PIA Caraga chief expresses support for promotion of Dinagat Islands

By Venus L. Garcia

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Apr. 15 (PIA) – Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Northern and Northestern Mindanao information cluster head and Caraga regional director Abner Caga expressed the agency’s intent to support Dinagat Islands in hyping its rich culture, local resources, business opportunities and ecotourism for its economic and socio-cultural development through information and communication.

Caga mentioned in his message during the conduct of the 3-Day Seminar-Workshop on Basic News Writing, Script Writing, Photography and Video Production held in this town that it’s an opportune time to introduce further to the public the province to gain countrywide and even worldwide appreciation and to inspire tourists to visit the place.

“This seminar-workshop is very helpful in motivating the local information officers (IOs) to produce and share valuable information and variety of stories about Dinagat islands,” said Caga.

He added that with ample knowledge and skills, information officers will be empowered to dominate the talking points of the province.

Meanwhile, Caga introduced to the participants the Advance Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS), an original concept of PIA Caraga. He said, it will help the community in building disaster resiliency.

Caga is making sure that no province within Caraga region will be lagged behind and the best way is to integrate communication to create impact to the people.

Ma. Jane Mayola, public information officer of Dinagat Islands, expressed her appreciation to the PIA Caraga team for imparting their expertise in the field of communication.

“We hope to sustain and strengthen the role of IOs in information dissemination and influence the community on the ground. We also believe that PIA Caraga has been balanced and inclusive in their advocacies that would impact to sustainable development,” said provincial information officer IV of Dinagat Islands Rosario Roxas Jra. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

PIA-13 enhances Dinagat IOs' skills on Basic News Writing

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, April 15 (PIA) – To enhance the news writing skills of the provincial and municipal information officers here, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga personnel conducted the Seminar-Workshop on Basic News Writing on Monday held at the San Jose Pension House, Justiniana, San Jose, this province.

“News is defined as a report of a current happening or happenings in a newspaper, or on television or radio. Others also defined news as something told as having just happened; or information about something that happened or will soon happen,” reiterated Venus Garcia, Information Officer II of PIA-Caraga.

In her discussion, Garcia emphasized that to decide on what to report, one must sort out news from non-news. “To do this, ask yourself the following questions about anything you think may be news: 1) Is it new?; 2) Is it unusual?; 3) Is it interesting or significant?; and 4) Is it about people,” she said.

She further reminded the participants that if the story or news is not new or unusual, if it is not interesting or significant, and if it will not affect the readers’ or listeners’ lives, then it’s not news. Do not publish it or broadcast it as news.

“Choose the important elements of the story to highlight. Don’t pull all the “who, what, when” into one sentence. Decide which are the most important and relate it first. And remember, keep it short; use short sentences. The lead should be short and concise, telling the reader what you want to say,” stressed Garcia.

Garcia also clarified that when writing a news, it must be written in an active voice; it should be written logically in sequence of events; and in controversial issues, the writer must not forget to get both sides of the persons involved.

“Always attribute source. Don’t copy others’ work,” she added.

Meanwhile, the participating information officers submitted their news articles during the workshop for critiquing and enhancement. 

Along with the basic news writing, participants also learned the television news script writing, basic photography, and video production and editing. It is a Three-Day Seminar-Workshop that will run until Wednesday, April 16. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Dinagat IOs learn Basic Photography

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, April 15 (PIA) – The provincial and municipal information officers here learned basic photography during the Day-2 of the Three-Day Seminar-Workshop on Basic News Writing, Script Writing, Photography and Video Production spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga held on Tuesday at the San Jose Pension House, Justiniana, San Jose, this province.  

“What we see in our eyes is temporary – we may remember it, but we cannot record it accurately or show it to other people. To do that we need a camera. We use camera to acquire photography,” remarked Gerie Mae Coco, photo/video editor/senior layout artist of PIA-Caraga.

Coco described that photography is a method of recording images by the action of light, or related radiation on a sensitive material.

“Rule of Thirds is derived by creating two vertical imaginary lines that divide the View Finder into three equal vertical columns; and another two imaginary horizontal lines that divide the View Finder into three equal horizontal columns. The point at which the (imaginary) vertical and horizontal lines intersect, is the ideal place where the subject of the center of interest is to be located. This is to achieve balance and interest,” bared Coco.

Coco further reminded the participants to always be respectful of your subject. “Remember when photographing someone, be sensitive to potential privacy issues,” he emphasized.

He also revealed that the following are the important principles in photography: 1) Un-clutter the picture, Zoom in; 2) Put subject off-centre/Rule of thirds; 3) Use of frames, lines and diagonals; 4) Dramatic perspective (create impact by photographing your subjects from unexpected angles); and 5) Panning (create a moving object with a camera to capture the motion), among others.

