May 10,2012 2nd Eastern Visayas Business Conference Among Chamber Industries In Region 8 Held At Kuting Reef By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr. Kuting Reef, Macrohon.Southern Leyte-A second Eastern Visayas business conference among twelve chamber industries here in region 8(Leyte and Samar) was held at the picturesque enclave of Kuting Reef(tel. no.(053) 572-1023; mobile phone 0930-311-4106) with a theme “One Region…One Team: Economic Development Thru Public-Private Sector Initiative” The first one was held at Tacloban’s Leyte Park. The 12 chamber industries that have attended the affair were: 1)Southern Leyte Chamber and Commerce and Industry,Inc.led by its President Engr. Robert Castañares-the host; 2)Leyte Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by its President Robert Tiu; 3)Isabel Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Engr. Serlito Purisima; 4)Guian Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by its President Dr. Alfred Perez; 5)Ormoc Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by its President Joel Brazil; 6)Palompon Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Warblitz Martinez; 7)Borongan Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by its President Oscar Ty; 8)Samar Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Dr. Dominador Cabanganan; 9)Samar Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Ms. Elena Uy; 10)Calbayog Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Nicolas Chan; 11)Catarman Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Sixto Espina,Jr.; 12)Baybay Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Nestor Sy,Jr. Business discussions on various topics related to business opportunities among the officials-members of chamber industries were brought out during the two-day activities. Each chamber was also given enough time to present their respective investment opportunities as businessmen gathered inside the conference room for long hours. Engr. Robert Castañares presented first the Southern Leyte economic development framework. In his presentation he divulged that after surveying the municipalities in the province he found out that great numbers of workers were employed by the government offices with small percentage working in private offices or businesses. He also found out that LGUs were IRA-dependent and that most businesses were classified as small enterprises. There’s also supply of rice but not enough to provide employment for workers or laborers. During the past several decades abaca was the province’s dollar earner, he informed the audience. However, with the infestation of the unstoppable bunchy top diseases affecting all abaca plantations in the entire province, abaca was diminished to an insignificant few. What remains was the coconut to be the dominant crop, he said. He said that with the private-public partnership scheme, farmers and planters in the entire province, together with the assistance of the SLCCII, businesses should focus on the mass plantation and mass production of coconut in order that it could employ workers in the fields. Another kind of business that the province should do to improve its economic condition is the tapping of its potential tourist spots in various municipalities. Dr. Guindolino Gerona of VISCA (now VSU) in his “greening economy” strongly urged farmers/planters and the attending businessmen in the six provinces to start mass production and plantation of coco seedlings in different municipalities’ farms/lots. He said there’s also the need to increase rice plantations as one of its highly dependent crops as staple food. Gerona said that 8,000 hectares of rice fields and 50,000 hectares of coconut farms need to be rehabilitated. He claimed that some coconuts planted in 5,000 hectares need to be replaced with new plant seeds as it already reached its senility stage, bearing no fruits. Moreover, Gerona further admonished farmers and businessmen to implement intercropping under coconut plantations in different areas of Southern Leyte and in other part of region 8.One of the crops suitable for intercropping, he said, is coffee preferably the Robusta variety, including bananas and some vegetables and fruit trees. “This method of intercropping can increase production as well as income for the farmers and planters”, he said. He stressed that planting more coconut trees and practicing intercropping method to increase production of goods is like “hitting 2 birds in one stone”. Since planting of additional fruit trees and coconuts thru intercropping can also help mitigate the greenhouse effect or climate change. Meanwhile,Egnr. Castañares further informed the audience that already developed in 3 hectares of lot inside the former Danao rehabilitation project now known as City Forest Park is the Maasin Zoo in Malapoc Norte which was open to the public during the second day of the business conferrence.It is located 15 kilometers away from the proper city. Another spot to be developed is the canopy walk in Silago with cascading waterfalls not far from the rainforest. Limasawa has also been included in the plan for tourism development in the near future according to Castañares like construction of starbuck coffee shop and other amenities that provide attraction to both local and foreign tourists. Earlier, Governor Damian G.Mercado delivered his keynote speech, while Roy Fiel, Governor of PCCI gave his opening statement. Other speakers were Governor Damian G. Governor Damian G.Mercado Roy Fiel-Governor,PCCI Bonifacio Uy of NEDA,Raul Repolda of DA-Ormoc office, Cynthia Nierras of DTI- regional office,Alejandro Bautista of DENR-CENRO-San Juan, PCA Regional Manager Edilberto Nierva,DOT Regional Director Karen Tiopes, Engr.Edgardo Esperancilla of DOST regional office, Robert Go owner of Prince Warehouse Club. Also present, among others were, Michael Nuñez of DTI-Maasin and his staff, GIZ representatives, City Councilor Nestor Sy, Engr.Arthur Marte, other unidentified local businessmen, Tacloban and the Maasin media.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)

