(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 27 March 2024) Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies / Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.


PIA News Service - Friday, Feb. 12, 2010

CHED-Caraga hosts 8th NSTP National Congress for Educators and Implementors 
By Michael A. Imbo

BUTUAN CITY (12 February) – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-Caraga Region, recently hosted the 8th National Congress of National Service Training Program (NSTP) to respond to the urgent needs of the Philippines, as a developing country, today and the foreseeable future, held recently at Almont Hotels’ Inland Resort, this city.

Department of National Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales, who is the guest of honor, shared his overview on mobilization in reservist towards national security and disaster awareness.

“In the case of “Ondoy,” however, group are failed to suggest the true scale of devastation. Many victims are affected the worst; and yet it brought out extent of damage that typhoon” he said.

Sec. Gonzales discussed the responsibility of the national government whose aim it to empower young generations to develop and enhance civic consciousness and defense preparedness.

However, in accordance with the pertinent provision of Republic Act 7722 otherwise known as “Higher Education Act of 1994,” the objectives of the 8th congress endorsing the update on the latest issues and concerns relative to the establishment of a National Service Reserve Corp in line with the implementation of NSTP.

The congress also aimed to expose the trainers on the various strategies and techniques in pursuit of training graduates of non-military to provide participants with platform and avenue for sharing experiences and learning process alongside the creation of effective NSRC towards sustainable existence. Part of the program conducted during the activity is the Citizens Voter Education using the automated machine.

It was learned that the said congress is organized by the Philippine Society of NSTP Educators and Implementers (PSNEI) in cooperation of CHED-Caraga, Caraga State University (CSU) and TUP-UNSTP comprised by different personnel headed by Dr. Florida Labuguen.

The output of the said congress will be the basis of improving the status and content of program under the theme: Towards a responsive National Service Reserve Corps (NSRC) through effective and relevant NSTP Implementation for the creation of sustainable communities”, it was gathered. (PIA-Caraga)

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Army chief sees “strategic victory” against communist by June

BUTUAN CITY (February 12) - Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit, chief of the Philippine Army (PA), sees a "strategic victory" of the government over the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) by June this year.

He said the working force of the AFP’s infantry divisions, brigades, battalions and other operational control (Opcon) units, including air force and navy, against the remaining CPP-NPA fronts had been well on track to defeat the CPP-NPA.

The Army chief, who had been visiting Northern, Northeastern and Southern Mindanao regions during the past several days assessing the ground operations of the Army’s working force personally, saw the accomplishments of his men in the field, saying “the military has been able to deal significant blows against the NPA”.

He cited the recent capture of two key CPP-NPA officials in Southwestern and Northern Mindanao regions and a top communist official in Southern Mindanao region.

He also cited the capture of several NPA camps in Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Davao del Sur and South Cotabato.

Just very recently, the Army’s fighting and combat maneuvering troops also killed several rebels in a series of gunbattles in Lupon, Davao Oriental and in the border of Bukidnon and Davao.

“From a high of about 25,000 communist fighters, we have reduced them into only 4,000 now. Very clearly, we have already achieved the point that the Philippine National Police can now take over the internal security operations (ISO),” said Bangit.

He also cited the turnover of insurgency operations of Misamis Oriental province to police.

The Army chief was in Northern, Northeastern and Southern Mindanao regions to personally thank and pin medals to ground officers and soldiers for their exemplary performance against NPA’s fight.


Bangit hopes peace could be achieved by June, coinciding with the end of President Macapagal Arroyo’s term of office. (muc/PIA-Caraga)
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Lathalain: Importansya ng protina

Alam ba ninyo na tumaas ang dami ng kinakain nating protina kagaya ng sustansyang nakukuha sa karne? Ito ay ayon sa 6th National Nutrition Surveys (NNS) ng Food and Nutrition Research Institute ng Departement of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) na ginawa noong 2003. 

Mula 147 gramo noong 1993 tumaas ito sa 183 gramo ng 2003. Dahil dito, masasabing 99.0 porsiyento sapat na nakukuha ng mga Pilipino ang kinakailangan nilang protina. 

