,000 for educational expenses.

Also in attendance during the meeting are Department of Education District Supervisor Sarah Apurillo and Philippine National Police Provincial Commander SSupt Pio Manito. (PMRC)
(WLWE issue of Sept. 5-11, 2011)

No adverse COA findings

THE series of bad news on Ormoc’s decreased Internal Revenue Allotment and reduced windfall from EDC’s realty tax has been disheartening to Mayor Eric “Beboy” Codilla who is so passionate to bring development to his beloved city. But there also has been some welcome news lately that could boost his spirits.

First is the establishment of sisterhood ties between Ormoc and Hawai’i which has the potential to open up trade and tourism activities between the two cities. Second is the recent announcement that Ormoc is the only city in Region 8 stamped with the Seal of Good Housekeeping by the DILG.

The Seal of Good Housekeeping is a form of recognition to a local government unit’s (LGU) good performance in internal housekeeping in the areas of planning, transparency and accountability, sound fiscal management, and valuing performance management.

This serves as another testament to Mayor Beboy’s clean leadership and governance. How so? Looking at the criteria set by the DILG, the qualification for being a recipient lies on the LGU’s compliance with the Anti-Red Tape Act and Full Disclosure Policy. This means the LGU should be transparent to the public on its dealings and transactions.

And get this: another important criterion is the absence of an adverse report from the Commission on Audit (Coa). This information is important considering the malversation case filed against Mayor Beboy which accuses him of violating Coa’s accounting and auditing rules.

The fact that the case is filed by Richard Gomez’s cabal makes it dubious already. Being transparent that his is, Mayor Beboy didn’t try to sweep the issue under the rug nor evade it. Without waiting for media to confront him, he immediately faced the Ormocanons and answered the accusations to show he has nothing to hide.

Officials of the City Accounting, Budget and Treasurer’s Offices clarified that the so-called discrepancies contained in the Annual Audit Reports (AAR) are procedural in nature especially on accounting entries, most of which have been corrected already. It is also worth noting that the AAR didn’t find any illegal disbursement.

The Ormocanons believed Mayor Beboy’s explanation as proven by the dismal failure of Richard Gomez’s signature drive for a recall election. Further weakening their cause is the withdrawal of Barangay Captain Samson C. Doguiles as one of the complainants of the case.

And now comes the Seal of Good Housekeeping. Take note that Ormoc is the only city out of six cities in the region stamped with this Seal. Surely the DILG is aware of Mayor Beboy’s case, publicized as it is in the media. This bolsters the suspicion that the case is politically motivated.

Gomez and his ilk would like to paint the City Hall as a cloak-and-dagger institution for corruption, but the DILG thinks otherwise. In fact, one requirement Ormoc was able to comply is the posting of 12 important documents on fund utilization, procurement and other financial transactions for public consumption.

Really now, how can anyone malverse funds in such an open climate? But the sour grapes simply refuse to give up. We heard from our mole at the congressional office that Gomez will try to convince Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo to withdraw the citation from Ormoc which is very unlikely.

Considering his apparent jealousy with Codilla family, it would be interesting to see Richard’s reaction when Mayor Beboy receives the plaque from President Noynoy Aquino next month on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Local Government Code. What a slap on his face. Pak!
(WLWE issue of Sept. 5-11, 2011)

It’s a good thing Jesus Christ wasn’t born in some places

IT’S a very good thing that Jesus Christ wasn’t born today in China or Japan, or even in the United States for that matter. Why? Because there is a very high probability he might not have been born. In the countries I mentioned, the rate of abortion versus natural births would have made his birth problematical.

Ponder the circumstances for a few brief moments. First, Mary’s pregnancy was an embarrassment — she was unmarried and single. Even Matthew and Luke who wrote the beautiful narrative of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem were quick to recognize the fact that Joseph, to whom Mary was engaged, was embarrassed over her pregnancy. This is borne out by the fact that he wanted to send her away privately until the baby was born.

Only God knows how many babies are never born because of the pressure parents put on expectant mothers due to unplanned and unwanted pregnancy that is an embarrassment to the family. While some think a quiet abortion is an end to an embarrassing situation, the trauma and silent cries of pain on successive birthdays as a mother thinks, “My baby would be so many years old by now” go on for a lifetime.

Joseph knew he was not the father of the child, and though he was a kind man and a godly one at that, it was not until an angel appeared to him that he was fully convinced that the child had been conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Then consider the fact that she and Joseph were both struggling with poverty. Luke makes it clear that though Mary was rich in righteousness, she was poor when it came to worldly riches. How do we know this? This is suggested by the rather inconsequential offering they brought to the temple at Jesus’ dedication.

Joseph was a carpenter, a common laborer and Mary a mere girl, probably in her middle teen years. Frankly, they couldn’t afford a baby at that point in their lives. Everybody knows that when you marry, you want some time to get a handle on furnishing your home, buying what you need, not preparing baby formula and changing diapers.

The child Mary was bearing was destined to change the course of humanity. Yet every child bears the mark of God’s handiwork, reproducing the images of two parents as 23 chromosomes from each unit produce their likeness in a tiny infant whose future can also bless humanity.

