(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 - Wednesday, August 25, 2010

PRC –Agusan del Norte to induct Board of Directors

By: Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (25 AUGUST) – Following the election of its Board of Directors (BOD) on July 22, 2010, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter is set to induct the BOD officials in a ceremony on Saturday, August 28, 2010 in one of the local convention centers here.

Anchored on the theme: “Board of Directors as one unified force towards effective humanitarian service”, the Acquaintance and Induction Ceremony will be graced by Butuan City Vice-Mayor, Atty. Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun who will also administer the oath-taking ceremony.

Elected BOD officials who will be officially inducted into office are: City Prosecutor Felixberto Guiritan – Chairman; Dir. Carmelita Magno – Vice Chairman; Dir. Josephine Marticion-Salise – Secretary; Dir. Leodegaria Yu-Go – Assistant Secretary; Dir. Titus Thaddeus S. Vesagas – Treasurer; Dir. Epimaco M. Galero, Jr. – Assistant Treasurer; Dir. Virgililo M. Nery, Jr. – Auditor; Dir. Abner M. Caga – Public Information Officer; and Counselors Dir. Ernesto M. Brocoy and Dir. Alonzo L. Young.

Meanwhile, City Prosecutor Guiritan will give his acceptance speech depicting his acceptance of the challenges bestowed on him as the Board's Chairman.

The Board of Directors were elected in time with the PRC’s 7th Biennial Chapter Assembly attended by Red Cross Youth members under the Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter. (PIA-Caraga)
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Joint DILG-DOJ Task Force to probe Quirino hostage case

Following the ten-hour hostage crisis at the Quirino Grandstand on Monday (August 23), a joint DILG-DOJ task force has been organized to investigate the gruesome incident that led to the killing of at least seven Hong Kong (Chinese) nationals and the former police officer who held them hostage inside a tourist bus.

Secretary Jesse M. Robredo of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said the joint operative was ordered to establish the series of events during the incident and to determine if there were persons who could be held accountable.

“We want to know what really happened, including the possible lapses and glitches in the operating procedures of the assault team,” said Robredo, who designated P/Supt. Francisco Peñaflor, Special Police Assistant to the Secretary, as point person of the DILG in the joint operative.

“The team shall look into all angles of the case – if there was a strategic and coordinated operations plan, if the rules of engagement were followed, if the areas was properly cordoned off from bystanders and the media -- and then make proper recommendations to the President,” he said.

He said the task force shall also conduct an inventory on the available gadgets and equipment and to review standard operating procedures in handling a hostage crisis.

“Evidently, the police lack the proper equipment and the appropriate skills and training to handle these kinds of situations.”

He also said he would check the alleged improper mishandling and arrest of Mendoza’s brother amid the negotiation.

“It could have agitated the hostage-taker.”

Expressing condolences, Robredo assured the survivors and the families of the victims of assistance from the Department during their stay in the country.

Earlier, former Police Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza, who was a decorated police officer, held hostage a busload of tourists for several hours at Quirino Grandstand over frustrations resulting from his dismissal from the police force.

He was charged with extortion, robbery and physical injuries.

