PIA News Service - Wednesday, October 26, 2011

CFO conducts continuing education program on migration

by Nora CL Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA) -- The Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) will conduct information activities on migration, in the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte on November 14-19.

According to CFO Chairperson Secretary Imelda M. Nicolas, the inter-agency community education and information campaign program of the agency seeks to assist prospective migrants in making informed decisions regarding settlement abroad, as well as generate community involvement in migration concern.

Also, the program aims to raise public awareness on various issues concerning migration, intermarriage and existing government policies and programs directed against illegal recruitment, documentation fraud, and human trafficking, among others, Nicolas said.

In addition, Nicolas said CFO also plans to reach out to the public in the municipalities, cities and provinces through the conduct of school symposia on migration, public assemblies, radio interviews with community members. (PIA-Caraga)

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BGen Plaza to authorities: “Give peace a chance”

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA) -- Brigadier General Charito B. Plaza of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) 7th Air force Wing Reserve urged and recommended authorities to implement “soft and hard approach” in giving peace a chance.

This is the statement of the first lady general of the AFP after the recent and continuous attacks and firefight in the Caraga Region, Basilan and the various parts of Mindanao.

BGen Plaza said by implementing soft and hard approach in giving peace a chance, there’s a need to discuss peace through a new and sincere amnesty program, with a limited timetable for those who want to go back into the folds of the law, “as the soft approach and an all-out war for those who want to fight the government’s efforts to win the peace, in a peaceful manner.”

She added just like the carrot and stick dichotomy, “We separate those who want to go back, live a peaceful life and who will opt to use violence, for their causes and interests,” Plaza further said there was a total failure in talking and in winning the peace in the past because of the lack of sincerity of the government in complying in its many promises of reforms and packages of benefits programmed for the rebel returnees.

The past amnesty program, Plaza said, other than the lack of sincerity, was bereft of too much bureaucratic red tape, with so many agencies task to handle and implement the packages of reforms and benefits.

“The amnesty program of the past was so centralized and lacked the focus and complacency of the implementers of the program,” she added.

Furthermore, the official stressed the most effective amnesty and peace plan should have a localized approach since most of the enemies of the state are all Filipinos and are residents of the different localities, who have families and relatives in the areas.

“I’m sure, they would want to be spared with the fire fights and by the economic downfall as a result of a disturbed peace,” Plaza said.

Moreover, Plaza opined a timetable to avail of the amnesty to go back into the folds of the law must be established. “When the deadline comes, those who will fail to join, is a signal that these are those who will rather use violence, thus, identifying them as the real enemies of the state,” she said.

The politician and soldier lady general has a wide exposure, experience, education and knowledge in the many ways of promoting, defending and in winning the peace, having born, grew up and exposed in the many scenarios of conflicts and fights in areas of Mindanao and in her broad studies, grasps and understanding of the different milieu of peace, conflicts and war studies and exposures. (PIA-Caraga)

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Butuan City LGU gears up for All Saints’, Souls’ Day celebration

by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA) -- Vice Mayor Lawrence Lemuel Fortun today said the city government is now preparing for the forthcoming All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day celebration.

In an interview with a local radio station here, the official who is the acting mayor of the city said the city government has already coordinated with the local Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure peace and security among the Butuanons during the two-day celebration.

Fortun added during the recent City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) meeting, the local PNP here has been instructed to be alert at all times especially that during the past days, the city has been experiencing crimes which is still unresolved as of press time.

The official said the local PNP has already prepared a security plan and assured that they will intensify the implementation of the said plan in the light of the crimes that have been happening in the city.

Fortun further said personnel of PNP will be deployed in crowded areas like the public and private cemeteries, as well as churches just to ensure that the public will be safe as they visit the tomb of their loved ones.

Furthermore, Fortun said, the city government will tap the services of the force multipliers such as the barangay intelligence network and barangay tanods to compensate the number of police officers during those days.

