Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, widow of the murdered Gov. Roel Degamo, has slammed the plan of Sen. Bato dela Rosa to allow suspended Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. to join the Senate Hearing into the March 4 massacre by appearing through Zoom.
In a letter sent to the members of the Senate, a copy of which was obtained by the MetroPost,
Mayor Degamo said allowing Teves to join by Zoom would be unfair to the witnesses and victims who spent time, money and effort to be physically present in the Senate Hearing.
In a television interview, Mayor Degamo said if Cong. Teves is allowed to participate virtually, he will be beyond the reach of the Senate and he cannot be detained in
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Former Governor Pryde Henry Teves has filed his counter-affidavit before the Department of Justice Wednesday, questioning the manner in which the search on the premises of the HDJ Bayawan Agriventure Inc., formerly Tolong Sugar Milling Company, was conducted.
It can be recalled that the search, which was ordered by the Executive Judge of Mandaue, Cebu, resulted in the recovery of several unlicensed highpowered firearms, ammunition and millions of pesos in cash.
The search teams also used a backhoe to dig the premises of the sugar mill, where more firearms were discovered, along with partially burnt identification cards and a certificate
of at least one of the suspects in the March 4 massacre that killed nine people, including Gov. Roel Degamo, in Pamplona town.
Three persons were apprehended by authorities during that search, among them was the owner of the security agency hired by the HDJ Bayawan Agriventure Inc, Nigel Electona. Police said Electona also had a photograph of Degamo’s family as well as a sketch of his Pamplona compound.
In his Counter-Affidavit, Teves said only Electona knows about the firearms uncovered outside of the sugar mill’s compound. He said it was Electona who looked for a backhoe and a backhoe operator on March 7 and also moved the white van containing cash on March 9.
Teves, the president of the HDJ Bayawan Agriventure, Inc., also questioned the conduct of the search. He presented a video showing a member of the search team
changing the angle of the CCTV camera away from the area searched. Teves said this act to hide their activities raises a lot of questions.
Teves said the object of the search was the compound of the sugar mill but most of the firearms recovered were outside of the sugar mill’s compound, but within the 51-hectare area, where more than 200 families lived.
He said the search took several days without the presence of witnesses, who were only called to sign the inventory.
Teves said he does not own the HDJ compound and owns only 10 percent of the company, Describing the search as a modern day witchhunt, Teves questioned why he is being singled out.
Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said the counter affidavit of Teves will be submitted to the prosecutors for their evaluation.
4,009,269
66,434
The city government of this Negros Oriental provincial capital will pay tribute to World War II and post-war veterans when it commemorates its 78th Liberation Day on April 26.
The city had to forego the usual April 9 nationwide celebration of Day of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan) to give emphasis to the commemoration of local heroes, said retired Judge Rafael Crescencio Tan in an interview Tuesday.
Tan, the post commander of the 4th Dumaguete City Veterans Post and the district president of the VFP’s Sons and Daughters Association here, said he has requested the city to celebrate Liberation Day
Several followers of the late Gov. Roel Degamo gathered at his burial site at their family compound in barangay Bonawon, Siaton, last Wednesday, to commemorate the 40th day of his death.
The observance of the 40 th day of death is a Roman Catholic tradition which signifies the soul’s appearance before God’s throne, at which time its future place will be announced until the Last Judgement at the end of time.
Several priests celebrated mass at the burial site followed by a fellowship meal in the informal style of the late governor.
Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo addressed the crowd, saying that the death of her husband and eight other individuals, as well as the injuries sustained by 14 others in the same incident, became the key for the people of Negros Oriental to awaken and begin to talk about their personal experiences and concerns that need to be brought before government authorities.
“Roel’s death opened our eyes to the possibility that the problem of peace and order in Negros Oriental will be attended to after the long time that Negrenses were silent out of fear that something bad will happen to them by the mere mention of the people who felt they were above the law,” she said.
Janice said they now feel that the attention needed from the national government has been given.
“Until this time, we have not extinguished the ray of hope that we have, so that Roel’s death would not be in vain. We long for the day where we will be able to go around without guards, we can feel secure that even in our homes, no one will do us harm,” she said.
Mayor Degamo thanked everyone for their prayers, saying prayer is more powerful than money.
as mandated by law. Both deceased and living WWII veterans will be given tribute during the liberation day ceremony, although the attendees are mostly post-war veterans, he said.
