ICM holds Pink Run & Zumba Marathon to spread awareness about breast cancer

By Leo Udtohan 

Participants during Island City Mall's Pink Run and Zumba Marathon in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Photo: Jean Lasconia

The early detection of breast cancer relies greatly on awareness.

This is the reason why Island City Mall (ICM) continues to hold the Pink Run and Zumba Marathon every October in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Breast cancer awareness is one of the many advocacies of ICM aimed at enabling spaces that care for the welfare of women. 

Indeed, it was a sea of pink last October 23, 2022 when the ICM, in cooperation with the Bohol Provincial Health Office and the Tagbilaran City Health Office, conducted the event to continue spreading and disseminating information about breast cancer. 

Women and men of all ages took the 3K, 5K, 10K, and 16K challenge. 

Participating in a fun run also helps people get motivated, stay focused, and get more determined to push themselves to cross the finish line, while helping achieve the fundraising goal for a noble cause.

ICM Manager Mario Cirujales awarded the medals to the finishers who included Miss Tagbilaran 1987 Fiel Angeli Araoarao-Gabin and her daughter Cielo. 

Fiel started as a breastfeeding advocate in January 14, 1997 when she gave birth to her daughter and this October, through a rather dramatic turn, has become a breast cancer awareness advocate together with Cielo on this very timely activity that focuses on one of the most critical health issues impacting women around the globe. 

Very visible Alturas Group of Companies (AGC) functionaries during the event were Gay Ido–Bernaldez, Ritchel Mutia, and Armao Araoarao–Balo.

Mayor Jane Yap, the youngest elected and first woman mayor of the city government of Tagbilaran, who graced the activity, encouraged those present to give attention and inform women on the importance of regular self-breast examination and the critical role of screening for the early detection and treatment of breast cancer, as it is the third leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipinos. She said there is a need to heighten awareness efforts for early detection and treatment to empower women to take charge of their health because most often, they care more for the health of their family members over their own wellbeing.  

A significant mother-daughter bonding.  Fiel Angeli Gabin and her daughter Cielo  during ICM's Pink Fun Run and Zumba in observance of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Contributed photo

Also, it may be remembered that last October 9, ICM also sponsored the symposium with Dr. Julienne Deo Jabonillo as guest speaker and free clinic that provided consultation, blood sugar test, and cholesterol test for AGC and the general public. The event was also graced by social media influencer Dan Cahulogan. 

The Breast Cancer Awareness Month had its beginnings in 1985 with the partnership forged between the American Cancer Society and the Imperial Chemical Industries pharmaceutical division. 

Former United States First Lady Betty Ford, as she was herself a breast cancer survivor, supported the launching of the week-long event. She was diagnosed when her husband, Gerald Ford, was president of the United States and brought even more attention to breast cancer.

Educating women about breast cancer and early detection tests so that they could take charge of their breast health was the early goal of the breast cancer awareness month.  It was in 1992 when the Estée Lauder cosmetics launched the first nation-wide campaign in the US that used the pink ribbon. They handed out an impressive 1.5 million pink ribbons that introduced the pink ribbon as the premier visual reminder of breast cancer awareness month.

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No overnite stay in Tagbilaran cemeteries

By Leo Udtohan 

Victoria Memorial Park in Tagbilaran City, Bohol is one of the five cemeteries in the city where staying overnight is strictly prohibited from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, 2022. Photo: Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY—This city has banned overnight stay in the cemeteries during “Kalag-Kalag” (Undas), one of the many health and security protocols.

According to guidelines issued by the Tagbilaran City government, residents are allowed to visit on October 30 to November 2  from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m

The "no overnight" would be observed at Taloto Catholic Cemetery, Dampas Catholic Cemetery, Victoria Memorial Park, Serenity Park and Tagbilaran City Public Cemetery.

Visiting the grave of a loved one honors the memory of that person. Photo: Leo Udtohan

Using huge speakers, karaoke, or any devices that produce loud music is strictly prohibited, unless intended for religious services.

Smoking, gambling, and bringing alcoholic drinks and pointed objects, are strictly prohibited.

"Wearing of facemasks in crowded places or areas is highly encouraged, especially for those who are not vaccinated, not fully-vaccinated, senior citizens, and immunocornpromised individuals," the city government reminded.

Aurelio Gahit, popular known as “Ondoy Kalag", said visitors must show respect to their loved ones when they will visit Victoria Memorial Park (ViMPark). 