Robredo said he would order a review of media protocols and schedule a meeting with broadcast leaders to discuss and agree on certain policies during delicate situations such as a hostage crisis. (DILG/PIA-Caraga)
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GSIS, DepEd to enter into a MOU
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The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have agreed to resolve all issues of public school teachers through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement was reached during the first wave of dialogue between the two agencies.
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The GSIS, led by its new chairman Daniel Lacson has initiated discussions with DepEd officials in light of finally putting to rest teachers’ concerns, particularly issues on their service records.
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Chairman Lacson recently met with DepEd Undersecretary for Finance and Administration Francisco M. Varela and Assistant Secretary Reynaldo D. Laguda, representing Secretary Armin Luistro, for a dialogue, where both agencies agreed to full cooperation.
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A panel, headed by Usec. Varela on the part of the DepEd and GSIS Executive Vice President for Operations Consuelo D. Manansala, on the part of the pension fund, has also been formed to work on all issues raised by teachers. Ms. Manansala is also the current OIC-President and General Manager of the GSIS.
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During the dialogue, the GSIS and the DepEd agreed to make a model arrangement which calls for the pension fund to provide IT technical assistance to DepEd. The IT technical assistance will include, but is not limited to, the provision of computer hardware and software.
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In 2005, the GSIS and the DepEd, which comprise 40 percent of the entire membership base of the pension fund, had previously entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the purpose of updating teachers’ service records
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Meanwhile, in a recent visit to Bacolod by Department of Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad, Chairman Lacson requested the former for DBM’s assistance in the fruition of the model arrangement which could later be adopted by the GSIS with all other member-agencies.
(GSIS/PIA-Caraga)
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News Feature: FNRI study reveals Filipino health supplement users increased
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The use of health supplements among adults in Metro Manila increased from 1998 to 2008, according to a study done by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST). 
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The study showed that in 2008, 9 out of 10 adults were aware of health supplements, compared with only 4 out 10 in 1998. Among those who were aware of health supplements in 2008, 5 out of 10 actually used them. However, in 1998, there were only 3 out 10 health supplement users of those who were aware.
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Among the regular users of health supplements, 64.7 percent consumed the supplements with single nutrient category only, e.g. vitamin C. Only 60.4 percent used those with combined nutrients such as multivitamins. 
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Herbal supplements were consumed by 51.4 percent of regular users and 48.6 percent of sporadic users of supplements. 
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The reasons for using supplements varied. Some were based on perceptions that those supplements make one healthy; give energy; and help perform better in school and work and that they are not getting enough vitamins from the diet. Others said that they take these because supplements are doctor-recommended; someone influenced them or just for curiosity's sake.
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Majority of those included in the study agreed to health belief statements on what health supplements can particularly do to a person, it is needed if a person feels tired and run-down and makes one feel better physically. However, they disagreed that one can skip meals and just take health supplements. 
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In both 1998 and 2008 study years, there was a strong belief on the positive effects of health supplements. 
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The FNRI-DOST reminds the public that while dietary supplements may help increase nutrient intake and make one feel healthier, eating a variety and well-balance food is still the best way to meet the recommended energy and nutrient intakes of an individual.
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Promotion of appropriate health claims on supplements should be strengthened and monitored to ensure that accurate messages about health supplements reach the consumers. 
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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; Tel/Fax Numbers: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Charina A. Javier, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
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News Feature: Coconut sugar, a sweet choice for diabetics
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The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) found out that natural sugar from coconut sap may be good for diabetics. Coco sugar, when taken in recommended amounts, may be a daily sweetener for diabetics, the FNRI reported.
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A study was conducted by FNRI-DOST researchers on the glycemic index (GI) of coconut sugar among ten healthy, male and female non-diabetics. Blood samples from the participants were collected before and after eating the coco sugar, then every 15 minutes for the first hour and every 30 minutes for the second hour. The blood glucose of the collected samples was analyzed using a Clinical chemistry analyzer. 
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Results showed that coconut sap sugar did not drastically increase blood glucose levels but was slowly released into the blood stream. 
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According to Dr. Jennie Brand-Miller of the University of Sydney, GI is a ranking of carbohydrate foods according to their glucose response relative to a standard glucose solution.
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Carbohydrate foods that breakdown quickly during digestion have the highest glycemic index value while foods that breakdown slowly, release glucose gradually into the bloodstream, have a low glycemic index value. Foods that have GI of 70 or greater are classified as high GI; 56-69 medium GI; while 0-55 low GI.
