AUGUST 2017 EASTERN SAMAR NEWS SERVICE VOL 5 NO 6

este
COMMUNICATING HOPE AND TRUST IN OUR TIME. - POPE FRANCIS
2 este VOL 5 NO 6
AUGUST 2017 WORLD AND NATIONAL NEWS
Bishop welcomes House approval Bishop lauds free tuition law
of Magna Carta of the Poor MANILA, August 7, 2017 A
Catholic bishop said the law
granting universal access to college
education is a blessing, especially
to poor families and overseas
Filipino workers (OFWs).
Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos,
head of the CBCPs migrants
ministry, said many OFWs go
abroad to support their childrens
education and other needs of their
families.
He said Filipino workers abroad
endure separation from their
families, hardships, and unfair
treatments just for the betterment
of their loved ones.
This free tertiary education to
state colleges and universities is
great help to our OFWs, said the
prelate.
President Rodrigo Duterte on
Thursday signed a law that will
provide free tuition for all students
in state universities and colleges in
the country.
We appreciate the kind gestures
of our president, said Santos.
He also lauded the President for
increasing the validity of Philippine
passports to 10 years.
It is very helpful and useful for
all, especially for our OFWs as they
will save much time and money to
renew their passports, he said.
(CBCPNews)

JR- CART
HARDWARE
Bato, Borongan City
Sabang South, Borongan City
San Julian, Eastern Samar
FREE DELIVERY - HAIN KA PA!
A woman passes by piles of garbage in Tondo, Manila. CBCPNews

MANILA, August 14, 2017
Church officials welcomed
the approval by the House of
Representatives of a proposed bill
that seeks to uplift the lives of the
poor and marginalized.
Manila Auxiliary Bishop
Broderick Pabillo said the Magna
Carta of the Poor is a necessary
measure to give attention to the
plight of the poor.
I really hope that it becomes a
law, Pabillo said.
The lower House passed the
bill last week, giving it another
chance at becoming a law after
it was vetoed in the previous
administration.
Under the measure, the
government is mandated to
prioritize programs for the
poor that are concerned with
the provision of food, shelter,
livelihood, education and
healthcare.
Fr. Edwin Gariguez of the CBCPs
National Secretariat for Social
Action, said the bill will also
provide the needed policy support We also deliver
for the Churchs programs for the Sand, Gravel, Pea, Gravel Hallow blocks
poor. But it will not lessen the Balusters & Prekas
work, he said.
This is long overdue and the
government should go beyond Bato - 09278490986
legislative approval. It should be San Julian - 09151843015
implemented to really make a
dent in alleviating dismal poverty
Sabang - 09754416260
in the country, Gariguez said.
(CBCPNews)

Church assures no cover-up of priest in trafficking case

MANILA, August 1, 2017 Church authori-
ties assured there would be no cover-up in
the case of a priest arrested and detained for
allegedly trafficking a 13 year old girl.
Aside from the police investigation, the
Catholic Diocese of Antipolo said its taking
all necessary actions provided in canon law
in respect to Msgr. Arnel Lagarejos case.
The diocese makes it clear that it will not
in any way condone or abet the trafficking or
persons, nor protect the offenders from pros-
ecution, and subsequent trial and punish-
ment when the evidence so warrants, it said.
Local Church officials said they are fully co-
operating with civil authorities and will not
condone and protect abusive clerics.
Even if Lagarejos guilt remains to be prov-
en, they said that the diocese has taken nec-
essary steps to hold him answerable for the
charges brought against him.
The priest is also barred from having con-
tact with all except for his lawyer, his brother-
priests, and church authorities.
The conclusions of the processes of the
Church are independent of whatever conclu-
sions may be reached by the authorities of
the State, it stressed.
Immediately after the priests arrest, Bish-
op Francis de Leon relieved him of his duties
as parish priest of Saint John the Baptist Par-
ish in Taytay, Rizal and as president of Cainta
Catholic College.
The 55-year-old monsignor was caught in
an entrapment operation conducted to ap-
prehend minors involved in prostitution.
The priest was nabbed last Friday even-
ing when he arrived at the Blue Wave Mall in
Marikina City.
The priest is now detained at the Marikina
City jail and facing charges for violation of the
Anti-Child Abuse Law and Anti-Trafficking of
Persons Act.
The diocese, on the other hand, said it is
also prepared to offer spiritual and psycho-
logical assistance to the alleged victim.
Whatever counseling and psychological
services may be available in the diocese, we
offer in sincere love, affection and compas-
sion to the child, who, it is our understand-
ing, has been in the keeping of traffickers
in the past, it said. (Roy Lagarde / CBCP- Bishop Francis de Leon celebrates Mass at the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City. ANGEL MEMORANDO
News)