Ang protina ay kailangan sa tamang paglaki ng isang tao. Ang katawan ay kailangan din nito upang mapatiling maayos ang mga himaymay na nasira sa pagkasakit o labis na pagod. 

Ang protina ay binubuo ng mas maliliit na parte na tinatawag na amino acids. Mayroong dalawang klase ang amino acids - ang essential at non-essential amino acids. Ang essential amino acids ay hindi kayang gawin ng ating katawan. Ang mga ito ay makukuha lamang natin sa pagkain. 

Mayaman sa 10 essential amino acids ang mga karne samantalang walong amino acids lamang ang galing sa halaman. Ang halaman ay kulang ng lysine at tryptophan kung saan ang tryptophan ay importante dahil ito ay kailangan sa paggawa ng bitaminang niacin. 

Ang niacin ay kailangan upang magamit ang enerhiyang makukuha sa lahat ng uri ng pagkain, kagaya ng kanin, karne o taba. Ang niacin ay tumutulong
lumaban sa mga karamdaman katulad ng sakit sa balat na pellagra. 
Ang lysine naman ay kailangan sa pagbubuo ng elastin at collagen na nagpapalakas ng muscles at nagpapatibay ng buto. Ang protina galing sa karne ay matatawag na makalidad na uri ng protina o may “high biological value”. 

Kapag sapat at magandang kalidad ang protinang kinakain, tataas ang resistensya laban sa sakit at impeksyon dahil makakagawa ng mas maraming immune cells, gaganda ang pag-aaral o pagtratrabaho dahil iwas sa sakit at pagliban sa klase o trabaho. 

Dapat tayo ay kumakain ng makalidad na protina na nanggagaling sa tamang dami ng karne. Kumain din ng sapat na gulay at prutas upang mabalanse ang kinakain. Ito ang magiging pangunahing hakbang tungo sa isang malusog at malakas na bansa.
 
Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa protina, sumulat o tuwawag sa FNRI kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Direktor, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel./Fax: 837-2934/837-3164 837-2071 loc 2287 e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (Victor J. Alfonso, Jr., FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service)  
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Feature: FNRI develops low-fat, low-sugar ice cream

The Philippines enjoys a radiant and blissful tropical weather. Frozen desserts such as ice cream and halo-halo are popular to everyone. However, others may be advised to avoid high-sugar and high-fat desserts in to avoid lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) developed food products for everyone to enjoy and at the same time improve the nutritional status of the Filipinos. Senior Science Research Specialist, Ms. Ma. Elena G. Fernandez and her group at the FNRI developed a low-fat, low-sugar ice cream. 

The FNRI-DOST is ready to transfer the technology for commercialization to adoptors who will strictly comply with the basic specifications of the technology and maintain the nutritional quality and safety of the product according to the FNRI standards. The product packed in plastic cups, stored in the freezer may last longer than 50 weeks. 

For more information 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. E-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call: 837-2071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (Czarina Teresita S. Martinez, FNRI-DOST S&T Media Services)
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Feature: Pinoy teens value eating breakfast - FNRI

Breakfast is the first and the most important meal of the day.

The word derives from “breaking the fast” after one has not eaten since the night before.

Notice how much better you feel in the morning and the rest of the day when you eat breakfast.

A study by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) confirmed recently that attitude toward eating breakfast was strongly positive in public and private schools.

The study was carried out among 658 high school students in selected first to fourth year high students in two public and two private high schools in Metro Manila. 

Findings of the study also revealed that majority of the adolescents or 98.2% reported taking breakfast. 

When eating out, students from public schools ate breakfast at the school canteen, while students from private schools preferred fastfood as their venue for eating out. Most students from public schools took breakfast when mothers prepared it.

Results of the study may serve as a basis for program planners, parents and teachers in undertaking nutrition programs, like offering healthy breakfast in school canteens as a policy.