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According to Dr. Trinidad P. Trinidad, Scientist II of DOST, coconut sugar has a GI of 35 +5. However, effect of harvest time and different process procedures may result in different GI of coconut sugar. GI value of coconut sugar is less than 55. Researchers classify coconut sugar as low glycemic index food. 
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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; Tel/Fax Numbers: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Czarina Teresita S. Martinez, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
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News Feature: Malunggay, yacon – very promising health foods
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The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) reported a decline in vegetable consumption from 1993-2003, resulting in the low and almost unchanged level of intake of vitamins and minerals. 
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The low intake of vegetables may lead to micronutrient malnutrition, like vitamin A, iron and iodine deficiencies. This may result to low physical and mental productivity and increased risks of mortality and morbidity, especially among the vulnerable groups, such as the children, pregnant and lactating women.
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The possible contribution to micronutrient deficiency alleviation of malunggay known scientifically as Moringa oleifera, is now well-recognized. This suggests that increased consumption and utilization of malunggay could improve the micronutrient content of the Filipino diet, which in turn could help reduce the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies. 
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The malunggay leaves powder processed at the FNRI is a fine powder, 100 mesh in size, dark green in color, has 5% moisture, ph of 5.9 and water activity of 0.299. The low water activity in malunggay leaves powder is desirable because microbial proliferation is unlikely to occur, making it shelf-stable even in storage at room temperature, according to Ms. Rosemarie Garcia, Senior Science Research Specialist.  
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On the other hand, yacon, known scientifically as Smallanthus sonchifolius, is a rootcrop that has gained attention for its promising human health benefits, because of its inherent fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) content. FOS is a non-digestible form of carbohydrates that helps lower blood sugar levels and improves the health of the intestines. Beneficial bacteria in the colon are stimulated and their promotion may help inhibit the actions of some carcinogenic compounds.
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Thus, yacon is believed to have health-promoting potentials in regulating blood sugar levels especially among diabetics and for healthy gastrointestinal system.
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Malunggay and yacon are highly nutritious functional foods. Thus, their exploration as potential use in the Filipino diet through development of healthy recipes may play a role in micronutrient deficiency alleviation. 
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Because of the recognized nutritional and health benefits of malunggay and yacon, 20 acceptable recipes using these foods are featured in a colorful recipe handbook published by the FNRI in 2009. The recipes are nutritious, simple, easy to follow and affordable. They are categorized as soup, entrée/vegetable dish, viand, salad, pasta, snack or dessert and beverage. 
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This handbook can be a valuable tool to nutritionists, nutrition students, health workers, homemakers, and other nutrition advocates involved in planning and serving of meals.  
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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; Tel/Fax Numbers: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Marietta M. Bumanglag, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga) 
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News Feature: Low participation among Filipinos in government programs noted 
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Despite available livelihood, nutrition and health programs of the government, Filipinos do not participate much in them according to the 2008 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).
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The Philippine government has many health and nutrition programs intended for various age groups. These include food production, free medical and dental services, botika ng barangay, immunization, operation timbang, deworming, breastfeeding promotion, tetanus toxoid immunization and nutrition counseling. 
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According to the NNS, the food production program of the government had the highest participation among the households surveyed with 51.8 percent. This was followed by the free medical and dental services at 34.2 percent and botika sa barangay at 33.9%. The rest of the programs for households had participation of less than 30-percentage points, the survey further revealed.
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Immunization, Operation Timbang and deworming intended for 0-5 years old had participation of more than 50-percentage points. The rest of the programs for children had participation below 45 percentage points, the survey noted. 
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Interestingly for lactating mothers, 100 percent claimed participation in breastfeeding promotion, 40.0 percent in toxoid immunization and 22.1 percent in nutrition counseling, the survey disclosed. 
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All these programs are available and accessible in the health centers. However, the results of the FNRI survey on government participation program suggest a review of the different government programs to look into their effectiveness and efficiency. 
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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; Tel/Fax Numbers: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
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News Feature: Multinutrient-fortified margarine soon to hit market
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A new healthier margarine is coming out. The Minola Food Corporation in partnership with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), has developed multinutrient-fortified Minola Margarine.  

