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

By: Ronald Reyes

START UP. RO8 CLMD Chief Dr. Alejandrito L. Yman spearheads the opening ceremony of the RSPC and RFOT 2015 with RO8 EPS Sarah Cabaluna. (Gemma Otivar)
EDUCATION officials
in Eastern Visayas on
Thursday
opened
this
years 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.

Journalism with truth

not emotion, justice not
prejudice, heart not
hurt, and godliness.

November 12, 2015.

Villahermosa further said
that social media could kill
the body and the core of ones
soul if not properly used.
Use it in upholding
positive
values,
capture
honorable moments, and for
the good of others, he added.
He urged todays youth
not to be egoistical on the
use of millennial devices.
He concluded his speech
by warning the studentwriters on the danger and
goodness of social media.

Journalism with truth not emotion - Villahermosa

By: May Reah Carel

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
LEADERS STANCE. Hilongos Munici- C o n f e r e n c e
pal Mayor, Albert Villahermosa in his wel- ( R S P C ) a t
Hilongos Gym,
come message. (Gemma Otivar)

Inside issues

RSPC and RFOT: A

Soaring
...Page
2
Deeper Look
High ...Page 4

Hilongos hosts
Regl contests
By: Sofia Losaynon

Hilongos, Leyte hosted Regional Schools Press

Conference
(RSPC)
and
Regional
Festival of Talents (RFOT) on Nov. 12.
The hosts headed by Municipal Mayor Albert Villahermosa prepared for the said
events with the participation of the different schools
namely: Hindang Central
School, Hindang National
High School, Naval National
High School, Naval Elementary School, Lamac Central
School, Libertad Elementary
School, Matapay Elementary School, Atabay Elementary
School, Puntod Elementary
School, Himoaw Elementary
School, Bato Central Shool,
Bato National High School,
Bato School of Fisheries, Matalom Central School and Matalom National High School.
There were four schools
chosen to serve as mess
halls such as Hindang Central school, Hilongos South
Central School, Bato School
of Fisheries and Matalom National High School.

Obey first
before you
complain Malanguis

By: Celeste Vingcoy

Obey first before

you
complain.
Daria Malanguis, Principal IV of Hilongos National
Vocational School (HNVS),
stated when asked about
her initial reaction of being 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 didnt 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 preparations really helped a lot especially that the hosting was
given in a very short notice.

PAGE 2

November 12-15, 2015

LEYTE LIGHT

EDITORIAL/OPINION

RSPC and RFOT: A Deeper Look

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 people 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 students development.
But competition, if done right, is actually a good thing.
It can drive learning and performance better than personal trials.
It allows them to concretely practice truth, fairness,
sportsmanship, and balance. Such values are taught better 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 students 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 opportunities 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.

The

LEYTE LIGHT Staff

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
CONSULTANTS
Dr. Arlita Labaclado
Mrs. Grace G. Villanueva
Ms. Verda Fabillo
Dr. Ronelo Al K. Firmo, CESO V
Schools Division Superintendent

Roving Eyes
Compiled by: Eugene dela Cruz

RFOT, RSPC delegates have spoken

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 Maagas, School Head of Alang-alang NHS
of Leyte Division
I hope Hilongos will make me feel at home.
-Rosemarie Go, Leyte Division
I hope itll 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 Pea
When I arrived I have seen the readiness of Hilongos
from the registration to the billeting areas.
-Rosa Fe Quirino, adviser from Northern Samar Division
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 Secondary 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 improve in terms of facilities.
-Teresa Aniscal of Hilongos South Central School
I hope that this will be a successful and healthy competition.
-Lorelie A. Saavadra from Leyte Division

Letter to the Editor,

Dear Editor,

Ive been attending Schools Press Conferences 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

OPINION/FEATURE

LEYTE LIGHT

November 12-15, 2015

MUSING MAASIN
RONALD O. REYES

Go out and search for truth

For 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 doneas a print,
broadcast and online journalist
for 15 yearsand currently
doingas
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:

PAGE 3

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
countrys
progress.

The Prime
Mover
By: May Reah P. Carel

According to Raquel Torrent, a psychologist, therapist and teacher, Among the styles of

By: May Reah P. Carel-

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 classification: 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 varied opinions about the superintendent.Also, he expected to have lots of paperwork
and assignments at his office so it is understandable that he will not be often visible in
the local schools. To everyones surprise, he has been able to visit one hundred plus
schools in a months time and has
even reached out to far-flung schools
He has a heart and genuine
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 interest to serve Leyte Division
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 decisions. 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.

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF RSPC 2015

he LEYTE LIGHT

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

Its

a picture of one community imprinted with lively residents along

the seashore. Its a place where people just come and go. However, the town is a
major icon of Leyte. It may be simple but its also a symbol of innovation.
Living to its original catchphrase SOAR HIGH, the town struggles to improve 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 towns 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 facilities were destroyed by fire, still, more buildings such as classrooms for incoming 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 Bohols tourist spots. Hence, it is a crucial
link not only for the towns 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 towns 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 Community Needs. Highly Improved Education System. Infrastructural Innovation. Good
Governance. Health-focused Progress.

iving to its
original catchphrase Soar High

Soaring

High

By: Rey Joshua Macarat