A good breakfast should consist rice or bread or cereals like oatmeal, egg or other protein-rich food, and vitamin-C rich fruits like papaya and a glass of milk.

For more information on the study, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City, Telephone/Fax No. 837-2934,837-3164; 837-20-71 loc. 2287, 837-8113 loc. 325 email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, FNRI-DOST website: http:// www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service)
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Lathalain: Ehersisyo, mainam sa kalusugan

Bahagi ba ng inyong pang-araw-araw na gawin ang pag-eehersisyo? May panahon ka pa bang mag-ehersisyo kahit busy sa trabaho at bahay? 

Ang paglalakad, pagtakbo, paglalaro ng basketball, pagsasayaw, push-ups at mga simpleng stretches tulad ng pag-abot sa tuhod ay ilan lang sa mga ehersisyo na maaaring gawin sa bahay o sa opisina. Di na kailangan bumili ng mga gamit sa pag-eehersisyo.

Ang palagiang pag-eehersisyo ay maraming benipisyo na maidudulot sa ating katawan gaya ng mga sumusunod:

• Mainam na pampababa ng timbang, pang-aayos ng blood circulation o pagdaloy ng dugo sa mga ugat, pampabuti ng muscle tone at efficiency ng puso at baga;
• Nakatutulong sa maayos na pagtulog; at 
• Pang-alis ng stress. 

Mag-ehersisyo nang palagain o madalas. Gawin ang pag-eehersisyo nang tatlo o apat na beses sa isang linggo nang 20 hanggang 30 minuto o lagpas pa.

Ang impormasyong ito ay hatid sa inyo ng FNRI-DOST, ang pangunahing ahensiya ng gobyerno sa pananaliksik sa pagkain at nutrisyon. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon at kaalaman sa pagkain at nutrisyon, sumulat o tumawag kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Direktor, FNRI-DOST sa kanyang email address: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph o mar_v_c@yahoo.com o sa telepono bilang 837-2934/837-3164. Maaari ding bisitahin ang FNRI website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service)
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Lathalain: Mga tips para sa anak na pihikan sa pagkain

Kalimitang maririnig sa mga bata ang “ayaw kong kumain”, o “ayaw ko ng pagkain”. 

Kung kaya kalimitang namang maririnig sa mga magulang ay; “paano mahihikayat ang mga bata na kumain ng ibat-ibang uri ng pagkain lalo na ng gulay at prutas”?

Bilang magulang, dapat maintindihan na ang pagiging pihikan ng mga bata sa pagkain ay normal lang, sa dahilan na ang kanilang panlasa ay kaiba sa mga matatanda. 

Ang mga bata ay sensitibo sa kulay, lasa, texture, laki ng dulot at temperatura ng pagkain.

Narito ang maaaring gawin upang mahikayat ang mga bata na kumain ng sapat:

• Ang kaugalian sa pagkain o food habits ay kailangang mahubog habang bata pa. Dapat matuto ang mga bata na kumain ng ibat-ibang uri ng pagkain habang bata pa sila. Bilang magulang dapat maging halimbawa o modelo ng kaugalian sa pagkain. Tandaan natin na ang mga bata ay great imitator o magaling manggaya.
• Limitahan ang pagbibigay ng merienda. Siguraduhin na malayo sa oras ng main meals ang merienda.
• Huwag pilitin ang bata na kumain. Magiging dahilan lang ito ng lalong pag-ayaw sa pagkain.
• Huwag gamitin ang pagkain na premyo o parusa sa bata. Ang pagkain ay kailangan para sa malusog na pangangatawan at ito ang dapat nating ipaunawa sa kanila.
• Maging artistic sa paghahanda ng pagkain upang mahikayat ang bata na kumain. Gumamit ng ibat-ibang hugis at kulay kapag naghahanda ng pagkain.