The participants were given workshop on how to capture a good photograph with the best caption. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Dinagat Islands holds IOs orientation-seminar

By Susil D. Ragas

DINAGAT ISLANDS, Apr. 15 (PIA) – The provincial government here through the provincial information office (PIO) conducted an orientation-seminar of its designated Information Officers (IOs) from the different provincial offices and municipalities held recently at San Jose Pension, San Jose town, this province.

According to Dinagat Islands PIO Ma. Jane A. Mayola the seminar aims to orient the information officers of their roles and functions as a frontline service providers and to have a better understanding on the vision, mission, mandates and guiding principles of being an information officer.

Mayola said that with the orientation seminar, it is expected that the information officers will have a better understanding of their roles and functions in disseminating  information down to the community level through television, radio broadcast, print and social media.

“It is the goal of the information office to provide timely and reliable information to help Dinagatnons to be well-informed on the different issues that our province are facing and will be embracing from time to time,” Mayola said. (SDR/Regin M. Tangal, Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)

Things are in place to address power shortage in AgSur – ASELCO

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, April 15 (PIA) - The Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO) declared things are in place to address the electric power shortage now experienced in this province  but cannot give the daily schedule of the brown outs because of the two curtailment scheme now used by the National Power Corporation (NPC).

According to ASELCO’s Gen. Manager Emmanuel Galarce, they opted to use the first scheme which is the voluntary curtailment in order to maximize the power load that ASELCO receives from the market and shorten the brown outs that the province and the whole country are experiencing at present.

“The voluntary curtailment scheme that we chose at present will enable us to maximize the load that we receive from the three sources that presently supply us. We are receiving 5,000 kilowatt from Therma Marine Inc (TMI), another 10,000 kilowatt from Mapalad Power Corp (MPC) and some 4,500 to more than 8,000 kilowatt from National Power Corporation- Power Sector Assets/ Liabilities and Management Corp. (NPC-PSALM). I can say this because we will only cut the exact power excess every time our supplier call us to slow down our consumption and not the whole shortage as recommended. For example, the supplier tells us to curtail three megawatts for an hour, so we look for an area where we cut only 2.4 megawatts, so that the whole province will not suffer the brownout,” GM Galarce said.

The business sector also feared that worst power shortage will take place in the entire province once the two Gaisano malls now on-going construction will operate, but GM Galarce assured that they are presently working for the solution to address power needs when the time comes that the two giant shopping malls will operate.

“The initial works for the installation of the five megawatts bunker power is now on going at the side of our main building. This project is one of power sources that will address our demand for electric power,” GM Galarce said.

Aside from the bunker power that is expected to supplement the need of electric power in the province, GM Galarce said, the power crises is also expected to last until six months because coal powered generators from General Santos City and Davao will be operating sometime on June this year. Galarce said coal power is much cheaper than bunker or diesel power and therefore, ASELCO can afford to buy the needed power that will address the expected sudden increase of demand.

Galarce also extend his gratitude to President Benigno S. Aquino III for the subsidy he extended worth P10 million as calamity fund assistance for the rehabilitation of distribution system/ facilities damaged by typhoon “Sendong.” (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

AFP confirms burning incident in SurSur; eyes NPA

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, April 15 (PIA) – Army 401st Brigade Commander Col. Gregory Cayetano has not yet kept the New People’s Army (NPA) off the hook for the alleged burning of a backhoe at around 9:30pm, Sunday in Purok 1, Diversion Road, Barangay Poblacion Barobo, Surigao del Sur.

Cayetano said that he wants first to talk with the owner of the heavy equipment which according to Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Police Provincial Director Supt. Ramir Perlito Perlas, is owned by L. C. Ting Construction.

In a report sent to Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13), three unidentified gunmen on board a motorcycle were spotted at the crime scene.

Perlas added before fleeing towards San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, the alleged perpetrators still managed to pull down two streamers—one with anti-NPA slogan and another with local government unit (LGU) tax campaign. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

PENRO conducts 2014 1st MFPC meeting

By Jemrie Q. Respecia

TUBAJON, Dinagat Islands, Apr. 15 (PIA) – The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) headed by chief forester Nathaniel E. Racho conducted recently its 1st Meeting of the Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee (MFPC) held in Brgy. Navarro, this town.

The meeting is composed of representatives from the town’s local government unit; religious, women, and student sectors; Philippine National Police (PNP), barangay officials, forester Maridel G. Ibarra; and extension officer Rafaela Deles.

Highlighting the meeting are the legal basis for the creation of the MFPC committee and its existence, the duties of its members, how it works prior to its creation, and the open forum.

The creation of MFPC is essential in protecting the remaining rainforest in said municipality particularly in barangays Navarro and Malinao.

It was created and organized last September 19, 2013. (LGU-Tubajon, PDI/PIA-Caraga)

SurSur DPWH activates “Lakbay-Alalay” for Lent

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, April 15 (PIA) – Both 1st and 2nd Engineering Districts of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Surigao del Sur have started to implement the “Lakbay-Alalay” program for the Holy Week celebration.

