Records of the DOH Center for Health Development (CHD) Bicol show that dengue cases in the region from Jan. 1 to June 1 this year increased to 468, or nearly 22 percent more compared to the 384 recorded during the same period in 2023.
The statistics were disclosed during the DOH Press Conference in Sorsogon City last week
In the province of Catanduanes, a total of 66 cases had been reported, broken down as follows: Virac, 21; San Andres, 19; Bato, 9; San Miguel, 7; Baras, 3; Panganiban, 2; and Bagamanoc, Caramoran, Viga, Gigmoto and Pandan with one each.
However, one of the four reported dengue deaths is from Panganiban.
The Tribune tried to request details on the lone dengue death so far in the island as well as statistics for 2023 and 2024 but permission for the release of the information had to secured from the Provincial Health Office, whose officials were reportedly attending a seminar at a local inn.
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Unknown to the few remaining war veterans and their families, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) tried to close its Virac office located at the Capitol compound.
But thanks to Col. Jose Sorreta (ret.) who has been the local veterans’ leader for decades now, the PVAO board changed its mind.
Sorreta told this writer during his recent visit to the island several weeks ago, PVAO had already ordered its lone personnel assigned to the Virac office to transfer to its Legazpi office.
When he learned of the news, Sorreta immediately went to PVAO headquarters to plead for the case of the Catanduanes veterans, which consist of only 70 World War II vets and their spouses, along with about 30 other veterans of other wars.
He explained to the board that the island’s veterans go to the officer mostly to update their records, to prove that they are still alive, and to follow up arrears in benefits.
Sorreta stressed that if the Virac office is closed permanently, these war veterans and their spouses who are in their 90s would have to endure sea travel to the mainland despite their frail health and spend whatever is left of their savings.
PVAO acquiesced to the retired colonel’s explanation and put on hold its transfer order to the Virac office personnel.
Col. Sorreta also requested Gov. Joseph Cua to direct Capitol personnel to remove trash and junk construction materials strewn around the local PVAO office that threaten the health and safety of the war veterans and their families.
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Belated happy birthday to Vice Governor Peter “Bos Te” Cua, who marked his 58th year last Monday, June 17, 2024.
There is no question that his excellent job in presiding over the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, with its many members of varied personalities and character traits, makes him one of, if not the best, vice governors the province of Catanduanes has had.
Already considered as a hands-down winner for the gubernatorial race in 2025, where Vice Gov. Bos Te Cua would by noon of June 30 would depend on where his elder brother, Gov. Bobo Cua, stakes his political future come Oct. 8, 2024, the deadline for COC filing.
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IS THERE A GOD? A couple of scientists created an Artificial Intelligence (AI) that seemed to be able to answer all questions. It cured cancer and even told them how to travel faster than light.
One day, one of the scientists asked it if there was a god. The AI asked for all of humanities information in order to answer. It was given all books ever written, all historical data and even nuclear clearance codes. The AI, after ingesting this information, simply said: “There is now.”