PIA News Service - Thursday, December 6, 2012

Butuan back to normal after Typhoon “Pablo” hits city

By Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) –Life is back to normal in Butuan as Typhoon “Pablo” leaves the Philippine area of Responsibility. Air and land travel have been restored in the region.

As of this posting, Pablo was located 370 km West of Coron, Palawan.

The Province of Surigao del Sur in Caraga region, however, has been declared under the “State of Calamity.”

In an interview, Surigao del Sur Provincial Governor Johnny Pimentel said some of the evacuees are now returning to their homes.

Regional Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Caraga reported that the Typhoon had affected 37 provinces, 4 cities, 163 barangays, 18,099 fFamilies and 15,645 family evacuees. Three houses were also reported as badly damaged and some 332 house were partly damaged.

With this, the local government units (LGUs), concerned agencies, Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Armed Force of the Philippine (AFP) are united to help the Region back to its normal life. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Nat'l Competitiveness Council conducts roadshow in Butuan

By Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- In line with the establishment of the Regional Competitiveness Council (RCC) the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) of the Philippines in cooperation of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga region conducted recently a roadshow, this City.

The NCC Roadshow is anchored on the theme, “Boosting Regional Competitiveness through Public-Private Partnership.”

During the roadshow, Guillermo Luz of the Makati Business Club and the current co-chair of NCC, discussed the Building the Regional Competitiveness and 2012 below Poverty Line Survey (BPLS) results.

Luz presented the World Economic Forum (WEF) were the country is on No. 65 out of 144 or No. 6 of 8 in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) based on the Global Competitiveness Report; No. 138 out of 185 or No 8 of 8 in Asean for the International Financial Corporation (IFC) doing Business Survey; No 43 out of 59 0r No. 5 of 5 IN Asean for the International Institute for the Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Report; and No. 78 out of 113 or No. 15 of 20 in Asian Pacific for Future Brand’s Country Brand Index.

The creation of the RCC is championed by the NCC – a public-private sector body that was formed in 2006 thru Executive Order 571 and amended by Executive Order 44 in 2011, which is tasked to improve the country’s global competitiveness ranking, Luz explained.

Meanwhile, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. welcomed the participants of the roadshow from the government line agencies, non-government organization, local government units, and the academe.

Amante also said that based on the 2011 National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) findings, Caraga Region is on its full economic growth reaching 9.6 percent from 7.4 percent of the recent years.

With this development, Luz said that the NCC believes that in order to raise the country’s over-all competitiveness – the country needs to build the competitiveness of the region. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Death toll left by typhoon Pablo in Agusan del Sur rises to four, damages to properties, infra and agriculture also increase

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- Typhoon "Pablo" death toll in Agusan del Sur has risen to four, as another casualty was identified, a report by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said.

The casualty was identified as Edgardo Gargar from San Vicente, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur who was killed inside his house when it collapsed due to a falling tree.

Totally and partially damaged houses increased by more than 900 percent to 9,409 houses, from 1,737 houses reported yesterday. Total damage was estimated at P105,142,000.

The municipalities of Rosario, Sta. Josefa, Veruela and Esperanza, including their component barangays, have no electricity.

After thorough inventory of evacuees at the identified evacuation centers province-wide, the number also increased from 22,615 persons or 4,470 families presented on previous report to 30,305 persons or 6,346 families in the present report.

As of this posting, three municipalities namely Sibagat, Prosperidad and Talacogon have declared partial damages in agriculture totaling to almost P5 million, with a total of 191 hectares agricultural lands damaged.

Early this morning, Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza ordered a team composed of technical personnel from the Provincial Agriculture Office, the Provincial Planning and Development Office, the Provincial Veterinary Office, the Provincial Engineering Office, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and other offices to conduct actual inspection of the extent of damages in the municipalities of Rosario, Bunawan, Trento, Sta. Josefa and Veruela which were heavily affected and have a meeting with the local officials regarding the help that the local government could immediately extend to the victims.