District Engineers Alipio Grana and Eulogio Milla of Districts I and II, respectively, told Radyo Ng Bayan that Motorists’ Assistance Centers (MACs) have already been set up since April 13, which “24/7” operation will last until April 20.

Grana and Milla confirmed that a memorandum has been issued to this effect not only coming from DPWH Caraga Regional Office XIII but also from no less than Secretary Rogelio Singson.

A total of five MACs—three in the First District while two in the Second District—have been activated, it was learned.

Both officials have likewise assured that all MACs, each supervised by an engineer, are equipped with communication devices, service vehicles, and other tools needed to effectively man them. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

PBMA opens ‘Palarong Pandinagat 2014'

By Jolito Alto Escano

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Apr. 15 (PIA) - The Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA) Inc. Sports League spearheaded the grand opening parade of the 'Palarong Pandinagat 2014' on Friday participated by 20 teams from Dinagat Area I and 2 held at PBMA Administration Building, this town.

Sport League National President Valentine D. Maybuena, Jr. stressed that this activity is in support to the government program for healthy lifestyle. “This is also to give honor and highlight the 54th birthday of PBMA Supreme President Ruben B. Ecleo Jr., the former congressman of this province,” Maybuena added.

The parade lasted for two hours traversing R. R. Buray Avenue, Pescadores St., San Jose Port area and DM Avenue. Program and Presentation of Teams and team muse then followed at PBMA Administration building stage.

This year’s board of judges are: Julieta Monteseven, municipal secretary of San Jose as chairperson; Mr. Mancia, municipal community affairs and Jolito A. Escano, PBMA Trustee and event management officer.

A total of 15 young, lovely adorable muses participated in the Best Team Muse category. This year’s Best Team Muse was awarded to Holy Trinity and a Special Award for Best Team Uniform was given to Basilisa Chapter Team. (PDI/Dinagat Islands)

Cebuano News: Recruitment Management Workshop, gipahigayon

Ni Sheila Yatar

BUTUAN CITY, Abril 15 (PIA) - Sa pagpanguna sa buhatan sa Human Resource Management, gisalmutan sa mga hepe sa nagkadaiyang buhatan ning syudad ang gipahigayong duha ka adlaw nga Seminar - Workshop on Strategic Recruitment Management didto sa DOP Center, Tiniwisan, Abril 4, 2014.

Ang mga tigpamaba sa maong kalihukan mao sila Civil Service Commission - Caraga Chief Personnel Specialist Fe Jennifer Perez ug Dir. Kits Mabale, ug nabahin ang maong seminar - workshop sa tulo ka modyul: Introduction to Strategic Recruitment Management, Gearing up for a Competency-Based Assessment, ug Towards the Trend on Targeted Selection Interviewing.

Tumong ug layon sa maong panagtigum nga matuki sa ahensya ang sistema sa pagrekrut niini ug mga empleyado. Gikatakda sa maong seminar ang pagpasabot ug pagpatamod ngadto sa mga partisipante sa mga benepisyo ug kaayuhan sa usa ka competency-based behavioral event interview. Kalabot na niini ang pagsabot ug pag gamit sa ginatawag nga Star approach sa pagpahigayon ug usa ka interbyu ug ang paghikay sa pagdumala niini. (LGU-Butuan City PIO/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Cebuano News: Presidente Aquino nakigpulong sa kapolisan isip pagpangandam sa seguridad sa Semana Santa

SIARGAO ISLANDS, Abril 15 (PIA) - Nakipagkita si Presidente Benigno S. Aquino III sa mga miyembro sa Philippine National Police (PNP) kagahapon, adlaw'ng Lunes aron makigpulong kalabot sa seguridad ug kaluwasan isip pagpangandam alang sa Semana Santa.

Atol sa usa ka command conference nga gipahigayon didto sa Camp Crame, Si PNP Chief Alan Purisima mipahibalo kang Presidente Aquino nga sila anaa sa “heightened alert status.”

Sumala pa ni Purisima nga ang PNP gipataas-an na ang presensya sa mga kapulisan sa mga dapit nga daghang mga tawo ug estabistamento pinaagi sa pagpadala sa ‘public safety forces.’

"Gipahugtan na namo ang sekuridad sa mga malls, bus terminal, pantalan ug mga landiganan ug dunay amoang gipahimutang nga mga ‘police assistant desks’ sa mga nahisgutang establistamento (We have heightened security in malls, bus terminals, seaports and airports and we have established police assistant desks in these key establishments)," si Purisima miingon.

Dugang pa niya nga ang PNP nakigtambayayong na sa nagkadaiyang mga pribadong mga ahensya alang sa pagpadala ug mga marsiyal sa mga bus terminals ug mga nauganan sa mga pasahero alang sa seguridad sa mga motorista ug mga pasahero kon biyahidor.