There is another factor which many consider grounds for terminating a pregnancy. The world in which they lived was filled with turmoil and chaos. “I don’t want to bring a child into the world when there is so much chaos,” was the excuse one young woman gave for terminating her unwanted pregnancy.

In most of the world, terminating an unwanted pregnancy is viewed as the solution to embarrassment, financial problems, impoverished circumstances and disrupting the flow of our lives. Had Mary pondered on any of these reasons, it is well possible that Jesus who was to bring healing to humanity and redemption for our souls would never have been born.

A closing thought. The comments which I have just made are strictly conjectures, but the reality of abortion is not. It is a sad, cold reality. Apart from the issue of ending a life, the question that must also be asked is this: “Would I, by terminating a pregnancy, interfere with what God wants to do? If so, I have presumed to make a decision which He alone should make.” Think about it.
(WLWE issue of Sept. 5-11, 2011)

Right to education

I RECEIVED a letter from a youngster regarding his studies. The letter goes:

Dear Sir Leo,
I was hoping to talk to you personally to discuss a very personal matter that concerns my right to education. I was formerly enrolled in one of the college institutions in Ormoc but I stopped because of my involvement and membership in a fraternity. Sir Leo, would it not affect if I am going to re-enroll in the same school despite their knowledge that I have been engaged in drugs even if I end it now for the sake of my education? Please send me you reply. Thanks.
-o0o-
Gerry, every student has the right to education which is a guarantee provided under our Constitution particularly section 1, Art. XVI which states: “The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.”
In other words, this affords you to enroll in an institution where you intend to finish your college course. Be it known that membership in a fraternity is not illegal per se as it is our right to join organizations, associations or groups for a legitimate purpose. Nowhere in your letter did you speak of any violation you committed when you were still a student.

Assuming you have committed a felony, you are always entitled to due process of law; the right to be heard and explain your side. Therefore, I can’t think of any reason for your denial should you re-enroll in college. But you have to remember that every school is clothed with academic freedom and is vested with the right to formulate policies for the legal and moral upbringing of the students’ future. Such policy may include penalties of expulsion which you have to take notice of. Therefore, I would advice you to be morally responsible while you are a student and even after graduation.
(WLWE issue of Sept. 5-11, 2011)

Basin nasayop la’g sulod

Dear Ate Ruby,
Ako si Mike, 30-anyos ug minyo na. Dili sa pagpanghambog pero medyo maayohon pod ko’g pamarog ug gawpo pod gamay. Sa wala pa ko maminyo daghan ko’g naagian nga relasyon — naay mga sersoyo, naa poy fling-fling lang. Pero sukad sa akong pagkaminyo ako na gyud gisulod sa akong huna-huna nga dili nako makig-involve pa sa ubang mga babaye kay virgin gyud ni nako nakuha ang naasawa nako mao nga siya ang akong gipakaslan sa kadaghan sa akong mga nauyab.

Apan mga pila pa lang ka tuig gikan sa among pagkaminyo, napaltos ang saad nako sa akong kaugaalingon tungod kay nahigugma man ko sa laing binuhat. Apan ako lang pod klarohon nga ako lang ning gitago sa akong kaugalingon ug wala nako biyae ang akong pamilya.

Makahuna-huna lang ko nganung karon pa man mi nagkakita niining bayhana. Maayo unta nagkita na mi sa una kadtong wala pa ko maminyo nga bisa’g dili na siya virgin nga akong makuha, siya gihapon ang akong pilion. Ingon ana ang akong pagkagusto niya.
Karon ate, sood na kaayo mi aning bayhana. Malipay naman lang ko nga sa tago nga pamaage ako siyang gimahal. Unya maayo man sab siya mutagad nako, bootan kaayo siya nako. Apan pipila na ka adlaw karon nga mura na siya’g naglikay nako kay naay nag-text niya nga nagmando nga dili na ko tagdon kay kon dili gani patyon siya niini.
Unsa may akong buhaton ate? Dili ko gusto nga mawala ang maayo niyang tinagdan nako. Unsa may buhaton nako aning nagsige og text ka niya? Hasta pod dire nako baya naa poy magsige og text og maut.   
Lover boy,
Mike

Dear Mike,
Maka-feel ko sa sincerity sa imong istorya. Imong giangkon nga imong gipakaslan ang imong asawa tungod kay maoy imong saad sa imong kaugalingon nga kung kinsay virgin nga makuha nimo maoy imong minyoan. Ikaw diay ang tipo sa lalaki nga mag-testing usa sa mga babaye aron masabtan kung virgin pa ba. Magsige ka pod diay og sulod, no? Ug ila pod ka pasudlon.
Apan kabahin sa nag-text sa babayeng nakapatibok og otro sa imong kasing-kasing, basin nagpataka ra ni og sulod — kanang gitawag ba nila nga missent. Klaroha sa ni kay delikado baya ang sulod sa iyang text. Laliman ka’g patyon niya ang babaye kung dili siya moundang og tagad sa imo.
Sa laing bahin, tengale pod ang imong asawa ang nagtext ani nga babaye, nigamit lang og laing sim. Susihon lang usa pag-ayo. Akong tambag sa tanang mga magtiayon bahin aning mga text-text, ayaw ni ninyo himua dayon nga dakong away. It’s no big deal. Text ra na. Kung naa moy pagsalig sa inyong partner, you should learn how to consider things.
And since we’re on the topic of text messages, gusto ko’g mangayo og dispensa kang Abet (kabalo naka kung kinsa ka). Komedya ra tong text nako bisan may pagka-green kadto.
Love,
Ate Ruby
(WLWE issyue of Sept. 5-11, 2011)

Hilom nga pakigkita ni PNoy kang Murad

KANIADTONG Agosto 4, sikretong nakigkita si Presidente Noynoy Aquino kang Al Haj Murad Ibrahim sa MILF didto sa Tokyo, Japan. Nakaani kini og daghang reaksyon ug daghan ang nahisagmuyo sa katawhang Pilipinhon. Apan nganong didto man gayod sa Tokyo gihimo nga usa  ka hilom nga pakigtagbo?