Yesterday, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan also conducted a special session in order to pass Resolution No. 461 series of 2012, declaring the entire province of Agusan del Sur in State of Calamity. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

News Feature: Philippines, Japanese unions making ‘Progress’ in pioneering productivity initiative

MANILA, Dec. 6 (PIA) – After 17 years of partnership, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP-ITUC) and Japanese unions through the Japan International Labor Foundation (JILAF) are preparing again for another round of national capacity programs to scale up productivity efforts at the workplace.

The Program on the Role of Trade Unions in Empowerment and Strategic Steps to Decent Work (Progrress) is an action-oriented model initiative which integrates industrial relations, corporate social responsibility and productivity-enhancing methods through 5S, Kaizen and collective bargaining into one package. It was piloted and formally introduced in the Philippines in 2011.

A high level delegation of five officials and experts of Japan Productivity Center (JPC) and JILAF headed by its Executive Director, Mr. Hisashige Danno, will lead the conduct of the five-day program which will run from December 9 to 13, 2012.

“We are very excited about this program. Implementing this new initiative in the country, now in its second year, shows that considerable progress has been made towards improving working conditions and productivity at the workplace,” said TUCP President Ernesto Herrera.

Herrera expresses pride at hearing the positive reviews of all joint TUCP and JILAF programs. He shares that TUCP members and partners always look forward to attending JILAF programs which are known to be always dynamic and participatory-oriented with practical applications to any type of workplace.

"We are very proud to be part of and the key implementing partner of JILAF in so many pioneering efforts. This year, the TUCP is proud to be jointly implementing yet another equally relevant and timely program on productivity," he added.

Herrera notes that this program could not have come at a better time. "Filipino workers and their families are faced with many challenges and opportunities which make it even more important to get our productivity performance up to speed. But rather than waiting for the government to do something, unions and workers are taking productivity matters into their own hands," he added.

"I am certain that unions, workers and their families have the capability and commitment to take up this productivity challenge and succeed," concludes Herrera.

This year’s module which has been expanded to five days, will further emphasize strategies and actions by which workers and their unions, and jointly with government and employers, can participate and make meaningful contributions to improving productivity at the workplace.

Around 40 trade union leaders from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao coming from sectors identified as key employment generators such as BPOs, services (e.g., hotels and restaurants) and transportation and other major industries will attend the program. (FEA/TUCP/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Feature: Guarding museums, heritage sites

It is a growing challenge to museums and heritage sites to safeguard precious artifacts while allowing visitors a chance to see valuable pieces of history.

The recent burglary in Fort San Pedro Museum raised questions in the public mind about the security of museums and heritage sites.

During the Nov. 24 episode of “Pagtuki,” the official radio program of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), SPO4 Romeo Cabrera, deputy chief of Cebu City Tourist Police, revealed there is a shortage of policemen guarding museums and local sites.

“Our tourist policemen are only on duty during office hours (8 a.m.- 5 p.m.). When the museum closes, blue guards assume their posts. This absence of round-the-clock duty is because of the number of tourist policemen available,” he added.

The tourist police program was created by the Philippine National Police in 2010 to regain foreign visitors' trust and confidence in the law.

Cabrera said the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in museums help museum administrators monitor activities inside the building.

“Tourist policemen are doing the best they can in their service. When a crowd of visitors are drawn to one heritage site alone, our focus is on that site. Our concern is the lack of policemen who will respond to the problems of other museums and heritage sites,” he said.

At present, there are only 22 policemen deployed in Cebu City's heritage sites. Cabrera said they do not respond to tourist problems alone but also to problems concerning the whole community.

For Florencio Moreño II, curator of Casa Gorordo Museum, safeguarding cultural properties and archaeological artifacts is a joint responsibility of the community and not just of the tourist policemen.

“Museums and heritage sites are important because they help us understand our own history. They give us an idea of the life of our forefathers. Also, this is our basis of our identity as Cebuanos,” Moreño said.

“Museum burglary is a silent destruction of our cultural properties. It’s a good idea to install modern technologies like CCTV. But most importantly, the community must understand and value these artifacts as well,” he added.

Casa Gorordo Museum will display the traditional Belen of the Gorordo family on December 2.