"Ang atoang mga ‘police community relations officer’ usab mihimo na ug mga lakang sa pagpalanog ug mga pahibalo sa pagbantay nga malikayan ang mga krimen sama sa pagpangawat ug uban pang krimen batok sa mga kabtangan (Our police community relations officers have also been intensifying crime prevention awareness measures against burglary and other crimes against property)," dugang pa niya.

Sumala pa sa taho nga si Presidente Aquino gilauman nga mobisita sa mga dapit sa bus terminal, mga landinganan ug mga pantalan aron sa personal niya nga maobserbahan ang mga lakang nga gihimo sa mga awtoridad alang sa pagsiguro sa usa ka hapsay ug malinawon nga Semana Santa.

Ang maong komperensya, usab gikatahong gitambongan nila ni Interior and local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, Police Director Leonardo Espina ug ubang mga ranking police officials diin apil nga gihisgotan ang umaabot nga e-host ug ipahigayon sa Pilipinas ang World Economic Forum sa sunod nga bulan ug ang World Economic Forum sa 2015. (NGBT/PND/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Cebuano News: Half Cup Rice Ordinance, gilaumang ipasa sa SP

Ni Diana Generalao

BUTUAN CITY, Abril 15 (PIA) - Gilauman karon ni Bise Mayor ug nangulo sa komitiba sa agrikultura Angelo S. Calo ang pagpasa sa Half Cup Cooked Rice Ordinance ubos sa Sangguniang Panlungsod ning dakabayan.

Tuod man, nagpahigayon ug pagdungog ang Komitiba sa Agrikultura aron sa pagplastar sa mga reglamento nga mamahimong sakop niini, lakip na ang pag konsidera sa mga kan-anan nga gahanyag ug “unlimited rice” sa ilang mga kustomer. Nahisgutan usab ang pag-delegar sa Business Permits and Licensing Division ning dakbayan alang sa regular nga pag-monitor ug pag-susi sa mga kan-anan para masiguro ang pagtuman sa maong ordinansa sa higayon nga mapasa na unya kini.

Sulod sa Half Cup Cooked Rice Ordinance, tunga sa tasa na unya ang mamahimong basehan sa usa ka order sa nilung-ag nga bugas sa matag kan-anan ning syudad. Kini nga pamaagi gilaumang makatabang aron dili masayang ang bugas pananglitan dili na kini mahurot sa nagkaon.

Mahibaluan nga ang parehas nga ordinansa naaprubahan ug kasamtangan na nga giimplementar sa uban nga mga syudad sa nasud susama sa Bohol ug Davao.

Aduna pa’y ipahigayon nga mga public hearing aron mahatagan usab ug igo’ng oportunidad ang mga katawhan ning dakbayan sa pagsaysay sa ilang mga panglantaw kabahin sa nasangpit nga ordinansa. Sa mga buot musalmot, mamahimo kamo nga mutawag sa buhatan sa Bise Mayor sa numero (085)342-9236. (LGU-Butuan City PIO/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

PIA-13 chief encourages Dinagat IOs to give value to their roles in society

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Apr. 14 (PIA) – “You have to give value to your role as information officers because people depend on the information you deliver to them. Do not settle for less, do not take your responsibilities for granted, instead do your best as government communicator and give justice to your functions.”

This was the statement of regional director Abner Caga of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga during the opening of the Three-Day Seminar-Workshop on Basic News Writing, Script Writing, Photography, and Video Production held on Monday at the San Jose Pension House, Justiniana, San Jose, Dinagat Islands.

“PIA is here with you today for this training, no matter how far we have to travel because we care for the information officers in the region. We should develop their skills and make them productive in their position,” Caga remarked.

Caga added that information dissemination by the information officers should be timely, accurate and reliable “so the public will be informed real time and be able to respond especially in times of disaster.”

Caga further disclosed that Dinagat Islands is a fertile ground to create change. He emphasized that the best way to communicate is through the heart. 

“Our agency, in its earnest effort chose to conduct this lecture to help enhance the skills of our local communicators,” stressed Caga.

The good director also expressed his optimism that the local communicators in the province will be able to level up its strategies and means of communicating to the public.

The said training will run until April 16 (Wednesday) and participants will undergo workshops every after the lecture by the PIA personnel. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

FNRI, DOST IV-A and Mulanay, Quezon ink partnership on complementary food production

By Sancho S. Labong

MANILA, April 14 (PIA) - The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), the municipal government of Mulanay, Quezon, and the DOST Region IV-A (CALABARZON) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the production of complementary food. The MOA signing was held on 10 February 2014 at the Municipal Function Hall of Mulanay in Quezon Province.

