(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 11 December 2024) Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting the western section of Mindanao and Palawan. Shear Line affecting the eastern sections of Central and Southern Luzon. Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon and the rest of Central Luzon. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: 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 Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Moderate to Strong winds coming from East to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


PIA News Service - Tuesday, March 26, 2013



Provincial government chiefs of offices, employees volunteered their day for Bayanihan Challenge

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Mar. 27 (PIA) -- As early as 7 a.m. hundreds of local residents, youths and chiefs of offices and employees of the provincial government led by provincial administrator Jesusimo Ronquillo today swarm along the road from barangay Sampaguita to Barangay Sinubong, Veruela in to locate their assigned areas for tree planting.

Tree planting opened up the fourth day of the Bayanihan Challenge’s hectic activities.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources have provided the planting materials, while the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of the local government of Veruela prepared the area.

As the day progress and participants of tree planting have done their part, the volunteers moved towards the housing area few kilometers away, where thousands of hollow blocks, piled sand and gravel await at the side of the road for physical hauling uphill assigned for the housing project.

Like disciplined soldiers, the volunteers fell in line from where the hollow blocks were piled until the area assigned for the hollow blocks to be transferred uphill.

Then the “pasa load” began where hollow blocks were passed on, from the first volunteer picking them from the ground, passed to the second volunteer and so on. The rhythm of “pass-it-on” lasted for about two hours. After everybody has their sweat dripping from their forehead to the ground, the hollow blocks were transferred from the side of the road to the assigned area uphill.

While volunteers were rendering their share of rendering labor, local residents with illnesses fill the covered court located at the back of the barangay high school in Barangay Sampaguita in order to avail of the free medical check-up, vaccination and free medicines.

Mothers carrying their babies and children, old men and women were the majority of the people seen at the covered court.

The medical mission will last until the last patient will be served, according to the chief of the technical department of the Provincial Health Office, Nanette Cabanos.

Tonight will be the Bayanihan night. Local residents will have fun, sharing each others’ prepared food and entertainment.

According to Barangay Chairman Florencio Tabada, this is the first government program they experienced that volunteerism among local residents and visiting people were united, making things possible and easy with less, if no cost at all. Tabada said the “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan” program or the Bayani Challenge is an unforgettable and priceless gift for them.

Bayani Challenge is a multi-sectoral partnership spearheaded by Pilipinas Natin (the flagship volunteer program of the Presidential Communications Operations Office). The vast network of private companies, organizations and other government agencies includes Gawad Kalinga, Philippine Information Agency, Department of Education, National Youth Commission, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Health, TESDA, PAGCOR, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Telecommunications Commission, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, League of Provinces, EDSA People Power Commission, Housing and Urban Development Council, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, Radyo ng Bayan, LBC Foundation, BERJAYA Corporation Berhad, Globe Telecom, People’s Television and many others. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Bayani Challenge opens in Siargao

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Mar. 26 (PIA) -- The 8th Bayani Challenge opened on March 23 at the GK build house site in Brgy. Lobogon, Del Carmen, Siargao Island, this province.

Del Carmen Mayor Afredo “JR” Coro officially declared the opening of the 8th Bayani Challenge with this year’s theme “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan,” followed by a community dancing to the tune of the Gawad Kalinga (GK) theme songs and human chain activity dubbed “PASALOAD,” a community 'bayanihan' of forming a lengthy line and then passing the hollow blocks and filling materials for construction until it reach near to the framework of houses to be built.

Mayor Coro announced during the opening ceremony that the 8th Bayani Challenge is a five-day event, done simultaneously in 37 sites of 33 different provinces all over the Philippines from March 23-27 and Del Carmen is lucky to be included in the 37 sites of this year’s Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge.

More than 1,000 bayani volunteers from Surigao City, Butuan, Manila and Singapore including local residents have registered for the five-day activity of test of courage, endurance and volunteerism.

From a total of 1,000 bayani volunteers or 44 teams (with 15 individuals in 1 team) registered, 28 teams were assigned to build houses, 6 teams for refurbishments of schools and parks, 5 teams for feeding and education sessions for children, and 5 teams were assigned for tree planting, clean-up drives and health missions.

A total of 30 houses will be constructed by the bayani volunteers for the homeless and poorest families of Brgy. Lobogon.