"Pagtuki” is aired over dyLA every Saturday at 10-11 a.m. The program, one of the Knowledge Sharing & Advocacy capabilities of RAFI, tackles timely and relevant issues affecting the Cebuano community.

For more information about RAFI’s radio program, please contact Fatrick Tabada at 418-7234 loc. 542, or visit www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph. (RAFI/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: Pangulong Aquino mianunsyo pagpili kang Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio isip bag-ong Ambassador ngadto sa China

Ni Fryan E. Abkilan

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 6 (PIA) – Gianunsyo kagahapon ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang iyang pagpili kang Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio isip bag-ong Ambassador ngadto sa China hulip kang kanhi Ambassador Sonia Brady nga nahiagom sa strok niadtong Agosto didto sa Beijing.

Sa interbyu human sa iyang diskurso atol sa League of Municipalities General Assembly didto sa Manila Hotel, ang Pangulo miingon nga iya ng isumiter ang pangalan ni Basilio ngadto sa Commission on Appointments isip iyang napili ngadto sa maong sensitibo nga puwesto. Si Basilio sa kasamtangang nagserbisyo isip senior official sa Department of Foreign Affairs.

“…We will submit her name to the Commission on Appointments (and) once they confirm (her), therefore, we can seek the—the French term is ‘agrément’—parang the agreement for the designation of Usec. Basilio as our new ambassador to China,” matud sa Pangulo.

Matud pa sa Pangulo nga iyang gibase ang iyang desisyon pagpili kang Basilio gikan sa rekomendasyon ni Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario, dugang pa nga si Basilio adunay “wealth of experience” nga maipakita ngadto sa China “how important” ang atong relasyon ngadto kanila.

“Basically the high recommendations by our Secretary of Foreign Affairs, given her wealth of experience; given that she’s already a senior undersecretary sends a signal of how important our relations are with China and how serious we are in trying to achieve an understanding with them,” dugang pa sa Pangulo. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, December 5, 2012

No major damage reported in Surigao Norte, Dinagat Islands after Tuesday’s typhoon- PDRMMC

By Fryan E. Abkilan

SURIGAO CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- No major damage has been reported as Typhoon Pablo struck Surigao del Norte and the province of Dinagat Islands on Tuesday.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Surigao del Norte said they received no reports of significant damage of infrastructure in the entire province as of 11 a.m. Wednesday.

“What we only have here is the report from Brgy. Consolacion, Dapa that six houses were totally damaged and only one in Mainit while 280 houses were partially damaged in San Isidro town,” said PDRRMC acting chairperson Vice Gov. Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr.

PDRRMC reported a minor landslide which occurred along Anao-aon – Malimono road in Brgy. Oslao, San Francisco town.

“But the road is still passable,” Egay said.

Also, PDRRMC said that 6,927 families or 31,837 individuals in 74 barangays all over the province have been affected by the typhoon.

No casualty was also reported.

Some 200 passengers and 40 rolling cargoes were stranded in Lipata port.

The power supply was cut off in some areas of the city after some electric posts were toppled down by strong winds yesterday. Water supply in the city was also temporarily cut off.

The PDRRMC also said that nine towns in Siargao Island experienced power blackout yesterday. But as of this report, power has been restored in almost all towns except for Socorro.

In Dinagat Islands, PDRRMC reported a total of 300 affected families or 1,274 individuals in 11 barangays of the province. No major damages were also reported.

The PDRRMC also said that the provincial government thru the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office has extended relief goods to the affected families. (FEA/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

'Pablo' leaves 2 dead in Lingig, several houses totally damaged

By Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- Typhoon Pablo leaves two casualties in Barangay Mansa-ilao, Lingig yesterday December 4, Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Officer Mayosito Dano said.

According to Dano the victims were identified as Fritzel Cortes, 48 years old and Jemark Acevedo, 15 years old who were reportedly hit by falling trees.

During the assessment conducted by Provincial DRRM council team yesterday in southern areas of this province, several houses were totally damaged by “Pablo” due to strong winds and storm surge along the coastal areas in Lianga, Hinatuan, Bislig City and Lingig.

