Journalism with truth not emotion - Villahermosa

The LEYTE LIGHT OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF RSPC and RFOT 2015

Vol.1, No. 1 Hilongos, Leyte, Region VIII Nov. 12-15, 2015

RSPC, RFOT ‘15 kick off

Hilongos, Leyte host-ed Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) and Regional Festival of Tal-ents (RFOT) on Nov. 12. The hosts headed by Mu-nicipal Mayor Albert Villaher-mosa prepared for the said events with the participa-tion of the different schools namely: Hindang Central School, Hindang National High School, Naval National High School, Naval Elemen-tary School, Lamac Central School, Libertad Elementary School, Matapay Elementa-ry School, Atabay Elementary School, Puntod Elementary School, Himoaw Elementary School, Bato Central Shool, Bato National High School, Bato School of Fisheries, Ma-talom Central School and Ma-talom National High School. There were four schools chosen to serve as mess halls such as Hindang Cen-tral school, Hilongos South Central School, Bato School of Fisheries and Mata-lom National High School.

Hilongos hosts Reg’l contests

By: Sofia Losaynon

EDUCATION officials in Eastern Visayas on Thursday opened this year’s Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) and Regional Festival of Talents (RFOT) at Hilongos municipal gymnasium in Hilongos, Leyte. “Something great is going to happen today, with the gathering of the brilliant minds here in the event. We would like our students to be the best journalists and leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Judellla Lumpas, Leyte Assistant Schools

Division Superintendent, who welcomed the around 4,000 delegates coming from 13 divisions in the region. Speaking on behalf of Leyte Superintendent Dr. Ronelo Al Firmo, Dr. Lumpas reminded the student journalists to maintain positive values, transparency, and honesty as important tools for the transformation of the society. Hilongos Mayor Albert Villahermosa also reminded the student-writers on the danger and goodness of social media. “Journalism with truth not emotion, justice not prejudice,

heart not hurt, and godliness,” Villahermosa said in his speech to the young writers. Prof. Jed Asaph Cortes, guest speaker and journalism faculty of Visayas State University in Baybay, Leyte, challenged the participants to be creative, talented, critical, and concerned citizens. “The older generation look up to us for the future of the country. Be very involved.That is true, you have a voice,” Cortes said in his inspirational message, as he encouraged the participants to know, to care, and to share.

By: Ronald Reyes

START UP. RO8 CLMD Chief Dr. Alejandrito L. Yman spearheads the opening ce-remony of the RSPC and RFOT 2015 with RO8 EPS Sarah Cabaluna. (Gemma Otivar)

“Journalism with truth not emotion, justice not prejudice, heart not hurt, and godliness.” This was emphasized by Hon. Albert Villahermosa, Municipal Mayor of Hilongos, Leyte during

the opening ceremony of the Regional Festival

of Talents (RFOT) and Regional Schools Press

November 12, 2015. Villahermosa further said that social media could kill the body and the core of one’s soul if not properly used. “Use it in upholding positive values, capture honorable moments, and for the good of others,” he added. He urged today’s youth not to be egoistical on the use of millennial devices. He concluded his speech by warning the student-writers on the danger and pitfall of social media.

By: May Reah Carel

LEADER’S STANCE. Hilongos Munici-pal Mayor, Albert Villahermosa in his wel-come message. (Gemma Otivar)

C o n f e r e n c e ( R S P C ) a t Hilongos Gym,

Inside issues SoaringHigh

RSPC and RFOT: A Deeper Look ...Page 4...Page 2

“Obey first be-fore you complain.” Daria Malanguis, Princi-pal IV of Hilongos National Vocational School (HNVS), stated when asked about her initial reaction of be-ing the host of the Regional Festival of Talents (RFOT). Malanguis added that she was not even surprised when she first knew that HNVS would be hosting the RFOT. “The news didn’t surprise me since HNVS has been a host to many big events through the years,” she said. She also shared that the support of the entire HNVS community and the LGU-Hilongos in the prepa-rations really helped a lot es-pecially that the hosting was given in a very short notice.

Obey first before you complain - Malanguis

By: Celeste Vingcoy

PAGE 2 EDITORIAL/OPINIONNovember 12-15, 2015 LEYTE LIGHT

The Regional Schools Press Conference and Festival of Talents are amazing opportunities for students to develop their skills. Such contests make it easier for the students to open up their abilities to others without fear. They give them a chance to try and see how far they can go with their potentials. They might even be surprised to discover at what they are truly capable of. The word “competition” brings to mind a scene of peo-ple fiercely pushing and shoving, the winner standing tall on the heap of losers crushed beneath his feet. It may seem unhealthy or unconstructive for a student’s devel-opment. But competition, if done right, is actually a good thing. It can drive learning and performance better than person-al trials. It allows them to concretely practice truth, fairness, sportsmanship, and balance. Such values are taught bet-ter by experience. It trains the students and harnesses their talents – gradually molding them into the persons they are meant to be. Its performance-enhancing effects also push the stu-dents to do better – to work hard even when they are not the best. They also destroy the fear of losing which prevents them from taking the risk in the first place. Losing is not that big of a deal. They have to learn to lose, accept their mistake, move forward, and keep playing the game to improve their selves. Students who compete regularly have more opportu-nities to control their fear of performing poorly or being judged. In the long run, the students find a deeper perspective, new values, knowledge, and even friends. But more than anything, they find themselves.