Matod pa ni Prof. Marvic Leonen, dekano sa sa College of Law sa Unibersidad sa Pilipinas ug hepe sa panel sa gobyerno nga nakigsabot-sabot sa MILF, prangka ang panagkabildo ni Aquino ug Murad. Kini si Murad maoy chairman sa MILF ug siyay sibling hawod nila.

Matod ni Leonen, nagkauyon silang duha nga kinahanglang dalion ang panagkabildo alang sa kalinaw aron kini ika-implementar sulod sa termino ni PNoy. Diha-diha ang mga politiko, kaanib ug kaaway sa administrasyon, nagkahiusa sa pag-atake sa hilom nga pakigkita ni PNoy ug Murad.

Matod pa ni Sen. Chiz Escudero nga alyado ni PNoy nga wala unta kini buhata sa Pangulo tungod kay usa man siya ka leader sa nasod nga soberanya samtang si Murad dili — usa siya ka sisbilyan. Sahi da sa gihatagan ni Aquino si Murad og importantsya nga angay lamang sa usa ka leader sa usa ka independenteng nasod, pahayag ni Chiz. Usa kini ka sayop nga paagi pagsulbad sa suliran sa kagubot sa Mindanao.

Si Kongresista Edcel Lagman nga lider sa oposisyon sa Ubos Balay Balaoranan miingong nga walay maayong gikadulot ang maong gitago nga panagkita ngadto sa mga lungsoranong Pilipino. Tungod kay ang gikasabutan bahin man sa ikaayo sa nasod, dili kini angay nga itago, matod niya. Kon unsay gikasabutan ni PNoy ug Murad angay kining mahibaw-an sa nasod ilabina sa mga molupyo sa Mindanao, sumala pa kang Lagman.

Samtang ang uban midayeg kang Aquino nga kuno sinsero siya sa iyang tinguha nga masulbad ang dugay nang kagubot sa Mindanao, ang uban usab nag-ingon nagpakita lamang kini sa kanobatos ni Aquino sa arte sa pangagamhanan.

Sa iyang  paghatag og imprtansiya kang Murad nakabaton lamang og dugang kusog ang MILF sa pagpugos sa ilang mga gipangayo ngadto sa gobyerno. Karon maisugon na nilang iduso ang pagtukod og usa ka Bangsamoro sub-state nga matod pa nila maoy bugtong sulbad sa gumonhap sa Mindanao.

Ang sub-state, pulong pa nila, dili usa ka independenteng nasod ug ubos gihapon kini sa gobyerno sa Pilipinas. Apan ang MILF ang mopadagan niini lakip na ang pagtikad sa kinaiyanhong mga kahinguhaan sa mga dapit nga ilang sakopon ug ang pagmintinar sa kahusay ug kalinaw sa maong mga lugar. Magpabilin sa kagamhanan nasyonal ang nasodnong panalipod, kalihungang panglangyaw ug koreyo.

Migara na ang MILF human nila makita nga ingon sa nagakahuyang ang baroganan sa gobyerno tungod pakigkita ni PNoy kang Murad. Karon nangusog ang MILF nga kon dili ihatag ka nila ang sub-state, ipadayon nila ang pakiggera batok sa kagamhanan aron makab-ot ang una nilang katuyoan nga mao ang pagbulag nila sa Pilipinas ug magtukod og usa ka Republika sa Bangsamoro. Kining gidamgo sa MILF maoy usa ka dakong binuang kay supak man kaayo kini sa atong Konstitusyon.
(WLWE issue of Sept. 5-11, 2011)

14-anyos gipasabakan sa ministro

USA ka 14-anyos nga dalagita ang motulo na ka buwan nga sabak human siya panamastamasi og makadaghan sa ilang pastor. Ang gireklamo mao si Richard Maravilla, 40-anyos nga nagpuyo sa Blk. 5, Tambulilid, ning syudad ug ministro sa Messianic nga simbahan.

Sa pakighinabi sa biktima, una daw siyang gihilabtan ni Maravilla kaniadtong Pebrero 17 mga 7:00 sa gabi-i didto sa ilang simbahan sa Dayhagan, dinhi sa Ormoc human sa ilang panagpundok. Nasundan pa kini sa makadaghan ug ang katapusan kaniadto lang Agosto 29 mga 6:00 sa gabi-i.

Sugid sa inahan nga salig lang siya kang Maravilla kay taas ang iyang pagrespeto ug gawas pa duna usab kini anak nga dalagita nga ka-edad sa biktima. Dugang sugid sa biktima nga gisaaran daw siya sa pastor nga manglakaw sila ug mag-ipon ug biyaan ang iyang asawa kay dili na siya malipayon.