Seth Gabrielle Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie S. Campomanes

M. Ampong & children
NEWS FEATURE
Yolanda victims get aid four years after
(caption)
East Samar PNP sends Vice Gov seeks collection of mining taxes
relief goods to Marawi
BORONGAN CITY, August 4, 2017
Boxes of relief goods were collected
by the personnel of the Eastern
Samar PNP for the victims of the
conflict in Marawi City.
ESPPO spokesman Michael Jude
Dotingco said the relief goods are
mostly food items like milk, noodles,
canned goods, coffee, and also soap,
diapers and other basic necessities.
They made sure that the food items
are Halal.
The goods were turned over to
the Provincial Social Welfare Officer
Josephine Paligutan.
According to Dotingco, more
than implementing the laws and
ensuring the peace and order in the
community, they also want to show
that they have a heart for those who
are in need.
This initiative was supported by
the police force in the province as
a way of giving back and reaching
out to people who are suffering
because of the war in Marawi.
after all, we were the recipients
of help from individuals and
organizations after typhoon
Yolanda, Dotingco said.
Aside from the goods, they were
also able to collect cash from the 25
line stations of the ESPPO. (Eden
Cidro/Este News
(caption)
BORONGAN CITY, July 27, 2017Eastern Samar vice
governor Marcelo Ferdinand Picardal has called on the
provinces finance committee to start a stronger initiative
in collecting the excise tax shares from mining operations
due to the provincial government.
In an interview, Picardal said the local government has
Parish music ministers get
training on liturgical music
MSGR. Lope Robredillo, Vicar General and head of the diocesan Commission on Lit-
urgy conducted a seminar on liturgical music for music ministers of the parishes in
the central region of the diocese; held on July 29, 2017 at the Chapel of Our Lady of
the Miraculous Medal in Sabang, Borongan. (Alren Beronio / Este News)
VOL 5 NO 6
AUGUST 2017 este 3
BORONGAN CITY, August 17, 2017After
almost four years, victims of super typhoon
Yolanda from three towns and one city in
Eastern Samar will finally get the assistance
they have been waiting for.
Joshua Kempis, Social Marketing Officer for
Disaster Response and Management of DSWD
8 said that they will start the distribution of the
P5,000 Presidential Assistance Fund (5KPFA)
to qualified beneficiaries in Eastern Samar.
There are more than 6,000 validated
household beneficiaries from Maslog,
Arteche, Jipapad and Borongan City. The
assistance will initially be distributed in
Maslog on August 18, through their MSWDOs.
While there is no schedule yet for the other
LGUs, Kempis gave the assurance that they
will receive theirs very soon, probably within
this month.
The department said that the financial
assistance for Arteche, Jipapad and Borongan
City is now being processed.
Yolanda victims from the 4 LGUs in the
province were able to access the 5KPFA
through the initiative of People Surge, that
asked the President to look into the plight of
the victims who have not received any help
either from the government or from NGOs.
Other provinces that were given the P5K
financial assistance are Leyte, Biliran and
Samar. (Eden Cidro/Este News)
yet to collect its share of the excise tax paid by
mining companies.
According to the Bureau of Internal Revenue
website, all mineral and mineral products are
imposed a two percent excise tax based on the
actual market value of the products extracted.
For a single shipment of minerals pegged at around
$2M, government gets $40,000, Picardal said.
Excise taxes collected by BIR is then divided
into two: 60% goes to the national government
and 40% goes to local governments (20% to
the provincial government, 15% for the city or
municipality and 5% to the barangay).
The vice governor stressed that the uncollected
excise taxes imposed on mining companies
can contribute to development projects being
undertaken in the province.
These date back to the 80s when mining
companies started operating, so if we can collect
these, we can implement more development
projects, Picardal said. (Medora NB Quirante /
Este News)
4 este VOL 5 NO 6
AUGUST 2017 EDITORIAL

Simple and humble

thoughts
Bishop Crispin B. Varquez, D.D.

On simplicity of life
WHEN you live a simple life, you will have less
problems, less expenses, less complications,
less enemies, less headaches. When you live a
simple life, it will be easy for you to avoid paying
interest, easy to encounter God, easy to make
friends, easy to smile and easy to be happy.
When you appreciate the value of simplicity
and live by it, you counter the culture of
materialism, secularism, and even, relativism.