Assistant Secretary Restituto Aguila, deputy administrator of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), will be the keynote speaker while Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo will deliver his inspirational message, he added.
There are less than 10 living WWII veterans in this capital, but the WWIIVeterans Federation of the Philippines Sons and Daughters Association, Inc. will be on hand to represent deceased veterans’ next-of-kin, Tan said.
The liberation day commemoration will be
held at the Quezon Park here, with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal monument, the playing of taps, three volleys of fire, and a medical mission.
Tan, meanwhile, said they are now working on putting up a Heroes Wall of Fame at the Silliman University (SU) here.
“The Wall of Fame will feature SU’s graduates of ROTC (Reserved Officers’ Training Corps) who died during World War II,” he said.
The Silliman University’s ROTC was the first unit activated in the Philippines to serve in WWII alongside the United States armed forces, he added.
The PVAO has promised to help fund the project, which Tan said is expected to be finished before the end of the year.
(Judy F. Partlow/PNA)Farmers and civil society groups, private individuals and members of the media were recognized on Wednesday for their contribution in pursuing peace and security in Negros Oriental.
The Philippine News Agency and this reporter were among those recognized by the Philippine Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade during a fellowship and thanksgiving dinner at Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental as its commander, Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña, is about to leave his post which he held for more than two years.
In his message, Peña said the two years and six months of his assignment as brigade commander saw several challenges, both man-made and natural, that were addressed by both the uniformed services and the civilian sector.
These included the onslaught of Typhoon Odette in December 2021, the March 4 mass shootings in Pamplona town where Gov. Roel Degamo and eight others were killed and 17 others injured, and the fight against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
He said the Degamo assassination was the biggest hurdle he had to overcome, which the government was able to solve following the arrest of the suspects and the filing of cases against them, and the recovery of firearms, explosives and ammunition.
When he first assumed the brigade commander post in October 2020, Peña recalled making a commitment that he would be a “team player” in achieving peace and
progress in the province.
“I also mentioned that peace requires the integration of military and non-military solutions, leaving no sector behind. With this in mind, I suggested that convergence and harmonization of our efforts are necessary among government agencies and partner stakeholders to realize inclusive peace initiatives and community support programs,” he said.
Beyond mission-related activities, there were also collaborative efforts, such as youth empowerment activities, that the brigade and its subordinate units engaged in during his tenure, he added.
More importantly, Peña also noted the gains in the implementation of the whole-of-nation approach through the provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC).
He highlighted the participation of far-flung communities in the fight against the communist insurgency, saying that “we cannot truly say that we are totally successful in our efforts if low-land residents are the only ones who benefit from and enjoy peace” while the rest are left behind.
The outgoing brigade commander has expressed gratitude to partner stakeholders for collaborating to bring government services to the people.
Peña has been reassigned to the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) in Jamindan, Capiz, as deputy division commander.
Brig. Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID chief, will officiate the turnover of command ceremony at Camp Leon Kilat on Monday, April 17. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)
Jail authorities have intercepted a small amount of suspected shabu placed in a condom wrapper at the reception area of the Negros Oriental Detention and Rehabilitation Center (NODRC) in this capital city with a detainee now under investigation.
A total of 13 small heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu were intercepted at the reception area of the provincial jail, said Elmer Ebona, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) provincial chief. The illegal drugs were placed inside a roll-on deodorant while sealed in a condom wrapper. It weighed about 13 grams with an estimated street value of PHP88,400, according to Ebona.
Reports said a man and woman on board a motorcycle left a small package intended for a PDL, whose name was withheld pending investigation.
Upon checking, a jail guard discovered that the package left for the PDL contained illegal drugs.
Ebona said there is an indication that illegal drug peddling is taking place inside the provincial jail. He added though that PDEA does not have jurisdiction over the facility and that they were only assisting in the inventory.
“We only assisted in the inventory of the suspected illegal drugs and we will dispose of it, however, investigation of the incident lies on the provincial jail authorities,” he said in Cebuano. (Judy F. Partlow/ PNA)
Municipal and barangay officials and residents of Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental have urged the provincial government to stop the mining exploration in the town before this could become a full-scale operation that would endanger humans and the environment.
