(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 - Thursday, June 24, 2010

PCSO opens STL station in Butuan

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (24 June) – After the official inauguration of its play station in Cabadbaran City earlier this month, another Small Town Lottery (STL) station has been opened in this city.

Mr. Allan Santiago, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member of the Province of Agusan del Sur and Chairman of the Board of Judges loads the number balls in the electronic draw machine during the inaugural draw of the new Small Town Lottery (STL) station which was opened on Thursday (June 24) at Lopez Jaena St., Butuan City. He is assisted by personnel of PCSO, Quezon City who officiated the draw. (PIA-Caraga)


Personnel from Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Quezon City headed by Mr. Romualdo Quiñonez, Manager of the Special Project Department came over here Thursday morning (June 24) to open the city’s STL station covering the areas of Butuan and the province of Agusan del Sur.

During the inaugural draw held at the STL station in Lopez Jaena St. here, personnel from PCSO Quezon City and PCSO Caraga were among those who led the conduct of the activity.

In an interview with the local media, PCSO-Caraga Lottery Operations Manager Gloria Ybañez pointed out the benefits which the Filipinos can get from the revenue of the STL. She said, through the revenues where the proprietors will remit to PCSO, more people will benefit the health services and other charitable projects of PCSO.

Also, Ybañez emphasized that PCSO’s role in the conduct of the STL draw is to maintain the transparency, integrity, and honesty of the draw. “Ang role lang talaga ng PCSO dito is to see to it na ma-maintain ang transparency, integrity, and honesty ng pag-conduct ng draw. Kaya in every draw, there should be personnel from PCSO para mag-witness,” she said.

Further, Ybañez stressed that through STL, illegal ushers of “Suwertres” Game will be minimized, if not, will be totally eradicated “kasi mai-encourage sila na mag-usher sa legal na paraan at hindi na sila hahabul-habulin pa ng mga pulis. Besides, nakaka-boost din ito ng morale sa kanila because they are already partners of PCSO,” the official said.

When asked of her insights if STL will be a hit here in the city, Ybañez is very optimistic that Butuanons, Agusanons and even Caraganons will patronize it “because they know that PCSO’s goal of having this legal numbers game is to get more funds to be used in serving the Filipino populace in terms of health-related services and other charitable programs,” she said.

The inaugural draw was also witnessed by four invited members of the board of judges who came from the different sectors of society chaired by Mr. Allan Santiago, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member of the Province of Agusan del Sur. He was accompanied by Mr. Phillip delos Santos, Mr. Roquito Jugao, Jr., and Mr. Eugene Zabate who all acted as members of the board of judges.

The draw, which was conducted at 11:45 in the morning, was officiated by Mr. Dindo Viterbo of PCSO-Quezon City who is also one of the Draw Coordinators of the nightly PCSO Lotto Draws.

Meanwhile, after the inaugural draw, proprietors of Lucky DLS Gaming Corporation who owns the franchise of the play station here led the official inauguration and blessing officiated by Fr. Bob Alaan of the Diocese of Butuan.

The STL draw will be conducted three times a day following the schedule scheme: 11:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. For every one peso bet, winner will receive Php 800 in cash, it was learned. (PIA-Caraga)


Bishop Pueblos celebrates Silver Episcopal Anniversary

By Michael Imbo

BUTUAN CITY (June 24) – Highlighting the silver Episcopal anniversary of Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos, the Caraga Conference for Peace Development(CCPD) recently conducted tree planting activity at Sitio Tagkiling, Barangay Anticala, this city.

Hundreds of seedlings are planted in the forested area by the different sectors of society composed of students of Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) and Saint Peter’s College (SPC) seminarians, local government units, government line agencies, indigenous peoples, stakeholders, non government organizations (NGO’s).

Barangay Anticala Chairman Reynaldo Bao, in his welcome message, noted the importance of planting trees to save mother earth especially in mitigating the effects of climate change. He is also thankful to the efforts of every concerned sectors who organized the activity.

PENRO Jaime Acebu of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) distributed the tree seedlings in behalf of Regional Executive Director Edilderto Buiser.

Before planting the trees, a ritual is offered by Datu Buhay to signify the traditional culture of lumads.