As of this writing, power lines in the northern part here composed of the municipalities of Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen and Lanuza was already restored yesterday while in Tandag City, the electricity was restored this morning except in the municipalities of San Miguel and Cortes according to SURSECO II Information Officer Aguinaldo Jaluag.

SURSECO II covers 12 municipalities and one city in the 1st district in Surigao del Sur except Lianga which is under the coverage of SURSECO I.

The Provincial DRRM Office is currently consolidating data from the local DRRMOs here since the most affected areas power lines had been not restored as of this morning and no network communication specially in Lingig and Bislig City. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Adventure-based corporate training highlighted

CEBU, Dec. 5 (PIA) - Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) showcased its Professional Development Programs in this year’s 39th Asian Regional Training and Development Organization (ARTDO) International Leadership and HRD Conference held recently at the Radison Blu Hotel.

This year’s conference theme is “Creating a Culture of Excellence Through Workplace Learning and Performance” and its tagline is “Enriching Borderless Learnvironments”.

KAC creates powerful “Learnvironment” through its adventure-based training and development programs that are crafted through a holistic and collaborative consulting approach.

The word “Learnvironment” was coined to emphasize the importance of facilitating learning within the environment in which the learning will be applied.

KAC optimizes workplace learning and performance by allowing individuals to experience fun and engaging activities that reflect what they are actually dealing with back in the workplace.

Through the KAC adventure programs, team members are provided with avenues to have a greater appreciation and understanding of themselves and the bigger picture of the organization as they are faced with everyday challenges and obstacles.

Powerful life and workplace lessons are instilled through the metaphors of the adventure tools used that allow for easy learning transfer and continuous improvement.

KAC Professional Development Programs provides customized programs for Personal Development, Team Development, and Leadership Development. KAC-PDP team works closely with the company’s management and Human Resources Department to establish the desired learning outcomes and to ensure that the programs are fit to the current organizational context and culture. KAC Programs can be designed as a stand-alone program or part of a progression of learning and development initiatives.

KAC is one of the programs under RAFI’s Leadership & Citizenship focus area, where future leaders are nurtured to prepare them to take an active role in affecting change. RAFI’s other focus areas are Integrated Development, Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Culture & Heritage, and Education.

KAC is currently building the Philippines’ first outdoor experiential center at Barangay Cansomoroy, Balamban Cebu, which is set to open in 2013.

For more information about KAC, please contact 418-7234 local 407 and look for Althea May Santillan, or visit www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com.ph/rafi.org.ph. (RAFI/PIA-Caraga)

RAFI holds Pablo relief operations

CEBU, Dec. 5 (PIA) - The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) is conducting relief operations in response to super typhoon Pablo, which made landfall Tuesday early morning.

For donations in kind, you can bring them to either of the following drop-in centers: RAFI Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC), 35 Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City and University of San Carlos (USC) Main Campus, Sanciangko gate.

For cash donations, you may deposit to Unionbank account number 00-278-000266-4 (Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.).

RAFI is also accepting donations for other affected areas in the Visayas and Mindanao.

To volunteer, please contact Mel Yan at 0917-324-4402 or Mileesa Lumanog at 0916-579-1703, or call 418-7234 loc. 101. (RAFI/PIA-Caraga)

RAFI Micro-finance joins Pilmico Expo

CEBU CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Micro-finance participated in the 1st Pilmico Expo, held recently at the SM Cebu Trade Hall, this city.

The event gave RAFI Micro-finance the opportunity to showcase its products and services, such as loans, capital build-up, and insurance.

More than 400 expo attendees visited the RAFI Micro-finance exhibit booth. They were given an orientation on the RAFI Micro-finance program and other programs of RAFI.

“Our exhibit gave us the chance to orient the people of our work in helping women micro-entrepreneurs and their families in their financial needs. It was also a great break to reach out to prospect clients,” Dominic Sencio, Cebu City Branch manager, said.

RAFI Micro-finance members, especially those who availed large amount of loans and are into hog raising, hog feeds selling, and bakery operations, were invited to the various symposia of the participating partners in hog & gamefowl raising and baking businesses.

“It was a good venue for our clients, even those not into hog raising business, to learn and get ideas and be inspired on alternative business options. RAFI Micro-finance personnel also had the chance to be more knowledgeable of the businesses presented during the expo,” Charen Rabasano, branch manager of Balamban Branch, shared.

