PIA News Service - Friday, January 23, 2009

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)

PIA News Service - Monday, January 19, 2009

PGMA to visit flood victims in Tubajon, conducts RDCC meeting in Surigao City

SURIGAO CITY (January 19) - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is set to visit Tubajon town in Dinagat Islands on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 to attend to the needs of the flood victims.

President Arroyo will personally inspect the extent of damage wrought by massive flooding in the area particularly the damage seawall, fishing and pump boats. She is also expected to distribute food assistance to the flood victims.

The People's Government Mobile Action (PGMA) of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) will also conduct a medical-dental outreach in the area to ensure the delivery of government assistance to the victims.

After her Tubajon visit, the President will also conduct an RDCC meeting on the same day in Surigao City.

In a recent report as of Jan. 17, 2009 from RDCC-Caraga region, seven people were reportedly dead and one was missing and some 60,025 families were displaced when floodwaters and huge waves caused by incessant rains struck the region over the weekend affecting 311 barangays.

Caraga region's damages on infrastructure particularly in roads, bridges, wharf, seawall & fishing & pumpboats now estimated at P63,349,490.00 (Dinagat Islands-P4,586,600.00; Agusan Sur-P42,787,200.00; Surigao Norte-P13,095,690.00, and Surigao del Sur-P2,900,000.00).

In agriculture particularly in crops, fisheries & livestocks now totalled at P19, 062,000.00 (Dinagat islands-P2,063,669.60; Agusan Sur-P6,583,796.00; Surigao Norte-P9,529,582.40; Surigao Sur-P885,000.00).

Damage to houses/properties is now estimated at P355,000.00. (Fryan E. Abkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Number of casualties in Caraga flooding increases

BUTUAN CITY (January 19) – The number of casualties in the series of flooding which hits Caraga Region last week now increases from six to nine.

This was revealed by the report of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC)-Caraga as of 5:00 p.m. yesterday, January 18.

According to the report, there are four persons died in Agusan del Sur, still, with one unidentified male cadaver found at Agusan River in Barangay Taglubong, Trento.

Other casualties in the province are Zacarias Gales of Barangay Pisaan, San Francisco; Jacinta Villanueva from Bayugan City; and Elmo Villar of Purok 4, Tabontabon, Sibagat.

In Agusan del Norte, 22 year-old Jerome Goliat of Purok 6, Brgy. Songkoy of the municipality of Kitcharao was swept by strong current of water.

Drowned while riding in a banca that was capsized, 31-year old Roland Yamyamin is the sole casualty in Surigao del Norte. He was from Barangay Aurora, Surigao City.

In Surigao del Sur, the two cadavers that were buried due to landslide along the highway at Sitio Gangas, Barangay Kumawas, Bislig City while traversing the road are already indentified as Rose Jean Tejero of Purok 13, Mancarogo, Bislig City, and Diosdado Paguiding of Poblacion, Bislig City.

Another casualty which is still declared missing as of press time is Marinne Aspilla, 46 years old of Purok 5, Brgy. Panikian, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur. She was reported traversing the Dinayugan Dam when she accidentally slipped and carried away by the strong water current.

Meanwhile, ten municipalities regionwide are still under state of calamity. These are: Jabonga and Las Nieves in Agusan del Norte, and the municipalities of Veruela, Prosperidad, Sta. Josefa, Esperanza, Rosario, Lanuza, Sibagat, and San Francisco in Agusan del Sur.

Following the report, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is set to visit the municipality of Tubajon in the Province of Dinagat Islands on Wednesday, January 21 to see for herself the damages brought by incessant rains which starts to hit the region on January 10.

The President is also scheduled to distribute 1,000 food packs composed of 2 kilos rice, 6 pcs. noodles, 1 can corned beef, 3 cans sardines, 1 pack coffee, and 1 kilo sugar to flood victims in the entire province of Dinagat Islands.

After her engagement in Tubajon, she will fly by chopper to mainland Surigao City to distribute 3,000 food packs with same contents distributed in Tubajon. She will also preside the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) Meeting at Surigao del Norte Convention Center. (Robert E. Roperos, PIA-13)

PVMA holds 1st Regional Convention, Scientific Confab

BUTUAN CITY - As an offshoot for the upcoming national conference next month in Davao City, the Philippine Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) Caraga Chapter conducted its 1st Regional Convention and Scientific Conference held at Almont Inland Resort this city last January 14-15, 2009.

PVMA Caraga Chapter Officers take their oath with PVMA Nat’l President

Dr. Emmanuel Jamis officiating.

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The two day conference was attended by almost all veterinarians in the region working both in private and government institutions with the theme “The Veterinarian: Meeting the Challenges on the New and Re-emerging Diseases.”

Mayor Democrito Plaza II as keynote speaker through his representative Vice Mayor Claudio Sanchez expressed his sincerest gratitude to PVMA Caraga Chapter for choosing Butuan City as venue of the convention.

He likewise highly recognized the potential of the veterinarians in the region to be the primary institution in solving the issues and problems that the livestock industry is facing today.

On the first day of the conference, participants were bombarded with different topics discussed by well chosen and knowledgeable resources persons started with Dr. Luz Simborio, a professor of Central Mindanao University (CMU) College of Veterinary Medicine in Bukidnon who tackled about veterinary ethics.

She said that the guiding principle for each veterinarian should always consider the health, welfare and humane treatment of animals and maintain good communication and relationship with peers and clients.

Despite bad weather condition, invited guests from Manila with Dr. Jane Bacayo, Director of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) managed to attend the conference and shared about the Meat Inspection Updates.

Meanwhile, Dr. Veronica Matawaran, Professor of the University of Philippines (UP) College of Veterinary Medicine emphasized the importance of Continuing Professional Education (CPE).

She said that education is a lifelong process and it is a professional responsibility not only for veterinarians but for all discipline to be competent through acquiring knowledge untiringly.

Dr. Manuel Carlos, City Veterinarian of Marikina City shared his experiences and programs being implemented by his office under Marikina LGU.

Fellow veterinarians had the chance to mingle and strengthen its relationships during the fellowship night highlighted with the induction of PVMA Caraga Chapter Officer for 2009-2010.

Dr. Emmanuel Jamis, PVMA National President inducted the Caraga Regional Officers who are composed of the following: Eduardo Forteza DVM as president; Isidro Lagumbay DVM, vice president; Bernadeth Montenegro DVM, secretary; Marie Jocelyn Santiago DVM, treasurer; Emmanuel Nono DVM, auditor; Belen Aruelo DVM and Board of Directors Belen Aruelo DVM, Edith Mongaya DVM, Marlo Sepe DVM, Gervacio Yparraguerre DVM and Mancio Danilo Alegado DVM.

On the second day morning, members of Regional Anti-Influenza Task Force (RAITF) conducted a meeting in Balanghai Hotel while other participants utilize the time through City Tour on Historical Sites such as National Museum, Balanghai Shrine and in newly built Diosdaco Macapagal Bridge.

In the afternoon, the group converged again in Inland Resort to attend another round of discussion about the New and Re-emerging Diseases in Swine and Wet Lab tackled by Dr. Eugene Mende of San Miguel Foods Incorporated.

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Private companies who supported the event such as San Miguel Foods Inc., UNAHCO and Excellence Poultry were given time to discuss and present their products. (Aurell P. Arais/Rafid DA-13/ PIA-Caraga)