Rev. Fr. Carlito Clase, in his closing prayer, hoped that everybody should protect the mother nature. (PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: ika-25th Episcopal Anniversary gisaulog ni Bishop Pueblos

Ni Michael Imbo

BUTUAN CITY - Ang Caraga Conference for Peace and Development (CCPD) midumala sa gipahigayong tree planting activity aron paghatag sa kahulugan sa Silver Episcopal Anniversary ni Butuan City Bishop Most Rev. Juan de Dios Pueblos, didto sa bukirang bahin sa Sitio Tagkiling, Barangay Anticala, ni’ng dakbayan.

Gatosan ka mga liso sa punuan sa kahoy ang gipangtanom didto sa maong dapit tumong aron ipreserba ang kinaiyahan.

Ang maong kalihukan gisalmutan sa nagkalain-laing sektor gikan sa mga tinun-an sa Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), St. Peter’s Seminary (SPC), lokal nga kagamhanan, ahensya sa gobyerno, grupo sa mga lumads, stakeholders, ug Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s).

Si Barangay Anticala Chairman Reynaldo Bao mipadayag sa iyang dakong pagpasalamat sa nagkalain-laing sector nga midupa sa pagahin sa dakong suporta sa pagpananom ug kahoy sa ilang lasang aron pagluwas sa kina-iyahan ug pagtagad sa krisis sa climate change.

Samtang ang Department of Environment and Natural Resources, pinangulohan ni Regional Executive Director Edilberto Buiser pinaagi sa iyang representante nga si PENRO Jaime Acebu ang ming-apud-apud sa mga liso nga gigamit sa pag-pananom.

Gipahigayon usab ni Bishop Pueblos ang usa ka panalangin alang sa mga seedling sa mga punuan nga ipananom.

Gipadayag ni Bishop Pueblos nga ang kinaiyahan mahimong mabuhi bisan walay tao apan ang tao dili pwede mabuhi kung walay kina-iyahan (“The nature will live even without man, but man cannot live without nature”.)

Si Datu Buhay usab ang mipahigayon sa ilang ritwal sa kulturang lumad sa pagpakita’g respeto sa kina-iyahan.


Sa katapusang bahin si Rev. Fr. Carlito Clase ang nangamuyo sa paghatag ug dakong pagpasalamat sa suportang nagmalampuson ang aktibidades nga gihimo sa grupo lambigit sa temang: “Sa kabuhatan kita piniyalan!” (PIA-Caraga)

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Lathalain: Prutas, masustansya’t masarap na meryenda ngayong tag-init!

Summer na, at kasabay nito ay ang bakasyon ng mga bata sa eskuwelahan.

Sigurado tayo na ngayong tag-init at bakasyon, ang mga bata ay mag-iisip na ng pwedeng paglibangan tulad ng panood sa TV, paglalaro ng basketball, badminton, volleyball, swimming; computer games, at marami pang iba.

Matapos ang nakakapagod na gawain, ang unang hahanapin ng mga bata ay pagkain upang mapalitan ang nawalang enerhiya sa mga recreational activities.

Para sa mga bata, ang bakasyon ay nangangahulugang paglalaro at pagkain.

Isang magandang ideya ay ang paghahain ng masustansyang meryenda sa mga bata tulad ng sariwang prutas sa halip ng mga high-calorie foods tulad ng softdrinks at cakes.
Bukod sa masustansya ang prutas, ito ay sagana at napapanahon kapag tag-init o summer, kaya ito ay murang bilhin na pang-meryenda ng mga bata.

Ang mangga, pakwan, melon, pinya, kaimito, atis, tiesa, bayabas, chico, singkamas, papaya at marami pang iba ay napapanahon kapag summer.

Ang prutas ay refreshing na meryenda kapag mainit ang panahon.

Ito ay nagtataglay ng bitamina A na carotene, bitamina C at bitamina B-complex.

Ang mga bitaminang ito ay mainam para sa maayos na paningin, makinis na balat, makintab na buhok, malusog na gilagid, at panlaban sa impeksyon.

Ang prutas ay maaaring ihain sa mga bata na nakahiwa ng ibat-ibang hugis.

Bukod dito, maaari din itong gawing juice, shakes, punch, sherbet o toppings sa ice cream o halo-halo.