Micro-finance is a program under the Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship focus area of RAFI, providing financial resources and know-how to women micro-entrepreneurs to nurture financial independence and entrepreneurship. Other focus areas of RAFI are Integrated Development, Culture & Heritage, Leadership & Citizenship, and Education.

For more information on RAFI Micro-finance, please contact 418-7234 loc. 707 and look for Val Gatchalian, or visit www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph. (RAFI/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog news: Pangulong Aquino nagbigay kautusan sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno na palakasin ang kanilang disaster mitigation and prevention strategies para sa bagyong ‘Pablo’ upang mapigilan ang pagkawala ng buhay at mga ar-arian

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Dis. 5 (PIA) -- Nagpalabas ng kautusan si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno upang palakasin ang kanilang disaster mitigation and prevention strategies upang mapigilan ang pagkawala ng buhay at mga ari-arian habang nananatili pa sa Philippine Area of Responsibility ang bagyong ‘Pablo’, ayon sa Palasyo.

Ayon kay Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte sa isang press briefing na isinagawa sa Malacanang kahapon, ang Chief Executive ay walang tigil na nagmomonitor sa sitwasyon upang siguraduhin na nananatili ang pagiging handa sa pagdating ng bagyo.

"Ang utos lang po ng Pangulo ay ipagpatuloy ang ating koordinasyon, ---ang paglalabas ng mga assets na kinakailanga, at tinitingnan din po ng Pangulo kung sapat na ang ating mga preparasyon sa mga lugar na dapat daanan ng bagyong ‘Pablo'," ani Valte.

Ayon din kay Valte ang National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) ay nananatiling naka red alert status sa pagmonitor at paghahatid ng mga weather bulletin para sa bagyong “Pablo” sa lahat ng mga Office of the Civil Defense Regional Centers sa pamamagitan ng SMS at iba pa.

"Sa ngayon po, kami ay nakakatanggap ng balita hinggil sa power outages kung saan ito ay normal sa mga nadadaanan ng bagyo. Ang iba po kasi nagpapatay na sila ng kuryente in their areas para lang po siguraduhing walang hindi magandang pangyayari dahil dumadaan po ang bagyo at patuloy iyon," ani Valte.

Ayon din kay Valte, binigyan diin din ng Pangulo ang importansya ng pagiging handa sa panahon ng kalamidad at ang kooperasyon ng mga tao ay importante din para mabawasan ang masamang dulot ng bagyo.

"Gusto ko rin po sanang tulungan ang ating mga kasamahan sa Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA) kasi may mga nagre-report po na kahit may public storm warning signal sa kanilang lugar ay maaraw naman daw at hindi naman daw umuulan. For the information of the public, ang PAGASA po kasi nagtataas ng tropical storm warning signal in advance—meron iyang lead time," dagdag ni Valte.

“Wag po tayong makontento. Meron po tayong sapat na oras upang siguradohin na ang ating mga paghahanda ay sapat," ani Valte.

Ang pamahalaan ay inihanda na lahat ng mga available resources kagaya ng manpower response teams, equipment, rescue assets, at mga relief goods sa pamamagitan ng ibat ibang ahensya.

"Alam nating nakapag-preposition na po ang DSWD mga food and non-food relief items. Ang DOH naman nakapagbigay na po sila ng information as to the basic medicines and the kits that are necessary," dagdag naming sinabi ni Valte na lokal na pamahalaan ay sinuspendi narin nang maaga ang mga klase sa paaralan sa lahat ng level.

Sinabi din ni Valte na maraming flights sa mga lugar na apektado ng bagyo ang nakansela upang siguruhin ang kaligtasan ng mga byahero.