Nasayran sad nga natugkan na og gugma ang menor de edad tungod sa mga pasalig kaniya. Ang biktima anaa sa ikaduhang tuig sa Valencia National High School. Gisang-at sa piskalya ang kasong qualified seduction sa pag-asister ni PO2 Jinillee Abad, ang women and children’s desk officer sa Presinto 2. ni Elvie R. Roa
(WLWE issue of Sept. 5-11, 2011)

Kinawat nga motorsiklo nabawi dayon

USA ka motorsiklo ang gikawat niadtong Setyembre 7 sa gabi-i apan nabawi gihapon sulod sa duha ka orasa. Ang itom nga Honda XRM nga motorsiklo nga may plakang 1434 HB ang gipanag-iya ni Eugene A. Tubal, 18-anyos, nagpuyo sa Isla Verde ug estudyante sa Eastern Visayas State University.

Matud ni Tubal nga giparada niya ang iyang motorsiklo gawas sa Superdome nianang pasado 7:00 sa gabi-i aron manan-aw og dula sa basketball. Apan paggawas niya nahibolong na lang siya nga wala ang maong sakyanan didto sa gi-parking-an niini hinungdan nga nagpa-blotter siya sa Presinto 1.

Sa mao gihapong orasa, nagpahigayon og checkpoint si SInsp. Reo Tan ug mga kaubanan sa tulay sa Anilao sa Cogon. Mga 9:00 sa gabi-i adunay nilabay nga motorsiklo apan imbes nga mohunong sa checkpoint, mipatulin hinoon sa pagpadagan ang drayber ug nalahos didto kilid sa kapilya sa dalan Conejos, Purok Rosal.

Nahalowak ug nasukamod ang motorsiklo atobangan sa mga balay apan ang maong drayber padayon nga midagan, nagsuot-suot sa mga agianan likod sa kapilya diin daghan ang kabalayan nga squatter. Ang motorsiklo nga gibilin sa kawatan mitukma sa mga detalye sa kinawat nga motor ni Tubal. ni Dante Raden
(WLWE issue of Sept. 5-11, 2011)

Miyembro sa sindikato nasikop

USA ka miyembro og sindikato sa drogas sa Sugbo ang nadakpan sa mga autoridad niadtong Setyembre 7. Ang nadakpan mao si Cipriano Diano, 38-anyos nga taga-Benolho, lungsod sa Albuera. Nadakpan siya tungod sa pagpanghulga niya sa usa ka negosyante sa Ormoc.

Ang reklamante mao si Joel Mascariñas, tag-iya sa Mom’s Hardware nga nangayo og tabang sa Presinto 1 kay nagpunay daw og panghulga ka niya ni Diano pinaagi sa text pila na ka adlaw ang milabay. Naalarma sad ang mga pulis tungod kay nagpaila ang gikatahapan sa text nga siya si Rolly Pocson, usa ka banggiitang tigpayuhot og drogas sa Sugbo.

Busa, gipangitaan og paagi sa kapulisan nga makontak si Diano nga wala makaahibawo nga ang mga autoridad na ang nagsige og text kaniya. Hangtod nagsabot sila nga magkita sa Manina’s Eatery nga nahimutang kilid sa Superdome. Usa ka entrapment operation ang biplano sa kapulisan.
Nipuwesto ang mga pulis sa palibot diin magkita unta sila Diano ug Mascariñas gamit ang mga
pribadong sakyanan. Pag-abot sa gikatahapan, wala na siya maka-react dihang giposasan siya samtang nagpunay pa og text nga nagsakay sa iyang single nga motorsiklo.

Gidala siya dayon sa istasyon diin iyang giangkon nga siya ang nag-text kang Mascariñas nga iya lang daw gikomedyahan ug wala daw siyay dautang intensyon. Kanhi daw siyang drayber sa hardware ni Mascariñas sulod sa siyam ka tuid ug duha na ka tuig siyang miundang.

Gikumpirma sad ni Diano nga kauban siya nila ni Pocson ug Kerwin Espinosa, duha sa mga ngilngig nga tigpayuhot sa Sugbo. Sugid sa gikatahapan nga siya ang nagmaneho sa sakyanan dihang nadakpan sila si Pocson ug Espinosa kaniadtong 2010 pero apil siyang gikasuhan kay may nakuhang armas sa iyag duol sulod sa sakyanan. Nakagawas siya human makapiyansa og P13,000.

Nasayran gikan kang SInsp. Shevert Alvin Machete, hepe sa Presinto 1 nga gipaninguha nila nga ma-verify ang criminal record ni Diano kon duna pa ba kini laing kaso sa laing lugar. Gipasakaan siya og kasong grave threats ni Mascariñas.
(WLWE issue of Sept. 5-11, 2011)

Kawatan nakuhaan og drogas

USA ka lalaki ang nakuhaan og drogas dihang gidakop siya sa salang pangawat 3:00 sa hapon kaniadtong Setyembre 5. Ang gireklamo mao si Vicente Vidauretta, taga-Dist. 10, ning syudad nga gipadakop sa iyang ig-agaw nga si Valerie Anne V. Maglasang ug lola tungod sa pagpangawat og telebisyon, DVD player ug blender.

