(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, July 1, 2014

Surigao Norte PDRRMC joins disaster consciousness month celebration

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte July 1 (PIA) – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Council (PDRRMC) of Surigao del Norte launched on Tuesday the provincial observance of July as Disaster Consciousness Month, with the theme, “Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan, Pundasyon ng Kaunlaran.” This special celebration is aimed at increasing awareness of the Filipino people towards disaster resiliency through risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

The celebration kicked-off with a motorcade around the city, followed by a mangrove tree planting at Sitio Panubigon, Barangay Lipata, this city.

Prior to the kick-off activity, the PDRRMO along with a geologist from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology - Central Office conducted a site inspection on June 30, dubbed as “Walk the Fault,” to identify the actual location of the Eastern Mindanao Fault segment of the Philippine Fault Zone that traverses the province particularly near the settlement areas of the municipalities of Mainit and San Francisco (Anao-aon) both in Surigao del Norte.

On Wednesday, July 2, the members of the Solid Waste Board (SWB) organized pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as the “Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, will convene to strengthen and develop a sound SWM mechanism to address the global challenge of climate change and other similar atmospheric conditions especially the widespread indiscriminate disposal of wastes.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is in unison with this month-long celebration to enjoin Surigaonon and raise awareness on disaster preparedness, response, mitigation and adaptation to reduce disaster risk. (SDR/PDDRMO-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


MRDP pumps in additional P125M for rural livelihood projects

By Jay M. Rosas

DAVAO CITY, July 1 – A total of P125-million worth of new livelihood projects will be implemented in various provinces under the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) component of the Mindanao Rural Development Project (MRDP).

The fund source will come from unutilized loan funds of MRDP's rural infrastructure (RI) subprojects, which were realigned to implement highly-viable CFAD subprojects as well as expand ongoing subprojects.

“Following the World Bank implementation review last March, the Program came up with a priority list of subprojects which will be implemented between May to October,” MRDP Program Director Lealyn Ramos said.

She added that these subprojects under the CFAD component are those short-gestating subprojects that have a track record of being highly-viable. The Program also reviewed previous CFAD subprojects which were issued with Certificate of Availability of Funds (CAF) but were dropped due to foreign exchange fluctuations.

“We are closely coordinating with local government units (LGUs) on the pipeline subprojects to ensure availability of counterpart,” she added.

Under the CFAD, LGUs are required to provide a counterpart of 20 percent, while the remaining funds are sourced from the World Bank loan and national government.

“To ensure the sustainability, the MRDP is conducting assessments of the functionality and viability of the people’s organization who are the beneficiaries of these livelihood projects,” Ramos said.

Region XI obtained the largest allocation with P40-million worth of subprojects including mostly livestock production projects and potable water supply systems, small-scale fishing and crop production subprojects in the provinces covering the provinces of Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental.

Around P35-million worth of subprojects were allocated to Region 12. Some of these subprojects include improving rice production particularly black rice production and provision of pre- and postharvest facilities aside from crops and livestock production.

Rubber-based farming and crumb rubber processing comprise the bulk of the P30-million CFAD allocation in Region 13. Other new subprojects in pipeline for the region include sago flour processing in Agusan del Sur and the establishment of a cold-storage facility in Surigao del Norte.

Region 9 received an allocation of P10-million worth of subprojects while Region 10 and ARMM both received P2.5-million worth of subprojects.

The CFAD component has completed 3,523 subprojects with a physical accomplishment of 92 percent totaling P1.1 billion or 86 percent total fund utilization.

By August 2014, ongoing MRDP-CFAD subprojects are expected to be completed, while the new subprojects are expected to be completed in October 2014.

Recent data also showed that the subprojects reached a total of 175,666 beneficiaries, with 24 percent IP beneficiaries and 46 percent women beneficiaries.

Implemented by the Department of Agriculture and jointly funded by the World Bank and the national government, the MRDP is expected to be end by December 2014 paving the way for the new Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP).

Under the PRDP, interventions will be geared towards market development and support of priority commodities and enterprises and developing a climate-resilient agri-fishery sector. (DA-MRDP/PIA-Caraga)


Commemoration of DPWH 116th founding anniversary in Caraga a success

BUTUAN CITY, July 1 - The celebration of the 116th year of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was a much-admired success in Caraga Region and has valuably toned solidarity and team spirit among its public servants, so inspired by the theme: “DPWH: Marangal na Serbisyo, Tungo sa Pagbabago.”

