DA-Caraga conducts 1st Quarter RAITF Meeting
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga conducted recently its 1st Quarter Regional Avian Influenza Task Force (RAITF) Meeting with the presence of Animal Health Committee Chairman John Gamboa, Sr. and its partner agencies held in one of the hotels here.
RAITF members convened and discussed the accomplishments for 2008 including logistic support from DA-Caraga and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI); contingency plan for avian influenza; table top simulation for Agusan del Sur; the submission of work and financial plan and proposals for 2009; plans for 2009; and other issues and concerns.
During the meeting, Animal Health Committee Chairman John Gamboa Sr. presented the accomplishment report of the Avian Influenza Preparedness Program (AIPP).
According to Chairman Gamboa that RAITF has distributed office, laboratory, drug and biologics supplies to the Local Government Units (LGUs) regionwide for the AIPP Task Forces in 2008.
Chairman Gamboa also added that RAITF also distributed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like rubber boots, scrub suits, googles, and isolation gowns to its task forces regionwide including the Department of Health (DOH).
‘A total of 192 rubber boots, 300 scrub suits, 300 googles, and 540 isolation gowns were distributed to the task forces in the provinces of Caraga with a total number of 1332 equipments,’ Gamboa said.
It was also learned that the proposed activities for 2009 are the finalization of the Avian Influenza Contingency Plan; Lake Mainit and Agusan Marsh Mapping; Table Top Simulation on AI Preparedness; and the continuous strengthening of LGU Task Forces.
Meanwhile, Ms. Lorene Catedral, RAITF focal person of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga suggested to the committee to meet again on February 10, 2009 for the refinement of the Contingency Plan while the finalization and approval will be conducted on February 17, 2009, which RAITF members approved.
Also, the presentation for adoption of the contingency plan was partially scheduled on the last week of March or first week of April 2009 in time with the conduct of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) Meeting.
The task force is also set to conduct photo and video documentation of wild and migratory birds on February 3 and 4, 2009 at Masao area of Butuan City and Lake Mainit, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, which is also a venue to expose task force members in observing the presence of migratory birds in the hotspot areas in the region and help the members identify these birds in actual view.
With the plans set by the RAITF members, Chairman Gamboa believes that the committee will continue to intensify fights against AI, and to constantly dessiminate information to the public regarding AI issues and concerns. (Jennifer P. Gaitano, PIA-Caraga)
Achieving Customer Excellent Service o ACES Training-Seminar, gisugdan
Dako ang pasalamat sa mga empleyado sa Kapitolyo sa paghatag ni Gov. Ace Barbers ug dakong pagtagad sa ikaugmad sa mga kapasidad sa mga kawani sa probinsya aron sa paghatag ug kalidad nga panirbisyo sa mga katawhan.
Ang Human Resource Management Development Office nga maoy namuno sa maong mga pagbansay-bansay, misugod sa pagpahigayon sa “ACES Training Seminar” o Achieving Costumer Excellent Service niadtong Enero 21, 2009 ug kini matapos karong adlawa.
Ubay-ubay ang nakadayeg sa gihimong pagbansay-bansay labi na ang mga hingtungdan nga mga empleyado sa gipakita nga importansya sa administrasyong Barbers alang sa kalamboan sa mga kawani.
Matud pa sa maalagarong Gobernador Ace Barbers dako ang iyang panglantaw sa pag “empower” sa mga empleyado tungod ka yang pagpangalagad nga may kalidad maoy timaan sa usa ka episyente ug epektibo nga pangagamhanan diin maoy gitinguha sa iyang administrasyon.
Sa dugang kalamboan, ang maong departamento uban sa pagpanguna sa Capitol Ladies Organization, mi awhag sa tanang mahiligon sa disco nga unyang gabii sila mopahigayon ug “Padisco sa Kapitolyo” agig fund-raising sa pagpangandam sa umaabot nga pista sa kapitolyo karong Pebrero 11 ug para sa uban pang mga panginahanglanon sa Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel sa Kapitolyo. Ang tiket nagkantidad lamang sa 10 pesos nga anha pagahimuon sa Provincial Convention Center alas 8 sa gabii. (PGO-Media Bureau/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
“Makamasang Tugon” Project gears up P17-M Fund transfer to 2 Caraga towns
Following the formal MOA Signing of the newly-launched KALAHI-CIDSS’ CDD-LPP Harmonization Pilot Inititative, simply dubbed as “Makamasang Tugon, “ the Department of Social Welfare and Development is now facilitating the fund transfer to two f its target municipalities - the towns of Las Nieves and Jabonga in Agusan del Norte.