Sta. Catalina Mayor Peve Ligan said they are seeking the help of Governor Carlo Jorge Juan Reyes before the problem gets worse as tension is now brewing in Sitio Taruga, Barangay San Francisco, where the gold mining exploration has started.
“This situation is now
Health offices urged to be animal bite treatment centers
PhilHealth Negros Oriental has encouraged more local health offices and animal bite treatment center (ABTC) facilities in the province to apply for accreditation with the agency so they can become eligible providers of PhilHealth’s animal bite treatment package.
PhilHealth Provincial Head Maritess Que said in a Kapihan sa PIA forum that the agency offers P3,000 worth of treatment package to defray the cost of post-animal bite treatment of patients bitten by rabid dogs and other animals.
The package includes administration of vaccines, immunoglobulins, antibiotics, and other supplies.
This service can be availed in PhilHealthaccredited ABTCs.
However, there are only four PhilHealth-accredited ABTCs in Negros Oriental, namely the Sibulan Rural Health Unit (RHU), La Libertad RHU, Pamplona RHU, and Valencia RHU.
brewing between those who favor or are opposed to the mining exploration, and in fact, a protest rally was held yesterday,” Ligan said.
Three villages within the immediate vicinity of the mining exploration, wrote a joint resolution opposing the project of Midan Corporation.
Ligan said the mining exploration started about a week ago even though documents obtained by her office showed that the project had been approved by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of the Environment and Natural
Que said the Dumaguete City Health Center was once accredited to extend this PhilHealth package but it did not renew its accreditation.
By being accredited by PhilHealth, ABTCs can cater to PhilHealth members which comprise a sizeable chunk of the population and ensure funding from the agency as it pays the health service provider P3,000 for every case of post-animal bite treatment referred to them.
“That is a hatag na serbisyo or tabang sa atong health centers na accredited as animal bite treatment facility para ma-upgrade ang serbisyo (This is a form of assistance to health
Up until 1989, April 9 used to be called by another name. As a pundit once noted, the reason why the Philippines was not improving was because we celebrate our failures, e.g., The Fall of Bataan, the Fall of Tirad Pass, etc.
That is probably why April 9 was named Araw ng Kagitingan, or the Day of Valor. It not only marked the day when so many of our fellow Filipinos sacrificed their lives in Bataan, but to honor the countless others who gave up their lives to enable us to enjoy the freedoms we enjoy today.
For Dumaguitnons and Negrenses, April 26 is also a special day in our history. This marks the day Dumaguete was liberated from the Japanese occupiers during the Second World War. Our Filipino soldiers, who fought sideby-side with their American comrades, risked their lives to allow us to enjoy the freedoms we enjoy today. After the liberation of Dumaguete, the Japanese lost the rest of Negros Oriental to the Allied forces.
In a sense, March 4, 2023 will also go into the list of liberating moments for Negros Oriental. The massacre in Pamplona that claimed the lives of 9 people, including Gov. Roel Degamo, and which also injured 14 other people, has become a turning point in our history.
Other than its effects on the justice system and bringing the suspects and masterminds before the bar of justice, the full attention given by the national government to the spate of unsolved killings in Negros Oriental appears to have done wonders to the psyche of Oriental Negrenses.
There appears to be a sense of hope among relatives of victims of the past violent crimes that they would start to see the dawning of the justice that had eluded them for many years. Along with it is the hope that Negros Oriental would finally be on the road to attaining peace and progress.
Perhaps our legislators in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan would consider crafting a Resolution declaring March 4 of every year a Provincial holiday in honor of the significant turn of events that happened this year.
ATTY. WHELMA SITON-YAP
whelmayap@yahoo.com
The process of extracting useful materials from the earth -- such as coal, gold, iron ore, sand and gravel -- is mining which results in environmental degradation. It is the most hazardous industrial occupation; it not only competes for land and water resources but also produces health-threatening waste and pollutants.
The Philippines is the fifth most mineralised country in the world, having the third largest deposits of gold, fourth for copper, fifth for nickel, and sixth for chromite -- valued at around A$1.32 trillion. These remain largely untapped, and is the reason why many entities are competing to tap our natural resources.