Ang impormasyong ito ay hatid sa inyo ng FNRI-DOST, ang pangunahing ahensiya ng gobyerno sa pananaliksik sa pagkain at nutrisyon. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon at kaalaman sa pagkain at nutrisyon, sumulat o tumawag kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Direktor, FNRI-DOST sa kanyang email address: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph o mar_v_c@yahoo.com o sa telepono bilang 837-2934/837-3164. Maaari ding bisitahin ang FNRI website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service)
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Lathalain: Labis na timbang, apektado ng pag-uugali sa pagkain

Ang pagpili sa uri ng pagkain ay may epekto sa pagtaas ng timbang.

May mga pagkain na mataas ang calories at taba nguni’t hindi nakabubusog.

Dahil sa hindi nakabubusog, mas maraming nakakain nito upang hindi magutom.

Bukod sa pagpili ng uri ng pagkain, maaaring iba-iba ang epekto ng pamamaraan ng pagkain sa pangangatawan ng tao ayon sa lahi (genetics) at pamumuhay (lifestyle). 

Kaya, may mga taong mas madaling tumaba at mayroong di agad tumataba.

Gayundin, may mga kaugalian o pamamaraan ng pagkain na subok nang malakas makapagpataba sa tao.

Ang mga sumusunod ay mga gawain na humahantong sa sobrang timbang at kailangang iwasan o limitahan:

• Ang madalas na pagkain sa mga fastfoods kung saan ang mga pagkain ay maraming kolesterol at calories ay nakapagpapataba.

• Ang palagiang pagkain nang marami sa pagitan ng hapunan at almusal o ang tinatawag na “night-eating syndrome” ay maaaring umabot sa higit na 25% ng total calories. Kadalasan, ito ay nangyayari sa mga tao na may insomnia o may problema sa pagtulog.

• Ang “binge-eating” ay isang uri ng sakit ng pag-iisip na nagiging sanhi ng walang patid na pagkain. Kinakailangan itong ikonsulta sa doktor.

• Ang “progressive hyperphagia obesity” ay isang sakit sa pagkilos na nagsisimula sa pagkabata. Ang mga bata na hindi natuturuan tungkol sa pagpili ng uri at dami ng pagkain ay walang atubili sa pagkain nang sobra o higit pa sa pangangailangan ng katawan.

Ang maling kaugalian sa pagkain na nabanggit ay nakapagdudulot ng overweight at obesity.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon at kaalaman sa pagkain at nutrisyon, sumulat o tumawag kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Direktor, FNRI-DOST sa kanyang email address: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph o mar_v_c@yahoo.com o sa telepono bilang 837-2934/837-3164. Maaari ding bisitahin ang FNRI website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (Celeste C. Tanchoco, Dr.P.H, Scientist III & Chief Science Research Specialist, FNRI-DOST S& T Media Service) 
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FNRI survey says more Filipinos at-risk to lifestyle-related diseases

Recent results of the National Nutrition and Health Survey (NNHeS II) by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) showed that more Filipinos have hypertension, high fasting blood sugar and high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are risk factors to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases. 

The NNHeS II showed that one in every four Filipino adults (25.3 percent) has hypertension or a blood pressure (BP) reading equal to or higher than 140/90 millimeter mercury (mmHg). 

The prevalence of hypertension significantly increased from 22.5 percent in 2003 to 25.3 percent in 2008 based on single BP determination. 

The survey further showed that 11 in every 100 (10.8 percent) have pre-hypertension or a BP reading at the range of 130-139/85-89 mmHg. High BP increases with age starting from age 40-49 years. 

The prevalence of high fasting blood sugar (FBS), an indicator of diabetes mellitus, is 5 in every 100 Filipino, based on the NNHeS II. 

The prevalence increased, though not significant, from 2003 with 3.4 percent to 4.8 percent in 2008. The prevalence of high FBS or hyperglycemia peaks at age 50-59 years. 

Moreover, the survey showed that 3 in every 100 Filipinos have impaired fasting glucose (IFG). IFG may progress to diabetes mellitus in a few years if not prevented. 

Hyperglycemia is an FBS level greater than 125 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), while IFG is an FBS level in the range of 110-125 mg/dL.