Won over by the presence of unity as employees from all district engineering offices (DEO) of DPWH-13 were present to witness the closing ceremony on June 23, regional director Danilo E. Versola stressed his message mainly on cultivating teamwork to improve the quality of outputs of the agency with sensitivity on this year’s theme.

Quoting a great American writer, Maya Angelou, Versola read, “I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug or just a friendly pat on the back.”

Versola believed that the sports fest, dance competition and all activities done in relation to the festivity brought a significant impact as such as his so-called “friendly pat.”

Further, he said, “It just might make a difference in the quality of our teamwork and our outputs, and the quality of our lives in general.”

Meanwhile, he gladly received the trophy as the Regional Office was hailed once again as the Overall Champion for this year’s sports fest. Ranked second was the combined team of Agusan del Norte DEO and Butuan City DEO and the third place was the team of Surigao del Norte 1st, Surigao del Norte 2nd and Dinagat Islands DEOs.

In the later part of the night was held the modern dance competition. The audience felt the fiery thrill as all ten groups, from nine DEOs and the Regional Office, showcased their rhythmic routines and groovy dance moves in their stylish and colorful costumes.

Much to the thundering applause and loud cheering, Surigao del Norte 1st DEO grabbed first place, followed by Agusan del Norte DEO as second place, and thirdly, the Dinagat Islands DEO.

The whole celebration concluded with fireworks display as everyone look up in awe not just for the colorful pyrotechnics but also to the hopes of more fun for the next year’s celebration of the DPWH anniversary. (DPWH-13/PIA-Caraga)


Antonino urges Mindanao execs to submit viable tourism dev’t proposals

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 1 (PIA) – Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chair Luwalhati Antonino urged local chief executives in Mindanao to come up with viable eco-tourism development proposals, which can be pushed by MinDA for possible funding from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) board.

Speaking at the opening ceremonies of the 54th founding anniversary of Surigao del Sur held here recently, Antonino said that MinDA can help lobby for feasible tourism projects since the organization now sits as one of the members of the TIEZA board by virtue of Republic Act 9996 or otherwise known as the MinDA Act of 2010.

She added that MinDA endorsed to TIEZA several tourism project proposals from the province of Surigao del Sur, which are currently being undertaken. These include the provision for road access and other support facilities for the Tinuy-an Falls, Enchanted River, and the Britannia Islets Jump-off point.

“Surigao del Sur is host to a number of Mindanao’s key tourist destinations such as the Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, touted as the 'Niagara Falls of the Philippines,' Hinatuan’s Enchanted River, which is unique to the country, and the becomingly popular Britania Group of Islands in San Agustin,” said Antonino.

Prior to the creation of MinDA and its membership to the TIEZA board, the entire island-region of Mindanao used to receive an average of seven to 10 percent share from the Philippine Tourism Authority’s (now TIEZA) annual budget.

However, with MinDA’s membership to the TIEZA board, the island-region got a hefty share of 35 percent or P157 million from TIEZA’s budget for tourism development in 2011. A 40 percent share or P340 million from the P851.22-million TIEZA budget for tourism development in 2012 was also secured by the island-region.

“Among the completed TIEZA projects in Mindanao in 2013 include the construction of Bagobo-Tagabawa Village in Sitio Lawon, Brgy. Tibolo, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, the construction of Davao Oriental Provincial Museum, and the Lake Sebu development.

A P30 million budget was also secured from TIEZA for the construction and implementation of ecotourism projects aimed to protect endangered marine species and help sustain community-based tourism enterprises in Tawi-Tawi’s Turtle Islands, one of the world’s major nesting sites of marine turtles.

Antonino, who went to the islands for an ocular visit last month said the projects are aimed to provide the residents sustainable means of livelihood by promoting the islands as tourist attraction while ensuring the protection of the endangered species and their nesting sites.

Other ongoing TIEZA projects in Mindanao include the construction of Baywalk in Brgy. Aplaya, Digos City, Davao del Sur; the Tourism Police Information Counter in Polomolok, South Cotabato; the World War II landmark in Rosario, Agusan del Sur; and the construction of one unit drydock facility or boat ramp in Siargao Island.

“While Mindanao is blessed with natural resources that make ecotourism as one of its major economic drivers for growth, tourism development however, must not be pursued at the expense of our environment,” said Antonino.

She called on Mindanawons to rally for the protection and conservation of the island-region’s watersheds and river basins under the MindaNOW! Nurturing Our Waters Program, which seeks to safeguard Mindanao’s environment from degradation.