Early morning on March 24, the bayani volunteers had a tree planting activity along the highway of Brgy.Lobogon and Brgy. Bitoon.

Following the tree planting activities, Gawad Kalinga Founder and Executive Director Tony Meloto, together with Governor Sol Matugas, 1st District Congressman Francisco Matugas and Mayor Coro arrived at the GK build house site to led the ceremonial hollow blocks laying and gave support to the bayani volunteers.

Gawad Kalinga Founder and Executive Director Tony Meloto was also the guest speaker during the Fellowship Night dubbed as “Kalinga Night” held on March 24 at the Bayani Challenge Camp Site in the school campus of Numancia Central Elementary School, Poblacion, Del Carmen. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Pamana initiates peace-building interventions in Caraga

By Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa

BUTUAN CITY, March 26 -- The Payapa at Masaganang PamayaNan, known as Pamana is the national government’s peace and development framework to respond and strengthen peace building, reconstruction and development in conflict-affected areas (CAAs).

On March 22, the Office of the Presidential Adviser of the Peace Process (OPAPP) with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 13 (CARAGA) initiated the Pamana Regional Programming to come-up with a list of peace-building projects for fiscal year 2014 at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, Butuan City.

DILG Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion in her message takes a firm commitment in ensuring that the Pamana intervention will create an environment for the achievement of lasting peace in the conflict-affected areas in the region.

Present also during the activity was OPAPP’s over-all coordinator, Director Maria Eileen A. Jose who informed the participants that her long stint in this kind of work brought her face to face with the CPP, NPA and NDF’s (C/N/N).

The programming process at the regional level aimed to identify priority projects with corresponding budget allocation for inclusion in the Pamana Program in 2014. The projects will be endorsed to the partner agencies for inclusion in their budget submission to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) by not later than 15th of April 2013.

Pamana Area Manager Mr. Oliver M. Binancilan discussed the updates on the major issues underpinning conflict-vulnerability of Caraga region. Based on the latest status of the region, there has been lack or absence of road connectivity, poor delivery of basic social services (particularly of health, water, education and electricity), limited livelihood opportunities, insurgency issues, presence of mining and logging activities that are target of extortion activities and propaganda of C/N/N, and large IP population with lack of tenurial instrument and security in managing ancestral domain.

To address those problems and issues, the Pamana interventions focused its priorities in improving the presence of security on highly vulnerable areas, strengthening of Peace and Order Councils, Policy Reforms, improving the advocacy on government programs, addressing mining and logging issues, sustainable livelihood support, implementation of access roads, and improved delivery of basic social services.

Participating agencies to the Pamana Regional Programming are the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for security; Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd) and Department of Health (DOH) for social services; Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) for livelihood and employment; Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), DA, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and National Electrification Authority (NEA) for infrastructure; DENR, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) for IP areas; Provincial Government, Pamana focal persons and Pamana Oversight Committee converged to generate the list of priority projects for 2014 programming.

The activity include discussions on ways to tighten convergence of efforts along (a) complementation of programs; (b) coordination and implementation; (c) communication and advocacy; and (d) monitoring of Pamana projects in the conflict-affected areas according to the latest security assessment. (DILG-13/PIA-Caraga)


PDEA-Caraga nets Agusan del Sur target-listed drug personality

By Erwin S. Ogario

BUTUAN CITY, March 26 - The Special Enforcement Team of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga conducted a buy-bust operation on March 23 at Purok 2-C, Barangay 1, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur that resulted in the arrests of two (2) provincial target-listed drug suspects and the confiscation of two (2) heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets.

Confiscated drug evidence from the apprehended suspects were submitted to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Crime Laboratory Regional Office XIII, Butuan City for laboratory examination.

Suspects who were found positive in the use of “shabu” are presently detained at PDEA-Caraga detention cell while cases for violations of Sec. 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Sec. 5 in relation to Sec. 26 par. b (Conspiracy), Sec. 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia) and Sec. 15 (Use of Dangerous Drugs), Article II, RA 9165 are being prepared for filing in court. (PDEA-13/PIA-Caraga)


NSO undertakes the 2012 CPBI

BUTUAN CITY, March 26 - The National Statistics Office will be conducting the 2012 Census of Philippine Business and Industry (CPBI) starting April 1. The 2012 CPBI aims to collect and generate information on the performance, levels, structure and trends of economic activities of the formal sector in the entire country. The 2012 CPBI is a forerunner of the 2006 CPBI. The 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fishing activities for Establishments or Institutions will be a rider of this census.