Also, the official said personnel of the Land Transportation and Traffic Management Office were already instructed to finalize the re-routing scheme to include traffic scheme especially in roads going to cemeteries.

“After finalizing, they must present it first to the local officials for further deliberation and approval,” Fortun added. (PIA-Caraga)

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Boat capsizes off Siargao Island; 43 passengers rescued

by FEAbkilan

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Oct. 26 (PIA) -- A total of 43 passengers, including 11 crew members of a passenger boat, were rescued off the coastal waters of San Benito town in Siargao Island after their vessel capsized due to strong leaking of water coming from the freeboard on Tuesday morning, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

PNP Police Community Relations Officer P/Insp. Elsa Montenegro said that around 4:30 a.m., Oct. 25, motorbanca “Maricris” left the port of Sta. Monica en route to Surigao City. Upon reaching at the seawater of the municipality of San Benito around 5 a.m., one crew noticed a volume of water in the lower part of the boat.

“Attempts have been made to pump the water out of the boat but it failed until the boat sank on the seawater,” said Montegro.

The ill-fated motor banca, owned and operated by Maria Rose Lim, was skippered by B/Capt. Jerry Lim.

A report from Phil. Coast Guard (PCG) Surigao del Norte Station further revealed that the motorbanca was loaded with 320 sacks of copra.

The boat slowly submerged at the sea water while all passengers including the crew abandoned the boat wearing life jackets. According to the PCG report, all passengers were rescued by motorbanca Kimnet-1 and were brought to the port of Sta. Monica.

“All passengers and crew are in good health condition,” the PCG report added. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Butuan businessman calls support to PNoy’s Plant a Billion Trees

By: Cecil Ybañez

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 26, (PIA) -- A self-confessed environmentalist expressed his full support to President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino II’s Plant a Billion Trees program.

With his passion on environmental concern, Engr. Serge C. Pascual, a successful businessman/contractor, encourages everyone to share his advocacy to protect the environment by planting trees.

Pascual said that just like a child who needs special care and attention to have a healthy body, trees must also be taken cared of, not only during occasions for publicity but even after these trees are planted.

“There are several occasions and tree-planting activities of the LGUs where many seedlings are wasted because these officials are only good for “photo ops.” They (LGU officials) are most concerned over the publicity they will get out of their funded activities rather than the outcome of their projects/programs,” Pascual said in interview.

He said consistency in the proper handling of growing trees must be practiced to have a successful implementation of government programs in fighting climate change.

Pascual owns a panoramic vast tract of land at the Upper Malalag in Barangay Libertad and Bon-bon. One could view from the top of the 150 meters above sea level the entire City of Butuan and the shoreline municipalities of the province of Agusan del Norte. Personally funding the development of the entire area, Pascual plans to have a road network with planted pine trees at both sides.

Exotic fruit bearing trees, such as Durian, Rambutan, Mangosteen to name a few, are now starting to grow in the are. A huge portion of the land will also be planted with coffee. Nestle’ will provide the seedlings and the technical assistance. Pascual envisions to develop a place, fully planted with trees and coffee, that will eventually become one of the tourists destinations of the city.

Pascual is also the President of the the Caraga Indigenous Peoples Management and Development Corp. (CIPMAD). The organization fully supports all programs beneficial to the Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

Pascual said he prioritizes the realization of the planned programs aimed to uplift the lives of these IPs. Recently, an IP Congress sponsored by GIZ and ILO with NCIP (National Commission for Indigenous People) was held to gather all tribal leaders all over the Caraga region. On the same day, and the IP Summit organized by DatuBonanat was also held in a separate venue.

Pascual observed that despite the numerous gatherings and presentations of programs for the IPs, many of the beneficiaries still do not receive the privileges promoted by the NCIP and other lined agencies.