Present during the event were Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, FNRI Director; Dr. Alexander R. Madrigal, DOST IV-A Regional Director; and Hon. Joselito A. Ojeda, Mayor of Mulanay, Quezon.

“Commitment, commitment, commitment," is what Mayor Ojeda stressed in his welcome remarks as he challenged local officials regarding their commitment to the technical assistance extended by FNRI through the DOST IV-A.

According to the 2008 FNRI National Nutrition Survey, Mulanay, a first class partially-urban municipality of Quezon, ranked fifth for malnutrition problem in the province. It also has a poverty incidence of 59.7 percent, as quoted in a Mulanay news article posted in the Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) website (2012).

Dr. Madrigal, in his Opening Remarks lauded Dr. Capanzana for the prompt response in his invitation to attend the event despite of a short notice.

The recent MOA signing marks the 4th collaborative project in the region between the FNRI and the DOST IV-A, Dr. Madrigal added.

Dr. Madrigal also mentioned the complementary feeding program and other activities conducted by the FNRI and other DOST agencies, and at the same time, presented the line-up of the DOST projects for Mulanay.

Dr. Capanzana, in his message, discussed briefly the FNRI’s mandates. He also discussed the Malnutrition Reduction Program of the Institute and the results of the 2008 and 2011 nutrition surveys focusing on stunting.

According to Dr. Capanzana, a child who is stunted or chronically malnourished is shorter than normal for his or her age. Stunting, he added, starts before birth and is caused by poor maternal nutrition, feeding practices, and food quality.

Stunting is irreversible and has a long term-effect. To address it, nutrition interventions are needed among pregnant women and children from birth to five years of age.

The MOA signing for the production of complementary food that can cover even five nearby municipalities comes in the most opportune time to help address malnutrition and unemployment.

Assistance from FNRI includes technical training for the production of complementary food, plant lay-out, looking for possible source of raw materials, and promotion of the products, among others.

Witnessing the ceremony were Ms. Maria Esperanza E. Jawili, Provincial S&T Director of DOST Quezon, the Mulanay Vice Mayor Fernandito T. Baronia, Municipal Councilors, Municipal Health Officers, and other local officials of Mulanay.

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, Telephone/Fax No. 8372934, 837-3164, 837-2071 loc 2287 e-mail: 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)

Philippines to host largest sub-regional trade fair and business gab

DAVAO CITY, April 14 (PIA) - The Philippines will host this year’s largest sub-regional trade fair and business conference that will gather the top business leaders and traders from two economic sub-regional groupings within the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Business players from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand will converge here from October 23 to 26 for the 2nd BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT Trade Fair and Business Leaders’ Conference 2014, an international event designed to attract foreign investments and promote regional cooperation within Asia and the Pacific region.

BIMP-EAGA stands for Brunei Darussalam Indonesia Malaysia the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, while the IMT-GT stands for Indonesia Malaysia Thailand Growth Triangle.

“While both growth triangles have their respective road maps, this convergence will enhance our competitiveness by turning the sub-region into a single investment area and production network, thereby accelerating economic growth in Southeast Asia,” said Luwalhati  Antonino, Chair of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the Philippine Coordinating Office for BIMP-EAGA.

The international fair and business conference, which will be held at the SM Lanang Premier’s SMX Convention Center will feature a series of sub-events designed to strengthen economic, social, and cultural relations in preparation for the ASEAN integration in 2015.

Antonino explained that the trade fair and business conference are follow through events to the 1st BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT Consumer Fair and Business Transformation Leaders Conference held in Melaka, Malaysia in December of 2012, where the Philippines expressed its commitment to sustain the convergence by hosting this year’s fair and conference.

Key exporters and producers in the ASEAN region will conduct sharing of strategies during the Business Leaders’ Conference, and will discuss the potential impact of the ASEAN integration on SMEs and on their participation in the supply chain.

Also on the agenda are Climate Change Adaptation and the alignment of the four pillars of BIMP-EAGA, namely connectivity, food basket, tourism, and environment. Investment programs within the Mindanao Development Corridors, the island-region’s spatial development framework, will also be presented.

The trade fair, which will be dovetailed by the Business Leaders’ Conference will showcase the finest and unique products of participating countries as well as current developments in the services sector, technology innovations, and investment opportunities. Business-matching sessions will be conducted simultaneously with the trade fair and the business conference.

“This year’s trade fair will also bring together key business players from other ASEAN countries. We aim to highlight market and investment opportunities for globally competitive products, as well as strategies to escalate private sector participation in integration initiatives of the two growth triangles into the ASEAN market,” said Antonino.

She added that the four-day activity is also a commemorative celebration of BIMP-EAGA’s 20th this year.  BIMP-EAGA was launched in 1994 in Davao City as a key strategy to accelerate social and economic development of less developed areas in participating countries.