***

The problem on religious extremism is a

global challenge. People who refuse to convert
to the extremists religion are promised with
material and monetary benefits. If they still
resist, they are threatened and even killed.
Poverty and ignorance are the basic reasons
why many Catholic Christians are being
converted. It is a mortal sin on the part of
the Church if we allow our faithful to remain
ignorant of our Catholic faith. We must reach
out, teach and evangelize people.
The government has the moral and civil
Editorial responsibility to liberate our people from
poverty to protect them from being victims
of religious extremism. The issues here are
not only religion and poverty but also peace
and order.
We have to help one another fight against
religious extremism.

EASTERN SAMAR NEWS SERVICE

Antigo
Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo, VG
este
ESTE is published monthly by the Diocesan
Commission on Mass Media and Social

Estehanon Vs Estehanon during the

Communications, with editorial and business
offices at the 2nd floor, Bishops Residence,
Borongan City.

Philippine-American War Editor: Pepe Quitorio

Associate Editor: Neil Tenefrancia

IN history books, American soldiers
are sometimes portrayed as
merciless to Estehanons, especially
in the aftermath of the Balangiga
Massacre of September 28, 1901,
following the infamous order of Gen
Jacob Smith. What is often glossed
over, however, is that the Estehanon
could also be equally, if not more,
cruel to his fellow Estehanon during
that period.
As frequently happens in war,
some people would take sides with
the enemy; and the Philippine-
American war on Samar is not
an exception. Not all Estehanons
were pro-Aguinaldo; not every
Estehanon welcomed the presence
of Gen Vicente Lukban whom
Emilio Aguinaldo appointed to rule
the entire island of Samar. Others
looked to the United States for
political salvation. Understandably
enough, Lukban was said to have
planted spies in almost every
town of the province, to stave off
collaboration with the Americanos.
Unfortunately, even mere suspicion
of sleeping with the enemy could
result in tragedy.
In the early part of 1901, before
the Balangiga Massacre occurred,
some of Lukbans followers in
the intelligence determined that
the police chief of Quinapondan,
Eastern Samar was a traitor for Managing Editor : Anna Luz Castaos, LGC
spying FOR the Americans. Both
as a lesson and as a warning to NEWS Writers:
future Quislings, they bound the RJ Abonal Eden Cidro
poor police chief in a stake at the Roy Lagarde Medora Quirante
town plaza, and after wrapping his Edmel Raagas
head with an American flag that Photographer: Alren Jerome Beronio
was soaked in kerosene, they set Layout Artist: Sky Ortigas
the flag on fire, burning the head of Wed Admin: Nani Ramos
the suspect. One could only imagine Account Executive : Pem Castaos
how the Quinapondananons, who
were gathered at the plaza to www.estenews.org
watch the macabre, could have editor.estenews@gmail.com
stoically stomached the horrorific www.facebook.com/estenewsborongas
barbarism, even as they heard his www.twitter.com/estenewsonline
gruesome cries!
OPINION
A Thought For A Thought
Rev. Eutiquio B. Belizar, Jr., SThD
Eastern Samar ignored?
A NEWS item has been going international media coverage of
viral to the effect that a new the cataclysm (there should be
bill approved at the House files or clips or footages in huge
of Representatives declares storage bins by now) to see if
every 8th of November as Yolanda indeed decided Eastern
a holiday in Region 8. It Samar grossly undeserving of
aims at commemorating the her visitation. This should be a
catastrophic day in which Super good place to start.
Typhoon Haiyan or locally Second, if the omission was
known as Yolanda caused unintended, there should be a
countless deaths and untold public acknowledgment and
destruction on vast areas of apology for the error. After all,
Samar and Leyte as well as Yolanda, however horrific and
other parts of Eastern and media-hyped their experience
Western Visayas. It also prays of her, was not exclusive to
tribute to the resiliency of the Tacloban City or Leyte. Eastern
peoples who went through the Samar towns also had their own
indescribably harrowing ordeal, tragic share of the dead, the
with emphasis on Tacloban City wounded, the traumatized and
and Leyte. Unfortunately any property devastation.
mention of Eastern Samar in the Third, chances are, Eastern
areas covered by the bill is nil. Samar ignored comes from a bit
It is a surprising oversight, if it of narcissism that sometimes
were not intended. visits victims of calamities.
First off, this news item has Having taught for many years
to be verified. If it is not fake at St John the Evangelist School
news, the author(s) of the bill of Theology at Palo, Leyte, I
should revisit their geography had encountered wonderful
and rediscover the truth that, friends among the Leyte clergy
hey, Eastern Samar is still part and laity. But I had also sensed
and parcel of Region 8. I also an attitude in some that tended
suggest that she or they should to look down on Samar or
check with the DSWD, DENR, Samarnons, not just Eastern
NDRRMC, the national and Samarnons, for one reason
Voice of the Voiceless
Fr. Andiy Navidad Egargo
Raising the Quality of Education
in the Philippines
(Accreditation and Quality Assurance, Part 2)
(Note: As part of the series operate, or before it can confer
on raising quality education degrees, there is a prior process
in the Philippines, Im giving
way to an excerpt of an article
of evaluating the institutions
capacity to deliver its services.
titled Accreditation and Quality What is generally evaluated is
