Source: Inquirer

Federalism: A Path to a New and Improved Community

By: Mae Ann Compuesto

 

Federalism is a big issue around the Philippines for some Filipinos didn’t approve it. They didn’t even think that federalism copes for the development of our country, it works well to improve our economic growth and still even for its progress. Even though some Filipinos don’t approve it, still President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has made the project of federalism as a main deliverable of his administration.

His desire for going deep as he examines our society’s basic institutions and offers structural changes by way of revisiting first principles for social organization looks very reliable knowing that we have President who’s not interested in superficial solutions, has to be clearly celebrated.

But then we must consider that federalism is when power is divided into units. Federalism does not really have any content beyond ideas such as having clear lines of separation between the state and the federal government, or dual power. The truth is that federalism is a doer. Federalism brings people close to power. People have got the right to manage the resources in their area so long as the federal government receives a certain percent of the income. Leaders at the ground level are close to the people and will thus make policies that are relevant and important to the region.

There’s no problem having federalism in the country. People shouldn’t be ignorant, for disadvantages and problems might occur if we’re being ignorant. Can you blame me of favoring federalism, if it only focuses on the development and improvement of our country.

 

 

MNHS Conducts Intrams 2018

By: Jemsair Decio

                Matag-ob National High School celebrated its intramurals 2018 at Matag-ob Municipal Gymnasium, August 10-11.
Teachers and students were divided into four teams, Team A, B, C, and D. Each teams competed for different events. Each team represents different Philippine National Heroes with corresponding colors.

The program was hosted by Ms. Renelyn Lagera, a Science Teacher. The competition of raising of banners was then played. Team A gained first place. Then it was followed by the presentation of pakulo by team. After that, the oath of the athletes was initiated by Dorotheo Parac III. After the opening program, the competition proper has begun.

After the entire contest it was announced that Team C was the champion. The second placer is team D, followed by team B and Team A got the fourth place.

Athletes who won in the activities they played will be playing  in  the municipal meet.

Source: The Philippine Star

Think before you Inject

By: Shainne Marie Licardo

                Vaccine is said to be the most effective method of preventing infectious diseases, after the Dengvaxia controversy, many of us now are hesitating to receive a new vaccine from the Government for as of April 7, 2018, 62 have died out of hundred thousand children that has been injected. A total of 3,281 got hospitalized after receiving the vaccine and 1,967 with dengue vaccine.

It’s been few months after the outbreak of the controversy. Hundred thousands of Dengue Vaccine have released and given to 1,077,623 Filipino children in public schools aged 9 and up, in a mas campaign by the Department of Health (DOH) under the Aquino Government.

Dengvaxia Vaccine was first introduced in 11 countries including Philippines in 2016. The vaccine aimed to prevent dengue fever in humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) only recommends the vaccines to be given in areas of the world where the disease is common. Manufacturer recommended that the vaccine only be used in people who have previously had a dengue before.

On the other side, if the vaccine is given to a person who had not had dengue before, would even increase his risks of contracting a more severe type of mosquito-borne infection. Internal bleedings in heart, lungs and brain was found after the autopsy conducted by the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) in the 62 victims body.

Relatives of the victims wants to reveal the truth behind the Dengvaxia case and give them the Justice that they deserved.

Vaccine is said to be the most effective method of preventing infectious diseases, but the Dengvaxia case is the opposite, it worsen the situation. It only shows that, you cannot conclude things easily, for everything has its own limitation, so “ Think Before You Inject”.

Source: Allendale Flowers

Benefits of Snake Plants

By: Marielle Montefalcon

                Nowadays, we hear pollution level in different areas. Booming population, fabrications and other factors that may affect the fresh air that we breathe. The undeniable reality is that “indoor air quality is more contaminated that outside”. But there’s a blessing for all of us.

This plant been recommended to us by NASA. According to research, it has been discovered that it is an air purifier plant for indoor environment. It also remove toxins such as formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides and etc. Of all the different oxygen producing plant, this one is unique since it converts a lot of CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) to O₂ (Oxygen) at night. Kamal Meattle an Indian Environmental Activist also found out that snake plant is one of the three common house plants that can improve indoor area.

It also helps fight allergies and Sick Building Syndrome. This plant releases moisture in the air and lessens airbone allergens. People with allergies should find a friend such plants like this because it is less maintenance, less watering, natural and cheap way to stay healthy.

This plant is such a blessing for all of us. Thus, will be our savior in the future, for us to breathe a clean and fresh air. This plant is commonly known as Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata).

Source: Leyte Samar Daily News

Ompod bags International Medals

By: Richelle Jane Sauping

                Veronica Ompod won gold, silver and bronze medal during the 2018 World classic Powerlifting Championship Raw at Canguary, Canada June 11.

Ompod is one of the students of Matag-ob National High School and has been adopted as scholar of Leyte sports Academy: Palo, Leyte. She garnered two silver medals and bronze medal in one, in all she ranked second (silver medal) and best of among three finalist countries which is Russia, USA and Philippines. Which joined in powerlifting competition.

