(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 27 March 2024) Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies / Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.


Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Improvised bomb found in Manila-bound bus

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Feb. 4 (PIA) – Police personnel together with the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and K9 unit of Surigao City and Philippine Coast Guard dealt with a suspicious Improvised Explosive Device (IED) found on a Manila-bound bus around 8:20a.m., Monday at Brgy. Lipata, Surigao City.

Police report said, a PP Bus Line travelling from Davao to Manila with plate no. TOC 681 made a stopover for breakfast at Tatzkie Meal Stop located along the highway of the said barangay when one of the female passengers identified as Wennie Obiena Oscar, 23 years old, single and a resident of Campo Uno, Paranas, Samar noticed a male person wearing a gray color Lacoste t-shirt carrying a carton box and placed it on the rear portion of the said bus and disembarked right after.

Then, one male passenger identified as Moni Hermogenes Torena, 77 years old and a resident of Silago, Southern Leyte boarded the said bus after urinating and noticed a smoke coming from the said box, he then called the attention of the bus driver, Ruel Orquesta Panuncio, 45 years old and a native of Kalubi-an, Leyte who took away the said carton box out from the bus.

PO3 Ivy Recimo trained personnel from EOD of the Surigao City Philippine National Police voluntary detonated the said box using water disruptor with non-electric blasting cap.

A police report confirmed that the IED was found with components of gasoline mixed with paint as main charge, detonating cord as initiator, original time fuse and improvised firecracker fuse, one gallon plastic water container and a carton box as packaging. The area was then declared safe at around 10a.m. same date. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Rise in consumption of sugar-laden beverages pose health risk

By Jund Rian A. Doringo

MANILA, Feb. 4 (PIA) - Added sugars are caloric sweeteners added to food or beverages during production. Having no nutritional value, added sugars are often referred to as empty calories.

The most popular added sugars are sucrose, most commonly known as table sugar, as well as beets and cane sugars, corn syrup, malt syrup, maple syrup, fruit juice concentrates, and honey, to name a few. Moreover, the most popular types of food containing added sugar are sweetened beverages like juices, fruit juice concentrates and soft drinks.

The Daily Nutritional Guide Pyramid developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) illustrates that sugars and sugar substitutes or alternatives must be consumed in least amounts, as they are near the tip of the pyramid together with fats and oils. However, global data suggests that the increasing consumption of beverages that are sweetened with added sugar is responsible for the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity across population groups.

In a study led by Berkey in 2004 on sugar-added beverages and adolescent weight change, it was found that consumption of beverages that are sweetened with added sugars was associated with body mass index (BMI) gains during the following year. Moreover, consumption of sugar-added beverages may contribute to weight gain among adolescents due to its considerable contribution to total energy intake.

Linardakis in 2008 reported a study on the effects of sugar-added beverages consumption among kindergarten children on their nutrition status and risk of obesity. The study conducted among children in Crete showed that high intake of sugar-added beverages was associated with poor eating habits and inadequate nutrition intake, as well as increased risk for developing childhood obesity.

In the Philippines, the FNRI-DOST in 2012 studied the pattern of beverage consumption across different population groups and examined the association between consumption of selected beverages and nutrition status using data from the 7th Nutritional National Survey (NNS) conducted by the Insitute. It was noted that there was high intake of soft drinks and coffee across the Filipino population, and decreased intake of milk throughout childhood to adulthood.

High soft drinks and coffee consumption, or sugar-added beverages can pose a great risk to over-nutrition and obesity, as verified by the previous studies cited earlier about the association of sugar-added beverages and nutritional status.

Awareness on the potential health risk of high intakes of sugar-added beverages can be beneficial to conquer the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity in the country. With education on recommended amounts of sugars and sugar exchanges through health and nutrition campaigns, the Filipino population can choose healthier food options. Also, policies and regulations on the availability of sugar-added beverages, especially in schools, must be reviewed to help avoid childhood obesity.