Assurance written by my sister the institutions fulfillment of
Dr. Veronica N. Egargo, Ed.D.) the minimum requirements
ACADEMIC self-governance
entails both privilege and
pertaining to quality and
performance. However, meeting
the minimum requirements
accountability. Privilege in that is not enough. A reputable
it acknowledges a certain level institution of learning aims for
of autonomy for the educational something higher, something
institution. The principle that would place the institution
of subsidiarity, in general, within the circle of the who is
demands that in any institution who in the world of the academe.
(government, church, academe, The better the quality, the higher
etc.) that envisions an active is its ranking in a competitive
and responsible participation world. Besides, the more
of its members should respect reputable the institution, the
some degrees of autonomy. greater the possibility of funds
This autonomy, of course, is not and resources flowing in. So
understood as a license to act in what would institutions do? The
any irresponsible manner. In this answer is simple: accreditation.
context, therefore, the privilege The bigger question, of
of autonomy is coupled with an course, is this: Does the process
utmost sense of accountability. of accreditation, in fact, promote
Privileges always go hand-in- quality assurance? Accreditation
hand with accountability. is such a complex process that
In the world of the academe, there are so many factors and so
autonomy is expressed in many players involved.
many ways, one of which is the One side of the argument
privilege of self-governance. claims that the academe is a
Academic self-governance is not victim, in some ways, of academic
a license for those in authority frauds. Even such measures
to do things as they please. like accreditation is sometimes
Rather, it provides people in hijacked by corruption. The
authority the opportunity of internet, for example, has
implementing measures that created a phenomenon in
would promote and accomplish education where students earns
established standards of quality degrees online. Unfortunately,
and integrity. One of these some of these universities are
measures is the process of fake and the accrediting bodies
accreditation. employed by these universities
Before an educational are just as fake.
institution earns a permit to Accreditation is this rigorous
of another. If this lies at the
bottom of the bill, it needs to be
identified as such, condemned
and stamped out. Poverty
and underdevelopment may
be worse in Eastern Samar
compared to Leyte but they are
not enough to make our human
dignity inferior in any way.
Fourth, Eastern Samarnons
should be forgiving of people
who ignore or slight them for
being Samarnon or Estehanon.
After all, everyone has his
prejudices and biases, not
excluding our own. The best
way to deal with biases and
prejudices is to calmly point out
the truth in justice and charity.
Finally, to those who willfully
entertain biases against
anyone, this does not give
them an iota of superiority.
The contrary is true; making
a bias or prejudice a basis for
decisions and laws affecting
not only a select few but also
an ignored many is an arrant
display of real inferiority and
gross ignorance. We must
help them correct themselves;
then extend to them the best
Christian response: mercy and
compassion.
process that an educational
institution goes through in order
to create an environment of a
constant self-examination. This
self-examination is performed
in relations to an established
set of standards thus providing
the impetus for intensified
performance.
Quality is not something that
is achieved once and for all.
It is a result of a continuous
process of implementing
interventions that would both
promote excellence and arrest
deterioration. In other words,
once an institution receives the
seal of accreditation, it does
not mean that it has already
achieved its perfection. On the
contrary, an accreditation is
a challenge to be even more
creative in further enhancing
the performance of all the
stakeholders of the institution
and in improving the facilities
and services that encourage
quality performance.
Selling a product is one thing.
Selling a product of exceptional
quality is another. Education can
also be categorized under the
heading of selling products.
According to a 2011 data from
CHED, the Philippines boasts of
1,604 private institutions and
6,437 state-run colleges and
universities, a total of 2,247.
Im sure more schools had been
added since then. For the same
product (i.e. tertiary education),
it is a long list to choose from.
What are the options of the
vendors, therefore? Simple--
make the product attractive to the
consumer by raising its quality.
Balik-balay
Sarah Mabansag Puno
Language of love!
COMMUNICATION builds relationship!
Communication builds a home!
The gift of language be verbal or non-
verbal in our communication nourishes,
strengthens and fortifies the home, but
it can also weaken and destroy, if its be-
ing a gift is not valued.
Man is honed knowingly and unknow-
ingly by his family from his babbling,
cute utterances to the full development
of his communication skill. He is greatly
influenced by what he hears, sees and
feels in his environment. What he im-
bibed is manifested, seen and heard
from him.
His true nature, the product of his
formation is seen and heard most in his
trying time. Ang bunga ay nalalasahan
pagpinipiga.
I witnessed a dying cancer patient
that instead of praying for healing and
Gods mercy, she was shouting with an-
ger and bitterest words calling the name
of the king of hell.
Language is a gift of God to man so he