In his personal commitment to help the Mamanwa tribes in Claver, Surigao del Norte under CADT 48, Pascual maintained that cooperation and understanding among tribal leaders must be given great consideration and attention by the NCIP. (PIA-Caraga)

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Nutrition survey says Iodine Deficiency Disorder decreases, households using iodized salt increase

by Czarina Teresita S. Martinez

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA) –- The 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) revealed that the percentage of households using iodized salt is increasing, while the median urinary iodine excretion (UIE) among 6-12 year old children is within the goal set by the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorder (ICCIDD).

Nationwide salt iodization started in 1995, when the enactment of Republic Act No. 8172, otherwise known as an “Act Promoting Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN)” was signed into law.

The law was a major effort of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines to end the prevailing iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) among Filipinos.

Fifteen years hence, the Philippines is reaping the positive results of the concerted action to pursue a common agenda for improved nutrition of every Filipino.

According to Ms. Leah A. Perlas, Supervising Science Research Specialist of the FNRI-DOST, the previous survey showed that IDD, as measured by median UIE among children 6-12 years old, has significantly shifted from mild deficiency in 1998, to adequate level in 2003, and to optimal level in 2008.

However, the results of the 7th NNS showed that IDD still remains a public health problem among pregnant women, which calls for a review of programs toward the IDD control among pregnant women, Ms. Perlas added.

The 2002 Philippine Committee on the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intakes (RENI) says that pregnant women need 200 micrograms of iodine per day.

The iodine requirement is higher during pregnancy to provide for the needs of the fetus and to compensate for increased loss of iodine in the urine. The lack of iodine in the diet in pregnant women may cause complications or even miscarriage.

During pregnancy, IDD may develop adverse consequences on fetal development, such as mental retardation, low birth weight, and neuro-muscular abnormalities.

IDD may also develop among children and adults due to the lack of iodine in the diet. The most visible physical manifestation of IDD among adults is an enlarged thyroid.

The FNRI-DOST recommends including food rich in iodine in the daily meals like fish, shellfish, and seaweeds. However, the iodine content of plants and animals varies depending on the environment to which they are grown. Thus, iodized salt and processed food containing iodized salt are also recommended as good sources of iodine.

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: mcv@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call: 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST/PIA-Caraga)

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More Pinoys at greater risk of heart attack

by Eva Abille-Goyena

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA) –- Coronary artery disease (CAD), which occurs when blood flow to the heart is restricted due to hardened or narrowed arteries, is considered as one of the deadliest illnesses in the Philippines.

The narrowing of the arteries may be due to plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol and other substances found in the blood. When the plaque builds-up, the process is called atherosclerosis. The narrowed arteries constrict the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart and if left untreated, CAD may lead to angina or worse, heart attack.

Symptoms of angina include chest pain or discomfort and feeling of tightness or heaviness in the chest. Pain may also occur in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back, and may even feel like indigestion.

Heart attack occurs when the heart muscles are deprived of oxygen and become damaged, which can lead to serious problems and even death.

The National Nutrition and Health Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in cooperation with 14 medical societies and the Department of Health, reported that 22.5 percent or two in ten Filipino adults 20 years old and over showed a higher risk of CAD based on the anginal symptoms of chest pain, heaviness and tightness.

The results further revealed that angina based on symptoms was common among females and among those living in rural areas.

The prevalence of CAD based on history of previous diagnosis by a doctor or nurse was 1.3 percent, indicating that only a small proportion of adults were diagnosed with CAD.

This alarming problem which affects about 11,000 Filipino adults needs to be urgently addressed by government and planning bodies to prevent and control fatal heart disease among Filipino adults, according to Ms. Charmaine A. Duante, Senior Science Research Specialist of the FNRI-DOST.

Another type of atherosclerotic-related disease which was included in the said survey was the peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and stroke.

PAD is also caused by atherosclerosis where a person may have a higher risk to heart attack, stroke and ischemic heart disease.

PAD was determined based on symptoms of calf pain with a prevalence of 4.2 percent, while stroke was based on previous history with a prevalence of 1.2 percent.