"May mga cancellations na rin po tayo ng mga flights. Ang total affected population po natin for Region VIII, X, XI, and XIII sa ngayon ang impormasyon na nakalap po namin (as of) 6:00 a.m. po—8,283 families and that translates to 41,608 persons doon sa mga rehiyon na nabanggit ko po kanina,"

"Sa mga daungan naman po, ang mga stranded passengers natin nasa 3,406. So hinihingi lang po natin ang kanilang pasensya, doon po sa ating mga stranded na passengers, dahil mas minabuti po natin na hindi payagan ang paglalayag para hindi tayo magkaroon ng ‘di inaasahang aksidente," ani Valte. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano news: Palasyo miingon Framework Agreement tali sa MILF konstitusyunal

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 5 (PIA) -- Ang Malacañang positibo nga mipadayag nga ang Framework Agreement nga gipirmahan sa gobyerno ug sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) mopasar sa konstitusyunal nga isyu niini.

Gipalanog sa Malacañang kining maong pamahayag tungod sa duha ka mga petisyon nga gipasaka ngadto sa Korte Suprema pagkwestyon sa legalidad sa maong Framework Agreement.

Usa sa petisyon ang gipasaka ni lawyer Ely Pamatong nga nag-awhag sa korte suprema sa pagpahunong sa implementasyon sa maong agreement. Gusto usab niya nga mohimog pagpasabot ang Pangulo mahitungod sa maong peace deal.

Sa regular press briefing didto sa Malacañang kagahapon, si Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte miingon nga ang peace panel negotiation sa gobyerno tali sa MILF gihimo human gikonsiderar ang napakyas nga memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain sa administrasyong Arroyo.

“The panel was very mindful of what had happened in the past, and that every step they took was mindful of the mistakes of the past. We are confident that it will pass constitutional scrutiny,”matud ni Valte.

Si Pamatong nga usa ka samokan nga kandidato niadtong 2004 presidential election, miingon nga ang peace panel sa gobyerno nakahimo og grabeng pag-abuso, ug kini milalis nga ang Konstitusyon nagtugot lamang alang sa Autonomous Region sa Muslim Mindanao ug wala kini magtugot sa pagmugna og “Bangsamoro.”

Giangkon ni Pamatong nga ang peace panel “usurped the power of Congress to enact, amend or repeal laws vested on it by the Constitution.”

Kon mahinumdoman, niadtong Oktubre 15, gipirmahan sa gobyerno ug MILF ang maong Framework Agreement. Kini gisaksihan nila Pangulong Aquino, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak ug MILF chair Murad Ebrahim didto sa Malacañang.

Niadtong tuig 2008, giwagtang sa Korte Suprema ug gideklarang dili konstitusyunal ang memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain. Ang maong desisyon sa taas nga korte nakapasuko sa pipila ka mga grupo sulod sa MILF, ug miatake sa mga kabaranggayan nga miresulta sa pipila ka mga pagka-angol. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Police arrests 4 suspects, seized arms and explosives in a raid

By Noel B. Najarro

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- A police has served the search warrant in the residence of a suspect at Purok 5, Brgy. Tapaz, Sta. Josefa of Agusan del Sur province. The search warrant was issued by Judge Hector B. Salise of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 7 of Bayugan City of the same province.

Police Supt. Bowen Masaunding, chief of the Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit 13 (13th RCIDU) said they had the subject placed under surveillance for over a week. The search at Marron’s residence yielded 4 home made shotguns, 3 fragmentation grenades, a caliber .45 pistol, 2 Caliber. 22 Rifles, 42 live ammunitions of twelve gauge shotguns and two sling shots with nine darts.

The members of the composite team of lawmen were in for a surprise to learn that the other occupants of the house subjected for the search that afternoon were found out to have a pending warrant for “arson” under Criminal Case No. 7837. (PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: Pangulong Aquino mipadayag sa iyang suporta alang sa Responsible Parenthood Bill, matud sa Malacanang

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Dis. 4 (PIA) – Si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III mipadayag sa iyang suporta sa Responsible Parenthood Bill bisan pa sa iyang pag-ingon nga ang mga lideres ug magbabalaod sa nasod ang adunay katungod aron mohimo og maayong posible nga mga sumbanan alang sa kaugmaon sa mga kabataan, matud sa opisyales sa Palasyo kagahapon.

"The President met today with members of the House of Representatives to discuss the Responsible Parenthood Bill. The President began his remarks by telling the gathered representatives that, if he were still a member of the House, he would vote for the Responsible Parenthood Bill," si Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda nagkanayon sa iyang pamahayag nga gipagawas kagahapon.