All existing establishments and enterprises in the formal sector of the country engaged in economic activities as classified in the 2009 Philippine Standard Industrial Classification (PSIC), with a few exceptions, will be covered in the 2012 CPBI. Further, the units of enumeration for the 2012 CPBI are the establishments and the enterprises.

Specifically, the 2012 CPBI aims to: Collect and generate detailed information on employment, income, expense, capital expenditures and total assets of the establishments and enterprises; Generate indicators such as value added, labor productivity and others necessary to evaluate the performance of industries at the national and regional levels; Generate MSME (micro, small and medium establishments/enterprises) data using total assets, and; Gather information for the environment of the list of establishments and enterprises.

The data collected from the CPBI will constitute bases upon which the government and the private sector can formulate policies and evolve economic development plans.

Specifically, the census results are used in: Constructing national and regional income accounts of the Philippine economy; Formulating and monitoring plans/policies in the attainment of national and regional economic goals; Determining and comparing regional economic structures and performances; Analyzing the performance and contribution of MSMEs to the total economy; Conducting market research and feasibility studies a month others; and Updating the frame of establishments and enterprises.

In Caraga, NSO Field Staff and hired trained Statistical Researchers will be responsible for the distribution and collection of the questionnaires to the establishments starting on April 1, 2013.

Also, NSO would like to assure the respondents that all information furnished to the SRs are strictly confidential and shall not be used as evidence in court for purposes of taxation, regulation or investigation as provided for in Section 4 of Commonwealth Act No. 591.

For Caraga Region, further information can be obtained thru the NSO Regional Office at Lopez Jaena Extension, Butuan City, and thru its four provincial offices with the following addresses: 1. Agusan del Norte Provincial Office, Lopez Jaena Ext., Butuan City; 2. Agusan del Sur Provincial Office, Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur: 3. Surigao del Norte Provincial Office, Navarro Street, Surigao City; 4. Surigao del Sur Provincial Office, Pimentel Bldg., Telaje Street, Tandag City. (NSO-13/PIA-Caraga)


News Feature: Nutrition of lactating mothers greatly affects infant health

By Imelda A. Agdeppa

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) conducted a national survey on the nutritional status of Filipino lactating women in 2011.

Results of the survey revealed that 1 in 10 or 11.9 percent of lactating mothers are underweight.

The prevalence of underweight among lactating women was highest in Bicol, CALABARZON, Central Luzon, ARMM, MIMAROPA and Ilocos regions, ranging from 12.9% to 16.6%. This prevalence is higher than the national prevalence of 11.9%.

Breastfeeding substantially increases the mother’s requirements for most nutrients.

The number of calories a woman needs depends upon how much body fat she has and how active she is.

Lactating women need to consume additional 500 extra calories, based on the Recommended Energy Nutrient Intakes (RENI).

These women need to increase not only the calories they consume, but all the nutrients that make up their diet in order to satisfy the additional requirements for milk synthesis such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, folate and vitamin B6.

The composition of human milk is distinct from the milk of other mammals and from infant formulas ordinarily derived from them.

Human milk is unique in its physical structure, types and concentrations of macronutrients such as protein, fat and carbohydrate and as well as micronutrients such as vitamins like vitamins C, A, thiamin and riboflavin and minerals like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.

The vitamin content of human milk is dependent on the mother’s current nutrient intake and stores.

Chronically low maternal intake of nutritious foods may result in milk with low amounts of essential nutrients for the infant. Poor maternal diet during lactation therefore, poses a potential threat to both the mother and her infant.

Lactating women with poor nutritional status are more prone to sickness and when sick, they frequently refuse to breastfeed, thus adversely affecting infant’s growth and development. Newborns are the most vulnerable members of the society. Preventing newborn deaths and improving newborn health and survival go hand in hand with promoting safer motherhood.

Measures promoting proper food intake during lactation like supporting existing advocacies for micronutrient supplementation and nutrition education from public and private sectors are needed.

Improving maternal and infant health through healthy lifestyles will be beneficial to all.