The proportions of adults aged 20 years old and over who had angina based on symptoms have almost doubled from 12.5 percent in 2003 to 22.5 percent in 2008.

This alarming trend is a wake-up call, given the widely-recognized body of evidence on the prevalence of these diseases, Ms. Duante further said.

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: mcv@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call: 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano News: Representante sa Spanish Embassy midayeg kang Pangulong Aquino sa iyang baruganan sa proseso sa kalinaw

ni Susil D.Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Oktubre 26 (PIA) -– Ang baruganan ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III pagkab-ot og usa ka malungtaron nga kalinaw sa Mindanao sa pamaagi nga sundon ang mando sa balaod miani og pagdayeg gikan sa lanyaw’ng komunidad labi na gyod sa Spanish Ambassador sa Pilipinas nga si Jorge Domecq.

Si Domecq midayeg kang Pangulong Aquino tungod sa iyang direktiba pag-implementar og “all out justice” alang sa gilayong pag-aresto sa mga bandidong mipatay sa 19 ka mga sundalo didto sa Basilan niaging semana, sa iyang welcome remarks atol sa inagurasyon sa photo exhibit nga gi-organisa sa Spanish Embassy aron pagsaulog sa ika 150th anibersaryo sa adlaw’ng natawhan sa atong Bayani nga si Dr. Jose Rizal didto sa Metropolitan Museum, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Manila niadtong Lunes.

Si Domecq miingon nga ang Baroganan sa Pangulo usa ka testamento sa kamatuoran nga “foreign politics and violence… do not work well together in the achievement of peace.”

“That is why in these days of unjustified violence in Mindanao, we commend you, Mr. President, for your stand and commitment to the peace process,” si Domecq miingon.

Samtang si Pangulong Aquino niadtong Lunes mipasalig sa mga Filipino nga ang gobyerno mihimo sa tanan gikinahanglan aron gilayon maaresto kadtong mga responsable sa pagpatay sa 19 ka mga sundalo didto sa Basilan niaging semana, apan siya mipasabot nga kini nga mga paningkamot kinahanglan dili maangin ug makapeligro sa kinabuhi sa mga residente sa maong lugar mao nga iyang gimando ang “all-out-justice” imbes nga “all-out-war” batok sa mga kriminal.

“We will not pursue all-out war…we will instead pursue all-out justice,” siya mipasabot, og mitumbok sa dili maayong mga epekto sa all-out-war sa katawhan ug ang benipisyo sa pagduso sa lakang paingon ngadto sa malungtaron nga kalinaw.

“All-out war is indiscriminate and borne out of anger. All-out justice is sober and fair… it is based on the rule of law, and leads to lasting peace,” si Pangulong Aquino miingon. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano News: P56M alang sa ASTMMC, aprubado na

by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

TANDAG CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA) –- Ang Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) gikan sa Nasyonal nga pangamhanan gipagawas na niadtong bulan sa Setyembre, kung diin kabahin niini ang P56M nga budget alang sa kalambuan sa Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (ASTMMC).

Kini ang gibutyag ni Surigao del Sur 1st Dist. Representative Cong. Philip Pichay atol sa pakighinabi sa Radyo ng Bayan karong adlawa.

Gikumpirma ni Congressman Pichay, nga wala pa nagamit ang kwarta sa pagkakaron, ug matud pa, gisugdan na ang pagproseso sa mga supporting documents niini aron mapadali ang pagpagawas sa maong budget.

Sa laing bahin, gikumpirma usab sa accounting office sa ASTMMC nga gihulat na lamang nila sa pagkakaron ang “Special Allotment Advice” kon SAA gikan sa kauluhan.