can commune with Him, his Creator to
be guided how to live with strength, to
be guided how to love in order to live
with peace and joy even in trials and
tribulations.
Language as a gift is a medium that
gives light not darkness. It gives hope
not despair. It lifts up and inspires not
condemns. Language of condemnation
is a life sentence that pulls down and
may result to destruction.
Language used in correcting our loved
ones must be with kindness not harsh and
cruel for what remains in the mind is not
the message of correction but the cruelty
and harshness of the words and actions.
Lessons from Life by Ronald Russell
tells us that, A child that lives with ridi-
cule learns to be timid. A child that lives
with criticism learns to condemn.
Let us be inspired by the theme of our
Buwan ng Wika 2017, Filipino: Wikang
Mapagbago. Let our language especially
Points to Ponder
Atty. Ceferino Baquilod, Jr.
Too much corruption
IN the light of the all the corruption be-
ing unearthed by our legislators through
their series of investigations, in aid of
legislation, we cannot help but ask if it
is still possible to rid our government
of corruption. We know corruption is
not a monopoly of our government. It
happens everywhere, in governments
all over the globe. Locally, we also have
our fair share of corruption. Too many
to mention here. Because corruption is
too rampant and we hear it too often, at
times we become indifferent and we opt
not to care anymore, specially if those
involved are not personally close or
known to us. We have our own problems
to worry about, is the general attitude
and this we hear often from friends. A
lot of us watch legislative hearings for
entertainment mostly. We have seen a
lot of inconsistencies and lies in the tes-
timonies. They are funny and frustrating.
We also wonder if appropriate charges
are actually filed against these people.
Some say there is selective justice.
The investigation of the smuggled
shabu from China, worth P6.4 Billion
presents a clear case of corruption at
the Bureau of Customs. One comment
from a netizen caught my attention. He
said so what else is new? Truly, BOC
has always been known as among the
most corrupt government offices. A lot
of people desire to work there because it
is the place for easy money. Anyone who
works there gets rich quickly. Of course
this may sound unfair and too sweeping
VOL 5 NO 6
AUGUST 2017 este 5
in our homes, our foundation whatever
our language be, Bisaya, Tagalog, Eng-
lish, etc be a key towards change for the
better. Again from Ronald Russell, A
child that lives in encouragement learns
confidence. A child that lives with truth
learns justice. A child that lives with
praise learns to appreciate. A child that
lives with knowledge learns wisdom. A
child that lives with happiness will find
love and beauty.
Our families must be abreast with
the changing of time, with modern vo-
cabulary but must be able to filter what
should be in the home. The moderni-
zation of vocabulary should not affect
what is positively prevailing in the home
that builds everyone and fortifies it. Our
po, hoand opo must not be erased
but should forever be with us likewise
our endearment for our parents and el-
ders while others in the modern world
are just calling their parents and elders
by their names. May the golden words
of Thank you, or salamat po, sorry,
please, excuse me be freely used and
heard in our daily interactions for the
wellbeing of everyone.
Modernization of communication
through the advancement of technology
using modern gadgets can be a villain in
fortifying our homes.
Let us take a look at this scenario:
Tatay and Nanay and their three kids
are all in the living room. Each one has
its own. They are near to each other yet
so far. Tatay is busy with his favorite TV
program, or busy texting with a textmate,
Nanay is busy updating her facebook,
the kids are busy with their own individ-
ual favorite games or with plugged ears
with favorite music. No more sharing, no
more bonding , creating walls and bor-
ders that weakens the home.
May our families be creative to make
full use of these modern gadgets to build
bridges that will unite everyone and
BALIK-BALAY - 7
to the very few employees there who
may have remained honest and incor-
ruptible.
Corruption among our uniformed men
and women is also too rampant. From
the lowly traffic enforcers to the high-
est of the generals, we have seen them
as extortionists, drug dealers, pushers,
coddlers, and drug lords and protectors.
It is both sad and scary to think that the
people who are supposed to protect us
are the very ones violating us. In the var-
ious government bureaus, agencies and
departments, we also observe that cor-
ruption is so widespread and embedded
in the system. The DPWH, DepEd, DoH,
NFA, etc. are among the favorite milking
cows of corrupt government officials in
cahoots with dishonest politicians and
unscrupulous businessmen.
So, how corrupt is our country? It
seems not surprising that Philippines
still ranks among the most corrupt
countries. In 2015, Philippines was re-
ported as the most corrupt in Asia. The
following year, according to Transpar-
ency International, the Philippines was
getting more corrupt under President
Duterte. It dropped six notches in the
2016 Corruption Index country ranking.
Economics Professor P. Mourdoukoutas
of Columbia University, says President
Rodrigo Dutertes death squads didnt
kill corruption in the Philippines last
year. But they killed freedom and de-
mocracy, and will kill the countrys eco-
nomic growth and equity market.
 EASTERN SAMAR ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.
(ESAMELCO)
Borongan, Eastern Samar