Recently, a report disclosed that a certain company called Midan Mining Corp. had been issued an “exploration” permit by the Department of Environment & Natural Resources way back in 2016
to tap possible mining sites in the hinterlands of sitio Tarog in barangays San Francisco, San Pedro, and Milagrosa in the southern town of Sta. Catalina in Negros Oriental. This site is actually a forest reserve, a protected tourism site, home of indigenous people; rich in biodiversity, wildlife habitat, and which
On April 27, 2017, the late DENR Sec. Gina Lopez issued an order “banning the open-pit method of mining for copper, gold, silver, and complex ores in the country” citing past environmental disasters caused by mining operations that employed the open-pit mining method. She
serves as a watershed catch basin, a source of potable water. Hence, the whole community who live in these areas are vehemently opposed to the mining activities of this Midan Mining Corp. Sta. Catalina Mayor Peve Obañana-Ligan had sent a letter to Hyunyong Cho, president and CEO of Midan Mining Corp., to express the local government unit’s and her constituents’ opposition to the mining activities, citing the hazards and other
WILLIAM E. ABLONGindicated that such mining method poses risks to host communities and to the environment.
However, former Secretary Lopez was summarily replaced from her post, and on Dec. 23, 2021, the ban on open-pit mining was lifted on the premise that the “revitalization of the mineral resource industry is one measure to achieve economic growth amid the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Open-pit mining, where material is excavated from
wea_129@yahoo.com
SanIsidro Labrador Parish in Junob, Dumaguete City is on a Synodal journey. This journey means discernment (pag-ila) and search (pagpangita) for the will (kabubut-on) of God, not only on a personal basis but as a Christian community. This is a journey to Heaven using the parish’s HEAVEN program.
The parish implements the Diocesan vision through this initiative: “A Christ-
goals and core values were also assessed and articulated, the diocesan structures were clearly identified, defined, and systematized, and the programs of the different commissions were reviewed and calibrated.
Organized on April 11, 2015, by the late Rev. Fr. Burton N. Villarmente, San Isidro Labrador Parish Priest and Director of the Diocese of Dumaguete Social Action Concerns, HEAVEN
of Synod on synodality, indicating a journey along which the people of God (laity, clergy, and bishops) walk together in its mission.
The program can be a good example of collaboration as a sign of communion, that everything is possible if we only collaborate and work together. Thus far, the following were achieved by the HEAVEN program in the parish:
Health - financial
the ground’s surface, is particularly damaging to the environment because strategic minerals are often only available in small concentrations, which increases the amount of ore needed to be mined. Environmental hazards are present during every step of the open-pit mining process. Hardrock mining exposes rocks that have lain unexposed for geological eras. When crushed, these rocks expose radioactive elements, asbestos-like minerals, and metallic dust. During separation, residual rock slurries -- which are mixtures of pulverized rock and liquid -- are produced as tailings, toxic and radioactive elements from these liquids can leak into bedrock. Opposing development perspectives/sentiments on open-pit mining has set forth the ecological integrity implications of open-pit mining, as it requires clearing thousands of hectares of rainforests and agricultural lands, deep excavations to extract minerals, the use of toxic heavy metals and chemicals to process mineral ores, and the consumption of millions of liters of water – based on facts from studies conducted. No to mining!
for 30 college students from Caritas Manila’s Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program (YSLEP). Through the YSLEP scholarship, poor and deserving youths are given a chance to earn college or vocational/technical degrees to help them lift their families out of poverty. Networking with: SLS Bosco for a financial donation to fund housing grants and repair Caritas Manila for college scholarship Silliman University, SPUD, NORSU Metro Dumaguete College City Government of Dumaguete, City Health Office, Public Employment Service Office
Centered community, journeying to Heaven with Mary.” This vision was formulated during the 2-year Diocesan Pastoral Assembly which concluded in Nov. 2017.
The Diocese of Dumaguete, headed by Bishop Julito Cortes, initiated the Diocesan Pastoral Assembly, a two-year consultation and dialogue with the clergy, religious, and lay from 2015-2017 to review the pastoral programs and policies of the local church. During the DPA, the mission,
is the acronym for Health/ Housing, Education/ Employment, Agriculture, Violence Prevention, Environment/Energy, and Networking. It is inspired and guided by the passage in Matthew 25: 40, “Whatever you do to the least of your brethren, you are doing it to me.”
The HEAVEN program is an offshoot of dialogues and consultations with the lay faithful, and concerned groups and organizations, of praying, listening, and discerning. This is the essence
assistance extended to parishioners admitted mostly at the Neg. Or. Provincial Hospital; few in private hospitals.