Ang SAA matud pa maoy sumbanan sa pagbalhin og budget direkta sa ASTMMC human maabrubahan ang SARO. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)

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Cebuano News: Installation of young leaders and awarding of child friendly municipality, malampusong gipahigayon

ni Roselyn G. Exaure

BUTUAN CITY, Okt. 26 (PIA) –- Malampusong gipahigayon bag-ohay pa lamang ang Installation of Young Leaders & Awarding of Child Friendly Municipality nga gipasiugdahan sa Provincial Government sa Agusan del Norte, pinaagi sa buhatan sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) kabahin sa kasaulogan sa Children’s Month.

Gibutyag ni Agusan del Norte Provincial Social Welfare & Development Officer Gloria L. Pabellore nga napili ang mga young leaders sa lalawigan sa Agusan del Norte niadtong October 17, 2011 atol sa gipahigayon nga Youth Congress.

Nahimong Young Governor si Aya Rafosala gikan na sa Las Nieves National High School, Young Vice Gov. Greshel C. Cabalan sa lungsod sa Tubay ug ang mga Young Board Members mao sila si Kimberly A. Palad gikan sa lungsod sa Kitcharao, Noah T. Baloria gikan sa lungsod sa Las Nieves, Roshena Mae D. Tao-on gikan sa Cabadbaran City, Astrid N. Santiago gikan sa lungsod sa Las Nieves, Vivian B. Panuncio gikan sa lungsod sa Nasipit, Jean-Ann C. Bahan gikan sa Cabadbaran City, Ryza P. Cotino gikan sa Cabadbaran City ug Marian Rose Abanil gikan sa lungsod sa Tubay.

Atol sa maong okasyon, gipresentar sa Young Governor ang nagkadaiya nga issues & concern sa mga kabatan-onan karon sama sa teenage pregnancy, poor school attendance gumikan sa kapobrehon ug ang pagkabuang sa mga computer games ug uban pang mga nag-unang problema.

Human gibatbat sa Young governor ang mga nag-unang issues & concerns sa mga kabataan, iya usab nga gibatbat ang ilang nahimong rekomindasyon atol sa gipahigayon nga National Children’s Congress.

Kahinumduman nga nagpalabang ug Provincial Ordinance ang Sanggunian Panlalawigan pinaagi sa usa ka Children’s Welfare Act.

Samtang nahimo usab nga Child Friendly Municipality ang lungsod sa Tubay kon diin gidawat sa munisipyo sa Tubay ang ilang Plaque pinaagi sa ilang Municipal Tourism Officer. (Agusan del Norte PIO/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

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Cebuano News: Kalusugan Pangkalahatan program sa prov’l health, malampusong gipahigayon

ni Roselyn G. Exaure

BUTUAN CITY, Okt. 26 (PIA) -– Malampusong gipahigayon dili pa lang dugay sa Agusan del Norte Provincial Health Office inabagan sa Department of Health - Center For Health Development in Caraga ug Philippine Health Insurance Corporation ug uban pang mga stakeholders ang “Kalusugan Pangkalahatan” Program.

Gibutyag ni Dr. Elizabeth N. Campado Provincial Health Officer ll sa PHO, nga ang maong programa kabahin kini sa Aquino Health Agenda ubos sa Universal Health Program, kon diin tumong niini nga mahatagan ug tukmang serbisyo sa maayong panglawas ang tanang katawhan labi na ang mga kabus.

Gidugang pa ni Campado nga pinaagi niini nga programa mamahimo na sila nga ma enroll ug makabenepisyo sa Social Services Program sa gobyerno sama sa Philhealth ug uban pang programa sa maayong panglawas kadtong mga kabus nga adunay pinakaubos nga income matag tuig.

Nahimong partisipante sa maong kalihukan ang mga Municipal ug City Mayors, Municipal Health Officers, Sanggunian Bayan Members, None Government Organizations, Community Volunteer Workers ug uban pa.

Mirepresentar ni Agusan del Norte Gov. Erlpe John M. Amante si Board Member Daniel O. Racaza Chairman sa Committee On Health & Nutrition. (Agusan del Norte PIO/PIA-Agusan del Norte)