Leyte Province Is The Overall Champion In EVRAA Meet 2012

Feb. 8,2012


Leyte Province Is The Overall Champion Of EVRAA Meet 2012
By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-Leyte Province delegation, the biggest of all the participating delegations of the six provinces in region 8, otherwise known as Eastern Visayas, was the overall champion of this year’s 7-day EVRAA meet held here from January 29 up to Feb .3,2012.
Leyte Province’s championing with an overall total of 730.5(elem. 369;secondary 361.5) points garnered from various games(events) was announced by Rhodora Sison,Chairwoman of the Games Results, Records and Documentation Committee, during the recent closing ceremony held at TOPS grandstand.
The formations of the parading ten delegates were arranged alphabetically according to the events that the athletes were competing.
First runner-up was Eastern Samar with total points of 487(elem. 255; secondary 232).Second runner-up was Maasin City in the elementary level with a total score of 206.5. Fourth place was Ormoc City with a total score of 134.5.Fifth place was Samar with a total score of 88.5. Sixth was Tacloban City with a total score of 87.5.Seventh place was Southern Leyte with a total score of 60.
However, in the secondary level Ormoc City was the second runner-up with total points of 203.17.Fourth placers were Maasin City and Tacloban City with a tie scoring of 161.5.Sixth place went to Northern Samar with a total points of 90. Seventh place was Samar with a total score of 71.17

For the special awards category. Northern Samar delegation was chosen as the best in athletic uniform. Second place was Eastern Samar. Third place went to the Leyte Province. Southern Leyte was adjudged as t he most disciplined athletes. Second place went to Biliran delegation. The third place was Samar delegation.
An unidentified DepEd official has expressed his heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Congressman Mercado, Governor Damian Mercado, Mayor Samaco, the City Government of Maasin and DepEd Regional Director Yu for their full support to the success of the 7-day affair.
He said that it’s not enough to develop the physical aspect of the athletes but also the mind in order to produce world-class athletes.
“WE have a colorful closing ceremony with the arrival of Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez and his wife and City Councilor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez”,Mayor Samaco exclaimed.
He also admonished all the officiating officials, coaches, trainors and sundry to forgive and forget in case they have encountered some problems and unfavorable accounts during the duration of the events.
Instead, “each delegation should focus in improving the performances of their athletes in preparation for your upcoming participation in the Palarong Pambansa to be held at Lingayen City,Pangasinan this coming May.
The Mayor also claimed that some colleges and universities are now offering scholarships to athletes. He further stated that the implementation of the first smoke-free policy of the host city is “intended to help extend your life span, for your family and children and for general health to all of us”.
Another DepED official has strongly advised all the athletes to practice, practice, practice and practice more because practice will make it perfect”.
Regional Director Yu said that the athletes are now having discipline and that EVRAA meet was a celeb ration of unity.”WE come together and crossing even mountains to be gathered in one place where we will experience the joy of camaraderie, friendship and sportsmanship”.
“There’s also a victory, the expression of good values and the grace of humility in accepting defeat”,she added as she officially closed the EVRAA meet 2012 by extinguishing the urn’s fire.
(Quirico M. Gorpido, Jr.)

Feb. 27 Woud Be An Annual Memorial Day To Honor War Hero Ruperto Kangleon

May 17,2011

February 27 Would Be An Annual Memorial Day To Honor War Hero Ruperto Kangleon

By Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has approved the persistent requests of the Federation of Senior Citizens and World War 2 Veterans and Guerillas here thru their respective resolutions submitted to the Provincial Board last February 2011 to make yearly February 27 as Ruperto Kangleon Memnorial Day throughout the province of Southern Leyte, which was the date when the late War Hero died.

Kangleon who hails from Macrohon town which is about 15 kilometers away from Maasin city proper is not only a local war hero but also a national hero of significant prominence. He was a Guerilla Commander in the whole island of Leyte during the World War 2 when he was a soldier.

Information gathered also disclosed that he was in constant clandestine contact with General Douglas MacArthur who was in Australia for logistics and ammunition support for the Guerillas in the entire island of Leyte. The armed support from the American General Commander of the Pacific were coursed and secretly delivered to the Guerillas via Submarine called M/V Nautilus that landed near the sea facing Hinunangan.