RSPC and RFOT: A Deeper Look

Roving Eyes

The initial suggestions of the guests when asked as to how they want the hosting of RFOT and RSPC to be.

“I just hope that the students will have the spirit of sportsmanship.”

-Rebecca Mañagas, School Head of Alang-alang NHS of Leyte Division

“I hope Hilongos will make me feel at home.’’ -Rosemarie Go, Leyte Division “I hope it’ll be more interesting and enjoyable.”-Mary Rose Baesal, Samar Division “I wish for fair judging in all competitions, the host is

well-prepared.”-Romeo Dela Peña “When I arrived I have seen the readiness of Hilongos

from the registration to the billeting areas.’’ -Rosa Fe Quirino, adviser from Northern Samar Divi-

sion“I expect for positive results – free from biases.”-Nicolas Tarayog Jr. of Samar Division “I expect to have a successful and smooth conduct of

activities.’’ -Marcosa A. Lavado, Eastern Samar Division Second-

ary Journalism Coordinator “Hilongos is deserving to host this competition maybe

because of its systematic management.’’-Ryan Legaspe of Eastern Samar Division“I hope that through this hosting our school will im-

prove in terms of facilities.’’-Teresa Aniscal of Hilongos South Central School “I hope that this will be a successful and healthy com-

petition.’’ -Lorelie A. Saavadra from Leyte Division

RFOT, RSPC delegates have spokenCompiled by: Eugene dela Cruz

Editor-in-Chief: Cesar Montano Associate Editor: Cleofe Pilande

SECTION EDITORS Gemma Ontivar, Evangeline Mercado,

Estrellita Morano, Sofia Losaynon, May Reah Carel, Ronald Reyes,

Maria Maida B. Flores, Joel Cramen, Felix Asis, Arnulfo Mendiola

Lay-out Artist: Antonio B. Dacatimbang

CONSULTANTSDr. Arlita Labaclado

Mrs. Grace G. VillanuevaMs. Verda Fabillo

Dr. Ronelo Al K. Firmo, CESO VSchools Division Superintendent

he LEYTE LIGHTT Staff

Letter to the Editor,Dear Editor, I’ve been attending Schools Press Con-ferences for many years but this is the first time that there are two regional contests conducted in the same date and venue. I wonder how the host school would meet the expectation of the delegates. ---James

By: May Reah P. Carel By: May Reah P. Carel-

PAGE 3EDITORIAL/OPINION November 12-15, 2015LEYTE LIGHTOPINION/FEATURE

this special issue of Leyte Light, I am reprinting here this timely and powerful message from Reyan Arinto, media colleague and Information officer at Population Commission (PopCom)-Eastern Visayas. Last October 21, Arinto was the guest speaker during the Leyte Division Schools Press Conference held at Bato School of Fisheries in Bato, Leyte. With about 2, 000 young and eager student journalists and campus paper advisers in attendance, Arinto spoke about “The Role of 21st Century Campus Journalists in Upholding Good Governance, Leadership and Transparency.” Below is the full text of his speech: It is a great pleasure for me to be here today, particularly because the subject I have been asked to address today is one that not only interests me greatly but has been,

in many ways, a focus in my professional life. The importance of transparency, leadership and good governance are central to all that I have done—as a print, broadcast and online journalist for 15 years—and currently doing—as information officer of the Commission on Population in the region. Whenever I am invited to campus journalism activities such as this, I always find myself strolling down memory lane, savoring the images in my mind of my own days as a young journalist. To be standing in your presence today is a revitalizing experience. Seeing the faces of the new brood of agents of social transformation, armed with the mighty pen and a talent committed to genuine change never fails to give me an overwhelming feeling of optimism. Indeed, the campus press must continue to uphold

historic role as one of the pillars of progressive media—to keep the student body informed on matters that concern the common good and to be instrumental in compelling young and old alike to act accordingly not be mere passive recipients of news and information. Do campus writers have a role to play in upholding good governance, leadership and transparency? This is the core of my discourse of your theme “The Role of 21st Century Campus Journalists in Upholding Good Governance, Leadership and Transparency.” Citizens would only enjoy good governance if journalists like you will hold public office holders accountable for their deeds. Campus journalists are the torch bearers, who must always be on the side of the masses. There are only two forces that can carry light to every corner of the globe:

MUSING MAASINRONALD O. REYES

Go out and search for truthFor

the sun and the media. This is why it is the central responsibility of a journalist to uphold accountability and openness when reporting issues of governance. To promote good governance and uphold public officers accountable, you must beam your searchlight on irregularities most especially in public offices, violations of laws and incompetence of public officials. I urge you to bring the ethics of journalism to bear on your duty. Journalism empowers people to get accurate information from people in authority to make society a better place. You should not limit your activities to the confines of your schools. You should go out and search for truth. Your role as a journalist is different from merely disseminating information and entertainment. Educating the masses for their social upliftment needs to be in its range as well. In a country like the Philippines where there is large scale poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment, the media has a role to play behind formation of public opinion which can force leaders to address the core issues haunting the country’s progress.