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. Email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph. Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call 837-2071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph . (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)


News Feature: Pinoy moms have positive views on exclusive breastfeeding

By Ma. Anna Rita M. Ramirez

The latest nutrition survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2011 reveals a positive outlook for exclusive breastfeeding among Filipino mothers.

More mothers are now breastfeeding their infants exclusively, up from 29.7 percent in 2003 to 35.9 percent in 2008 and 46.7 percent in 2011.

The survey also disclosed the mothers’ improved knowledge on the beneficial effects of breastfeeding.

In 2011, 56 percent of mothers think that breastmilk is nutritious and is the complete food for their babies compared to only 35.8 percent in 2008.

One in four mothers now thinks that breastfeeding increases infants’ immune system and that breastfeeding is safe and convenient.

In fact, 13.2 percent of mothers think that breastfeeding strengthens mother-child bonding, the survey further disclosed.

This is a far cry compared to the 2008 National Nutrition Survey also conducted by the FNRI-DOST where only 7.6, 12 and 4.3 percent of mothers think that breastfeeding increases the immune system, is safe and convenient, and fosters mother-child bonding, respectively.

Interestingly, the survey also reported that 56 percent of mothers say that economics plays a role in encouraging them to breastfeed, in the same manner that it was also cited as a reason why they cease to breastfeed.

Further, one in five mothers or 20.3 percent cited work outside the homes or having busy schedule as contributory to their decision to stop breastfeeding.

It is possible that despite the knowledge that breastfeeding is beneficial and economical, mothers breastfeed until the time that they feel they have recovered “enough” from childbirth to become economically productive again for the household, suggesting that breastfeeding is not sustained.

Mothers breastfeed exclusively for an average of 3.7 months only, the survey added.

This duration falls short of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation that infants be breastfed exclusively for six months.

The decision to breastfeed is influenced by the interplay of the mothers’ immediate environment (family support, media exposure), economic status (work, schedule) and knowledge (importance of breastmilk, breastfeeding, image of healthy children).

The WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recommend “(1) that infants be put on the breast within the first hour of life; (2) that they be fed exclusively with breast milk without any additional food or drink, not even water for the first six months; (3) that infants be breastfed on demand; and (4) that bottles or pacifiers are not used.”

The WHO believes that these practices are support measures “to establish, nurture and sustain the practice of exclusive breastfeeding”.

The Philippines has shown support to the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes with the passage of Executive Order No. 51, now known as the Philippine Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes or more popularly known as the Milk Code.

A key translation of the “promotion and support” components of E.O. 51 is the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 10028) that specifically addresses the concern of working (and at the same time breastfeeding) mothers.

The law seeks to provide an “enabling environment” for the working-breastfeeding mothers both in the workplace and in public places via establishing “lactation stations” and allowing for “lactation breaks”.

Tax incentives await institutions and establishments who are able to comply with the provisions of the law.

Gains in practicing exclusive breastfeeding among Filipino mothers, as shown in the latest nutrition survey, may reflect the collective efforts by the Health department, concerned government line agencies and non-government bodies in “protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding activities”, as stipulated in the Milk Code.

Exclusive breastfeeding is defined by the WHO as a mode of feeding wherein the “infant only receives breastmilk without any additional food or drink, not even water”.

For more information on food and nutrition researches, you may contact Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, FNRI-DOST, at telephone number 837-2934 or email at mar_v_c@yahoo.com. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)


News Feature: 2 in 10 Pinoys are zinc deficient

By Mildred A. Udarbe

Zinc is one of the essential minerals because of its importance in approximately 100 enzyme activities that support the many body processes.

Considered an ubiquitous and versatile trace element, zinc has varied supporting roles in the epidermal, gastrointestinal, central nervous, immune, skeletal, and reproductive systems.

Zinc is needed for a healthy immune system, synthesis of DNA, wound healing, and growth and development in children, adolescents, and pregnant women.

It was in 1961 when zinc deficiency was associated to be a contributory factor in varied diseases.

Since then, several studies have been conducted, particularly in developing countries, on dietary zinc supplementation.

These studies led to increased public awareness on the health importance of human zinc deficiency on a global basis, propelling zinc as a micronutrient of special importance in human nutrition.

The signs and symptoms associated with zinc deficiency are growth retardation, diarrhea, hair loss, loss of appetite, eye and skin lesions, white spots on the fingernails, increased prevalence of infections, poor pregnancy outcomes like impaired fetal development, impaired neurobehavioral function in children, and delayed sexual maturation and impotence.

