June 16-30, 2015 Media Center, 2nd Flr., Capitol Bldg. Vol. II, No. 24

Best farmers, fisher folks, rural group recognized

Philanthropist, rescuer are outstanding So. Leyteños

By Bong Pedalino

By Rebecca Cadavos

For the very first time, farmers, fisherfolks, and rural-based organi-zations -- the backbone and work-horses of agriculture development -- took center stage, basking in the glory of their disciplined efforts, hard work, and dignity as a night was set aside for their citations and honor. In all, fourteen names of individu-als and groups around the province let their light shone in newly-discovered fame as winners of the Search for Out-standing Farmers, Fisherfolks, and Rural-based organizations (RBOs), a deserving, fitting tribute to an agri-cultural territory. “You are the pillars of the province,” Gov. Roger Mercado beamed with obvious pride in his inspirational message, addressing a crowd of nom-inees and awardees, this time wearing formal attire -- far from the rag tag, muddy, sweaty coverings they wore out there in the field -- minutes be-fore they were announced, in the style of an Oscars Awards event. The awards night was held Friday, June 26, at the refurbished DILG gym beside the legislative building, a few steps away from the provincial Capi-tol building, the gym now re-named Southern Leyte Coliseum. It was supported by the Agricultural Train-ing Institute (ATI) Regional Office which footed the bill for the modest cash prizes given to the awardees. In her brief message, Dr. Vilma Pa-tindol, the OIC-Center Director, ac-knowledged that the provincial gov-ernment over the years has leveled up the conduct of Agri-fair, this time giv-ing recognition to deserving farmers, fisherfolks, and rural groups. Also attending the ceremonies were Board Member Atty. Abelardo Ala-mario, Macrohon Vice-Mayor Wilfre-do Madrona, and City Mayor Malo-ney Samaco, as well as the agriculture officers from the towns and city.

At least eight awardees were hon-ored during the Outstanding Southern Leyteños 2015 Awarding ceremony held at the Southern Leyte Coliseum, June 29, 2015. Plaques of Appreciation were given to the first batch of elected officials that served the province, namely, Hon. Alfredo K. Ban-tug – Governor; Hon. Graciano H. Capili – Vice-Governor; - Hon. Isabelo Kaindoy – Senior Board Member and Hon. Generoso M. Herrera as Board Member. The families of the first three mentioned officials received the Posthumous Award in their behalf, while Hon. Herrera was present during the awarding ceremony. Meanwhile, two Outstanding Southern Leyteños who were chosen to receive the award included Rolito Royeras, a rescuer from Maasin City and Philanthropist/Bene-factor Sandra Haghedooren who hails from Buscayan, Macrohon. Another set of awardees were young achievers Albert Pagara in the field of Sports, particularly boxing and Velvel Escario-Roxas in the field of Maternal, Infant and Children Nutrition, both from Maasin City. “I hope that our people will give importance to this kind of recognition because these peo-ple who received the awards are models in public service and make the province proud of whom they became,” Gov. Roger G. Mer-cado in his welcome message said. The governor said that the awardees con-tributed their service without any hesitations, saying that “they served the people before they think of themselves.” On the other hand, Cong. Damian G. Mer-cado congratulated the awardees, saying “each one of you is nominated and garnered the award because your dedication and hard work is seen by many in each of your own field of endeavor.” The lone district representative further said that “you never lose your faith with brave heart and full of courage to face life.” The awarding ceremony was part of the activities for the 55th Founding anniversary of the province of Southern Leyte. The Search Committee was chaired by Provincial Planning Officer Ida Sy-Monzon together with Provincial Health Officer Dr. Noel Lumen, Ms. Liles Kapili and Mr. Genis Murallos.