Pagdakop kang Vidauretta, aduna diay kini dalang gamay nga kahon nga plastic nga gisudlan og mga shabu. Gisuksok ang maong kahon sa iyang hawak ug pagsakay niya sa patrol car, pasimple niyang gihulog ang maong kahon ilawom sa lingkuranan. Apan nakit-an nila ni Insp. Ariel Nuñez ang maong kahon ug giutingkay kini.
Aduna kini sulod nga unom ka gamay nga paketeng shabu apan gihimakak ni Vidauretta nga iya ang maong kahon. Ang pagdakop sa gikatahapan gisaksihan nila ni Kapitan Glenn Aparis ug Riday Pidoy nga maoy nagrepresentar sa Departamento sa Hustisya.
(WLWE issue of Sept. 5-11, 2011)

Kawatan manlungkab unta og bodega namatay

USA ka kawatan ang namatay dihang manlungkab unta og bodega niadtong Setyembre 7 sa Bakante 1, Lao, dinhi sa Ormoc. Ang patayng lawas ni Carrie Pontan, 18-anyos, ulitawo nga taga-Bakante 2 sa maong barangay ang nakit-an sulod sa koral sa bodega sa magtiayong Fernando ug Lolita Anoos 6:00 sa buntag.

Sigun ni SInsp. Harris Rebato, deputy sa Presinto 3 nga walay nakitang samad kang Pontan ug ang bugtong nakita mao ang barb wire nga duol sa patayng lawas. Ilang gidudahan nga nakuryentehan ang biktima nga duna untay plano paglungkab sa maong bodega. Duda sad nila nga nahitabo ang insidente mga 1:00-3:00 sa kaadlawon. ni Maridel Tan
(WLWE issue of Sept. 5-11, 2011)

8 ROTC trainees claim to have been possessed by spirits

EXORCISE. Fr. Dennis Son rubs holy water on the forehead of one of the 13 ROTC trainees who were purportedly possessed by spirits.

by Elvie Roman-Roa

THE 45-day Reserve Officers Training Course (ROTC) summer camp at the 8^th Regional Community Defense Group was disrupted when 13 trainees were said to have been possessed by spirits that necessitated an exorcism ritual by a priest. Five of the “possessed” were even hospitalized and are now declared in stable condition.

The commotion began on the 9^th day of the training last Apr. 20, Holy Wednesday. The trainees were having a group prayer 10:00 before retiring to the barracks. Suddenly, cadette Maria B. Borden, 23 of San Jorge, Samar began shouting and running on top of the bed bunks in her quarters.

Within that hour, her behavior was followed by two other cadettes. Asst. Instructor Sgt. Cynthia Mae Oliva identified one of them as Gemma O. Uy of Banquerohan, Catarman, Northern Samar. Their bizarre behavior stopped when a pastor trainee said prayers.

The next day however, two other cadettes turned restless and blabbered foreign languages. Witnesses said they heard the two blabber in English, Spanish and Latin. Three other cadettes followed and appeared to have been also possessed.

At 7:00 that night, the five of them were taken to Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Church where a mass was being held. Two of them are Borden and Uy who were possessed the previous day. The others were identified as Marjore Cafe, Jecel Asuncion and Rejena Montederamos.

Inside the church, Fr. Dennis Son performed an exorcism while other parishioners, lay ministers, seminarians and members of Legion of Mary prayed over the cadettes. But when the cadettes turned restless that panicked many churchgoers, Mayor Eric C. Codilla ordered that they be taken to the hospital.

A former seminarian, Mayor Codilla believes what the cadettes experienced is stress-related considering ladies are not as physically tough as guys in military training. Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Gilbert Urbena agrees, saying the cadettes may have undergone over-fatigue and nervous breakdown.

On Good Friday afternoon, another cadette started having a seizure while pointing to the comfort room (CR) in their barracks. Group Commander Col. Pascual A. Somoray II said many enlisted men had strange experiences in that CR where hundreds of American soldiers were said to have been buried after a bombing in World War II.

The five cadettes were sedated most of the time during their confinement at Ospa-Farmers Medical Center. They were discharged on Black Saturday with a bill of P26,900 of which Mayor Codilla shouldered P17,000. One of the patients was diagnosed with urinary tract infection.

But the “possessions” went on through the weekend. All in all, 13 trainees, both men and women, were allegedly possessed by spirits named “Carmelita,” “Isaac,” “Luisito,” and a little girl named “Monica.” Fr. Soon said mass at Camp Jorge Downes on Easter Sunday 10:00 am attended by trainees and the soldiers’ wives.

Borden, one of those possessed, narrated her ordeal. According to her, her body was taken over by a certain “Carmelita” who was about 15 or 16 years old when she died. Carmelita said she was raped and killed in 1826, and her body was dumped near an acacia tree within the camp. She complained of being disturbed by the noise created by the military exercises.

TSgt. Ricardo Cabrera said ghost stories within the camp is not unusual. Some cadets claim to have seen ghosts while others hear marching sounds even if there were no exercises in the middle of the night. The ROTC summer clinic has 163 trainees, 74 of them female.