For more information on food and nutrition, please contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; trunkline: 837 2071 local 2296 or 2287; telephone/fax no.: 837 3164, email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)


News Feature: Eating malunggay leaves lowers blood sugar level and more

By Jund Rian A. Doringo

Manila, Feb. 4 (PIA) - Moringa, or more commonly known among Filipinos as malunggay, is a plant acknowledged for its nutritional and medicinal value. Almost all parts of the moringa plant are edible, from the immature seed pods called drumsticks, to the leaves, mature seeds, and roots.

The leaves are said to be the most nutritious part of the plant. According to the Food Composition Tables (FCT) developed by the Food and Nutrition and Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), malunggay leaves are significant sources of B vitamins, vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc, potassium, and iron, among other significant nutrients.

Malunggay is a very common ingredient in Asian cuisines in countries such as Sri Lanka, India, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Pakistan.

In the Philippines, malunggay leaves are added to broth, like in the famous tinola, a traditional chicken soup dish with ginger and green papaya or chayote, to make a nutritious soup. The leaves are also processed with olive oil and salt to become pesto-like pasta sauce or crushed and mixed with lemons or citrus fruits to make juices or ice candies.

Among its many miraculous benefits, moringa can balance blood sugar levels. The FNRI-DOST conducted a study to determine the changes in glucose of people with moderately-raised glucose levels using malunggay leaves powder to verify this claim.

It was found out that food products such as buns, fish sausages, and veggie soups with added malunggay leave powder decreased fasting blood sugar, thus, possessing strong potential in fighting diabetes. However, the cholesterol-lowering effect of malunggay leaves is yet to be established in humans by way of a thorough correlation research study involving repeated observations over long periods of time.

Malunggay, touted as the miracle tree, is very abundant in the Philippines. It is therefore very practical and gainful to undertake studies on how to maximize its health benefits for every Filipino’s well-being.

For more information on food and nutrition, please contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; trunkline: 837 2071 local 2296 or 2287; telephone/fax no.: 837 3164, email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)


News Feature: Proper diet equals good school performance

By Imelda A. Agdeppa

MANILA, Feb. 4 (PIA) - Proper nutrition is maintaining normal growth, attaining normal body weight and sustaining normal body nutrient levels. Undernutrition and over nutrition are both detrimental to an individual’s health. When a person’s diet is below the recommended energy and nutrient intakes, this depletes the body’s store of nutrients, and if chronic, leads to protein-energy malnutrition in children that causes wasting. On the other hand, exceeding the normal recommended levels of nutrients leads to an accumulation of body fat and damage to and malfunctioning of organ systems. Balanced nutrition is therefore essential to living a healthy life and preventing diseases.

Recent studies of the Harvard School of Medicine in 2008 showed that the human brain keeps on developing until about 25 to 30 years old. Where school-age is a time for many fundamental phases of mental development, research shows that brain development during adolescence is much more complicated and essential in understanding decision-making capabilities and intellectual capacities in the future. Nutrition can play a very important role in brain development, during these crucial periods of development.

Several determinants affect school enrolment, attendance, and achievement. These determinants are classified by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) into endogenous and exogenous factors. Endogenous factors include the child’s attitude and aptitude, educational attainment of parents, family income, and health. Exogenous factors include quality of schooling, training of teachers, and availability of books and educational materials. Endogenous and exogenous factors are not stand-alone but determinants that should both be satisfactory to induce optimum brain development.

Nutrition is an endogenous factor in school achievement. Specific micronutrients like vitamin A, iron, and iodine play a role in mental development and an adequate diet provides necessary energy to accomplish daily tasks. The 7th National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2008 showed a moderate prevalence of deficiencies in iron (14%), vitamin A (4.6%), zinc (20.6%) and iodine (11.8%) among Filipino adolescents. These nutrients are essential among adolescents who go to school since they help in normal growth, immune function, and mental development.