The possible widespread occurrence of zinc deficiency in past decades requires the urgency to assess the prevalence of zinc deficiency in representative samples of at-risk populations with the use of direct indicators of zinc status.

The Philippines, considered as one of the developing countries with reported incidence of malnutrition, has limited data on the zinc status of its population.

Hence, researchers of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) led by Juanita M. Marcos, Science Research Specialist II of the Nutrition Research and Development Division, determined the serum zinc levels and magnitude of zinc deficiency among selected population of household members included in the FNRI’s 7th National Nutrition Survey.

The selected populations included 6- month old infants up to 5 year-old pre-school children; 13–19 year old females; pregnant women; and the 60 year old and over elderly males and females.

Biomarkers used in determining zinc deficiency are either serum or plasma zinc. The study revealed a high magnitude, from twenty to thirty-three percent (20 – 33%) of zinc deficiency among the selected population groups.

In the FNRI study, serum zinc of the selected population was compared with the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group (IZiNCG) suggested cut-offs for serum zinc and the Guidelines for public health concern. The researchers recommend strategies that may assist planners and policymakers in identifying intervention programs and policies to improve zinc nutriture of the at-risk population groups.

These strategies include continuous assessment of zinc status during the conduct of the national nutrition surveys, identification or determination of the risks factors in the development of zinc deficiency, and development of a food database on the zinc content and inhibitors that would be helpful in determining zinc intake.

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 8373154; 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)


Feature: Diabetes 101

By Celina Ann Z. Javier

Diabetes mellitus is a lifestyle-related disease characterized by high blood sugar levels.

A high blood sugar level is caused by the inability of the body to produce sufficient amounts of insulin, the hormone which keeps blood sugar at a normal level.

The two types of diabetes are the insulin dependent or Type I and the non-insulin dependent or Type II.

Type I diabetes is common in children and young adults. Type I diabetes is a condition where the body cannot produce insulin, hence it has to be injected by the diabetics.

Type II diabetes, however is the most common form and is usually called adult-onset diabetes.

In Type II diabetes, the pancreas is not producing enough insulin needed by the body.

Risk factors for having diabetes include family history, high blood pressure, old age, sedentary lifestyle and overweight or obesity.

Many studies have shown that obesity is the number one predictor in the development of Type II diabetes.

Similarly, it has been shown that people who are 45 years old and above are more at-risk to Type II diabetes.

Diabetes is the 8th leading cause of death among Filipino adults, based on the Department of Health- Field (DOH) Health Service Information System in 2009.

In addition, according to the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI-DOST) in 2008, the prevalence of diabetes among Filipinos based on high fasting blood glucose (FBS) was 4.8 percent (%). High fasting blood glucose (FBS) therefore increased 3.4% in 2003, although it increased was insignificant.

On the other hand, the prevalence of high FBS among adults peaked at age 50-69 years old, proving that people who are 45 years old and over are more at-risk to diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious illness that when neglected results to complications like kidney and heart diseases, blindness and nerve damages, among others.

There is no cure for diabetes yet, so one should carefully manage it through proper diet and healthy lifestyle.

The FNRI-DOST developed the Nutritional Handbook for Persons with Diabetes to help in the nutritional management of the disease.

The handbook gives correct and accurate information about the diabetes, as it is identified therein that education is the fourth foundation of its medical therapy.

The other therapies involve diet, exercise and medication.

This handbook is not only helpful to diabetics but also to family members who can help in managing the disease.

There is no specific diabetic diet recommended by the handbook, as the diet depends on the patient’s body size, physical activity, laboratory results and medications.

Individualized diet counselling is needed to ensure that the patient receives the right nutrition information.

Diabetics are encouraged to practice healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly to burn body sugar quickly and avoiding alcoholic beverages to avoid excess calories and health hazards that contribute to any complications of the disease.

Other handbooks developed by FNRI-DOST are on managing cancer, heart and cardiovascular diseases, among other publications available that serve as guides and tools in the nutritional management of diseases.

The FNRI-DOST is true to its commitment of improving of the nutritional status of the Filipino people by providing nutritional guides and tools to educate and the general public.