Dyslipidemia or abnormal lipid levels significantly increased from 2003 to 2008. 

The NNHeS II showed that one in every ten (10.2 percent) Filipino adults has high total cholesterol level, while 21 in every 100 (21.2 percent) are borderline high. 

Furthermore, 15 in every 100 (14.6 percent) have high triglyceride level, while 16 in every 100 (15.5 percent) are borderline high. 

The prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) level increased from 54.2 percent in 2003 to 64.1 percent in 2008. 

In contrast, the prevalence of high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) level did not change much, from 11.7 percent in 2003 to 11.8 percent in 2008. 

A person is considered to have a low HDL-c level if the fasting blood measurement is less than 40 mg/dl while a high LDL-c level of the fasting blood measurement is greater than or equal to 160 mg/dl.

Hypertension, high FBS and dyslipidemia are major risk factors to lifestyle-related diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and cancer. These lifestyle-related diseases are among the diseases that currently dominate the list of leading causes of death in the country. These are also leading causes of morbidity, particularly diseases of the heart and the vascular system which are the two main leading causes.

The government is intensively campaigning for healthy lifestyle to prevent these risk factors and diseases. The healthy lifestyle campaign promotes transformation of various settings into healthy settings, such as healthy workplace, healthy-eating place, healthy communities and healthy schools, among others.

Message 10 of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) developed by the Technical Working Group led by the FNRI-DOST recommends that for a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition, exercise regularly, do not smoke and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. 

The NGF also suggests eating a variety of foods everyday, consuming more fruits, vegetables, rootcrops and legumes, as these are rich sources of fiber that help lower cholesterol level and prolong the response time of our body to blood glucose levels, and limiting the intake of salty foods to help prevent hypertension. 

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; Trunkline: 837-2071 local 2296 or 2287; Telephone/Fax No.: 837-3164; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI Website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (Charina A. Javier, FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service )
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Lathalain: Gatas at mga pagkain mayaman sa kalsyum

Ang Gabay sa Wastong Nutrisyon para sa Pilipino o Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos na binalangkas sa pamumuno ng Food and Nutrition Research Institute ng Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) ay binubuo ng sampung pangunahing rekomendasyon na naglalayong itaguyod ang mabuting kalusugan at wastong nutrisyon ng mga Pilipino.

Ang pampitong gabay ay nagsasaad na “Uminom ng gatas araw-araw, at kumain ng mga produkto nito, mga pagkaing mayaman sa kalsyum gaya ng maliliiit na isda (tulad ng dilis) at madahong berdeng gulay”.

Ang pagsasama ng gatas at iba pang pagkaing mayaman sa kalsyum araw-araw na pagkain ay makapagdudulot ng kalsyum na nagpapatibay ng buto, gayundin ng mataas na kalidad ng protina at iba pang sustansiya na kailangan para sa wastong paglaki ng mga bata.

Ang sapat na dami ng kalsyum sa pagkain mula sa pagkabata hanggang sa pagtanda ay makatutulong upang maiwasan ang osteoporosis, isang uri ng sakit sa buto na umaatake sa mga taong may edad 65 na taon pataas.

Ang impormasyong ito ay hatid sa inyo ng FNRI-DOST, ang pangunahing ahensiya ng gobyerno sa pananaliksik sa pagkain at nutrisyon. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon at kaalaman sa pagkain at nutrisyon, sumulat o tumawag kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Direktor, FNRI-DOST sa kanyang email address: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph o mar_v_c@yahoo.com o sa telepono bilang 837-2934/837-3164. Maaari ding bisitahin ang FNRI website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (Marilou R. Galang, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service)
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Tagalog News: Food-borne diseases iwasan, ligtas at malinis na pagkain tiyakin

Ang Gabay sa Wastong Nutrisyon para sa Plipino o Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos na binalangkas sa pamumuno ng Food and Nutrition Research Institute ng Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) ay binubuo ng sampung pangunahing rekomendasyon ng naglalayong itaguyod ang mabuting kalusugan at wastong nutrisyon ng mga Pilipino.