Tandaan na laging isama sa pang araw-araw na pagkain ng inyong mga anak ang isa o dalawang serving ng prutas upang maiwasan ang impeksyon.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa pagkain at nutrisyon, maaaring makipag-ugnayang sa Food and Nutrition Research Institute ng Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. Direct Lines and Fax: (02) 837-2934 & 837-3164; Trunklines: 837-2071 locals 2296 & 2284, 837-8113, locals 318 & 319; Website: www.fnri.dost.gov.ph; E-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com. (Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso, FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/ PIA-Caraga)
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Lathalain: Mais, mainam sa mga diyabetiko?

Kayo ba ay mahilig kumain ng mais? Alam ba ninyo na maraming health benefits na pwedeng makuha sa mais?

Ang mais ay ikalawa sa mga pangunahing pagkain ng mga Pilipino.

Base sa 2003 Food Consumption Survey ng Food and Nutrition Research Institute ng Department of Science and Technology, 3.5 porsiyento (%) ng total food intake o kabuoang kinakain ng mga Pilipino ay galing sa mais at mga produkto nito na tumitimbang ng 31 gramo o kulang pa sa kalahating tasa.

Sa Central Visayas, ang karaniwang pagkain ng mais ay nasa 136 gramo. Sa Northern Mindanao, ito ay nasa 116 gramo at sa Zamboanga Peninsula ay 133 gramo.

Sa ngayon, ang pinaka popular na varieties o uri ng mais ay ang dilaw at ang puti.

Ang dilaw na mais ay mas malalaki ang butil kumpara sa puti na maliliit ang butil pero mas matamis.

Ang parehong varieties ay maaaring ipakain sa mga hayop at tao.

Ang mais ay sagana sa bitamina, mineral at dietary fiber para sa maayos na pagdumi at tumutulong din upang mapababa ang kolesterol.

Bukod sa sustansya ng mais, ito ay inuugnay din sa ibang health benefits.

Ang puting mais ay mababa ang glycemic index.

Ang glycemic index (GI) ay classification o ranking ng mga pagkain batay sa blood glucose response ng pagkain kumpara sa standard glucose solution kung saan ang sukatan ay mula 0 hanggang 100.

Ang mga pagkain na mas mataas sa 55 ang GI ay yung mga madaling matunaw o mabilis na nakapagpapataas ng glucose sa dugo.

Ang mga pagkain naman na mas mababa sa 55 ang GI ay mabagal matunaw at unti-unti lamang itinataas ang glucose sa dugo.

Ang mga pagkaing mababa ang GI ay nakatutulong sa tamang pangangalaga at pagkontrol ng timbang at gana sa pagkain. Ito ay sa dahilang hindi agad nagugutom ang isang tao, kaya kontrolado rin ang pagkakaroon ng diyabetis. Batay sa mga pagsasaliksik, ang mga pagkain na mababa ang GI ay tumutulong upang bumuti ang lebel ng glucose at taba sa dugo ng mga taong may diyabetis.

Bukod dito, ito ay nagpapanatili ng lakas ng mga manlalaro dahil sa unti-unting paggamit ng enerhiya mula sa muscles.
Kung kaya’t di nakapagtataka na maraming boksingero at runner ang regular na kumakain ng mais.

Maraming paraan ng paghahanda o paggamit ng mais na maaaring gawin tulad ng mga sumusunod:

• Corn on the cob ay maaaring pinasingawan, nilaga or inihaw;
• Corn kernels ay maaaring gawing side dish para sa inihaw na manok o spareribs;
• Corn kernels bilang sangkap sa soups, stews, casseroles, pudding, breads, at relishes;
• Corn kernels para sa mais con yelo; at
• Baby Corn para sa mga lutuing Thai and Chinese .

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa pagkain at nutrisyon, maaaring makipag-ugnayang sa Food and Nutrition Research Institute ng Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. Direct Lines and Fax: (02) 837-2934 & 837-3164; Trunklines: 837-2071 locals 2296 & 2284, 837-8113, locals 318 & 319; Website: www.fnri.dost.gov.ph; E-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com. (Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso, FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/ PIA-Caraga)

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Feature: Grazing your way to health

We are a nation of snackers – taking snacks when skipping breakfast or lunch, while watching television or surfing through the net, in response to stress or boredom, or while chatting with friends.

Snacking for some is important in meeting calorie and nutrient needs while others may need to modify snacking habits to less fat, sugar, and calorie intake. What is important to consider is that snacking should be part of a healthy diet.

As our lifestyle becomes more hectic, many lack the time and consistent schedule to sit down and eat three meals a day as meals may be grabbed on the run. This eating pattern of munching and crunching throughout the day is often referred to as “grazing”. Grazers eat on the run, eat small amounts more often, and often eat independently of other family members.