Housing – a number of houses were built for indigent families with owned lots; and repair of houses for indigent families who are non-landowners.
Education - 18 acquired their college degree from NORSU and most of them have been employed locally; 21 are graduating this school year at NORSU. The parish received financial assistance
Mr. Constantin Escodras who donated P175,000 for a Livelihood project (Dressmaking for women in the Parish) San Isidro Labrador Parish of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dumaguete was established in 2002. It is located in Brgy. Junob, Dumaguete City. Matthew 6:1 Be careful that you don’t do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
Resources (DENR) as early as 2018.
She said she was not yet the mayor at that time but had already heard about it. The exploration did not push through though due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Midan Corporation secured a license to explore on March 12, 2018, and then was issued a renewed permit sometime in July 2021.
The exploration reportedly covers 844 hectares of land in Sta. Catalina, but it was not specified which barangays are included.
The mayor said they are opposing the mining exploration since the municipal council has already declared the area in Tarug for tourism purposes.
At the same time, it is a watershed area and home to thousands of fruit and vampire bats, with rich biodiversity, waterfalls, and a cave system that are all tourism potential.
Ligan also pointed out that residents in the area are dependent on agriculture, with ginger being its prime farm produce that rakes in hefty amounts of income for the planters.
The exploration, she added, lacked provincial government and local town permits and public consultation, underscoring that such activity would endanger the environment and the people.
The immediate concern right now is to ensure the safety of residents in the area, she said.
The mayor also met with Vice Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria in a closed-door meeting at the Legislative Building on Thursday to discuss possible actions to take in the coming days. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)
Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading airline, recognized its top performing travel agencies from the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific region as it held the 17th edition of the annual Eagle Wings Awards, the first since 2019.
A total of 62 agencies from CEB’s local and international stations were conferred with the Eagle Wings Award in a threeday event held from March 21 to 23, 2023 at Modala Beach Resort in Panglao, Bohol.
The Eagle Wings Awards is held annually to recognize CEB’s top domestic and international producers in terms of ticket sales, as well as their contributions to the overall success of the airline. The 2023 edition, which honored the previous year’s top producers, marked the return of the awards after being suspended for three years due to the pandemic.
“The past three years have been tough, with the pandemic negatively impacting the travel and tourism industry. But despite these challenges, we know all of you have worked hard to reach out to our customers and encourage them to fly again. And because of that, it’s only proper to give credit where it is due,”
70 Rizal Blvd., Dumaguete City Tels. 225-7725, 422-9209, 225-4488
Arlene Tena, Cebu Pacific Director for Passenger Sales and Distribution, told the awardees during the March 21 ceremony.
Special awards were also given to travel agencies that have shown significant contributions to the development of new traffic for CEB, such as ship’s crew, labor, and MICE traffic, as well as English as Second Language, offline and charter businesses.
To further show its appreciation, CEB took the travel agents on a trip around Bohol to allow them to experience the world-renowned sights, cuisine, and hospitality of the island province.
CEB continues to lead the domestic travel industry with 57% market share for 2022. This year, the airline is firmly in place for full recovery as it restores 100% of its pre-COVID network and capacity, aided by its unbeatable seat sales, widest domestic network, and reinstatement of all its international destinations.
LUJANA CIARRA ROMERO-HERRENAUWLujanaHerrenauw7@gmail.com
There’s a saying that goes, “It is better to be kind than to be right.” Don’t we all agree to this?
In some circumstances, it may apply especially when a husband chooses to be kind because the wife is always “right”.
But in church, we are taught to always choose the right, especially when it comes to keeping our standards.
And we all make choices. Some are trivial, some are far-reaching, some will make no difference in the eternal scheme of things, and others will spell all the difference.
But President Thomas Monson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints said, “Our goal should be to obtain celestial glory, and the choices we make will, in large part, determine whether or not we reach our goal.”
There is simply no learning at all.
Why do we choose what is right? Or if I may rephrase that, why do we keep the Commandments?
Common answers some of us might have in mind now is: so we can receive blessings. Or that: so we will not be punished.
In worse scenarios, some people need to be tried until they decide to do what is right. Or in other cases, they wait until life isn’t hard anymore, and decide to finally do what is right.
Yet, we may not have enough time to make up for our choices. There’s a famous quote I strongly live by: “We can freely
should be because of our great desire to love the Lord, and be obedient to His laws, ordinances, and commandments so that we can return back into His presence eternally.