Professional Boxer, birthing experts named young achievers; Posthumous citations to past leaders; Incumbent San Ricardo Vice Mayor, cited as surviving pioneer board member

The awardees in their respective categories are as follows:

Outstanding Rice Farmer for Hybrid - Agripino de Gracia, Ibarra, Maasin CityOutstanding Rice Farmer for inbred - Epifanio Mejares, Libhu, Maasin CityOutstanding Vegetable Grower, Commercial scale - Gerardo Tibon, BontocOutstanding Vegetable Grower, Small scale - Estelito Ansong, Hinundayan, Outstanding Livestock Grower - Angie Peroso, Mabini, Macrohon (a youth winner)Outstanding Fisherfolk, Large Scale - Rico Vanzuela, Ichon, Macrohon (a youth winner)Outstanding Fisherfolk, Small Scale - Inocencio Mosot, PintuyanOutstanding Farm Family (Integrated Farming) - Alfredo Pagay, San Rafael, Maasin City Outstanding Agriculture and Fishery Council - Padre Burgos Municipal Agriculture Fishery CouncilOutstanding Farmers’ Association - Pansil Association of Farmers, MalitbogOutstanding Rural Improvement Club - Malapoc Norte, Maasin CityOutstanding 4H Club - Guadalupe, Macrohon (a youth group) Outstanding Industrial Crop Grower - Mariano Dumaran, Sto. Nino, Maasin City

AWARDEES: Topmost photo shows Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Haghedoorn, the philanthropist couple who donated medical supplies & equipment to various public hospitals in the province. Photo above shows Rolito Royeras an employee at Maasin City LGU, who was cited as an excellent rescuer.Also in photo are Gov. Roger G. Mercado, Cong. Damian G. Mercado, City Mayor Maloney Sa-maco, San Ricardo Vice Mayor Generoso Herrera-himself an awardee as the lone pioneering Board Member, and Board Member Atty. Abelardo Almario. Below left, Pagara was named young achiever, as well as Escaño-Roxas represented by her relatives, below right.

BEAUTIES GALORE: Miss Southern Leyte 2015 and her Court, from left: Miss Padre Burgos- Moselblick Madera, 3rd Runner-Up; Miss Tomas Oppus - Airene Grace S. Paler, 1st Runner-Up; Miss Maasin City - Karina L. Dizon, Miss Southern Leyte 2015; Miss Sogod - Roxanne E. Bation, 2nd Runner-Up and Miss San Ricardo - Charmienne Cyla T. Caintic, 4th Runner-Up.

Vol. II, No.24

Page 2 June 16-30, 2015

THE JUDGES

THE OTHER CANDIDATES

CROWING GLORY: Miss Maasin Karina Dizon being crowned Miss Southern Leyte 2015 by the Chairperson of the Board of Judges, Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad-Romulo, assisted by Gov. Roger G. Mercado and Cong. Damian G. Mercado (above, left). A pose with officials and her family (above right). Miss Dizon also won Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown.

Miss Southern Leyte 2015 Beauty Pageant

1st Runner up - Tomas OppusAirene Grace S. Paler

(Best in Production number)

3rd Runner up - Padre BurgosMoselblick Madera

(Ms. Natasha)

2nd Runner up – SogodRoxanne E. Bation

4th Runner up - San RicardoCharmienne Cyla T. Caintic

Mr. elias a. cayanong

ms. shalani soledad-romulo

Chairperson

mr. nishanta nepalangoda

ms. marti ybaÑez mr. victor cuenco FAREWELL WALK: Miss Southern Leyte 2014, Genevieve Rodriguez, Miss Padre Burgos

EMCEE: Ms. Amelia Mancera and her co-host.

(Miss Photogenic ) (Miss Congeniality )

Vol. II, No.24

Page 3June 16-30, 2015

INTER-AGENCY / IAD SPORTS: Basketball referees get ready for the championship action (below), and a jubilant IAD V team, or Maasin City team, celebrates victory as the champion (above). Below right, the competing agency teams, here represented by their leaders, take the oath of amateurism shortly before the games begin.