Ang ikasiyam na gabay ay nagsasaad na “Kumain ng malinis at ligtas na pagkain”. Layunin ng mensahe na ito na ipabatid ang mga paraan kung paano maiiwasan ang mga sakit na nakukuha sa pagkain at ang iba’t-ibang pinanggagalingan ng kontaminasyon ng pagkain.

Ang food-borne disease o mga sakit na nakukuha sa pagkain ay resulta ng pagkomsumo ng mga pagkain na:

• galing sa hayop na may sakit bago pa ito katayin

• kontaminado ng mga organismo dala ng mga insekto, langaw, ipis o daga

• kontaminado dahil sa hindi ligtas at maayos na pamamaraan ng mga taong may kinalaman sa paghahanda at paghahain ng mga pagkain 

• nagtataglay ng mga nakalalasong mga sangkap galing sa pagkain mismo o naidagdag nang hindi sinasadya.

Ang impormasyong ito ay hatid sa inyo ng FNRI-DOST, ang pangunahing ahensiya ng gobyerno sa pananaliksik sa pagkain at nutrisyon. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon at kaalaman sa pagkain at nutrisyon, sumulat o tumawag kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Direktor, FNRI-DOST sa kanyang email address: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph o mar_v_c@yahoo.com o sa telepono bilang 837-2934/837-3164. Maaari ding bisitahin ang FNRI website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (Marilou R. Galang, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service)
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PGMA to inaugurate P50-M Surigao del Norte town feeder port

SURIGAO CITY (12 February) - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is set to inaugurate on Tuesday (Feb. 16) a P50 million feeder port in this Pacific Ocean facing town of Surigao del Norte.

The Socorro Feeder Port is in the center island east of mainland Surigao City port. It’s passenger and cargo-handling also serves the mainland of Dapa town in Siargao Island and the fish port of Claver town of that same province.

Pres. Arroyo will be escorted by Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco T. Matugas (1st district), Socorro Mayor Mamerto D. Galanida and Pilar Mayor Lucio Gonzales during the inauguration of the feeder port.

The opening of the port will also further enhance the public access, especially tourists both foreign and domestic, to various tourism areas in Bucas Grande island where the famous Sohoton cave is located.

After the inauguration of the Socorro Feeder Port, the Chief Executive will visit the completed P269.3 million Bislig-Lingig Section, with 8.306 kilometers road length in southern tip Surigao del Sur province. She will be accompanied by Region XIII Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) regional Director Dr. Evelyn T. Barroso.

The President will also inspect the concreting of P337.4 million Lingig-Boundary Boston Section, also in Surigao del Sur bordering Boston town in Davao Oriental. To date, the project is already 96.65 percent finish.

For her part, Director Barroso will inform the President about the completed P4.74 billion worth of various projects completed in the Caraga region.

The DPWH Caraga have also completed ahead of schedule late last year the 216 road projects and seven bridges, totaling 63.519 lineal kilometers.

DPWH Caraga has posted an actual accomplishment of 93.98 percent for State of the Nation Address (SONA) projects and 86.9 percent for the 2009 regional implemented projects.

“These completed big infrastructure projects are big boost to the economic activity of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental and other neighboring areas in Northeastern and Southern Mindanao regions,” added Director Barroso.

The visit of President Arroyo in Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur on Monday is part of her Mindanao Agribusiness tour. (muc/PIA-Caraga)
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Feature News: 15 Years and Counting: Philippine and Japanese trade unions partnership stronger than ever

MANILA (12 February) - A high level delegation of six officials and experts of Japan International Labor Foundation (JILAF) headed by its President and former JTUC-RENGO (largest trade union organization in Japan) President, Mr. Tsuyoshi Takagi, will arrive in the Philippines on February 16 to observe and participate in Trade Union Congress of the Philippines’ (TUCP) two national programs on Productivity and Labor Management Cooperation in Davao (February 18-20, 2010) and on Global Financial Crisis (February 22-23, 2010) in Manila. 