IMT-GT was formed in 1993 with similar goals of promoting trade, investment, and tourism in less-developed states and provinces in Sumatra, Indonesia, Peninsular Malaysia, and Southern Thailand. Both sub-regional groups aim to harness private sector leadership in initiatives to promote cross-border investments and improve connectivity. (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)

Armed men torch construction equipment in Surigao Sur

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, April 14 (PIA) - Three unidentified gunmen have been linked to be behind the burning of a backhoe owned by L. C. Ting Construction based in Butuan City at around 9:30pm, Sunday in Purok 1, Diversion Road, Barangay Poblacion, Barobo, Surigao del Sur, according to Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Police Provincial Director Supt. Ramir Perlito Perlas.

He said that initial investigation revealed that the suspects, who fired their firearms several times after the incident, were spotted at the crime scene on board a motorcycle while the backhoe, color orange with body no. 2229 was on fire.

Perlas added that before the gunmen finally fled towards San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, a streamer with anti-New People’s Army (NPA) slogan and another one with local government unit (LGU) tax campaign on it were also pulled down.

An investigation is still going on in order to unmasked the identity of the suspects for the filing of appropriate charges, he said. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Tagalog News: Palasyo sinabing ang pagdalaw ng Pangulo ng Estados Unidos ay pagkakataon para palakasin ang tali sa ating kaalyado

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Abril 14 (PIA) - Sinabi ng Malakanyang noong Linggo na ang darating na pagbisita ng Pangulo ng America na si Barack Obama ay pagkakataon para sa Pilipinas para lalong palakasin ang tali sa ating kaalyado.

“Ang nakatakdang pagdalaw ni Pangulong Barack Obama ay magsisilbing magandang pagkakataon para palakasin at gawing higit na matibay pa ang masinsin na pakikipag-ugnayan ng Pilipinas sa Estados Unidos," sabi ni Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. sa isang pakipanayam sa media sa pamamagitan ng dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Sinabi niya na Estados Unidos ay mahalagang kapanalig ng Pilipinas sa larangan ng depensa at seguridad, isang pang-ekonomiya, panghanapbuhay at pangnegosyong kasosyo.

“Batid natin na ang Estados Unidos ang ating pangunahin at istratehikong partner sa larangan ng defense at security, at isa rin pong partner ng ating bansa sa larangan ng ekonomiya, kabuhayan, at negosyo,” puna ni Coloma.

Dagdag pa niya na parehong mga Pilipino at Amerikano ay nakikitang ang pagbisita ay lalong magpapatingkad ng pagiging magkaibigan ng dalawang bansa.

“At maraming dekada na ang pakikipagkaibigan ng mga Pilipino at Amerikano kaya’t umaasa po tayo na ang darating na pagdalaw ni Pangulong Barack Obama ay higit pang magpapatibay at magpapalakas sa pagkakaibigan at pakikipag-ugnayan ng dalawang bansa sa isa’t isa,” sabi ni Coloma. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Tagalog News: Malakanyang pinayuhan ang mga Pilipino na pag-ibayuhin ang pag-ingat habang ginugunita ang Semana Santa

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Abril 14 (PIA) - Pinayuhan noong Linggo ng Malakanyang ang mga Pilipino na maggugunita ng Semana Santa na pag-ibayuhin ang pag-iingat, lalo na sa pagbibiyahe sa panahon ng mahabang bakasyon.

Sinabi ni Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. sa isang panayam sa media sa pamamagitan ng dzRb Radyo ng Bayan na ang institusyon ng pamahalaan gaya ng Department of Transportation at Communications (DOTC) at ang Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) ay naka-alerto para tumulong sa lahat ng motorist na nagpaplanong uuwi sa kanikanilang probinsiya sa darating na Semana Santa.

“Sa pagsapit ng Semana Santa, ipinapaalala ng pamahalaan sa ating mga mamamayan ang ibayong pag-iingat, lalo na sa mga luluwas sa kani-kanilang lalawigan upang gunitain ang mga Mahal na Araw,” sabi Coloma.

“Nakahanda at nakaantabay ang lahat ng kaukulang ahensya ng gobyerno sa pangunguna ng DOTC, Kagawaran ng Pagawaang Bayan at Lansangan o DPWH, MMDA, at ang hanay ng Pambansang Kapulisan (PNP) upang tiyakin ang ligtas at matiwasay na paglalakbay ng ating mga kababayan,” dagdag niya.

Sinabi ni Coloma na ang Semana Santa ay panahon ng paggunita at pagdarasal at pagpahayag ng pag-asa na pagkatapos ng pagmuni-muni, sila ay babalik na sariwa at determinado na magpatuloy tungo sa mas magandang bukas.