TOUR DE SOUTHERN LEYTE: A cyclist gives the thumbs-up sign to signify he had biked around the province in four days. Below, Danny Atienza, head of the cycling competition committee, raises the hands of the winners, mostly from Cebu and Manila.

OTHER EVENTS: Gov. Roger Mer-cado waves to the crowd as he leads the anniversary walk, the opening salvo of the activities (above). At left, the winners of the first-ever recognition for farmers, fisherfolks, and rural-based organizations. The Agri-Fair and Garden Show (above center, and right photos) also features a first: farmers’ groups have their own display booths, and the boodle meal.

SURPRISE GUEST: Manila Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno, who hails from Eastern Samar, was the impromptu guest during the cookfest. At right, he exchanges pleasantries with Gov. Mercado, and poses with other officials (above).

Vol. II, No.24

Page 4 June 16-30, 2015

LESSON OF HISTORY In these times of political gimmicry to attract attention and get into the voters’ psyche, wannabes use different strokes for people to talk about and court their imagination. But it’s very trite and pathetic to be repeating an old tune like a worn-out broken record. Just like the much-maligned and accursed “pork barrel” of many aliases in-cluding CDF, PDAF, congressional initiative, DAP, etc., same dog but different collars. For ambitious hopefuls to take cheapshots at the issues is not just redundant but obsolete since the nation is aware of such that even the Supreme Court has declared it unconstitution-al but not illegal unless ”kickbacks” are proven. After Benhur Luy spilled the beans on Janet Napoles that spurred the investigation of senators, congressman and other public officials, it’s not fashionable anymore to blow the whistle on pork barrel, CDF, PDAF, DAP unless the agenda is personal and politically motivated. Advisory for those who have plans, please ride on current not rehashed or recycled matters of public interest. Apparently, PNoy has been locked in the horns of a dilemma literally and figuratively, torn between two choices Mar and Grace, to endorse as successor. PNoy need not be belabored if he just re-calls the history of Cory and Doy, a toss between traditional politi-cian (TRAPO) and a neophyte, experience and strong personality, competitive intelligence, the magic of genetics, people’s clamor and being on the side of history spell winnability. Resources thru iniative could come in later. There’s no apprenticeship in the presidency which is God given and destined. President Cory never had any but got elected because of the other factors. The more with experience. Compara-tively Grace Poe has more experience in the executive as MTRCB chairperson and the legislative as senator. So, there’s no sense in saying experience counts more than credibility and character that are inherent and innate in a person. Every day in office can be a continuous learning experience. History proved the triumph of the latter that makes the differ-ence in electoral contests. Hard decisions had to be made having no other substitute for victory. The principal figures could sacrifice, it’s the well-entrenched allies and the inner conclave that’s unwilling to let go for self-survival and longevity in the power corridor. The usual haggling, concession and compromise are the usual suspects in the delay of mobilization and reorganization of new alliances and coalitions. Funding to follow, if any. The reason why there’s still no movement in the local political front.

BALUT INDUSTRY SA LALAWIGAN SUPORTAHAN SA GOBERNADOR

Hinunangan, So. Leyte - Gumikan sa hataas nga pangandoy para maha-tagan og sustenable nga panginabuhian ang mga kaigsoonan ng nagtikad sa uma-han, og ang namuhi og mga gagmay nga mga hayop, nahunahuna-an ni Dr. Dodo Cabarrubias (DVM) nga iyang esogyot kang Gobernador Roger G. Mercado ng palambuon ang balut-industry sa probensya. Isip pasiunang mga pamaagi gitigom sa Provincial Veterinary Officials ang mga namuhi og bebi didto sa St. Peter Cooperative, business center, lungsod sa Hinunangan aron ipasabot sa mga duck raises ang potensyal sa paghimo og mga balut, nga maoy naila sa mga ordinaryong pilipino nga pangpalig-on sa tuhod. Sa pagkakaron sila si Mr. Jun Togunon og Nelson Bali-ad maoy nag-abli niining maong negosyo. Gitug-an sa duha ka mga business enterpreneurs ngad-to kang Gobernador Roger G. Mercado nga sa milabay nga mga tuig nikusog na ang ilang negosyo, apan may nag-engganyo kanila nga magtanon og mga kapi mao nga mi-baryable sila. Apan sa pagharvest na niini walay anino sa "buyer" og kapi nga mipalit sa ilaha nga produkto. Maoy hinungdan nga sa walay paglangan, gitubag niini ang financial assistance para palambu-on ang industriya ug balut sa probensya. Sa pagkakaron makahimo ug kwatro mil ka mga balut ang "man-made" egg incubator ni Jun. Plano sa mga balut makers sa Hinunangan nga magbalut-fes-tival niining tuiga.