Installed Substation Capacity and Present Demand

MAIN OFFICE
Brgy. Cabong, Borongan City
Capacity - 15.0 MVA
Demand - 6.479 MW
Area Service - 6 Municipalities
NORTH AREA OFFICE
Brgy Polangi, Taft
Capacity - 5/6.25 MVA
Demand - 5.028 MW
Area Service - 9 Municipalities
SOUTH AREA OFFICE
Brgy. Buenavista, Quinapondan
Capacity - 5/6.25 MVA
Demand - 5.372 MW
Area Service - 8 Municipalities
Safety Tips on how to
Minimize Power Interruption
Dont plant trees under the power distribution
line.
Dont build/create fire under the power
distribution line.
Dont fly kite near the power distribution line.
Dont bring long bamboo or branch of trees
under the power distribution line.
Dont put TV antenna near/under the power
distribution line.
Dont dump your truck under the power
distribution line.
Dont cut bantings on pole, to prevent from
leaning or tilting.

The Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative, Inc.

(ESAMELCO) will be holding its 35th Annual
General Membership Assembly (AGMA) on
August 26, 2017 from 7:00AM to 5:00PM with a
theme HUL-OS NGA SERBISYO.

Venue:Capitol Gym, Alang-alang, Borongan

Salcedo Municipal GymDolores Multi-Purpose
Gym
 VOL 5 NO 6
AUGUST 2017 este 7

BALIK-BALAY / 5
strengthen the home.
As we enrich our language, knowing more
of it and teaching more of it in our homes by
opening it to modern terminologies ,to other
languages, making use of modern gadgets,
we create more understanding with each
other , regardless of interest and age that fos-
ters unity in diversity, peace and tranquility.
But this is only possible if we value language
as a gift of love.
Language is a gift of love from God to man,
to learn to love and to love more, to change
for the better, to become the best for himself,
for his family and for others, for him to be
with the Lord forever.
For it is only love that is compatible with God.