The sacrament is enough reason for us to remember the Savior’s love for us, as He atoned our sins, and we return the love back as we partake of the sacrament, and take upon His name, keep his commandments, and always remember Him.
And by so doing, the promise is sure, His Spirit will always be with us. To guide us, protect us, comfort us and especially strengthen us.
choose what we want but we cannot choose the consequences.”
We can choose the right by listening to the Spirit which we can invite by doing good. In Genesis Chapter 6:3, it says, “ My spirit shall not always strive with man.”
“If we choose Christ, we will have made the correct choice,” he said. That choice requires action and can build real, powerful, sustaining faith to carry them through adversity.
President Monson taught of the 3 Rs. First, the right of choice; second, the responsibility of choice; and third, the results of choice.
We know that we had our agency before this world was, and that Lucifer attempted to take it from us. He had no confidence in the principle of agency or in us, and argued for imposed salvation. He insisted that with his plan, none would be lost, but he seemed not to recognize -or perhaps not to care -- that in addition, none would be any wiser, any stronger, any more compassionate, or any more grateful if his plan were followed.
Yet, as important as these truths are, it should never replace the foundation of our cause or will to do what is right.
What if blessings won’t come until heaven? Or what if we never knew of punishments? Will our volition to remain steadfast be the same?
The answer is no. We might end up like the foolish man who built his house on the sand, “And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
So be wary of such convictions, for I know of a friend who used to praise God when all things were well, but when things did not go the way he planned them, he questioned God, and even blamed Him for his failures.
In lieu, our stronger resolve to choose the right
Remember that choosing good is choosing the right.
May I invite everybody that if you think your life has become seeminglymonotonous, like a routine, or has reached its full potential of which I know for certain you haven’t yet, or better yet, if you haven’t found any purpose to do or live this life, try being involved in doing good. Look for something to engage on that is good. Maybe do charity work. Call a friend and/or offer help on something. Kindness and help doesn’t always entail money.
Your presence alone is more valuable. Anyone’s time is a dime, and if you’re spared even just a minute or two by anyone busy in life, then you must be someone important. And you can make someone feel like that.
The truth is, if we are to chase on doing good, we will never run out of it, we will never complete the list. There’s just so much doing good that needs to be done in this world.
And because this is a fallen world, there will never be enough of doing good and choosing what is right. It will perpetuate until eternity.
And so the hymn goes… Have I done any good in the world today?/Have I helped anyone in need?/Have I cheered up the sad? Made someone feel glad?/If not I have failed indeed.
Even the life of the Savior is a testament, a proof, an evidence, and a result of choosing what is right.
By choosing to do good, He has naturally glorified His Father in Heaven.
And if we want to do it right, best believe that following the Savior is the answer, for He is The Way, The Truth and The Life.
He has already overcome this world so He knows the way, and we
simply have to follow His footprints.
In Matthew 5:16 it says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
By our choices, people around us will recognize the God that we worship. And they, too, by witnessing the truth, will Glorify Our Father in Heaven, too. We all should be ambitious in doing good. Or be ambitious in choosing what is right.
As President Monson has said, “Choose the harder ‘right’, than the easier ‘wrong’.”
When we were tried, so many voices advised me and Jadon Herrenauw, opposing voices that always led to discouragement.
Different kinds of voices asked us to escape, lie, and worst, quit life. Those were the easier ‘wrong’.
But because we love our Father in Heaven, and by His grace we were able to endure and choose the harder right.
It is my prayer, my
HEALTH OFFICES....FROM P. 3 centers that are accredited as animal bite treatment facility so they can also upgrade their services),” Que said.
Department of Health
(DOH) Negros Oriental Representative Dr. Mylene Infante welcomed this announcement from the PhilHealth official.
She said Negros Oriental has 13 ABTCs spread in every city or municipality that are accredited under the department and there are also other health service providers who have submitted their letters of intent to DOH to be recognized as an ABTC.
Infante added that this will greatly help people seeking medical treatment for animal bites as these services will be more accessible to them.
She noted that over the past years, rabies-related deaths in the province ranged from five to 10 cases a year.
In 2021, there were 10 deaths recorded related to rabies infection.
DOH is still verifying the figures for 2022.