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Apr. 11-17, 2011)

San Isidro oil drilling may yield up to 18M barrels

THE drilling operation in San Isidro, town can yield from two million to 18 million barrels of oil, Otto Energy Ltd. announced. It also bared that the Duhat-1 has commenced drilling with the official spud of the well this month. The Desco Rig-1 drilling unit is being used for the well which is expected to take 27 days to reach the depth, a company statement said.

Otto Energy Ltd., which is in charge of the Duhat-1 exploration well in Service Contract (SC) 51 in Leyte, will sink in $2.5-$3 million for the drilling operations. The service contract covers 332,000 hectares. The drilling of the Duhat-1 exploratory well is part of the current sub-phase of the contract.
Early this year, Otto Energy signed a “farm-out” agreement with Swan Oil and Gas Ltd. for Service Contract 51 in the Visayas. A “farm-out” agreement allows a company to offer part of its participating shares in a service contract to another company to help fund projects in the area.

Otto Energy is supposed to transfer 40% equity in SC 51 to Swan but will remain as the operator. The agreement has been approved by the SC 51 joint venture partners and is awaiting approval of the Energy Department.

 

Parters in the consortium are Trans-Asia, Alcorn Gold Resources Corp., PetroEnergy Resources Corp. and NorAsian Energy Ltd., a unit of Otto Energy. Based on initial studies, the area has enough deposits of oil which we could get as two million to 18 million barrels.

Let the games be gone

EXCEPT for the occasional ACLC-WLC basketball rift, local sports news doesn’t merit controversy. This monotony is broken by a badminton tournament in Baybay wherein the most contested event was abruptly dissolved on dubious grounds (read more on the sports page).

The report merits attention because first, it involves one of the well known sports organizations there -- the Hapakers Badminton Club; second, the event is considered a major corporate tournament of sorts, participated by some of the big name companies in Baybay and Ormoc, and sponsored by the governor, congressman and mayor.

As has been mentioned, trouble arose when the championship match for the Team Event between the Ormoc team and Leyte Sports Academy (LSA) was called off. But going beyond the technicalities, one could smell a rat from afar upon finding out that tournament officials have their own interest on the teams.

Club President Emmanuel S. Licup is the managing director of SC Coco Global Products Inc. while tournament manager Peter Luke Valenzona is (drum roll please) the coach of LSA. So why are we not surprised? The organizers came up with reasons to dissolve the championship match, mainly the late payment of registration fee by the Ormoc team.

But why did the organizers allow the Ormoc team to qualify in the first place if late payment of registration fee would become an issue? Also, why did they have to wait for the team to survive the elimination matches before making a fuss? And did we mention that sore losers are fond of changing rules in the middle of the game?

Then they made an issue out of Ormoc team’s number of players. Citing their rules, a team should be composed of five players at most but Ormoc team fielded 10. The organizers suddenly become stickler of rules but forgot that they waived that rule as a compromise to allow LSA to take part in the Team Event.

Again, based on their own rules, the Team Event is a corporate category. The Ormoc team members consist of employees from the city government, Energy Development Corp. and National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, whereas LSA is composed of varsity players. But it’s so convenient to break that rule especially if you have the LSA coach as tournament manager, isn’t it?

The rat stench becomes even more obnoxious after SC Coco Global and Baybay Photographers Society withdrew their registration fees. To refresh our memories, club president Licup is a company official of SC Coco Global. Why would he cause embarrassment to his own tournament by allowing his own company to withdraw its registration fee?

Didn’t he realize that by doing so, there will be no budget left for prizes in the Team Event of which Ormoc team happens to be leading? Unless the move was staged to justify the dissolution of the match. And whatever happened to the sponsorship money they collected that was supposed to go to the prizes?

Here’s what we think. Despite missing the first day of the tournament, the Ormoc players managed to crawl their way up on top of the eliminations and some people in the club didn’t like it. Sports officials are expected to set the example on sportsmanship, not to manipulate rules.

Their misconduct may have deprived a rival team of bragging rights, but it exposed their real nature as “sportsmen.” What does Valenzona suppose this controversy teach his players? As for Licup, we hope his integrity as a company man survives this episode.

Unless they come up with more believable reasons for cancelling an important game, they can’t stop others from thinking that the event they mounted wasn’t a tournament but a sham.

(West Leyte Weekly Exress issue of Apr. 18-24, 2011)

Construction risk mng’t seminar held

By Rommel Quilantang

ORMOC Builders Association (Orba) conducted a Construction Risk Management Seminar for both developers and contractors. Invited to speak in the event is Engr. Alberto A. Ignacio Jr., VP-Operations of First Balfour Inc., a company of the Lopez Group.

Engr. Ignacio talked about the risks in various stages of construction and pointed out the importance of safety, insurance and contracts to avoid future problems. He said it is important for both contractor and the client to agree on salient points of the project before the start of implementation.

He cited actual examples of contractors’ failure to respond to risks that resulted to financial losses as a result of work stoppage. On the other hand, a contractor that is able to prepare and respond to risks will gain a good reputation in the market and will entice more clients and projects, he said.

 

Orba President Engr. Joseph Frederick A. Pepito described the things they learned as very helpful. He adds that with the seminar on Construction Risk Management, which is actually a course in Civil Engineering, local contractors are now guided on the risks involved in project implementation brought about by lack of understanding with their clients.