While grazing can be an effective way of filling-in extra calories and nutrients otherwise missing from inadequate or skipped meals, it can also be a source of extra calories, fat and salt. If snacks are considered mini-meals which are part of a healthy diet, grazing can be a healthy style of eating, and may be a more convenient way to eat.

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Taking several mini-meals a day can help to:

• Optimize your energy and mental power. More than four hours without eating deprives you of the fuel needs to concentrate and function at your best.
• Control your weight. Eating small frequent meals prevent you from becoming too hungry, which in turn make it easier to keep you from overeating, and thus becoming overweight.
• Reduce the load on your heart. After you eat, your heart pumps extra blood to your stomach and intestine to digest the meal – the larger the meal, the more work for your heart.
• Prevent heartburn. Large meals are more likely to cause stomach acids to reflux into the esophagus causing heartburn.

Make snacking a healthy part of your lifestyle. Develop snacking habits for healthy living by:

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• Making snack food choices as part of a puzzle that makes up a healthy eating pattern.
• All foods can fit. There are no right or wrong snack foods. For as long as taken in moderation and balanced over one or more days, all foods can be part of a healthy eating style.
• Moderation is the key. All foods fit. Moderate how often and how much food containing high levels of calories, fat, salt and sugar you eat.
• Variety is a must. Select snack foods from a variety of food groups to meet nutritional needs. Besides, variety gives pleasure and interest to eating.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; Trunkline: 837-2071 local 2296; Telephone/Fax No.: 837-3164; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; Website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Celeste C. Tanchoco, DrPH, Scientist III, FNRI S & T MEDIA SERVICE/ PIA-Caraga)

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Feature: Healthy summer tips

Can't stand the summer heat?

Here are some healthy tips that will help your body bear the rising temperature and make you feel refreshed and light:

• Eat healthy snacks, like chilled yogurt and some fruits and vegetables to help stay fit and healthy this season.
• Most feel like eating ice cream and drinking cold beverages to cool down. You could eat and drink refreshing foods that fit summer days and keep healthy. A fresh fruit, like watermelon, has more than 80 percent water, which is an excellent way to quench thirst and keep you hydrated. Mangoes are abundant in summer and are loaded with beta carotene, vitamin C and fiber. Berries are tasty and convenient little summer fruits which can be easily blended with yogurts.
• Vegetable salads are excellent healthy choice as summer food and are great meal starters as appetizers. When making salads:
- Just remember not to overload with heavy or fatty dressing.
- Take note that the fresher the vegetables in the diet, the healthier you will be during summer and beyond.
- Moreover, do not forget to include exercise into your daily routine. If you feel too hot for a regular workout, try a ten-minute walk early in the morning. You can also consider biking or swimming, but if you do not want to go out because it is too hot, do sit-ups or push-ups indoors instead.
• Lastly, nothing can be as refreshing and satisfying as a glass of water on a hot summer day. Drink water at least eight or more glasses a day to prevent dehydration. Avoid beverages with alcohol and caffeine which contribute to dehydration.
• Stay fit and healthy this summer to enjoy the season with the family and loved ones.

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; Telephone/Fax Nos.: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line: 839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071 to 82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.
(Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Ph.D., Assistant Scientist, FNRI-DOST Media Service/ PIA-Caraga)

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Feature: Fruits for all seasons, reasons

Results of the Food Consumption Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2003 revealed that the intake of fruits was only 54 grams or 6 percent (%) of the 886 grams total daily individual food intake of Filipinos.

The Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) developed by a Technical Working Group led by the FNRI-DOST recommends two medium-sized fruits or a slice of a big fruit daily for a healthy adult. Thus, one may eat a slice or three-fourths (¾) cup of papaya which is equivalent to 85 grams; or a slice or one-half (½) cup of pineapple which is about 75 grams; or two medium pieces of banana lakatan or latundan each weighing 40 grams; or two medium pieces of apple, each equivalent to about 65 grams.

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Fruits are considered the most natural food because aside from providing a hydrating effect, they also replenish water to the body.

Also, all fruits contain carbohydrates, mainly are in the form of sugar, dextrin and acids. These types of carbohydrates are easily digested and quickly absorbed by the body, making them quick sources of energy.