Que said this is another reason for people to be
enrolled with PhilHealth, as she also urged those who are not yet members of the agency to sign up with them to avail of this treatment package.
Meanwhile, some individuals raised the concern that P3,000 is not enough to cover the treatment expenses.
Sibulan Municipal Health Officer Dr. Jan Sibala-Arco said that in private clinics, vaccines could cost from P10,000 to P30 000 depending on the weight of the patient.
However, she noted that anti-rabies vaccines in her RHU are supplied by the DOH.
Dumaguete City Veterinarian Dr. Lourdes Socorro also noted that in the case of humans, the cost of treatment would also depend on the part
beloved bros and sisters, that we may always choose the harder ‘right’ than the easier ‘wrong’.
I testify that when we run out of reasons or courage to choose that which is right, we can always remember the Savior.
In my wallet I always keep a picture of my Savior. In my house where we receive our guests, the picture of the Savior is visibly seen. Even in our room, so we will never run out of reasons to forget about Him.
And the effects are irreplaceable. Because my kids see His picture everywhere, talking about Him is just but natural.
In D&C 82:10 the Lord said, “I the Lord am bound if ye do what I say, if ye do not, ye have no promise.”
The exhortation and promise is very direct.
In every doubt, every trial, especially when choosing right from wrong, there is only one sure answer, and that is Jesus Christ I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
that was bitten by the rabid animal.
If the part that was bitten is near the head, then it would entail stronger medicines to prevent the spread of virus to the brain which could be expensive for patients.
In response, Que said the amount of the treatment package was pegged at that price as DOH is already supplying vaccines to health centers and other government ABTCs so the animal bite treatment package is intended for supplemental expenses like antibiotics.
However, she said she will relay this feedback to their executives for them to review their policies and possible rate adjustments in the future to further benefit its members. (RAL/ PIA7 Negros Oriental)
Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES
OFFICE OF THE PENR OFFICER Negros Oriental
LEASE OF PUBLIC LAND
Notice is hereby given that the Department of Environment & Natural Resources PENRO-Negros Oriental, Larena Drive, Taclobo, Dumaguete City will accept sealed bids not later than 10:00 a.m. on JULY 5, 2023 for the lease for commercial purposes of the tract of land herein described:
Location of Land : Bangcolotan, Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental Description : Miscellaneous Lease Application No.074625-12
Boundaries : Northeast : Lot No. 944-F-2 (LRC), Psd-248932
Southeast : Public Land Southwest : Public Land Northwest : Public Land Area : 918 square meters Appraised of Value : Land: P560.00 per square meter Or P514,080.00 for the whole tract
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Proposed/Existing improvements : P114, 350.00
Applied for : Commercial Purposes Applicant : Enrica Recto
The right to lease the land will be awarded to the person offering the highest annual rental, which shall not be less than three per centum (3%) of the value of the land plus one per centum (1%) of the value of the proposed and/or existing improvements. In order that a person may be entitled to participate in the bidding, he/she must be a qualified public land applicant, and must, before the commencement of the same, make a deposit equivalent to at least three months rental. Only deposit in cash, money order, treasury warrant, certified checks, cashier’s check or manager’s check can be accepted. A person bidding in representation of another may do so under duly-executed power of attorney. During the bidding, the bidder has to make an additional deposit every time his bid is raised shall not be accepted, the right is reserved to reject any or all bids.
The successful bidder, if other than the applicant, must reimburse the latter of the value of the improvements if any, and the expenses incurred for the publication of the Notice of Auction and the survey of the land.
Dumaguete City, Philippines, March 20, 2023
VIERNOV
Officer
Several local pet owners avail of the free veterinary services for cats and dogs at the City Veterinarian Office at the Dumaguete Public Market Complex. City Veterinarian Dr. Lourdes Socorro said the free veterinary services included Anti Rabies injections, Deworming, provision of vitamins, and treatment of minor diseases. The free clinic was held as part of the recently-concluded observance of Rabies Awareness Month with the theme Rabies-Free na Aso’t Pusa, Kaligtasan ng Pamilyang Pilipino. (LUPAD Dumaguete photo)
case he utters offensive statements.
“Cong. Teves is a fugitive. He should not be accorded such an accommodation,” Mayor Degamo said. She appealed to the Senators to reconsider their decision to give Cong. Teves the option to join the hearing through Zoom or teleconferencing.