For more information on diabetes, other diet and lifestyle-related diseases or 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)


Lathalain: Wastong pagplano ng pagkain, mahalaga

Ni Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso

Malimit na katanungan ng mga mommy o nanay ay “ano na naman kaya ang lulutuin ko?” o kaya’y “ano kaya ang kakainin ng mga anak ko?”

Kung mayroong plano kung ano ang lulutuin o iyong tinatawag na meal planning, maiiwasan ang problema sa kung ano ang ipapakain sa ating pamilya.

Ang meal planning ay ang proseso ng pag-iisip o pagpaplano nang advance o nang mas maaga kung anong pagkain ang ihahanda para sa ating pamilya.

Kung may plano, malaking bagay din ang ating matitipid sa oras at maka-iiwas sa hassle sa pamimili.

Magkakaroon din tayo ng maraming oras sa pagluluto na puwede nating gamitin para makapag-eksperimento ng mga bagong recipe at gumamit ng leftover foods.

At higit sa lahat, maibabalanse natin ang sustansyang makukuha natin mula sa iba’t-ibang uri ng pagkain, tulad ng mga taga-pagbuo ng katawan o pagkain mayaman sa protina; tagapag-bigay lakas tulad ng bigas at iba pang kauri nito at mga pagkaing masagana sa mantika o langis; at tagapag-saayos ng katawan gaya ng madahong berde at dilaw na gulay at prutas.

Narito ang ilang mga paalaala na dapat sundin sa pagpaplano ng pagkain:

Ang pinakaimportante sa lahat, ay ang sustansiyang makukuha natin sa pagkain. Ito ay ukol sa major food groups gaya ng mga pagkaing taga-pagbuo ng katawan o pagkain mayaman sa protina; tagapag-bigay lakas tulad ng bigas at iba pang kauri at mga pagkaing masagana sa mantika o langis; at tagapag-saayos ng katawan gaya ng madahong berde at dilaw na gulay at prutas.

Lagyan ng variation o pagkakaiba-iba ang mga pagkaing inihahanda sa ating pamilya para makuha ang lahat ng mga kailangan sustansiya sa tama at wastong bilang o dami. Tandaan na hindi lang sa iisang pagkain makukuha ang mga sustansiyang kailangan ng ating katawan.

Ugaliin painumin ng gatas sa halip na softdrinks, kape, tsaa, iced tea o maging mga fruit-flavored juice ang mga bata. Malaking tulong para sa mga bata ang gatas dahil taglay nito ang iba’t ibang mga sustansiya na kailangan sa kanilang paglaki.

Dapat laging isaalang-alang ang budget ng pamilya para hindi puro sa pagkain lang nabubuhos ang kita ng pamilya. Hindi lang pagkain ang pinagkakagastusan ng pamilya. May iba pang bayarin tulad ng kuryente, tubig, upa sa bahay at edukasyon ng mga bata.

Ang pagkain sa mesa ay hindi kinakailangang maging mahal. Ang pinakaimportante ay nakukuha ang tamang sustansiyang kailangang ng ating katawan kahit sa mga simple at murang pagkain.

Para higit na makatipid, bumili ng mga pagkaing napapanahon gaya ng ibang prutas at gulay. Mas mura ang pagkain kung ito ay napapanahon dahil tiyak na marami ang supply nito.

Matutong magkumpara ng presyo ng bawat produkto. Mas mabuting magkaroon tayo ng isang suki kung saan ay higit na makamumura at makakatipid sa mga bilihin at siguradong nasa maayos na kalidad ang produkto.

Sa halip na mga malalaking isda, bumili ng mga maliliit na isda gaya ng dilis, dulong at alamang. Kahit maliliit ang mga ito, mayaman naman ang mga ito sa protina at calcium. Tandaan lang na di mainam ang mga lamang-loob sa may mataas ang lebel ng kolesterol at uric acid. Pwedeng pamalit sa karne ang tokwa at mga butong gulay na mayaman sa protina.

Gamitin ang leftover foods at huwag ito basta itapon. Siguraduhin lang na ininit nang mabuti ang leftover foods bago ihain.

Sa paghahanda ng pagkain, isipin ang oras at ang mga gamit na kakailanganin. Bago pumunta sa palengke, ilista ang lahat ng mga bibilhin upang walang makalimutan. Tiyakin na mabibili ng lahat ng mga kakailanganing sangkap o gamit para hindi na magpabalik-balik sa palengke at makatipid tayo sa oras.