With an inidicative budget of P500,000 per barangay, the Makamasang Tugon Project will allocate Las Nieves and Jabonga with P10.5 and P7.5 Million, respectively plus a corresponding thirty percent cash and in-kind counterpart from the MLGU, BLGU and barangays that would avail infrastructure projects that would help reduce poverty.
According to Sundilyn Bedro, KALAHI-CIDSS’ Community Process Specialist, the present efforts of partner municiplities in the implementation of the project is now geared to the preparation and finalization of their detailed project proposals.
“Their own municipal staff provided full technical support to all participating barangays previously formed during the earlier KC Project implementa-tion in 2004. They are called the Municipal Coordinating Team (MCT’s), replacing the former Area Coordinating Team of KC. Their primary task is to provide full support to all barangays in the implementation of “Makamasang Tugon,” she said.
However, she emphasized that this is not an easy task among partner LGU’s. The implementation plan proposed by each municipality required everyone to review their KC project implementation experience.
“DSWD’s minimal guidance in the project implementation helped each municipality focus its efforts based on its plan, ensuring people’s participation, transparency and social accountability,” Ms. Bedro explained
Early this year, both municipalities flooded because of heavy rains that caused Agusan River for Las Nieves and Mainit Lake for Jabonga to overflow. Despite the odds, the community volunteers continue to work based on the agreed workplan. Adjustments were made for the timeframe and everyone is working double time.
Jabonga commits to assign an additional municipal engineer to help in the technical preparation while Las Nieves completed technical documents for its 20 barangays.
The “Makamasang Tugon” is a pilot initiative that seeks to conceptualize the framework for KALAHI-CIDSS Part 2. The towns of Las Nieves and Jabonga were chosen as target municipalities for their commendable 3-year implementation of KALAHI-CIDSS Project. (Sundilyn Bedro and Erica Morales, DSWD-13/ PIA-Caraga)
FNRI-developed food products may help boost nutrition of schoolchildren
There has been a lot of discussion about the most appropriate type of supplementary foods for children. Recent research suggests that certain types of food may promote quicker weight gain than foods that have been traditionally used in supplementary feeding programs (SFPs). As SFPs continue to be one of the major direct nutrition interventions that address malnutrition among children, the quest for the right food mix that can be used for the program is given much attention.
A research team of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) led by Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa assessed the effects of school-based supplementary feeding using FNRI-developed food products on the nutritional status of children. These products include pan de sal, loaf bread and buns with squash, iron-fortified instant pancit bihon, iron-fortified chocolate crinkles, fortified juices and health drinks.
Two groups of children were studied. Children in the experimental group were dewormed and fed nutritious food products. Children in the control group were dewormed only.
Results revealed that after 100 days of feeding, children in the experimental group had significant increases in weight, height, hemoglobin levels, iron stores, and vitamin A. Prevalence of underweight was significantly lower in the supplement-fed group than the control group at endline.
The study showed concrete evidence that the FNRI-developed food products rich in vitamin A and iron were effective in improving the prevalence of underweight and iron stores of schoolchildren over a period of 100 feeding days. Thus, local production of these food items is recommended.
For more information on said nutritious food products or on food and nutrition, contact Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City at Telephone/Fax Numbers: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line: 839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071 to 82 local 2296 or 2284; or you may also send e-mail at mar_v_c@yahoo.com or at mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Divorah V. Aguila, FNRI-DOST Media Service/ PIA-Caraga)
Are supplements necessary for children?
The best sources of nutrients are still foods. But there may be instances when your child needs to take supplements – to add more nutrients to an unbalanced diet. Supplements are needed if your child is showing signs of specific nutrient deficiency and is not eating a variety of foods, as outlined in the Daily Nutritional Guide Pyramid for Children.
As long as the child is partaking of an adequate balanced diet and is unconstrained by illness or economic factors, there is no real need for nutritional supplements.
However, due to economic and other reasons, many Filipino preschool children are at risk of nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin A deficiency (VAD), iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), as revealed in the latest nutrition survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST). Thus, as a general rule, until the diets of Filipino children improve and food fortification is universal, there is a need for nutritional supplements to prevent these deficiencies. In fact, vitamin A supplementation has been shown not only to prevent VAD but also to lower child mortality in high-risk areas. Iron supplements not only prevent anemia but also has other positive benefits to recipients such as lowering the risk to infection, decreasing the risk to morbidity and mortality and improving mental performance.
As a parent, you want to help your child grow and develop to optimal potential. One of the ways you can do this is by offering meals and snacks that meet your child’s nutrient and developmental needs. Variety in daily meals helps your child get used to the different tastes, textures and appearance of foods.