Another helpful benefit of fruits and fruit juices is their ability to promote detoxification in the human body by helping cleanse the body, especially those with high acid levels. Tomatoes, pineapples, and citruses such as oranges and lemons are known for their detoxifying properties.
While promoting cleansing, fruits still provide the body with a high boost of Vitamin C which helps in bone, teeth, skin and tissue formation, facilitates iron absorption, prevents scurvy, and increases resistance to infection.

Recent scientific studies have also claimed that the antioxidants which are naturally occurring substances in most fruits have the potential to help combat heart diseases and fight cancer.

Other fruits are rich in potassium and sodium that act as diuretic and increase urination which helps flush the toxins from the body. These fruits, which are also rich in vitamin B and C, include watermelon and honeydew, strawberries, pineapple, papaya, mangoes and grapes.

Fruits are rich in fiber which helps maintain easy bowel action and prevent constipation. The skins of apple, pear, chico, and siniguelas are generally rich sources of fiber.
Nowadays, people are getting conscious about their health, having been informed through news, magazines, internet and other reading materials.

A number of booths selling fresh fruits, fresh fruit juices or shakes have been booming in different malls and stalls, and consumers of all types enjoy them.

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; Telephone/Fax Nos.: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line: 839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071 to 82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Ph.D., Assistant Scientist, FNRI-DOST Media Service/ PIA-Caraga)

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Feature: Fruits, veggies and rootcrops detoxify the body

January is the perfect time to set new goals.

As this New Year begins, why not make health your number one priority?

After weeks of excessive eating of “not-so healthy” foods, get back on track with a healthier diet and exercise program to cleanse or detoxify the body.

What exactly does "cleansing" or "detoxifying" the body means?

Detoxifying involves changing the diet to give the body a chance to rest, rejuvenate, and purify itself of toxins that have built-up in our system over months and years.

No matter how healthy our diet is, the body is exposed daily to a wide variety of potentially harmful substances.

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Heavy metals, pollutants, chemicals, radiation and drugs all contribute to the insidious build-up of toxins in the body.

Although it doesn't matter what time of the year we cleanse our body, right after the holidays is most favorable because many eat more than the typical share of sugar, fat, and processed foods.

As we face more dietary-based health challenges than ever before, it is no coincidence that the rapidly growing cases of cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes correlate almost exactly with the rise in consumption of acid-forming foods such as sugars, saturated fats, white breads, and processed foods.

At the same time, however, our consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and rootcrops has decreased dramatically, as revealed in the 2003 National Nutrition Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).

The fifth guideline in the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by a team of experts led by the FNRI-DOST, prompts us to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and rootcrops daily.

"Eating fruits, vegetables and rootcrops" is one of the tried and true recommendations for a healthy diet.

Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and rootcrops will supply the much-needed vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber that are deficient in the Filipino diet.

In addition, fruits, vegetables and rootcrops can help cleanse our body from toxins that have built up over time.

Fruits, vegetables and rootcrops also provide defense against chronic degenerative diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, some types of cancer, painful intestinal ailment called diverticulitis, and formation of cataract and macular degeneration, which are two common causes of vision loss.

So what are you waiting for? Try these tips to fit more fruits, vegetables and root crops into your day:

1. Keep fruits where you can easily see them. That way, you'll be more likely to eat them. Keep them out on the counter or in the front of the fridge.
2. Get some vegetables and rootcrops every meal, every day. Try filling half your plate with vegetables and one-fourth of the plate with root crops every meal. Serving salads or other vegetables and root crops makes it easier to reach this goal.
3. Treat yourself to some fruits, vegetables and rootcrops at snack time, too. A cup of fresh melon balls, sliced cucumber or boiled kamoteng kahoy (cassava) are good substitutes over a slice of pizza or cookies.
4. Make it a meal. Try some new recipes where vegetables take center stage, such as chunky potato-fruity salad or sautéed greens.
5. Variety is the key to a healthy diet. Try some new fruits and vegetables, and even traditional rootcrops that we see in the market. Include dark green leafy vegetables as well as yellow, orange, and red fruits and vegetables.

Finally, to enhance the cleansing, practice deep breathing and exercise regularly.

A combination of all these lifestyle choices will help you enjoy the New Year and reap the rewards of greater health, energy, and vitality.

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; Telephone/Fax Nos.: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line: 839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071 to 82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Divorah V. Aguila, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/ PIA-Caraga)