Thanks to our Donors / Benefactors for this issue

BORONGAN Patricio Balsacao SULAT GENERAL MACARTHUR GUIUAN SABANG
Rowena Pantaleon
Donors: Ruby Ann C. Balbin Donors: Donors: Donors: Donors:
Adelaida Uy Ruth Straka LeonardaPadriquela Vice Mayor Joel Baldo & Anastacia Bustillo Aida Anasarias
Adorers of the Blessed Sacrament Vianney& Earl Agnes Ma. Nida L. Baldado& Children Bec Lucy Distinguido Elena Lobederio
of the Nativity of Our Lady Water Avenue c/o Ms. children Rex Peter & Marcelos Restotel Emmanuel & Ella Kristine
Allan - CleofeBaquilod BelmaMabao Roselle Marvi Benefactors: Mr. & Dra. Reynaldo Miflores & Children Celada
Angel Dulfo WHEELERS APARTELLE Mr. & Mrs. Renanty G. Alexius & RenzyAbella Gemma G. Apita
Anonymous Wilma CaspeTavera Madolid Alyson Store Benefactors: Marvin Rosales
Bea & Joyce Ampong Zyril B. Picardal, Shyrlita& Nicole FelisaMalindog & Family Anonymous Mega Link
Benito Alfeo B. Cabato, Jr. Isabel Ariaso, Novy Navare Anonymous PerlaBalagapo
Celma & FaustoYaras Benefactors: Benefactors: Edgardo Juaban Raymond Rosales
Aileen Singson Benilda A. Oreste s& children; Abelyn, Vincent
Chona D. Baquilod & Keith Ma. Melvic P. Albasin Tracy Lou Obon
Corazon Lupos Angela N. Villasin Blesila G. Paracale Mr. & Mrs. Aurelio Magalona& Family
Antonieta C. Ana Catalina J. Operario Kier Andrei Gloria Benefactors:
Dr. & Mrs. Rolando C. Solidon Mr. & Mrs. Joaquin Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Cunanan
Duanie Paperprint Gen. Merchandise Antonio & Becky Campomanes Clarisa P. Desolidad Mr. & Mrs. CesarioMagalona& Family Brent Gaillian M. Dagandan
Arnulfo / Doris Cajegas Dr. Gerry P. Palileo Lumagbas, Jr. & Children Glenda Avizo
Ed de Guzman Mr. & Mrs. Randy Castillo & Mr. & Mrs. Dante Badar
Edgar C. Andar Artsy Mo Printshop( c/0 Nick Edel A. Aboga-a Mr. & Mrs. Renato Gaytos Glenda Casillano
Tabao) Elizabeth Aclo- Balita daughter Unah Mae Jeric Paul Afable
Elsie L. Cargando Mr. & Mrs. Raul Romanca & Mr. & Mrs. Rey Sabido
EmieLauresta Celma&FaustoYaras Evelyn A. Opimo Mr. & Mrs. RonquilloSalvedia Josefina Ravilas
Christian Wixar Ty Lim Hon. Jun M. Gecomo Brielle Kit Edgar Balein
Erlinda A. Langomes Mrs. Myrna Isaig & family Mr. & Mrs. RufinoGarado
Evelyn L. Hallway Corazon Rubio Dela Rosa Ida M. Evardone Mr. NiloNaing MelchoraBoco
Eastern Polymedic Josephine C. Limbo Patrocenia Canites Mr. & Mrs. ArnaldoAmosco, Jr.
Evelyn Norma Padrilan William Kessler Algo Mrs, Angeline de Paz
Floria Montes Ellen Grace S. Abude Ma. Bibian C. Yaput Mrs. Alma Mabansag Mr. & Mrs. Dario Wilmer
Gabriel Luois & Isabella Louise Gina P. Delgado Ma. Nia M. Puna Mrs. Beatriz Egargo Penaranda
Buna Peralta Harold P. Labro Matilde C. Palileo HERNANI Mrs. Carmelita Quesada Celis Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ambil
Jesse Escoto Jonie- Allan & Elena Mr. & Mrs. Dante R. Sumbilla Mrs. Concordia Luma-in Mr. & Mrs. Renato Wong & son
Judith A. Eljira &FlorenzDulfo Mr. & Mrs. Teodulfo M. Donors: Mrs. CristitaAblay Harold Christian
Lea L. Cardona Josephine Rivera- dela Rosa Lucana& Children Coach Wilmar S. Candido Mrs. Dolores Delleva Mr. Mrs. Leo Esquierdo&
Leoncia Fuentes Kris Ann Dala Pacita A. Aserit Mr. & Mrs. Custodio A. Mrs. Epifania de Vera Family
Lilia V. Peviar Luisa J. Payuyao Rebecca C. Pitogo Macabare, Jr. Mrs. Eva Diaz Princess Lexi P. Acala
Lydia D. Amoyo Luisa M. Duzon Roxanne D. Sumbilla Mrs. GregoriaCalumpiano Tita Beato
Mano Lando & Ate Flor Aquino Marilou G. Castillo Teresita B. Lusico Benefactors: Mrs. Juana Macawile Yolanda Morte
MarifeBencito Mary Jane G. Gapud Winefreda C. Acong Mr. & Mrs. Samuel D. Mrs. Luz Perez Tabernilla Mr. & Mrs. Fernando Cantilang
Mark Christian M. Salamida MatildeLacdao Zita D. Acampado Candido & Sons Mrs. Mary Grace Soraya Duran
Marlon Arago Mr. & Mrs. Alfredo Cabato, Jr. Mrs. Mila Obias
Mother Gemma A. Silvero, MSH Myrna P. Guasis- KAHLUCZI ORAS Mrs. PrincillaBadoc
SALCEDO SAN JULIAN
Mr. & Mrs. Alfredo Basada Convenient Store Benefactors: Mrs. ResalinaAbogadie
Mr. & Mrs. Bernardo Corsiga & Oscar- NoralizaTaada Aida S. Isaig Benefactors: Mrs. RizaLozada Benefactors:
Family Rebecca A. Picardal Corazon N. Senofa Marina Cayosa Mrs. Rosemarie Amistoso Mr. & Mrs. Kelvin Lisaca&
Mr. & Mrs. Edilberto Cardona Ronnil Jim A. Ladiao Judge Margie Mutia Palaa Marsha C. Alde Mrs. Sharon Abrera Family
Mr. & Mrs. Iigo A. Evardone& Sarah C. Geroy Teresita L. Siosana Masmar D. Delista Mrs. Veronica Miflores
Family Teresa L. Abelgas Virginia Mutia Raagas Orocay Family
Noel C. Discar Wilma CaspeTavera Pastor Jr. & MarialynDagale
8 este VOL 5 NO 6
AUGUST 2017

