(Written by Rhayniel Saldasal Calimpong / Freelance News Writer, Online Media Reporter and News Presenter of OneNETnews)

DUMAGUETE, NEGROS ORIENTAL -- Two (2) separate earthquakes shook the southern region of Negros Oriental on Thursday (October 10th, 2024 -- Dumaguete local time), striking individual municipalities of Siaton & Valencia in the early morning and evening hours respectively.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) initially reported that the early morning earthquake in Siaton, recently occurring at 2:41am registers a magnitude of 1.8 with a depth of 4 kilometers. Later that night at 8:43pm in Valencia, another earthquake also struck the region of Negros Oriental, measuring 3.3 in magnitude with a shallower depth of 7 kilometers.

Origins on both sides are tectonic, much less likely, either being injured or casualties in the southern region of Negros Oriental. There were no recorded intensities in the Siaton town. Except if you're in Valencia, there's a final recorded intensity #4 from that area, as well as from Dumaguete City. Other places like San Jose and Amlan had recorded intensities of #1. Bacong and Dauin had intensity #2, and Sibulan ends with the intensity #3, which is similar to the small instrumental point.

PHIVOLCS actively monitors the localized seismic activity in this said southern region of Negros Oriental following these two (2) distinct earthquakes. The volcanic agency said that there will be no damages or aftershocks reported at the time of our writing.

Residents of Siaton and Valencia, particularly those impacted by the mentioned intensities above, along with our City of Gentle People are advised to heed the instructions of local authorities if any future earthquakes occur in Negros Oriental.

PHOTO COURTESY: PHIVOLCS BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna

SOURCE: *https://earthquake.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/2024_Earthquake_Information/October/2024_1009_1840_B1.html *https://earthquake.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/2024_Earthquake_Information/October/2024_1009_1840_B2.html *https://earthquake.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/2024_Earthquake_Information/October/2024_1010_1243_B1F.html and *https://earthquake.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/2024_Earthquake_Information/October/2024_1010_1243_B2F.html

SIATON, NEGROS ORIENTAL -- In an interesting exhibit of Filipino basketball prowess at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China… A national basketball team in the Philippines dubbed as Gilas Pilipinas, clinched the coveted gold medal per the acknowledgement in large part to the stellar performance of their standout player as 27 y/o named Calvin John Oftana. Hailing from the Siaton town in Negros Oriental, Oftana's remarkable skills and determination propelled the team to victory, etching his name in the annals of Asian basketball history.

(FILE PHOTO COURTESY for REPRESENTATION: Google Images)

Mr. Oftana, whose a late-blooming talent in basketball, made a name for himself through sheer hard work and determination. He was personally trained online via YouTube (a video-sharing platform owned by Google and Alphabet Inc.) and honing his skills on the asphalt courts of his native land, his basketball adventure to the top was some distance from conventional. His story serves as a concept to aspiring young athletes, proving that with unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence, achieving goals can certainly become a reality.

His personal impact on the court throughout the Asian Games was undeniable. His scoring prowess, court vision, prescient and defensive tenacity, made him an integral asset to the Gilas Pilipinas basketball group. Throughout the tournament, Mr. Oftana continuously delivered clutch plays, earning his reputation as the event's Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Beyond personal accolades, Mr. Oftana's leadership and contributions were instrumental in leading Gilas Pilipinas to a historic gold medal victory. The Philippines' national basketball team emerged victorious against formidable opponents, along with an electrifying final fit in opposition to the Jordanian basketball team. This monumental achievement marks a turning point in Philippine basketball history.

Under the provisions enacted into law of the Republic Act #10699: Section 8a-1.3 (known as the Sports Benefits and Incentives Act of 2001), gold medalists like Calvin John Oftana, alongside the complete basketball group of Gilas Pilipinas are set to receive substantial cash incentives as a recognition of their outstanding achievement. While specific amounts may vary, these incentives serve as a testament to the government's commitment to supporting and promoting excellence in sports.

A victory like this, not only brings honor to the nation, but also inspires future athletes in later generations. The incredible journey of Mr. Oftana, a hidden and undisclosed amateur talent to gold medalist with Gilas Pilipinas demonstrates Filipino athletes' resilience and indomitable spirit.

As the nation celebrates this historic win, the future of Philippine basketball looks brighter than ever, thanks to the remarkable talents like Calvin John Oftana who continue to elevate the sport into new heights. With the promise of cash incentives under the said Republic Act #10699 (which yet to be determined by the Office of the President named Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr. or any other sports officials), these athletes are not only champions on the court but also champions for their country, inspiring the next generation of Filipino sports stars to reach them and dream big.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO COURTESY via IG BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna

SOURCE: *https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/531999/gilas-pilipinas-wins-over-jordan-for-asian-games-gold [Referenced News Article via Cebu Daily News] *https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2015/ra_10699_2015.html *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Asian_Games *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_Oftana *https://www.spin.ph/life/people/youtube-trained-late-bloomer-calvin-oftana-in-line-for-gilas-callup-a794-20220805 [Referenced News Article via Sports Interactive Network] *https://www.facebook.com/427020384041436/posts/5845981245478629 [Referenced FB News Article via DYYD-FM 106.3mhz's Yes! The Best: Dumaguete] *https://www.facebook.com/100063928921056/posts/743087551165536 [Referenced FB Editorial News Article via Arielle Alia] *https://www.facebook.com/100069169360880/posts/634618388853801 [Referenced Captioned FB PHOTO via Provincial Government of Negros Oriental] *https://www.facebook.com/100044387527795/posts/897102558445987 [Referenced Captioned FB PHOTO Relay via One Sports] and *https://www.instagram.com/p/CyENL8IyC-V/ [Referenced Captioned IG PHOTO via Talk 'n Text Tropang Giga]