This savory margarine is delicious whether spread on bread, topped on rice or used for cooking. This margarine is fortified with vitamin A, vitamin B1, folic acid, calcium and zinc. It can provide added energy and keep you alert. 
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This margarine is unique because it is fortified with calcium and zinc not found in other fortified margarines. Calcium helps strengthen bones. Zinc aides in the body’s immune function and proper wound healing.
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Minola margarine was launched last July 7, 2010 during the annual FNRI Seminar Series, the yearly event that features completed researches and new food products of the Institute. 
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A daily serving of 100 grams fortified Minola margarine gives 33 percent of vitamin A, 50 percent of vitamin B1, 25 percent of folic acid, 1 percent of calcium, 15 percent of zinc, and 22 percent of iodine, based on the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intake (RENI) for these nutrients.
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The margarine also provides 330 calories, 6 grams of protein, 13 grams of fat per serving, and 45 milligrams of sodium per 100 gram serving. 
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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; Tel/Fax Numbers: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Victor Franco J. Alfonso, JR., FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
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News Feature: 50 percent of Pinoy senior citizens are hypertensive
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Hypertension is commonly known as high blood pressure. 
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Blood pressure is the force generated as the heart pumps blood in the blood vessels. 
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The two values measured by the sphygmomanometer or blood pressure apparatus are the systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BP) which represent heart’s contraction and relaxation, respectively. 
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Hypertension is defined as a condition where sustained systolic blood pressure (SBP) is greater than or equal to 140 millimeter mercury (mmHg) and/or the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is greater than or equal to 90 millimeter mercury (mmHg) by the Joint National Committee on Detection and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC VII, 2003). 
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Based on the results of the 7th National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2008, hypertension was found to be common among the elderly, affecting about 5 in every 10. 
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Most elderly with elevated high blood pressure have the so called “isolated” hypertension, a common form of hypertension among elderly. 
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Isolated hypertension is defined as systolic BP above 140 mmHg and diastolic BP below 90 mmHg, where there is a significant increase of collagen deposition and cross-linking, degeneration of elastin fibers, atherosclerotic changes, and age-related endothelial dysfunction, according to the Merck Manual of Geriatrics in 2005. 
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Isolated hypertension was evident among those 60 years and older in the recent FNRI-DOST survey, wherein the systolic BP increased rapidly while there was a declined in the diastolic BP towards that age group. 
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The FNRI-DOST survey further revealed that elderly people were 12 times more at-risk of developing hypertension compared to younger individuals based on the study led by Duante in 2001. 
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Comparing the prevalence of hypertension from 2003 to 2008, there was an increase in the proportion of elderly 60 – 69 years identified with hypertension from 45.8 percent in 2003 to 48.9% in 2008. The prevalence of hypertension among the 70 years and over elderly adults decreased from 56.0% in 2003 to 53.5% in 2008.
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Meanwhile, the 2003 NNS considered previous medical diagnosis of hypertension by a doctor or a nurse or whether the subjects were taking anti-hypertensive medications or not during the time of survey. This is because subjects may have normal BP measurements when they are taking anti-hypertensive drugs.  
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The results showed that hypertension was prevalent among elderly women 60 years and older than elderly male counterparts, affecting about 57.0% and 50.0% respectively.
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The report implies that elderly people need proper care and attention in as much as prevention is important to curtail the development of chronic degenerative diseases later in life. 
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Remember that prevention and treatment of hypertension can do more good than harm.
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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; Tel/Fax Numbers: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Eva Abille-Goyena, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
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News Feature: “Low GI” kamote, gabi, ube good for diabetics
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Sweet potato, cassava, taro and yam locally known as kamote, kamoteng kahoy, gabi, and ube, respectively are some of the starchy root crops found to have low glycemic index (GI).
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Based on the study conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), starchy root crops were found to be low GI foods equivalent to less than or equal to 55.
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GI is a classification of food based on the blood glucose response to a food relative to a standard glucose solution. Low glycemic foods control the release of glucose into our bloodstreams at a steady and sustained rate, keeping our body’s metabolic processes and energy levels balanced.
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People with low glycemic diets or eat low glycemic foods are said to have lower risk of getting coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. For those already suffering from diabetes, low GI foods can help in the proper control and management of diabetes mellitus. 
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These foods also improve physical endurance, as blood glucose levels are kept at a moderate level, instead of dipping drastically due to sudden insulin production, for a more sustained period of time. Moreover, they help control glucose levels in the blood, lower and control triglyceride and lipid levels in the blood, and help with weight loss and maintenance of healthy weight.
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Starchy roots and tubers contain other nutrients, like protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin C. Yellow kamote has a relatively high level of beta-carotene while cassava and sweet potato are relatively good sources of vitamin C.
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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; Tel/Fax Numbers: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Annie Lyn D. Bacani, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
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Tagalog News: Lathalain: Anemya, problema pa rin sa mga sanggol
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Lumabas sa pinakahuling pag-aaral ng Food and Nutrition Research Institute ng Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) na bumaba ang porsiyento ng mga sanggol na may anemya noong 2003 kumpara noong 2008.