Antonino explained that Mindanawons share the same resource, “therefore we also share the responsibility of protecting and nurturing our environment,” she concluded. (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)


News Feature: A variety of foods daily is key to good health

By Czarina Teresita S. Martinez

MANILA, July 1 (PIA) - Did you know that the human body needs more than 40 different nutrients everyday for good health?

There is no single food that can supply the body with the needed nutrients in proper amount and balance starting at age six months and onwards.

The revised Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos recommends eating a variety of foods everyday to get the nutrients needed by the body. The NGF was developed by nutrition experts led the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).

The three major food groups are the go, grow, and glow foods.

Go foods like rice, bread, noodles, pasta, and corn give us energy. Other go foods include root crops like sweet potato, cassava, and potato. Sugars and jams, oil, margarine and butter that make our food tasty give energy as well.

Grow foods build and repair body tissues that make children grow tall. Grow foods also make the muscles strong.

Examples of grow foods are meat and meat products, chicken and other poultry products, fish and seafood, milk and dairy products,  beans and nuts, and eggs.

Glow foods, like fruits and vegetables help regulate body processes by providing vitamins and minerals.

Glow foods give us fiber that makes our digestive system healthy.

However, other than these food groups, the intake of water is also necessary. Water and other beverages also regulate body processes as they play an important role in digestion, absorption, metabolism, transport, and utilization of nutrients.

Water and beverages also help us excrete waste products and toxins from our lungs, skin, kidneys, and large intestines.

Remember to eat a variety of foods and drink at least eight glasses of water everyday.

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: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com, Telefax: (02) 8372934, (02) 8273164, or call (02) 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: http:www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Services/PIA-Caraga)


Iba’t-ibang uri ng pagkain kailangan araw-araw

Ni Celina Ann Z. Javier

MANILA, Hulyo 1 (PIA) - Alam ba ninyo na walang isang pagkain ang nagtataglay ng lahat ng sustansyang kailangan ng ating katawan?

Kaya dapat tayong kumain ng iba’t-ibang klase ng pagkain araw- araw upang makuha ang lahat ng sustansya kailangan ng ating katawan.

Makukuha ang mga sustansya ito sa mga Go Foods tulad ng kanin, at mga lamang-ugat na mayaman sa carbohydrates at taba, gayon din sa mga Grow Foods gaya ng karne, isda at itlog na mayaman naman sa protina at mga Glow Foods tulad ng gulay at prutas na mayaman sa mga bitamina at mineral.

Ito ay sang-ayon sa unang mensahe ng Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos o NGF: “Eat a variety of foods everyday to get the nutrients needed by the body.”

Sundin natin ang sampung mensahe ng NGF na makakatulong sa atin na magkaroon ng malusog na katawan sa pamamagitan ng pagkain ng tama.

Ang impormasyon na ito ay hatid ng Food and Nutrition Research Institute ng Department of Science and Technology o FNRI-DOST. Para sa karadagdagan impormasyon at kaalaman sa pagkain at nutrisyon sumulat o tumawag kay: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director ng FNRI- DOST. General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City o sa kanyang E-mail address: mcv@fnri.dost.gov.ph o sa telepono bilang 8-3-7-2-9-3-4 and 8-2-7-3-1-6-4, Maari ring bisitahin ang aming website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Services/PIA-Caraga)


Mga pagkaing maalat at mataba dapat bawasan at iwasan

Ni Celina Ann Z. Javier
         
MANILA, Hulyo 1 (PIA) - Mahilig ka ba sa maaalat at matatabang pagkain? Ang sobrang pagkain ng mga ito ay maaaring maging sanhi ng pagkakaroon ng mataas na blood pressure, na maaari namang maging dahilan ng stroke at mga sakit sa puso.

Ito ay ayon sa ikawalong mensahe ng Nutritonal Guidelines for Filipinos o NGF: “Limit intake of salty, fried, fatty and sugar-rich foods to prevent cardiovascular diseases.”

Sundin natin ang sampung mensahe ng NGF na makakatulong sa atin na magkaroon ng malusog na katawan sa pamamagitan ng pagkain ng tama.

Ang impormasyon na ito ay hatid ng Food and Nutrition Research Institute ng Department of Science and Technology o FNRI-DOST. Para sa karadagdagan impormasyon at kaalaman sa pagkain at nutrisyon sumulat o tumawag kay: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director ng FNRI- DOST. General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City o sa kanyang E-mail address: mcv@fnri.dost.gov.ph o sa telepono bilang 837-2934 and 827-3164, Maari ring bisitahin ang aming website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)