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To all those who’ve gone ahead, our prayers. 

From the media: Dean of Boholano journalists Zoilo Dejaresco,  Palanca awardee and Bohol Sunday Post columnist Cloviz Nazareno,  Fil “Hitman” Layao, Bohol Balita Daily News publisher Tony Silagon, Bohol Sunday Post columnist-lawyer Isabelo Sales, dyTR’s Showbiz Chikka anchor Anzing Poquita, radio reporter Ben Pingkian, former Bohol Chronicle columnist and Gov. Erico Aumentado, Bohol Sunday Post publisher Boy Guingguing, former Maribojoc Vice Mayor Fructuoso Redulla Jr, Bohol Standard publisher and Tagbilaran councilor- lawyer Aleckoy Lim, Nestor Daarol, Reynaldo Daro Sr.,  Engr./Chairman Maurito Lim, Loy Palapos, Joseph Ligan, Alejandro Amoguis, people’s lawyer Tim Cabatos, Jessie Bantugan, Nilo Sapong, Rizalino "Inday Rufing" Torralba, June Blanco, Atty. Dandan Bantugan, and Fred Araneta. 

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Thanks for your letters, all will be answered. Comments welcome at leoudtohan@yahoo.com, follow leoudtohanINQ at Twitter /Facebook.

Aurelio "Ondoy Kalag" Gahit says memories give comfort. Photo: Leo Udtohan

Fisherman missing in Getafe due to 'Paeng'

By Leo Udtohan

Missing fisherman Rogelio Abapo. Photo: Mark Abapo

TAGBILARAN CITY — A fisherman from Getafe town in Bohol province was reported missing at the height of Tropical Storm "Paeng", the provincial disaster risk and reduction management office said on Saturday, Oct. 29. 

PDRRMO chief Anthony Damalerio identified the missing fishermen as Rogelio Abapo, 44, from island-barangay of Pandanon in Getafe town. 

Damalerio said there was an ongoing search and rescue operation by composite team of Getafe Police Station, Philippine Coast Guard and the local disaster risk and reduction management office. 

The report said the fishermen ventured out to sea on a motorized boat on Saturday morning and didn't return. 

In Jagna town, a passenger vessel washed ashore on Friday night, while huge waves continued to batter the the town's coast. 

Fishermen also secured their boats and floating cottages at the other side of Manga Fish Port in Tagbilaran while huge waves pounded fish port. 

A passenger vessel washed ashore off Jagna town, Bohol while huge waves continued to battered the town's coast due to Tropical Storm "Paeng". Photo: Leo Udtohan

Meanwhile, there were 221 families or 964 individuals were preemptively evacuated on Friday due Tropical Storm "Paeng. There were 49 families or 170 individuals from five barangays in Candijay town; 126 families or 649 families from six barangays in Guindulman; 39 families or 126 individuals from Clarin; six families or 15 individuals from Carmen; and one family or four individuals from Baclayon town.

Some of the families went home on Saturday when the weather appeared good. However, residents still experienced strong waves and winds. 

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36 families from flood-prone villages in Candijay evacuated due to 'Paeng'

By Leo Udtohan

Affected residents from the villages in Candijay town in Bohol province are evacuated on Friday, Oct. 28, for possible floods and landslides due to Tropical Storm "Paeng."  

Photo courtesy of Jeryl Lacang-Fuentes/MDRRMO

TAGBILARAN CITY- At least 36 families from vulnerable villages in Candijay town in Bohol province were preemptively evacuated on Friday  due Tropical Storm "Paeng", the local disaster risk reduction and management office said on Friday, Oct. 28. 

According to Jerry Lacang-Fuentes, head of Candijay DRMMO, a total of 36 families or 117  individuals were brought to various evacuation centers in the town. 

"The preemptive evacuation of residents living in flood prone and landslide prone areas is conducted to ensure safety of these residents. This is the MDRRMCs measure against the effects of Tropical Storm Paeng," said Fuentes. 

As of 4 p.m. on Friday, at least 20 affected families from Barangay Cambane are currently at Tambongan National High School; five families from Barangay Luan at Luan Elem. School;  and 11 families from Barangay Panadtaran at Panadtaran Elem. School. 

Affected residents from the villages in Candijay town in Bohol province are evacuated on Friday, Oct. 28, for possible floods and landslides due to Tropical Storm "Paeng."  

Photo courtesy of Jeryl Lacang-Fuentes/MDRRMO

These villages were considered landslide and flood prone areas.