She completed powerlifting in the category of the bench press (bronze), squat (silver) and deadlifting (silver). Ompod overpowers weightlifting in the category of 45 kilos.

Mr. Christopher Javier her coach in the weightlifting in the Leyte Sports Academy and Mr. Eddie E. Torres/ Leslie Evangelista coach in the proper competition at Canguary extended their congratulations to Ompod for the pride she has given not just to the LSA and province but also in the country.

Source: Carlos Jericho Petilla

Gov. Petilla pushes MIC Project

By: Amanda Lynn Montalban

 

Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla Launched “More Income in the Country-Side” (MIC) Project in Leyte Province.

The project aims to promote quality marginalized farmer association. It has an estimated budget of more than 500 thousand pesos (Php 500,000). The said project is continuous and was started after Typhoon Yolanda and is now covering the whole Leyte, 41 municipalities and has already helped 260 farmer associations.

The recipients farmer association received garden funds after the undergone 2 day training seminar conducted to them. They were also provided varied seeds suitable to their respective areas.

Lately, Gov. Petilla visited Matag-ob, Leyte, to assess the production of every farmers association. Governor and LGU Officials went up to the site of recipient farmers association to catch eye the productive project.

House for Tasty Treat

By: Elaisa Capuyan

            Tik! Tok! Tik! Tok!

When boredom attacks and laziness kills us, we usually crave for something new – something that can give us the satisfaction of winning and feeling the atmospheric heaven. We got less and less lazy and finally found the perfect place for hugging the sensational home, a new haunt in Matag-ob, Leyte- the Snack Hauz.

A favorite for “barkada’s bonding”, a spot photographing Matag-ob, a small town governs a good place. A haven for those who simply want to truly enjoy a peace in munch. These are just some of the reason why Snack Haus is a hit.

It used to be a Hardware Store but when new hardware stores had been put up in town, their income became lesser and lesser. This leads Mr. Wilfredo Madjus to shift venture with cacao since he also has a cacao plantation in their backyard. Out of this, he was able to make products out of cacao. As time passed by, the business bloom until the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), who assisted them in their business required them to have an outlet where they can sell or display  their products.  That’s why the owner Mr. Wilfredo Madjus made a bright decision of closing the hardware and start a new refreshing moments with “ Snack Hauz”.

Their offerings include the slicky and delicious “Benignit”, also known as “Landang” which you can elite its spare of banana, some slice of sweet potato, there are also we called “sago” and other root crops. They also prepare their tastefully and ambrosial cocoa “champorado” with a unique taste of tablea, the blending of sweetness and bitterness, you can perceive its chocolatey taste from its gratifying aroma and well-cooked feast good for smunch.

The main goal of Snack Haus is to introduced their products band with tablea which lead them to the theme “Humot ug Lamian nga Tablea”.It is well organized by Mr. June Nasayaw, the supervisor of cacao production who eventually records and scribble things with the helped of the co-owner Mrs. Zevita Madjus, the wife.

Aside from the above-mentioned products they also sell coco nibs, Tormeric Powder, peanut butter, Ginger Powder, toasted peanuts and etc.

What makes their tablea different from others? “ Well,  it’s 100% pure, made by the modern way of making tablea through the use of  machine. Other tablea makers put some chemicals  and they use the old way that makes their products unsafe because of the uncontrol ambient. Unlike ours, we have its own room for production and we consistently  guard the process so that it is well schematized before the inspection of DOST, FDA and other government agents to make sure the tablea is in its good quality and free from any kind of viruses,” said June Nasayaw.

As for this time, their tablea products were exported in Europe, America, and Australia. As for the supply of cacao seeds, they said that they bought it from the locals and in Davao since cacao is abundant in that place.

So imagine you’re sitting in a normal snack table, savoring the good taste of their flavored products, an open area which you can see the passing vehicles even the walking of some people think to order a hot “champorado” or the “landang”  while handling a spoon and enjoy its creamy taste while watching the sun beam its rays for the day of heat, while feeling the drizzled air in cold weather which perfectly up to the hot  snacks nibbles satisfy and feeds everyone absolutely.

A Haven for a Humble Heart

By: Irah Jane Sunian

            Far from usual!

This was the common impression of people who have seen this place for the first time even the people who have seen it every day. Being unusual gives us identity. And this does not confine only to the way we dress, we talk, or how we deal with life everyday but also to the place we are living in each day.

To workers especially employees of government or private companies having a workplace that does not only provide you your bread and butter but also a place to chill and relax and enjoy life is already a satisfying treat for all the stress and pain that their work requires.

Imagine working in a place where you are surrounded by lush trees, little furry animals tickling your feet with the scent of fresh green grass in the air and fresh air cooling your skin? Cool, isn’t it? That’s how it feels like when you step on the mayor’s office of Matag-ob. It’s not the usual thing that you see in any office. This one is incredibly and naturally wild but majestic. Once you set your foot inside of this office, it feels like going through porthole and landed on another place!