REGIONAL DIRECTOR SA DSWDO, MIHATAG OG P5M SA LALAWIGAN

Maasin City Gymnasium - Nagtapok ang kapin sa 300 ka mga magtutu-on nga benipisyari sa 4PS, kon pangtawid program sa DSWD, ubos sa gobernong PNoy sa atong nasud. Ang mga tinon-an nga naggikan sa Pacific, Panaon, og hangtud na sa dakbayan sa Maasin maoy nagpakita sa ilang mga diploma, sinyales nga nakatagamtam sila sa pang-edukasyon nga programa sa atong Goberno. Sa data nga nakuha niining nagsulat, didto sa opisina sa PSWDO nga gidumala ni Mdm. Minda Telen Rosete, miabot og 336 ang tanang kabataan nga mitapos og High School niining tuig 2015, og 76 niini ang mga honor roll og mga achievers. Ang mao nga seremonyas gitambongan ni PSWD Regional Director Nestor Ramos og mga laing dagkong opisyal sa Regional Office. Sa iyang gibuhiang mga pulong atubangan sa mga kabataan, mga ginikanan ug sa mga bisita gikan sa Kapitolyo ug sa dakbayan sa Maasin, gipasalamatan og gidasig niya ang mga bata nga magseryoso sa pag-eskoyla para makahuman og kurso aron maasinso usab ang kinabuhi nga ilang pagasubayon. Sa habig sa provincial government, si Board member Bebe Almario mao ang gipatambong sa gobernador. Gidawat niya ang tseke nga adunay kantidad nga 5 milyon ka pesos alang sa benepisyare sa AICS - Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situations, nga wala pa mahatagi sa tuig 2014.

NINDOT OG LAIN NGA DIVESITE NAKIT-AN - PUNTOD SA OTIKON, LIBAGON

Libagon, Southern Leyte - Sumpay sa mga maanindot nga kotay sa mga "dive site" sa atong lalawigan ngakit-an sa mga eksperto nga mga manlalangoy. Kining maong maanindot nga "hardin" sa ilalom sa kadagatan nga magdugang og kasibot sa mga dive stablishments aron moanhi sa ato nga lalawigan anaa mahi-mutang sa barangay Otikon, Libagon, Southern Leyte. Sumala ni Mr. Rio Cahambing, tourism consultant sa Kapitolyo ang naasoy nga dapit, iya na nga nadiskobre kaniadtong 1996, apan wala kini mahatagi og pag-tagad sa milabay nga namuno-an, gani iya kining gihinganlan og "Otikon Shoal". Sa pagkakaron nga aduna nay complete diving gear ang kapitolyo, nga gipalit sa administrasyong Mercado, nadugangan ang iyang kadasig aron pangi-ta-on pa ang mga talagsa-ong talan-awon sa ilawom sa kadagatan, aron iyang marekomendar sa Gobernador ang mga tukmang lakang alang sa kalamboan sa industriya sa torismo. Mahinumdoman nga ang TEA program sa gobernador na-glangkob sa pulong, Tourism, Environment ug Agriculture.

ESTORYAHI!Willie Justimbaste