Mula 66.2 porsiyento noong 2003 ay naging 55.7 porsiyento na lamang ito noong 2008 sa mga batang anim na buwang gulang hanggang sa isang taon.
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Nguni’t kahit bumaba ang porsiyento ng anemya sa grupong ito, itinuturing pa ring isang public health problem ito sapagkat mas mataas sa 40.0 porsiyento. Ito ay itinakdang porsiyento sa pandaigdigang pamantayan.
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Malulunasan ang anemya kung kakain ng wastong uri at dami ng pagkain lalung-lalo na ang mga mayaman sa iron tulad ng atay, pula ng itlog o eggyolk, lamang-loob, madahon at dilaw na gulay tulad ng kulitis, malunggay, talbos ng kamote, petsay at butong-gulay.
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Mahalaga ding kumain ng mga pagkaing mayaman sa bitamina C tulad ng papaya, bayabas, at datiles upang magamit nang mabuti ng katawan ang mineral na iron.
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Bukod sa pagkaing mayaman sa iron, kailangan din ang regular na deworming o pagpurga para masugpo ang anemya at maayos na kalagayang pang-nutrisyon.
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Maraming programa ang pamahalaan para malunasan ang anemya pero kailangan pa ring masusing pag-aralan muli ang mga kasalukuyang programa.
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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/PIA-Caraga)
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Advance command post of Philippine army harassed by CTs  
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CAMP RAFAEL C RODRIGUEZ, LIBERTAD, BUTUAN CITY - The Advance Command post of Charlie Company 26th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army located at Brgy La Fortuna, Veruela, Agusan del Sur about 100 meters away from their headquarters was harassed by undetermined number of CTs under FC-3 SMRC led by unidentified leader today August 24, 2010 at around 1:45 am. 
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Firefight ensued for about ten (10) minutes until the enemy withdrawn towards southwest direction. As a result, five (5) were killed in action (KIA) on the government side identified as CPL Basir S Limpasan; PFC Roger Espineli; Pvt Rowel A Antonio ; Pvt Elrico C Orcijola and Pvt Sim C Bunzalan, and one wounded in action (WIA) identified as one PFC Cesar A Sadjail who was immediately brought to the nearest hospital for medical treatment.  
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Firearms taken by the CTs were one (1) K3 and two (2) m16 rifle. Elements of 26 IB Philippine Army still conducting hot pursuit operation against the fleeing rebels, while PNP personnel of Veruela Police Station now conducting checkpoint at strategic area. The PNP leadership of PRO 13, headed by the Regional Director, Police Chief Superintendent LINO DE GUZMAN CALINGASAN condemned to the highest form the barbaric acts of the enemy. (PCI Nelly Tabornal Villagarcia, PNP-13/PIA-Caraga)