GoodPage Weekly

TRAFFIC DISCIPLINE ZONE, ORMOC CITY.

As a veteran journalist with 33 years' experience (plus another six years as a student-journalist), dili ko hilig mo-komento kung dili urgent or critical ang situation.

During rush hours today, June 11, nakasunod ko aning forklift nga naa nagdagan sa inner lane towards the direction of Brgy. San Pablo (Simangan). Of course, naka-cause kini ug dakong traffic kay hinay ang dagan, delikado mo-overtake, and taas ang linya sa mga sakyanan nga nagsunod likod nako.

Fortunately for me and the other motorists, naa sa unahan (sa San Lorenzo Ruiz College) ang mga uniformed personnel sa LTO-Ormoc. Mihunong ko to tell them about the forklift and it being a traffic hazard-- not to mention nga gidili kini nga klase sa sakyanan nga padaganon sa karsada, labi na gyud sa national highway.

Ang team leader, babaye, Parilla ang apelyido based sa iyang name patch and ID, miingon nga ilang atangan ang pag-agi sa maong forklift para ilang buhaton ang ANGAYAN ug MATARONG.

Nagdali man ko, wa na nako huwata ang next nga eksena, pero mihatag ko sa pagsalig sa taga-LTO being the lead implementer of Operation P.R.O.T.E.C.T. (Promoting Road Order Through Education, Compliance and Teamwork).

Usa sa mga elements aning Operation PROTECT mao ang paghimo sa gitawag nga Traffic Discipline Zone sa tibuok siyudad sa Ormoc.
Karon, kining forklift nga nagdagan tunga sa national highway, during rush hours, walay es**rt-- wala ikarga sa usa ka flatbed truck nga mao unta'y ensakto-- senyales ba kini sa Disiplina?

OLTC ELECTS NEW OFFICERS

Cooperative Development Officer Romeo de la Cruz of the Ormoc City Cooperative Development Office administers the oath to 24 newly-elected officers of the Ormoc Liner Transport Cooperative (OLTC).

The oath-taking capped the election of the chairman and the vice chairman of the board of directors, March 14, at the coop's offices on Villa Theresa Subdivision, San Isidro, Ormoc City.

Incumbent chairman Ceasar Gonato got the nod of all the voting members to retain leadership. Elected as vice chairman was Jovenal Suazo.

The other members who were elected to the board are Niña Jessa Jumao-as, Christena Suazo, and Eduardo Edol.

Incumbents Sherey Sedano, and Divina Salas were re-appointed as secretary and treasurer, respectively.

IN BOTTOM PHOTO, SEATED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Divina Salas (Treasurer), Romeo de la Cruz (Cooperative Development Officer administering the oath of office); Niña Jessa Condeza (BOD member); Jovenal Suazo (Vice Chairman); Ceasar Gonato (Chairman); Christena Suazo (BOD Member); Eduardo Edol (BOD Member); Sherey Sedano (Secretary).

Photos courtesy of Christena Suazo.

Macquarie gives $A175,000 for Keitech’s vocational education expansion in Leyte

Manila, 23 February 2026–-First Gen-Energy Development Corporation (First Gen-EDC), a portfolio company managed by Macquarie Asset Management (MAM), has been recognised as a winner in the 2025 Macquarie Shared Value Award for its outstanding initiative, the Keitech Educational Foundation Inc. (Keitech).

Established in 2023, the Macquarie Shared Value Award recognises Macquarie teams or assets progressing initiatives that align business success with social impact, creating a positive impact on society while delivering business benefits. Since its inception, the award has granted over 1.3 million Australian dollars to 11 organisations globally.

First Gen-EDC is the Philippines’ largest geothermal energy producer, managing 1.5GW of renewable energy generation capacity across geothermal, solar, hydropower and wind. MAM acquired a majority stake in First Gen-EDC in 2017 and during this time has supported the business as it increases the reliability and resilience of the Philippines’ renewable energy supply.

In 2009, in collaboration with the local government of Kananga in Leyte, First Gen-EDC founded Keitech to help advance social purpose in the surrounding community alongside the growth of the business.

Keitech addresses the critical need for vocational education among underserved high school graduates. Keitech aims to equip these young individuals with the skills and training necessary to thrive in high-demand industries such as construction, metals and engineering, and tourism.

By improving access to local employment through technical vocational education, Keitech addresses the high unemployment rates and limited access to higher education in the region.

As one of the three winners of the first round of the 2025 Macquarie Shared Value Award, Keitech will receive a grant of $A175,000. This grant will further support Keitech’s mission to provide high-quality vocational education and training, thereby enhancing the employability of its graduates and fostering sustainable community development.

“We believe that lasting social impact comes from empowering communities to shape their own future. The Keitech Educational Foundation is a powerful example of how business and community can work together to create meaningful change,” said Jasmine Chew, Regional Head of Asia for the Macquarie Group Foundation.

“We’re proud to support Keitech’s mission. Their commitment to providing vocational education is helping underserved communities access new opportunities and build a better future.”

“We are honored to receive the Macquarie Shared Value Award,” said Allan Barcena, Head of Corporate Support Functions, of EDC. “This recognition underscores the impact of our work at Keitech and reaffirms our commitment to empowering the youth of Leyte through education and skills development. The generous grant will enable us to expand our programs and reach more students, ultimately contributing to a brighter future for our community.”

Keitech’s innovative approach to vocational education exemplifies this ethos, demonstrating how strategic partnerships and community-focused projects can drive meaningful change.