To do this, take a look at and follow the “Daily Nutritional Guide Pyramid for Filipino Children” developed by the FNRI-DOST. For example, a six year-old child should eat servings like Two to four and one-half (2 – 4 1/2) servings a day of rice, rice products, corn, root crops, bread, or noodles. Choose whole grains for extra fiber. One serving is equal to one cup of rice, or four slices of loaf bread, or two slices puto, or five pieces small pandesal, or one cup corn, or two cups noodles, or one cup cooked rootcrops. One-third to one-half (1/3 – 1/2) serving a day of green leafy vegetables and other vegetables. One serving of vegetable is equal to 1/2 cup cooked.
Another is to eat One to two (1 - 2) servings of fruits a day, one of which is vitamin C-rich fruit. Consider fruit for snacks. One serving of fruit is equal to one medium-sized fruit or one slice of a big fruit. One to one and one-third (1- 1 1/3) servings a day of fish, shellfish, meat and poultry, dried beans and nuts, and eggs. Limit intake of fatty meats, cholesterol-rich food and saturated fats. One serving is equal to one piece medium sized fish, or 1/3 cup shellfish, shelled, or 3 centimeters cube (one matchbox size) cooked pork/beef/chicken, or 1/3 cup cooked dried beans/nuts, or one slice cheese, or one piece chicken egg, or one piece tokwa. Drink one serving of milk and milk products a day such as one glass of milk.
Four to five servings a day of sugar/sweets. Consume sweets in moderation. One serving of sugar is equal to one teaspoon honey, or one piece hard candy. Six servings a day of fats and oils a day. One serving of fat is equal to one teaspoon mayonnaise, or one teaspoon margarine/butter, or one teaspoon peanut butter.
On the other hand, drink lots of water (four to seven glasses a day), depending on your age, physical activity, and health condition among others.
To get a copy of the Nutritional Guide Pyramid, contact Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City, at Telephone/Fax No. 837-2934,837-3164; 837-20-71 local 2287, 837-8113 local 325 or email at mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, or visit FNRI-DOST website at http:// www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso, FNRI-DOST Media Service/ PIA-Caraga)
Dealing with kids who are picky-eaters
Do you often hear from your toddler the statements: “I don’t want to eat” or “I don’t like the food”. From parents, the most common questions that you would hear are: “How will I deal with my child who is picky eater?” or “How will I encourage my child to eat a variety of foods especially fruits and vegetables?”
First and foremost, parents need to realize that a child’s reluctance to try new food is completely normal during development. It is important to understand that a child tastes foods differently from an adult. Toddlers are sensitive to color, flavor, texture and temperature of food, size of servings and the attitude and atmosphere in which food is served.
Food habits are formed very early in life. Children should learn to eat a variety of foods while they are still young. Parents should set the example by doing what they preach in so far as eating habits are concerned. They should set a good example by eating a variety of foods. Remember, children are great imitators and observers.
Typically, a child who is a picky eater is exhibiting the personal desire to exert control. His eating behaviors can be very unpredictable and tend to fluctuate without any reason. At one moment, a child may eat without any struggle and instantly finished the meal. At other times, he may be picky about his food or may not eat at all.
Here are simple tips that parents, particularly mothers, can follow to break the habit of picky-eaters. The first in the list is that good food habits should start while children are still young. Serve family meals that include foods from the Nutritional Guide Pyramid to familiarize the child with a variety of foods needed throughout life.
Eating regularly helps develop a child’s appetite and prevents meal skipping, while also limit snacking. Make sure that there is no eating of big snacks after school or filling-up on juice, soda, or even milk before dinner.
If your kid dislikes a certain type of food, cut this into bite-size pieces and combine with the child’s favorite food. Never force a kid to eat. This will only increase dislike for the food.
Also, If the kid dislikes veggies, serve them at the early part of the meal when he or she is hungriest. And be artistic; make dishes enticing. Colorful foods presented in different shapes are more appealing to kids.
Involve the child in planning and preparing meals. This will encourage kids to taste the food they helped prepare. Use new recipes every now and then. Kids get bored when they eat the same food prepared the same way every time.
Food is needed for nutritional health and should not be given as a reward or kept from the child as punishment. A relaxed and sociable atmosphere helps make mealtime pleasant and enjoyable besides helping one to digest food better.
According to the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by the Technical Working Group headed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), you should eat a variety of foods everyday to ensure that all nutrients are provided in proper amounts and represent a balance diet.
For more information on food and nutrition, contact FNRI-DOST Director Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, DOES Compound, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City with direct lines and Fax: (02) 837-2934 and 8373164; Trunklines: 837-2071 locals 2296 and 2284, 837-8113, locals 318 and 319; or visit Website at www.fnri.dost.gov.ph or you may also E-mail at mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com. (Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso, FNRI-DOST Media Service/ PIA-Caraga)