Ugaliin din ang paghahanda ng mga tinatawag na one-dish meals gaya ng sinigang, nilaga at munggo guisado. Kumpleto na sa rekado ang mga ulam na ito kaya tipid na sa paghahanda at tipid pa sa gas.

Kung isi-serve na ang pagkain, tiyakin na laging malinis ang mga kamay. Huwag din hayaang may sakit ang taong magsisilbi ng pagkain dahil baka mailipat sa pagkain ang anumang mikrobyo na mayroon ang taong magsisilbi.

Gawin ding presentable ang pagkain at hangga’t maaari ay lagyan ito ng iba’t ibang mga palamuti at kulay para higit itong maging masarap at katakam-takam sa ating mga mata.

Para sa epektibong pagplano ng pagkain, mahalagang isaalang-alang ang sustansiya o nutrisyong kailangan ng ating katawan.

Pero hindi rin natin dapat kalilimutan ang budget dahil sa panahon ngayon, kailangan nating maging matipid dahil sa hirap ng buhay.

Tandaan lamang ang mga nabanggit na tips sa tamang paghahanda at pagpaplano ng ating mga pagkain.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa pagkain at nutrisyon, makipag-ugnayan kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Food and Nutrition Research Institute-DOST, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila, Tel. No. 837-29-34 or 837-20-71 loc. 2287, FNRI-DOST, email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph; website:http//www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)


Lathalain: Diabetics, mas marupok ang buto - FNRI

Ni Czarina Teresita S. Martinez

Higit na matibay ang buto ng mga taong walang diabetes kumpara sa mga may diabetes.

Ayon sa pag-aaral sa pangunguna nina Dr. Celeste C. Tanchoco, Ms. Milagros F. Villadolid, at Ms. Mina Grace C. Aquino ng Food and Nutrition Research Institute ng Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), mas mababa ang bone mineral density (BMD) ng mga may diabetes kumpara sa mga walang diabetes.

Dahil dito higit na matibay ang buto ng mga taong walang diyabetis kumpara sa mga may diabetes.

Ang BMD ay nagsasabi kung gaano kahitik sa mineral na calcium at phosphorus ang nakadeposito sa buto.

Nasusukat ang BMD gamit and isang espesyal na instrumentong tinatawag na dual energy x-ray absorptiometry o DEXA.

Ang mababang BMD o kakaunting mineral sa buto ay puwedeng mauwi sa butong marupok at madaling mabali.

May 63 kababaihan ang sumali sa pag-aaral nila Dr. Tanchoco kung saan anim dito ay may type 1 diabetes, o yung mga gumagamit ng gamot na insulin upang ma kontrol ang diabetes. Ang 27 naman ay may type 2 diabetes o yung mga tumataas ang asukal sa dugo subalit hindi pa gumagamit ng gamot na insulin, at ang natitirang 30 kababaihan ay normal at walang diabetes.

Ayon kay Dr. Tanchoco, ang diabetes o ang pagtaas ng asukal sa dugo at osteoporosis o ang kondisyon ng paghina ng buto dulot ng kakulangan ng mineral sa buto ay dulot ng unhealthy lifestyle kagaya ng maling pagpili ng pagkain at hindi pag-e-ehersisyo.

Ang pampitong mensahe ng Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) na binalangkas at pinalaganap ng mga eksperto sa pangunguna nf FNRI ay nagpapayo na uminom ng gatas, kumain ng mga pagkaing gawa sa gatas, at mayaman sa calcium gaya ng maliliit na isda na nakakain pati ang tinik at madadahong berdeng gulay.

Ayon pa sa Food Composition Tables na inilimbag ng FNRI-DOST ang mga pagkain mayayaman sa calcium ay dilis, dulong, tawilis, sinilyasi, tamban, alamang, tagunton, talangka, kuhol, susung pilipit.

Ang mga gulay mula sa dagat o seaweeds na mayaman din sa calcium ay ang balbalulang, gamet, kulot.

Mayaman din sa calcium ang kamoteng puti, oats, at berdeng dahon ng ampalaya, lubi-lubi, malunggay, saluyot, at himbabao o alukon.