According to Raquel Torrent, a psychologist, therapist and teacher, “Among the styles of guiding or directing people since the existence of human kind- and no matter whether we talk of political, academic or business leadership styles - we may find a very simple division or clas-sification: Hard and Soft Leadership. The former is the authority of the mind and the latter is leading by the heart.”No matter what kind of leader we have, what holds true is that a leader is a catalyst of change. He makes things happen. His moves create a ripple effect to the organization. When the news broke that we had a new superintendent, everyone wondered who he is and what leadership style he upholds. Leyte Division people have var-ied opinions about the superintendent.Also, he expected to have lots of paperworkand assignments at his office so it is understandable that he will not be often visible in the local schools. To everyone’s surprise, he has been able to visit one hundred plus

The Prime Mover

He has a heart and genuine interest to serve Leyte Division

schools in a month’s time and has even reached out to far-flung schools

Dr. Ronelo Al K. Firmo, the Leyte Division superintendent, leads by example.His philosophy is dedication and commitment to service.His battle cry is equality, justice and fairness. He woul like to change the culture of how we treat higher officials of the government. “I must not be treated as a king.It only happened that I am in a higher position but the bottom-line is that I am still a government employee,” he said during the interview. He believes that it is paramount to get to the bottom of things in order to get a better understanding of the existing education system in our division. Thus, he visited a lot of schools to get to know the real problems and actual performance. The division personnel revealed that he is like a jet plane but he seems to have no jet lag. He is energetic and is able to make on the spot deci-sions. Moreover, he has no backlog of work. He works overtime when there is a need to in order to finish whatever work he has started.” At one glance, Dr. Firmo may seem to be strict, but he has a heart and genuine interest to serve Leyte Division. The change he makes in the division may not be fully understood immediately but surely his ultimate goal is for the good of Leyte Division as a whole.

The LEYTE LIGHT OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF RSPC 2015

Vol.1, Issue 1 Hilongos, Leyte, Region VIII Nov. 12-15, 2015

It ’s a picture of one community imprinted with lively residents along the seashore. It’s a place where people just come and go. However, the town is a major icon of Leyte. It may be simple but it’s also a symbol of innovation. Living to its original catchphrase “SOAR HIGH”, the town struggles to im-prove itself. Change is the only permanent thing in the world and yes, Hilongos is changing, changing for the better. Believe it or not, years ago only one garbage truck painstakingly roams around the town proper and nearby barangays. Now, three collectors make the community cleaner and safer from diseases. More drainage is created. Roads are concreted. Firefighting trucks had been added. More public vehicles are made available for comfortable and immediate availability of transportation. In terms of agriculture, Hilongos is number one in rice production in the province. In fact, according to Municipal Mayor Albert R. Villahermosa, more than the town’s livestock, corn, banana, abaca and coconut industries, its rice industry is the backbone of its economy, yielding P270M per year. Along with the development, the community secures modern agriculture equipment to speed up production. Likewise, Hilongos promotes infrastructure innovation. Though some fa-cilities were destroyed by fire, still, more buildings such as classrooms for incom-ing K-12, health units to every barangay, restaurants etc. are being built. The town also houses 8 public schools, 5 private schools and one Satellite

TESDA Center matching for the growing population. Housings are provided to some indigent residents. As a tourism corridor, Hilongos is known to be one of the busiest seaports all over Leyte which serves as the path to market from Cebu

City and Bohol’s tourist spots. Hence, it is a crucial link not only for the town’s commerce but tourism as well. Hilongos has also an airport, which is mainly for emergency purposes and can be more helpful and useful if improved. The town’s water system is supplied by Metro Hilongos Water District, while, its electricity is powered by LEYECO IV, one of the outstanding electric cooperatives in the region. The once little bird Hilongos which came to existence in 1737 strives to soar high in the sky like a blazing phoenix wanting to showcase its beauty and elegance. With its unceasing desire to progress and evolve, Hilongos surely has a bright future ahead. SOAR HIGH, HILONGOS! Sustainable Development. Optimal Youth Empowerment. Agricultural Resilience and well-balanced Environment. Responsive Environment to Commu-nity Needs. Highly Improved Education System. Infrastructural Innovation. Good Governance. Health-focused Progress.

SoaringBy: Rey Joshua Macarat

High

Living to its original catch-

phrase “Soar High”