Matud ni Lacierda nga ang Pangulo “shared with the gathered congressman the discernment that led to his taking this position.”

Atol sa iyang pakigtagbo sa mga magbabalaod didto sa Palasyo sa Malacañang kagahapon, matud pa ni Lacierda, nga ang Pangulo mipasabot nga kinahanglan sa dili madugay lihukon gyud sa House of Representatives ang nakapending nga maong balaodnon.

"He suggested that a week should be adequate time to consider amendments that genuinely improve the bill—in contrast to “killer amendments”—and that at the end of that period, it is incumbent on representatives to vote," dugang pagpasabot ni Lacierda.

"There are material issues that we need to address—and we must address them in conscience, the President said. He further told the lawmakers that we are taught that our conscience is the ultimate arbiter of right and wrong—and that at the end of the day, we will all be asked: What did you do to the least of your brethren?," matud ni Lacierda. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Monday, December 3, 2012

Surigao Norte, Surigao City, Dinagat Islands ready for typhoon Pablo

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- The local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) of Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands and this city have already set-up their command operation center on 24/7 basis in preparation for typhoon Pablo.

Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas, Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas and Dinagat Islands Governor Glenda B. Ecleo made the announcement thru their respective DRRMC coordinators as Typhoon Pablo is threatening the area based from the latest forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) as of noontime today.

Just this morning, the three local DRRMCs announced the cancellation of classes in all levels and suspension of work in all government and private offices in Surigao del Norte, Surigao City and Dinagat Islands in preparation of the coming typhoon that expected to make landfall tomorrow morning, Dec. 4, 2012 in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

Residents in low-lying and mountainous areas are alerted to take precautionary measures for possible flashfloods and landslides.

The local DRRMCs has also warned small sea crafts not to venture out to sea until the storm signal will be lifted by PAGASA.

Meanwhile, local officials of this province and chairman of the provincial and city disaster risk reduction and management councils have assured the public that safety precautionary measures and preparedness are already in place to meets its target of zero casualty. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Feature: Multiple micronutrient supplement for pregnant mothers more beneficial

By Celina Ann Z. Javier

The outcome of pregnancy is highly dependent on the health status of the mother.

The 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2008 found that 26.3 percent of pregnant women are nutritionally-at-risk for delivering infants with low birth weight.

Moreover, the prevalence rate of anemia among pregnant women is 42.5 percent and 9.5 percent for Vitamin A deficiency, the survey also disclosed.

This high rate of undernourished pregnant women translates to high rate of undernourished babies.

One of the effective strategies in uplifting the nutritional status of pregnant women is micronutrient supplementation.

At present, pregnant women benefit from the iron, vitamin A and iodine supplementation programs of the government.

Based on the results of the 7th NNS, 34.3 percent of pregnant women received iron supplementation while, 6.6 percent got vitamin A supplementation and only 2.9 percent benefited from iodine supplementation.

Interventions are always focused on these single-nutrient supplementations, but multiple nutrient supplementations can also be given to pregnant women due to their additional nutrient requirements.

At present, there are no local studies showing the effects of multiple micronutrient supplementations on the health status of pregnant women.

The FNRI-DOST looked into the benefits of multiple micronutrient supplementation composed of iron, vitamin A, vitamin B2, folate and zinc to anemic pregnant women instead of just giving a single nutrient.

In the study, three groups of anemic pregnant women received three different nutrient supplementations, namely, the multi-micronutrient, iron-folic acid and iron alone.

Based on the results of the study, anemia prevalence among anemic pregnant women who received the multi-micronutrient supplementation significantly dropped to 12.8 percent compared with the anemia prevalence of those who received iron-folic acid at 27.3 percent and those who received iron only at 46.9 percent.

Even though the amount of iron in the multi-micronutrient supplementations is lower than those of iron-folic acid only and iron alone, there is still a significant improvement in the iron status of pregnant women.

Improvement in vitamin B2 and folate status were also noted for pregnant women who took the multi-micronutrient supplementation.