Para sa karagdagang kaalaman at impormasyon hinggil sa pagkain at nutrisyon, maaaring sumulat o tumawag kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Direktor, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Gen Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph mar_v_c@yahoo.com; telefax:8372934, 8273164, 8372071 loc 2296; FNRI website:http//www.fnri.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)


Lathalain: Breastfeeding, ikalawang mensahe pa rin sa 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos

Ni Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso

Pamilyar na tayo sa katagang ”Breast-feed infants exclusively from birth to six months, and then, give appropriate food while continuing breast-feeding”

Hindi na bago sa pandinig natin ang katagang ito dahil ito ang ikalawang mensahe na nakasaad sa 2000 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF).

Nitong 2012, ang bagong NGF na ginawa ng Technical Working sa pamumuno ng Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) ay ganoon din ang ikalawang mensahe na patungkol sa breastfeeding.

Nakasaad sa ikalawang mensahe kung bakit mahalaga ang breastfeeding: “breastfeed infants exclusively from birth up to 6 months, then give appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond for optimum growth and development”.

Mahalaga ang ikalawang mensahe ng 2012 NGF.

Alam naman natin na ang gatas ng ina ang pinakamasustansyang pagkain para sa mga sanggol.

Taglay nito ang sapat na sustansya na kailangan ng mga sanggol lalo sa kanyang unang anim na buwan.

Ang colostrum o ang unang gatas na nakukuha ng baby sa kanyang ina ay nagtataglay ng mga antibodies na siyang pananggalang ni baby laban sa impeksyon at iba pang sakit.

Kaya naman masasabi natin na ang isang sanggol na nakasuso ng colostrum ng kanyang ina ay hindi basta-basta magkakasakit.

Mayroon ding protina at taba ang gatas ng ina na madaling matunaw kaysa sa taglay na protina at taba ng mga infant formula.

Dahil madaling matunaw ang protina at taba ng gatas ng ina, madali itong magagamit ng katawan ni baby, maging ang mga bitamina and mineral na taglay nito.

Pero hindi lang ang tamang nutrisyon para kay baby ang kahalagahan ng gatas ng ina ngunit mahalaga rin ito para sa mga nanay.

Base sa mga pag-aaral, puwedeng makaiwas sa breast cancer ang nanay kung nagpapa-breastfeed siya. Bukod dyan, hindi din kaagad mabubuntis ang nanay.

Malaking tipid din kung nagpapa-breastfeed ang nanay dahil masyadong mahal ngayon ang mga infant formula.

Mahal din ang mga gamit ni baby gaya ng mga bote. Bukod diyan, menos-trabaho dahil hindi na kailangang maglinis ng bote.

At higit sa lahat, tiyak ding ligtas and sanggol dahil hindi na kailangang mag-alala kung mapasuso natin ng panis na gatas ang sanggol dahil laging sariwa ang gatas ng ina.

Pero higit sa lahat ng mga importansyang ito ng pagpapasuso ng ina, ang isa pang napakahalagang idinudulot ang pagpapa-breastfeed, ay ang hindi matatawarang natural bonding sa pagitan ni mommy at ng kanyang sanggol.

Napakahalaga na sa unang anim na buwan ay mapasuso ang sanggol ng gatas ina.

Napakaraming benepisyong maibibigay nito, hindi lang para sa sanggol, kundi pati na rin kay nanay.

Pero dumarating sa punto na hindi na sapat ang gatas ng ina para maibigay ang lahat ng nutrisyong kailangan ni baby.

Pagkatapos kasi ng unang anim na buwan, kailangan nang bigyan ng karagdagang pagkain si baby o iyong mga tinatawag na complementary foods.

Sa ganitong pagkakataon, ang uri ng pagkaing ibinibigay sa bata ay depende sa kanyang edad.

Tandaan lang na kahit na kumakain na ng solid foods ang sanggol, ugaliin pa rin na painumin ng gatas ng ina hanggang dalawang taong gulang at pataas.

Sa pamamagitan nito ng gatas ng ina at wastong karagdagan pagkain o complementary foods, makakatiyak tayo na sapat na sustansya at nutrisyon ang makukuha ng sanggol .

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa pagkain at nutrisyon, makipag-ugnayan kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Food and Nutrition Research Institute-DOST, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila, Tel. No. 837-29-34 or 837-20-71 loc. 2287, FNRI-DOST, email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph; website:http//www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)