The Candijay police and personnel from fire protection and Coast Guard-Candijay also helped in transporting the evacuees.

Fuentes said the local government headed by Mayor Thamar Olaivar provided food and water to the affected families.

Bohol was among the areas placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 due to "Paeng" on Friday. 

Affected residents from the villages in Candijay town in Bohol province are evacuated on Friday, Oct. 28, for possible floods and landslides due to Tropical Storm "Paeng."  

Photo courtesy of Jeryl Lacang-Fuentes/MDRRMO

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Aumentado suspends classes in all levels in private, public schools Oct. 28

By Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY — Governor Aris Aumentado announced the suspension of classes in all levels (kindergarten to college) in public and private on Friday, Oct. 28, in the whole province of Bohol due to bad weather caused by Tropical Storm ‘Paeng’. 

"Tungod sa padayon nga pag-ulan atong gi suspende ang mga klase karong adlawa sa tanang level sa mga eskwelahan," the governor said in his advisory posted on social media.

(Due to the continuous rain, we have suspended classes today at all levels of schools.) 

"Mag- amping kitang tanan ug mag mabinantayon kita ilabi na ang mga anaa sa mga lugar nga dali mabahaan, duol sa mga suba ug mga prone to landslide areas. Amping kanunay mga sano ug sana," he added.

(Let's all be careful and watchful especially those who are in areas prone to flooding, near rivers and prone to landslide areas. Take care always my fellow brothers and sisters.) 

However,  all government offices shall continue with their regular operations and render necessary services.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) raised Friday orange rainfall warning over the province. 

The state weather bureau advised residents to take precautionary measures against the impacts associated with these hazards which include flash floods and landslides. 

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Classes suspended in Tagbilaran due to orange rainfall warning

By Leo Udtohan

Students go home after classes are suspended on Wednesday morning, Oct. 26, 2022 due to the orange rainfall warning. Photo: Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY- The local government here  suspended classes Wednesday morning, Oct. 26, due to the orange rainfall warning issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

"Due to the Orange Rainfall Warning in Bohol, all classes at all levels (Nursery, Kinder, Elementary, Secondary, College) in Tagbilaran City Public and Private Schools are hereby suspended today (Wednesday October 26,2022)," Mayor Jane Yap posted on Facebook. 

According to the Department of Education’s Order No. 37, “In-person and online classes in all levels are automatically cancelled in schools situated in LGUs issued with Yellow, Orange and Red Rainfall Warning by the PAGASA.”

“If the Warning is issued at a time when classes have already begun, the school shall immediately suspend the classes and work and send everyone home, if it is safe to do so. However, schools are obligated to keep the students and personnel safely in school if travelling has become unsafe,” it read.

Students go home after classes are suspended on Wednesday morning, Oct. 26, 2022 due to the orange rainfall warning. Photo: Leo Udtohan

Pagasa said a low pressure area (LPA) is within the area of responsibility which is currently 1,010 kilometers east of eastern Visayas.

On Monday, the heavy downpour caused up to waist-deep flooding in several road networks in Tagbilaran.  The floodwater rose waist-level along Lamdagan Street. 

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Bohol police now ready for 'Kalag-Kalag' 2022

Col. Osmundo Salibo, director of the Bohol Provincial Police Office, says police is preparing to go on full alert for the “Kalag-Kalag” (Undas). Photo: Leo Udtohan

TAGBILARAN CITY- The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) will field at least 832 police officers to secure public and private cemeteries during the observance of All Saints’ Day or “Kalag-Kalag,” the police provincial director said.

"The BPPO is in full blast in our preparation for Undas 2022.  Aside from that our police personnel we have also force multipliers to be deployed and other agencies  to make sure Undas 2022 will be incident-free in the province of Bohol," said BPPO provincial police director Col. Osmundo Salibo said in a press briefing Monday.

There will be at least 1,757 force multipliers such as tanod, Lingkod Bayan Advocacy Support Groups, Patrolya ng Bayan, Alpha Kappa Rho and Tau Gamma Phi/Sigma.

He added that  352 personnel from the 47th Infantry Battalion of the  Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be utilized to ensure that all security measures are in place.

The full deployment of police officers will occur a day before “Kalag-Kalag” when people are expected to visit their deceased loved ones in cemeteries.

BPPO will also secure other places of convergence such as churches, malls, public transportation terminals and tourist destinations where many people are expected to make use of the long weekend for leisure.

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