“Ang Semana Santa ay panahon ng pagtitika at pagninilay para sa mga mananampalataya. Nawa’y pagkatapos nito magkaroon tayo ng ibayong lakas at determinasyon na makamit ang ating mga minimithi para sa isang maaliwalas na kinabukasan,” sabi ni Coloma. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Cebuano News: Bag-ong Fire Truck, gidawat sa BCBFP

Ni Sheila Yatar

BUTUAN CITY, Abril 14 (PIA) - Pormal na nga gidawat ni Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. ang gitunol sa Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) nga Rosenbauer TLF 4000 Fire Truck alang sa Bureau of Fire Protection ning dakbayan atol sa gipahigayong Flag Ceremony sa City Hall Grounds, Abril 7, 2014.

          

Ang maong ekipo usa ka 1000-gallon water-pumper ug adunay 4-door MAN TGM 18.240 diin makaakomodar kini ug seven-passenger seating.  Aduna kini kapasidad nga makapagawas ug tubig nga 2,400 litro kada minuto ug makaabot sa kalay-on nga 62 metro pinahigda ug 24 metro pinatindog.  Aduna pud kini duha ka hose nga madali-dali ug gamit samtang giandam ang uban pang mga hos niini.

          

Sa mensahe ni BFP regional director SSUPT Mario Socorro C. Timonera, giasoy niining palaran ang syudad sa Butuan tungod kay nakaangkon kini sa maong ekipo. Gibutyag usab niini nga sa umalabot nga panahon, adunay pay mga bag-ong ekipo nga ipangtunol alang sa Butuan.

          

Gipadayag usab ni Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. ang iyang pagpasalamat sa DILG tungod sa maong ekipo nga gilaumang makatabang gayud sa syudad hilabina kay masinati napud nato ang ting-init nga panahon. Nanghinaot usab ang mayor nga ang matag usa kanato mamahimong responsable aron mahilayo sa aksidente sa sunog. (LGU-Butuan City PIO/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Cebuano News: Malakanyang mipahimangno sa mga Pilipino ug igong pagpangandam alang sa pagsaulog sa Semana Santa

SURIGAO DEL SUR, Abril 14 (PIA) - Ang Malakanyang kagahapon mipahimangno sa mga Pilipino kinsa magasaulog sa Semana Santa ug igong pagpngandam ug pag-amping, ilabi kon kini mobiyahe pa dungan sa hataas nga panahon sa bakasyon.

Si Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. miingon sa usa ka press briefing nga gipasibya pinaage sa dxRB Radyo ng Bayan nga ang mga institusyon sa gobyerno sama sa Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) ug ang Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) alerto alang sa pag-asister sa tanang motorist nga mobiyahe aron sa pagsaulog ug Semana Santa didto sa mga probinsiya.

“Sa pagsaulog sa Semana Santa, nagpahimangno ang atoang gobyerno sa dobleng pag-igmat, ilabina na sa mga mobiyahe pa sa ilahang tagsa-tagsa ka mga probonsiya aron sa pagsaulog sa Semana Santa (Sa pagsapit ng Semana Santa, ipinapaalala ng pamahalaan sa ating mga mamamayan ang ibayong pag-iingat, lalo na sa mga luluwas sa kani-kanilang lalawigan upang gunitain ang mga Mahal na Araw)," sulti ni Coloma.

“Andam ug naka estambay ang tanan nga dunay kalabotan nga mga ahensya sa pagpanguna sa DOTC, DPWH, ug ang ga kapolisan aron sa pagsiguro nga luwas ug hapsay nga pagbiyahe sa atoang mga kababayan (Nakahanda at nakaantabay ang lahat ng kaukulang ahensya ng gobyerno sa pangunguna ng DOTC, Kagawaran ng Pagawaang Bayan at Lansangan o DPWH, MMDA, at ang hanay ng Pambansang Kapulisan (PNP) upang tiyakin ang ligtas at matiwasay na paglalakbay ng ating mga kababayan)," dugang pa niya.

Sumala pa ni Coloma, ang Semana Santa mao ang panahon alang sa pagpamalandong ug pag-ampo, ug nagpahayag sa paglaum nga human sa panahon, sila mobalik ug determinado sa pagpadayon sa usa ka mas maayo nga ugma.

 “Ang Semana Santa ay panahon ng pagtitika at pagninilay para sa mga mananampalataya. Nawa’y pagkatapos nito magkaroon tayo ng ibayong lakas at determinasyon na makamit ang ating mga minimithi para sa isang maaliwalas na kinabukasan,” siya miingon. (NGBT/PND/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Cebuano News: Butuan, niduyog sa pagselebrar sa Araw ng Kagitingan

Ni Sheila Yatar

BUTUAN CITY, Abril 14 (PIA) - Agi’g paghandum sa sakripisyo ug pakigbisog sa mga beterano atong milabay nga Ikaduhang Pangkalibutanong Gira, gisugdan sa usa ka Wreath Laying Ceremony ang pagsaulog ning dakbayan sa ika 72 nga Araw ng Kagitingan didto sa Veterans Monument, Butuan City Library Compound, Abril 9, 2014.   