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Apr. 18-24, 2011)

EDC launches ilang-ilang prod’n project in Kananga

By Gerardo C. Reyes Jr.

Energy Development Corp. (EDC) and the municipal government of Kananga launched the Ilang-ilang Essential Oil Production to encourage the town folk to propagate Ilang-ilang flowers. A ceremonial signing by Mayor Elmer C. Codilla and EDC Community Partnership Department Manager Engr. Emeliano Argoncillo highlighted the event.

Engr. Arconcillo explained that the Philippines only has between 20,000 to 300,000 Ilang-ilang trees, most of which  are found in Tarlac province and Central Luzon (10.15%). The number couldn’t supply Europe’s demand for essential oils for perfume. At least 1.8 million trees are needed to cope up with the demand.

Under the program, each barangay will identify three to six hectares of suitable land to plant Ilang-ilang. Engr. Argoncillo explained that three hectares can be planted with 1,000 Ilang-ilang trees that will bear flowers after three to four years. However, full harvest can be expected when the tree reaches eight years.

Fresh Ilang-ilang flowers sell for P8 a kilo while extracted oil is worth P8,000 per liter. This means that 100 trees can earn for the farmer P8,000 a month or P95,000 annually. A thousand tress can fetch P1.9 million annually. At three to six hectares per barangay, Kananga will soon have a 69 to 115 hectares of Ilang-ilang plantations or a potential income of P44-87 million annually by 2015 and beyond.

 

Present at the signing ceremony are Liga ng mga Barangay President Procesa T. Baguio, Department of Education Kananga District I Supervisor Tita P. Alajas and District II Principal in charge Wilfredo Marquez, Kananga National High School Principal Julita Clavel and Lim-ao National High School Principal Marcelo Refuerzo.

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Apr. 18-24, 2011)

NFA assures enough stocks to stabilize rice prices

by Jun Colo

DESPITE the continued rise of petroleum products, the National Food Authority (NFA) believes the price of rice will continue to be stable particularly in Ormoc with the arrival of a new shipment next week, according to Senior Grains Operations Officer Victorino H. Dagoy.

Some 20,000 sacks of rice will arrive from Cebu on Apr. 7. The expected rice is rated 5% broken or having the same quality as with the commercial variety. Which is not a bad deal considering NFA rice sells for P27 a kilo compared to P35-36 a kilo of the commercial variety. Dagoy finds it unlikely that retailers in Ormoc mix NFA rice with the commercial variety as their inspectors regularly monitor the stores.

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Apr. 18-24, 2011)

VSU-Aussie group project tie-up

A protective structure at a vegetable farm in Ormoc, a technique taught by VSU.

VISAYAS State University (VSU) has tied up with the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) for a project that aims to protect high value commercial crops from the negative effects of heavy rainfall and strong winds. The technology is now adopted by the local government units (LGU) of Ormoc, Baybay and Maasin Cities.

“The concept is they have to protect the plant from rain and strong winds usig bamboos and transparent plastic,” VSU President Jose Bacusmo said. “We have other sophisticated ways to protect crops from weather adversities but the protective structure in this project is very affordable and the materials are widely available.

ACIARE finances the project while VSU provides the manpower and forge linkages with LGUs. At least 50 units are planned to be set up in Baybay alone. “It was proven that the technology works. It has been applied in many parts of the country but it was not implemented here before. We need it here especially that rain is frequent in our place,” Bacusmo explained.

Prof. Gordon Rogers of University of Sydney said Leyte was prioritized because of its heavy rainfall. “It helps to maintain production of crops during wet season. It’s difficult to produce good crops during this season,” he said. This cropping technique is very appropriate here, he adds, considering extreme weather condition decreases vegetable output. A protective structure is needed as safeguard against extreme weather conditions.

 

Bacusmo said they allow farmers to build their own protective structure using bamboos and plastics. Protective cultivation is a cropping technique wherein the micro-climate surrounding the plant body is controlled according to the requirement of the species during its period of growth. The German International Cooperation Agency is interested in expanding the project to other areas in Leyte.

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Apr. 18-24, 2011)

Badminton tourney organizers accused of unportsmanlike behavior

By Felix N. Codilla III

CONTROVERSY marred a badminton competition in Baybay City after organizers are accused of manipulating the tournament mechanics to sabotage the chances of the Ormoc team of winning the championship title. The team has sought the assistance of Councilor Ruben R. Capahi, chairman of the Ormoc City Sports Council, as a prelude to filing a formal protest against game organizers.

Under protest is the Summer Smash Badminton Tournament organized by the Hapakers Badminton Club of Baybay. The tourney had three events: Team Event, Age Group for children 12 years old and under, and Open Tournament. The Ormoc team joined the Team Event along with five other teams. The games were scheduled to be played for four consecutive Saturdays starting Mar. 26 to Apr. 15 but the Ormoc team was only able to play beginning the second Saturday on Apr. 2. Despite this setback, it was able to play 15 matches against Leyte Sports Academy (LSA), Salchem and SC Coco Global in all categories and earned 44 points that day.

On Apr. 9 the team played five matches against Baybay Photographers Society (BPS) while all scheduled games against Bayantel were declared wins by default in Ormoc’s favor after the Bayantel team did not show up. With the point system in effect, the Ormoc team finished first n the elimination round with 77 points followed by LSA’s 65 points.