As they say, don’t judge a book by its appearance and this is somehow true about this place. One can’t imagine that behind the lush green vines covering the cage-like room lays the Mayor’s eco-friendly haven. Far from conventional type office which has tiled floors, air-conditioned room, accented with expensive furniture and stuffs making it exaggeratedly powerful and luxurious, this mayor’s office is perfectly unique. The Mayor’s office has a cage-like structure covered with evergreen perennial Millionaire’s vine. The vines are covering the outer part of the room from the roof down to its walls making the interior hidden from the view. The interior was also filled with long reddish brown aerial roots droop down from the axils which give a majestic aura and air of welcoming warmth to its owner and guests. And take note this is also a perfect backdrop for your instagram photos!

Aside from its magical atmosphere, there was also a cave-like structure shaped by blocks and stones and a pond with alive fishes and turtles living in it. To complement with the country feeling of the place, the office is furnished with wooden and steel furniture and two ceiling fans and lightning bulbs. But according to Mayor Michael L. Torrevillas, he rarely used these fans since the room is always cool because the vines give shade from the rays of the sun. Instead of accenting the place with expensive things, he decided to have animals inside his office like chickens, eagle, rabbits, and guinea pigs which made crunching sounds as they munch the leaves. Imagine having these animals inside your office? Well, that’s exquisitely amazing isn’t it? According to Mayor Michael L. Torrevillas he keeps animals inside his office because he is an animal lover and having these animals around him helps relieved the stress of a hard day’s work as Municipal mayor.

Looking back, this mayor’s office was once used as a municipal mini zoo. In the past, residents from different barangays brought wild animals that they had captured and placed it in the municipal zoo. But as time goes by, those wild animals died due to sickness and old age and some of them did not propagate leaving only the eagle and other animals so they decided to replace them with guinea pigs which have the ability to propagate on their own. It was in 2013, that this placed was renovated after it was destroyed by typhoon Yolanda. Since then, this place was used as an office. With regards to the previous mayor’s office located near the Municipal Treasurer’s office, it was now used as storage area for important documents.

When asked why he chose to have this kind of office unlike the typical one, he humbly said that he was once a farmer and he loves open air office. He always wanted to be closer to his people that’s why he makes his office looks that way so that people will not hesitate to approach him because from the atmosphere itself they will feel at home.

“What’s good about having this kind of office is that it’s easy for the people to approach you  unlike  other offices that they have to undergo from many staffs before they can approach the mayor ”, Mayor Torrevillas said.

He also said that he stays at his office to do his paper works and to entertain his subordinates who need his support and help.

Indeed it’s not about how something looks but it’s about the service it gives and the warmth it shared to other people. Truly this place is not only a workplace and a place everyone wants but a haven for a humble heart.# (Irah Jane Sunian)

Source: Inquirer

Federalism: A Path to a New and Improved Community

By: Mae Ann Compuesto

 

Federalism is a big issue around the Philippines for some Filipinos didn’t approve it. They didn’t even think that federalism copes for the development of our country, it works well to improve our economic growth and still even for its progress. Even though some Filipinos don’t approve it, still President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has made the project of federalism as a main deliverable of his administration.

His desire for going deep as he examines our society’s basic institutions and offers structural changes by way of revisiting first principles for social organization looks very reliable knowing that we have President who’s not interested in superficial solutions, has to be clearly celebrated.

But then we must consider that federalism is when power is divided into units. Federalism does not really have any content beyond ideas such as having clear lines of separation between the state and the federal government, or dual power. The truth is that federalism is a doer. Federalism brings people close to power. People have got the right to manage the resources in their area so long as the federal government receives a certain percent of the income. Leaders at the ground level are close to the people and will thus make policies that are relevant and important to the region.

There’s no problem having federalism in the country. People shouldn’t be ignorant, for disadvantages and problems might occur if we’re being ignorant. Can you blame me of favoring federalism, if it only focuses on the development and improvement of our country.

ASPC 2018: Mamahayag ang Bibida

Hindi natin kailan man maikakaila kung saan at paano tayo nagsimula bilang isang mamahayag, mapa-bata man o ganap na expert. Ito ay isa sa mga katangian nating Pilipinong hindi natin kayang kalimutan ang ating kinagisnan.

Panibagong yugto na naman ang magaganap sa paparating na “Area Press Conference” sa tema na “Fostering 21^st Century Skills and Character-Based Education through Campus Journalism”. Panibagong kaalaman tungo sa pagbabago at kailangan sa pamamagitan ng katagian at palilinang ng sinaunang abilidad tungo sa panibago at sariwang mamahayag. Ito ang pagsisimula ng pagbubuklod-buklod ng mga batang mamamahayag sa paglinang ng panibagong kaalaman sa pamamagitan ng kani ma katangian tungo sa “Campus Journalism”

Dahil sa paparating na ASPC 2018 malayang mamahayag na naman ang bibida. Paligsahan ng mga angkop a mga mamahayag ang makikilahk at kaunti lamang ang mapipili na magpapatuloy sa Division Area.