Borongan tourism office ups prize for Padul-ong tilt

BORONGAN CITY, August 14,
2017As Padul-ong Festival marks
its 25th anniversary this year, ten
contingents will compete for the
P300,000 grand prize according
to Borongan City Tourism Officer
Marissa Acorin.
This years grand prize is the
biggest so far. In 2016, Sta. Fe
National High School the grand prize
winner took home P200,000 cash.
The contingents will come from
fromt the city and from other towns,
notably from the towns of Balangiga,
Quinapondan and San Julian.
In an interview, Acorin said
the second prize winner will get
P250,000 cash, the third prize
winner P200,00 cash while non-
winning contingents will take home
P100,000 each.
The festival, considered one of
the highlights of the citys fiesta
celebration, starts with a mass
at the chapel of Barangay Punta
Maria early morning on the 7th of
September.
The image of the Blessed Virigin
Mary is then taken to Borongan
Port through a fluvial parade and
paraded around the city proper.
Competing contingents then
gather at the city plaza to perform
their re-enactment of the story of
the Padul-ong or how the Blessed
Virgin Mary is traditionally
believed to have travelled from
Portugal to Borongan City and how
her interventions helped shape the
culture and faith of Boronganons.
According to Acorin, organizers
have strictly emphasized the need
to focus on the story of Padul-ong
and the culture of Boronganons.
The guidelines specify the use of
barot saya costumes and live music.
We told the choreographers
to stick to the Padul-ong story
and avoid using elements from
other festivals because we hope
to create a distinct character for
Padul-ong as a festival, Acorin
said. (Medora NB Quirante /
Este News)

MacArthur town cleared of illegal drugs

MACARTHUR, Eastern Samar, Au-
gust 7, 2017The town of Gen. Mac-
Arthur has been declared the first
drug-cleared municipality in East-
ern Samar and the whole of region
8.
According to the Provincial Over-
sight Committee on Barangay Drug
Clearing the town was able to com-
ply with the parameters set by the
Dangerous Drugs Board.
The certification was presented
to Mayor Flora Ty during a consul-
tation-dialogue on clearing the ba-
rangays as illegal drugs free, held in
Gen. MacArthur last Saturday.
BISHOP Crispin Varquez blesses the Marie Rivier Spirituality Center Chief of Police, C/Insp. Don Ar-
located at Barangay Camada, Maydolong, Eastern Samar that was chie Suspene, attributed this to the
inaugurated on July 28, 2017. Administered by the Presentation of cooperation of the people especial-
Mary Sisters (PM), the facility is the first and the only formal retreat ly in the barangays.
house in the diocese of Borongan. Of the 30 barangays, 13 were con-
sidered drug affected while the rest
were drug free. But for Police Chief
Suspene, the bigger challenge now
is to sustain the drug cleared status.
Since the implementation of
Project Double Barrel, 46 people
engaged in illegal drug activities
surrendered, 2 were arrested and
there is one case of death under in-
vestigation.
Those who surrendered are now
undergoing the community based
rehabilitation program.
There are now 45 barangays in
Eastern Samar, including the 13
from Gen MacArthur that are drug
cleared.
Meanwhile, Congressman Ben
Evardone said that a drug free soci-
ety is important to ensure a bright
future for our children.
To encourage barangay officials
to be more aggressive in the cam-
paign, the congressman will give
P10,000 each to the first 100 baran-
gays in the province to be declared
drug-free by September 30, this
year.
PDEA Regional Director Edgar
Jubay reminded the barangay offi-
cials that they should always be on
the watch for illegal drug activities.
Drugs always end up in the ba-
rangays, and so they must remain
watchful, he said.
Director Jubay believes that other
LGUs can do what Gen Macarthur
was able to achieve, not only be-
cause of the incentives they will get.
We have not yet won the war
against illegal drugs, but we now
have the advantage. Eventually, we
will win this war but it will only
happen if we work together, he
said. (Eden Cidro/Este News)