Fierce fighting between the Japanese Imperial army and the combined forces of Americans and Filipinos have occurred in various areas of Leyte, of which at that time, it was not yet divided by boundaries of the current two provinces of Leyte Province and the Province of Southern Leyte.

When Douglas MacArthur arrived in Leyte with fleet of battle ships in fulfillment of his promise, “I Shall Return”, the late Col. Ruperto Kangleon was there welcoming him. On that memorable day, the arriving American General Commander pinned on him the Distinguished Service Cross by the United States of America.

The American soldiers arrived in Dulag and Palo via barges and pettiboats after American battle ships from afar cleared the area by the continual bombardment of cannons and dropping of bombs from fighter planes.

According to additional information being gathered, the late Ruperto Kadava Kangelon is not only a national hero but also recognized and respected war hero of international scale.

Kangleon also gave honor and prestige to the Southern Leyteños as the first and only Southern Leyteño Senator. He was later appointed by President Rojas as the Secretary of National Defense during his active career in the Government Service.

His incorruptible reputation and good records as public servant is widely known in the country. It is also important, it was said, for the younger generations of Southern Leyteños to know and be reminded of the exemplary achievements of the late Ruperto Kadava Kangleon (1890-1958)as an outstanding military officer and World War 2 Guerilla Commander in the entire Leyte Island who is worthy of emulation by all.

The heroic war exploits of Southern Leyteño war hero, including that of the Guerillas during the war have greatly contributed much to the victory of the war against the foreign invasion. And the said exploits serve as the gratitude of all Southern Leyteños in particular and in the country in general.

Lourdes Bantug, Governor Damian Mercado’s Office Secretary informed that Mercado had already signed the SP resolution approving the 2 ordinances endorsed by the abovementioned organizations. Letters of communication were already sent to all Chief Executives of the one city and 18 municipalities, including all public and private schools in the entire province.

Recommendation

Furthermore, some concerned citizens recommended that DepEd should require students in both private and public schools in all levels-elementary, high school and colleges as part of their reading materials the 2 books written about the late war hero Ruperto Kangeon.The books that tackled about the life of RKK as a citizen, a soldier and as a public servant who showed to the world the love of one’s country and God need to be reinforced in the minds and hearts of our present generations of Filipinos.

The two books entitled “Love Of Country(Saga of Ruperto K. Kangleon and the Leyte Guerillas) by Atty.Joaquin G. Chung,Jr.,copyright 1989 and “The Soldier and Statesman” by Alfonso J. Aluit,copyright 2001, are worthy references and reading books on excellent soldiery and statesmanship that every student,professor,researcher,writer,anthropologist and avid reader should include in their reading.

Our youth, they averred, need good leaders to look up to whose characters and deeds are worthy of emulation.

W have been taught from time and again while in school about the lives of Jose Rizal, Emilio Aguinaldo, Andres Bonifacio,Apolinario Mabini,the sublime paralytic)Marcelo Lopez Jaena,etc.But a only little of Lapulapu of Mactan Island.

Now is the time to consider other heroes that we have in the past but still remain unknown because no-one or no writer/writers have ever written about their lives. Writers and researches should start now their literary journey which is the gathering of the vast field of untapped valuable materials about our silent heroes in the country. They are not only in Luzon area, but also in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Good Models

Our young and younger generations of Filipinos need good models of leadership because they are the ones who will replace the old ones when they have departed from this life. The past heroes we have learned in schools are not sufficient models to the present batch of the younger generations of Filipinos. They need other heroes to look up to as source of inspiration, courage and honesty. The search for heroes in various fields of endeavor who will serve as models for our youth should not be confined only in Luzon area alone. The search for heroes by our writers, scholars and researchers as sources of materials in writing books about their lives should not imposed delineations of ragionalistic boundaries. But rather be made encompassing down to the nooks and crannies of the entire country, Irrespective of their regional languages and classifications.

If a hero’s life is colored with good acts and deeds like honesty,compassion,generosity,hard work, courage and dedication to his/her calling then his/hers is a good material for writing a book for the young and the old readers alike. Thus the two books regarding RKK”s life as a soldier and statesman should be mass produced with permission from the authors. These are for distributions/acquisitions to all public and private schools throughout the country.

These 2 books should also be made available nationwide in bookstores in all cities of every province so that readers, students, teachers and professors can buy them for reading and as reference books.(Quirico M. Gorpido,Jr.)