The probe, which starts on April 17, was prompted by the resolution filed
by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, calling for a Senate inquiry into the assassination of Degamo and eight others, as well as the series of political killings and violence in the country.
Former Governor Pryde Henry Teves, on the other hand, has also been invited as a resource person in the Senate Hearing and he has indicated his willingness to attend the same in person.
The Philippine Press Institute, also known as the national association of newspapers, conducts an orientation and workshop on “Media Accountability and the Press Council” in Angeles City, Pampanga, a prelude to the creation of Media-Citizen Councils nationwide. The first of a series for Central Luzon was attended by media practitioners, lawyers, academics, members of chambers of commerce, the police, and representatives from local government units. This initiative supported by the Dutch Embassy in the Philippines through the Ateneo de Manila University. (PPI photo)
Local Civil Registry Office Province of Negros Oriental City of Dumaguete
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
In compliance with Section 7 of R.A. No. 10172, as amended, a notice is hereby served to the public that Florence E. Barot has filed with this Office a petition for Correction of Sex from Male to Female in the Certificate of Live Birth (COLB) of Florence Espinosa Barot who was born on October 7, 1984 at Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental and whose parents are Floro Quipot Barot and Mila Antique Espinosa. Any person adversely affected by said petition may file his written opposition with this Office not later than April 24, 2023.
Carlo M. Cual City Civil Registrar MetroPost 2023 April 9 • April 16
NOTICE
The public is hereby informed that NEIL TEVES SALMA, JORDAN TEVES SALMA, as heirs of BALTAZAR SALMA and MELISSA T. SALMA of Tanjay City, Negros Oriental have executed an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT AND SALE OF PARCELS OF LAND in favor of IRVIN LEMUEL ABUDA BALLENA and JENNIFER ORLINO BALLENA, of Tanjay City, over the following parcels of land known as Lot 1, Block 1, Pcs07-004497, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-37906; Lot 2, Block 1, Pcs-07-004497, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-37907 and Lot 4, Block 9, Pcs 07-004497, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. T-38010; on January 17, 2023 in Tanjay City, which is registered as Doc. No. 499, Page No. 101, Book No. I, Series of 2023 in the Notarial Register of Atty. Krizea Marie Kiamco Duron.
MetroPost 2023 April 9 • April 16 • April 23
NOTICE
The public is hereby informed that EMILIA S. AMOR-CIELO, ELMO
S. AMOR, DULCE S. AMOR and REYNALDO S. AMOR, all of Dumaguete City, Philippines, as heirs of RUDY SISON AMOR, have executed an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE AND WAIVER OF SHARE IN THE PROPERTIES over the U.S. Dollar Time Deposit of Rudy Sison Amor at the Bank of the Philippine Islands with account number 1088-3222-03; BPI Perdices Branch Savings Account number 1083375619 with account name Rudy Sison Amor or Emilia S. Amor-Cielo; U.S. Dollar Account with BPI Perdices Branch, Dumaguete City, under SA/No. 1084010142 with account name Rudy Sison Amor and Emilia S.
NOTICE
The public is hereby informed that the Heirs of ALICIA CUSTODIO MALINAY, namely ORLANDO C. MALINAY of Cavite City; ANNALIZA MALINAY BROAS of Gen. Trias, Cavite; EMERLITA C. PACAÑA, NATIVIDAD C. MARIANO of Bacoor, Cavite, HELEN C. MAGDIRILA, of Pasay City, Metro Manila; DONATA C. AGANG, EMMA C. CAÑALES of Imus, Cavite; and EUSEBIA C. NACMAN, FLORIDA C. MENSONES and DELMA C. QUILITANO of Basey, Samar, as the only surviving heirs of their late grandmother/mother MILAGROS C. CUSTODIO, have executed an EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SALE over a parcel of land in Maglinao, Basay Negros Oriental owned by MILAGROS C. CUSTODIO designated as Lot No. 2294, Cad. 961-D. covered by Tax Declaration No. 2020-04-0008-00620 and Original Certificate of Title No. 7849 measuring 48,852 square meters, on November 16, 2022 in Tacloban City, Philippines, which is registered as Documenet No. 359, Page No. 72, Book No. IV Series of 2022 in the Notarial Register of Atty. Lemuel R. Montes. MetroPost 2023 April 2 • April 9 • April 16