A championship match was set between the top two finishers in Apr. 15. The Ormoc team arrived at Baybay National High School, the tournament site, before 6:00 am on the scheduled date but it was only after the awarding ceremonies for the Age Group and Open Tournament categories that they were informed that the Team Event category was dissolved.

Sought for an explanation, tournament Manager Peter Luke Valenzona cited the following reasons why the Team Event category was incontestably dissolved: 

1. Ormoc team’s entry was forfeited because of late payment of registration fee;
2. SC Coco Global and BPS withdrew their registration fees;
3. As a result of the withdrawal of registration payments, organizers were left with no budget for cash prizes;
4. The number of Ormoc team’s members was protested considering the tournament rules state that each team should be composed of five players at most but Ormoc fielded 10.

Judith F. Paredes who stands as the team’s spokesperson disputes Valenzona’s assertions. According to her, if Ormoc team’s payment of registration was that late, the organizers shouldn’t have accepted their registration fee and issued a receipt, much less allowed them to play in the tournament.

The withdrawal of registration fees by SC Coco Global and BPS are also irrelevant considering the two teams have already been eliminated. Paredes finds the “no budget” reason lame considering the tournament was sponsored by Gov. Carlos Jericho L. Petilla, Rep. Jose Carlos L. Cari, Mayor Carmen L. Cari and LSA.

As to the supposed protest on the number of players, Paredes said this has already been settled, otherwise their team wouldn’t have been allowed to play. Besides, the Ormoc team also questioned LSA’s inclusion in the Team Event which is supposed to be for corporate teams only, but they eventually dropped it. LSA consists of high school varsity players under the Leyte division of Department of Education.

Another act by the organizers which the Ormoc team considers as done in bad faith was the refund of their registration fee behind their back to their sponsor, Badminton City, even if it was the players who handed over the money and received the receipt thereof. Moreover, the organizers returned only P1,300 out of the P2,000 registration fee paid.

The Ormoc team members sees the development as a concerted effort to rob them of the opportunity to win the title considering the organizers themselves have a stake on the losing teams. Valenzona is the coach of LSA while the president of Hapakers Club, Emmanuel S. Licup, is the manager of SC Coco Global which lost in the elimination round.
(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Apr. 18-24, 2011)

Leyteño wins A$5,000 for rural school

GRATEFUL. Pupils of Cambalading Elementary School express their appreciation to Rusman Tulin (inset photo).

By Janny Maye Pacarat

A LEYTEÑO now residing in Australia won a grant for a small community school in neighboring Albuera town. Rusman Tulin, 38 is awarded A$5,000 (approx. P233,000) that will be used for the improvement of Cambalading Elementary School in his native hometown.

Queensland-based plan company Sunsuper mounted the Sunsuper Dreams contest among its 130,000 plan holders wherein they will share their dreams to make the world a better place. Rusman’s entry to improve Cambalading Elementary School attracted over 3,000 votes, mostly from Toowoomba where he lives.

Rusman works as a nurse in Australia and has been a Sunsuper plan holder since 2002. Last year, Rusman has donated school supplies to the school. Now, he hopes the money won will be used to complete the fence, stage renovation and water system of the school. He plans to visit home this December.

 

Rusman is an overseas Filipino worker hero who has not forgotten to help his countrymen back home. He graduated in BS Commerce major in Management at Western Leyte College in 1993 where he was a student leader. Prior to migration, he worked at the accounting department of Ospa-Farmers Medical Center for eight years.
(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Apr. 18-24)

WLC wins table tennis at PRISAA

by Elvie Roman-Roa

A TEAM from Western Leyte College won the table tennis championship at the Private Schools Athletic Association (Prisaa) meet on Apr. 8-14 in Zamboanga. Coach Amado Rey Salvame said this is the first time Region 8 won a gold medal in one of the events of Prisaa.

The team is composed of BS Business Administration majors Winston Bustillo, Dodjie Mark Navarro and Mervin Blando. The silver medal was won by Region 11 (Davao) while Region 6 (Western Visayas) won bronze. Region 7 (Central Visayas) place 4^th. Last year, Region 6 was champion followed by Regions, 7 and 6. 
(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Apr. 18-24, 2011)

Kawatan nanghugkab og pagkaon

ni Dong Arañez

USA ka balay ang gilungkab sa Purok 5, Baguioville Subdivision, Simangan, ning syudad niadtong Abril 17. Sumala pa sa nagpuyo sa balay nga si Erwin Pacaña, 42-anyos, minyo nga wala siya sa balay atol atong tungora kay duty siya sa gitrabahoan niya sa Energy Development Corp. sa Tongonan, ning syudad.

Gibana-banang mga 3:00 o 4:00 sa hapon nakasulod ang kawatan. Pag-uli niya sa balay mao na lay iyang nasayran nga abri na ang pultahan ug pagsusi niya nalimas intawon ang ilang grocery alang sa usa ka simana. Nawagtang sad ang itom nga bintilador. Walay laing nakuha ang kawatan ug hayan nga gutom lang kadto ug ang tuyo lang niini ang pagkaon sa kusina.

(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of Apr. 18-24, 2011)