Consumption of a variety of foods daily helps attain normal levels of nutrients in the body. Good eating habits should start early in households.

A study in 2009 among 12-15 year old adolescents in Palestine showed that vegetable and fruit consumption is significantly related to school performance. Similarly, a study in the Philippines among school-aged children, where fortified ready-to-drink juice was supplemented for 120 days showed significant improvement in children’s knowledge scores after the intervention.

An individual who eats nutritious foods in adequate amounts has enough energy to participate in daily school activities. Daily recommended intakes for children 4 to 6 years old, according to the 2000 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos, includes 3-4 ½ cups rice and alternatives, 1 1/3 matchbox-size meat or 1 piece large fish or 2 pieces small fish, ½ piece egg, 1 glass milk, 1/3 cup green leafy or yellow vegetable, ¼ cup other vegetables, 2 pieces vitamin C-rich fruits and other fruits, 6 teaspoons oil including oil used for cooking, 5 teaspoons sugar, and 5-7 glasses of water. Different age groups require different amounts of food from each food group.

Attainment of nutrient requirements promotes normal growth and mental development. A normal well-nourished child is ready to actively participate in society and contribute profound ideas in any given situation. Proper nutrition can further lead to a sound mind and body and could increase the productivity of the country.

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. (Ph. D., FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Presidente Aquino miingon nga ang gobyerno mo-empleyo og 4,000 ka mga propesyonal sa posisyong magtutudlo

Ni Nida Grace P. Barcena

SURIGAO DELSUR, Peb. 4 (PIA) – Si Presidente Benigno S. Aquino III miingon kagahapon nga ang Department of Education (DepEd) sa kasamtangan nag-hire ug mga propesyonal nga mokabat sa 4,000 ka mga posisyon sa mga magtutudlo alang sa pagtugon sa mga kakulangon sa mga magtutudlo sa mga publikong tulonghaan.

Sa iyahang pakigpulong atol sa seremonya sa tur-over sa 66,813 ka mga lawak-tulonghaan didto sa Carmona National High School, siya miingon nga ang DepEd bisan pa mo pil-ap sa 103,000 ka mga bag-ong posisyon sa mga magtutudlo nga gimugna ubos sa kasamtangan administrasyon.

"Mula 2010 hanggang 2013 naman, nagdagdag tayo ng halos 103 libong posisyon para sa mga guro. Baka pansinin po n’yo, “posisyon.” Sabi ko, “Bakit ‘posisyon?’” May kulang pa raw ho kasi na apat na libong maha-hire," sulti ni Presidente.

"Dati nag-e-export tayo ng teacher, ngayon naghahanap tayo ng teacher—apat na libo, mga specialized po ito, baka may kakilala kayong naghahanap ng trabaho, kulang pa ho tayo ng apat na libo," dugang pa ni Presidente.

Ang DepEd miapora sa maong pagpang-rekrut ug propeso sa pag-hire aron sa pagpil-ap sa mga posisyon.

Ang gobyerno sa kataposan nakaangkon og zero backlog sa mga lawak-tulonghaan uban sa konstraksyon sa 66,813 ka mga classroom, sulti ni Presidente

"Mulat po tayong hindi pa tapos ang ating misyon, at mayroon pa rin tayong mga pagsubok na dapat lampasan. Marami po ang winasak na paaralan ng mga nagdaang kalamidad, at bawat taon ay nadadagdagan ang mga mag-aaral," siya miingon.

"Sa abot ng ating makakaya, titiyakin nating matutugunan ang batayang pangangailangan sa sektor ng edukasyon; at sisiguruhin nating pati ang magiging pagkukulang sa mga susunod na taon dahil sa K to 12 program ay mapapaghandaan din, matatapos, at hindi mapapamana ang pag-solve sa susunod na administrasyon," dugang pa niya. (PND/PIA-Surigao del Sur)