Mr. Takagi’s presence in these programs signifies the strength of partnership between Philippine and Japanese trade unions, who shared amazing years of working together, starting 15 years ago, at a time when inter-country/organizational workers’ programs were not common, and where engagement was limited to specific areas or issues. 

In an interview with PIA, TUCP General Secretary Ernesto Herrera said, "TUCP’s partnership with JILAF spans some 15 years and it is stronger than ever, thanks to JILAF’s responsiveness to the challenges facing Filipino workers and their organizations," said Herrera. 

"Just as there are many issues confronting Filipino workers, our partnership with JILAF has many facets. We have been partners in our union-to-union programs on productivity and LMC, occupational safety and health, union organizing, HIV and AIDS, Corporate Social Responsibility and other workers welfare programs. 

“We are proud of this partnership because it has made real progress and contributions in improving the working life of Filipino workers and their families,” added Herrera.

Many things have been achieved, shared, developed and sustained over the last 15 years: 
• Targeted organizing and workplace verification and monitoring in economic zones and strategic industries;
• Localized resources and tools for trade unions-initiated safety improvements at the workplace;
• Repository of the knowledge, practices and actual improvements in workplace safety and health; and
• Localized training modules for various capacity building and education programs on productivity and labor management cooperation, safety and health, HIV-AIDS, corporate social responsibility. 

And as JILAF expands its engagement in other equally important and longer term challenges ---global financial crisis, tools for productivity and labor management cooperation, green jobs and climate change --- Filipino workers and their organizations will once again see greater role in sharing ideas and experiences, tackling issues jointly, in finding common ground and of acting and working together on various workers’ issues that will matter for years to come. 

“JILAF has been helping us in setting up institutions and models of trade union strategies for dealing with emerging issues and threats to workers rights and welfare. This is where our focus will be and we thank JILAF for leading the way,” Herrera concluded.

Other JILAF officials and experts including Mr. Shojiro Nishizawa, General Secretary of National Trade Union Productivity Congress, Kenichi Kumagai, JILAF’s Deputy Secretary, Yoshiki Ito, Director of JILAF Field Projects Group and Takeru Kato, Officer of JILAF Field Projects Group complete the delegation. (ALF/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Dinagat Islands townsfolk saddened by SC declaration of provincehood as 'unconstitutional'

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands (Feb. 12) – The townsfolk on this island were saddened by the Supreme Court's (SC) decision to declare as “unconstitutional” the law creating the province of Dinagat Islands, Governor Geraldine “Jade” B. Ecleo said on Friday. 

“This is not favorable to our people in this already progressive island. We are very saddened about this new development,” she said. 

The governor said the provincial officials are appealing for a reconsideration of the high court's decision. 

Ecleo said even though the provincial capitol has not yet officially received the decision of the SC on Thursday, the legal panel of the provincial capitol here is now preparing a motion for reconsideration. 

The officials of Dinagat Islands including the chief executives and Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members in the different towns are also making representations for reconsideration and appeal on SC’s ruling. 

Dinagat Islands comprises the towns of Dinagat, San Jose, Basilisa, Cagdianao, Libjo, Tubajon and Loreto. 

On the other hand, the governor's mother, Dinagat Islands Rep. Glenda Ecleo will also make a representation to reconsider the decision of the highest court. 

Dinagat Islands is the home of Philippine Benevolent Missionary Association (PBMA) with more than 1 million members nationwide. 

Dinagat Islands was part of the First District of the province of Surigao del Norte until it became a separate province on October 2, 2006 as stated in Republic Act No. 9355 or the Charter of the Province of Dinagat Islands. 

However, on Thursday, a 30-page decision was penned by Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta, where the SC said Republic Act No. 9355 ("An Act Creating the Province of Dinagat Islands"), as well as Article 9 (2) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Local Government Code of 1991, are null and void. 

The said provision states that "the land area requirement shall not apply where the proposed province is composed of one or more islands." 