       

Sa mensahe ni Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. pinaagi kang Vice Mayor Angelo S. Calo, gipaabot niini ang pagsaludo sa mga beterano sa ilang mga sakripisyo alang sa atong nasod. Isip usa ka public servant, giawhag pud niini ang tanan sa pagsundog sa maong buhat pinaagi sa pagtabang sa mga nanginahanglan. Nanghinaot usab ang mayor nga ang kalayo sa patriyotismo ug kabayanihon magpabiling nagsiga sa kasing-kasing sa matag usa.

       

Samtang gipadayag usab ni Cong. Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun ang pagtahod niini sa mga beterano sa ilang mga nabuhat ug nanghinaot kini nga ang mga nagpabiling buhi nga mga beterano amumahon sa matag usa, ug ang pagtamod sa mga panahon samtang kaauban pa sila hilabina sa maong selebrasyon.

       

Niduyog usab sa maong selebrasyon sila Konsehal Virgilio G. Nery, Jr., mga miyembro sa Philippine National Police ug Philippine Army, mga hepe ug trabahante sa nagkadaiyang buhatan sa lokal nga panggamhanan sa Butuan. (LGU-Butuan City PIO/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months urged

By Regina M. Pagaspas

        

MANILA, April 13 (PIA) - Did you know that Filipino mothers have shortened the duration of breastfeeding their babies exclusively? From what used to be 3 months exclusive breastfeeding, this has now gone down to 2.3 months.

This is according to the 6th and 7th National Nutrition Survey results conducted in 2003 and 2008, respectively by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).

The revised Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by a team of experts led by the FNRI recommends that infants should be breastfed exclusively from birth up to six months and then be given appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for two years and beyond. This is to ensure optimum growth and development by the baby.

Exclusive breastfeeding until six months is very important for the infant because it is the only food that the infant needs during this period. Some mothers complain that they do not have enough milk when they give milk formula and other liquids to their infants causing breastmilk flow to decrease. This is because there is less sucking of the baby from the breast when he is given milk substitutes like milk formula and other liquids. The less sucking, the less breastmilk is produced. The sucking reflex during breastfeeding signals the hormone to produce more milk and the more frequent the mother breastfeeds, the more milk is produced.

Mothers should be taught not to give up at once on breastfeeding if they are having difficulty in increasing their milk flow. Instead, teach them not to give any other milk or fluids to their infants other than breastmilk because this will them the opportunity to breastfeed their babies more frequently. With increased milk flow, longer exclusive breastfeeding duration will surely be achieved.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/Fax no.: 837-2934, 837-2071 local 2295; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph; mar_v_capanzana@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http//www.fnri.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)

FNRI, RMHC and Adarna House launch big book for young children

By Charina A. Javier

BUTUAN CITY, April 12 (PIA) - The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and Adarna House, Inc. launched the nutrition big book, “Go!”. The launch was held on March 5, 2014 at McDonald's Greenbelt, Makati City.

“Go!” is the 34th book in the Bright Minds Read (BMR) kit of RMHC. The BMR Program is RMHC's partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) in support of the “Every-Child-a-Reader” Program.

The big book teaches children about the importance of good nutrition particularly in developing good eating habits. This includes eating the right kind and amount of food at the right time. As children develop skills in reading, creative and critical thinking, they will learn that there are a lot of sources of good quality energy-giving foods such as potatoes. They will also learn the importance of being physically active by engaging in sports.

“Go!” is the first partnership of the FNRI and RMHC. Mr. Bing Bachoco, Chief Finance Officer of McDonald's-Philippines, Mr. George Yang, Chairman Emeritus of McDonald's in the Philippines and Ms. Marie Angeles, Executive Director of RMHC graced the event. Mr. Bachoco said that educating children is one of McDonald's advocacies through RMHC under their BMR Project. Various public elementary schools have benefited from this project and they are committed to providing additional resources and reaching more children in other areas of the country. He said “Go!” will be included in the BMR kit that will be distributed in their partner schools and day care centers.

Dr. Mario Capanzana, FNRI Director expressed how much the project means not only to educate children about nutrition per se but in helping address energy deficiency among children. He mentioned that there is still a serious prevalence of underweight children in the country, thus, teaching children about energy-giving foods is important.

Ms. Lyn Almario, President of Adarna House and Asa Montenegro, Marketing Director, were also present during the event. Ms. Almario said that they are excited and energetic as well with the release of “Go!”, the second in the series of nutrition big books they are collaborating with FNRI. She also mentioned that Adarna House and RMHC has a long time partnership in producing quality Filipino children's books that tackle various topics put in simple stories.

“Go!” hopes to encourage young children to practice good nutrition while nurturing the love for reading. The book is available in bookstores nationwide.

For more information about food and nutrition, you may 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; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; Website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRI S&T Media Services/PIA-Caraga)