Furthermore, pregnant women who received the multi-micronutrient and iron-folic acid supplementations reduced incidence of low-birth-weight babies, premature deliveries and low occurrence of neonatal deaths compared with those who received iron alone.

Based on the positive results of this study, the government should consider giving multiple micronutrient supplementation to pregnant women instead of iron alone.

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, Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call: 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)

Feature: Is your Christmas diet naughty or nice?

By Victor J. Alfonso, Jr.

If there is a time of the year when you allow yourself to relax and forget about strict diet and constant work-out trips to the gym, it’s the coming festive season.

It’s when you are already winding down toward the end of the working year and gearing up for the holiday season. There are lots of parties to attend, fruit cakes to nibble and noche buena leftovers to enjoy, along with the relaxing cool breeze.

Despite the festivities of the season, remember to limit the days when you are overeating to avoid over-indulgence.

Here are some strategies to pacify your holiday fangs: Have a healthy snack before you go to a party or function. Filling foods such as sandwiches or a bowl of cereal is a good idea.

More than usual when you arrive at a party, you tend to be thirsty and in response you drink the first drink fast. Quench your thirst with a glass of water instead of a high-calorie alcoholic or soft drink.

 Enjoy one or two small treats so you don’t feel deprived, but don’t go back for third and fourth servings. If you overfill your plate, you are more likely to eat a much larger portion than usual, so go easy! Also, take into account your feeling of fullness. Don’t keep nibbling just because food is there.

Position yourself away from the buffet table. This will prevent you from grabbing small servings every now and then; and, lastly, if you are the host, encourage guests to take home leftovers so you are not tempted to over-indulge the following day.

Finally, in order to keep you in Santa’s “nice” list, here are some tips on how to effortlessly burn few calories this season while having fun: Go Christmas shopping! Walking around in a large mall or shopping center makes for great activity and fun. You just can’t get a better activity combination! Do the old standard.

Park your vehicle a few meters from the building and walk. Yes, it’s an old tip but still one of the best. Use the stairs instead of the elevators and escalators.

Wrap those packages! And once yours are all bundled up, volunteer to wrap some more; Bake some home-made holiday bread. It’s a great exercise due to the kneading of the bread and a great personalized gift, too!

Grab some friends and go carolling. A brisk walk along the neighborhood gives you and your friends a great workout.

The festive season is upon us once again, and for most of us, this means excessive amounts of eating, drinking and missing daily exercise routines. These are easy tips to remember that can be summed up in four words: variety, moderation, balance and activity. Eat a variety of food and balance it with correct portions from each of the food groups. Just eat enough, not in excess or lack.

By keeping these tips in mind, you will be sure to have a merrier holiday season.

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 Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog news: Pamahalaan nakahanda na para sa pagpasok ng bagyong ‘Pablo,’ sa bansa ayon sa Malacanang

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Dis. 3 (PIA) -- Ang pamahalaan ay nakahanda na para sa pagpasok ng bagyong Pablo sa bansa, ayon sa Malacanang.

Handa na rin silang magbigay ng tulong sa mga maaapektuhan ng bagyo, ayon kay Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte .

Nakiusap din si Valte sa isinagawang press briefing na isina-ire ng government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, sa mga miyembro ng media na tumulong sa paghatid ng impormasyon sa lokasyon ng bagyo.

Ayon naman sa Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA) base sa kanilang 11:00 a.m na weather bulletin na ang bagyong ‘Pablo’ ay kasalukuyang na sa 1,110 km Timog-silangan ng Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur na may lakas ng hangin na umaabot sa 185 kilometro bawat oras. Napag-alaman din na ang bagyo ay gumagalaw pahilagang kanluran sa lakas na 22 kilometro bawat oras.

Nanawagan din si Valte sa lokal na pamahalaan na patuloy na i-monitor ang PAGASA bulletin upang maipagpatuloy ang kanilang kaligtasan.

“Patuloy po nating bantayan ang mga updates ng PAGASA at makipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na atoridad at ang ating pamahalaang nasyonal ay nakahanda rin na magbigay ng kahit anong tulong sa mga maaapektuhan,” ani Valte. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)