"The requirements for the creation of a province contained in Sec. 461 of the Local Government Code are clear, plain and unambiguous, and its literal application does not result in absurdity or injustice. Hence, the provision in Art. 9(2) of the IRR exempting a proposed province composed of one or more islands from the land-area requirement cannot be considered an executive construction of the criteria prescribed by the Local Government Code. It is an extraneous provision not intended by the Local Government Code and, therefore, is null and void," the SC ruled. 

Dinagat Islands province, the SC said, only has an approximate land area of 802.12 square kilometers and thus, failed to comply with the land area requirement of 2,000 square kilometers to allow the creation of a new province. 

Moreover, the SC said that Dinagat Islands also failed to comply with the population requirement of not less than 250,000 inhabitants as certified by the National Statistics Office (NSO). 

A Census Population conducted by the NSO showed that the Dinagat Islands population as of May 2000 was only 106,951. 

"In fine, R.A. No. 9355 failed to comply with either the territorial or the population requirement for the creation of the Province of Dinagat Islands. The Constitution clearly mandates that the creation of local government units must follow the criteria established in the Local Government Code. Any derogation of or deviation from the criteria prescribed in the Local Government Code violates Sec. 10, Art. X of the Constitution," the SC said. 

Dinagat Islands is one of the three main groups of islands composing Surigao del Norte. 

The other two are Mainland and Surigao City and Siargao Island and Bucas Grande. 

Concurring with Peralta are Chief Justice Reynato Puno, Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justices Conchita Carpio Morales, Arturo Brion, Mariano Del Castillo, Martin Villarama Jr., Jose Perez and Jose Mendoza. 

Associate Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura wrote a dissenting opinion and was joined by Associate Justices Renato Corona, Presbitero Velasco Jr., Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Lucas Bersamin and Roberto Abad. (PNA)
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Gov't troops capture major CCP-NPA camp in Agusan del Norte

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte (Feb. 12) –Government troops captured Friday morning a major communist-New People’s Army (NPA) camp after a fierce gunbattle in Kiholao area, Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista town, this province. 

Col. Emeliano Gupana, commanding officer of the Army’s 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, said that combat maneuvering troops of the 30th Infantry Battallion and 6th Scout Ranger Company have already recovered from the camp several high powered firearms, claymore mines, assorted live ammunitions, RPG’s, generator power set, handheld kenwood radios, personal belongings, foods, assorted medicines and several anti-government documents, some of which contain high intelligence value. 

Before capturing the camp, attacking combat troops engaged the rebels in a heavy gunbattle for more than two hours that started at 5:30 a.m. Friday. 

“For more than two hours, our troops engaged them (NPA’s) and later abandoned their camp after sensing that they (rebels) were already outgunned and outnumbered, “ claimed regional Army spokesman Maj. Mitchele B. Anayron, Jr. 

“The rebels abandoned their well entrenched camp and scampered to different directions bringing along with them their unaccounted number of critically wounded comrades and leaving behind their one unidentified dead companion,” said Anayron. 

One Army soldier was wounded in action during the heavy firefight. He was immediately taken to the nearest hospital in Buenavista for medical treatment. 

At least 100 communist-NPA’s are now running towards the provincial boundary of Agusan del Norte and Bukidnon, he said. 

The captured NPA camp has 100 fortified bunkers, makeshift huts containing kitchen and mini-conference table, training ground and listening posts and mini-communal farm, he said. 

The captured rebel headquarters belong to CPP-NPA North-Central Mindanao Regional Committee, Anayron said. 

Maj. Gen. Mario F. Chan, commanding general of the Army’s Northeastern and Northern Mindanao Fourth Infantry (Diamond) Division deployed more combat troops to beef up the pursuing soldiers of 30th IB and 6th SR Company in Kiholao area. 

Gunship attack helicopter pilots of the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) strike wing were already on standby alert for possible air cover to the pursuing ground troops. 

Wide pursuit operation is still going on. (PNA)