(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 07 May 2025) Frontal System affecting Extreme Northern Luzon. Easterlies affecting the rest of the country. 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 Easterlies. 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—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from East to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 1.8 meters).


Thursday, July 3, 2014

NGCP confident to counter climate change

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, July 3 (PIA) – “It is not an issue meant to be solved only by the powers that be, but rather a matter to be dealt with by the entirety of human race. It’s a responsibility of all and sundry to help and advocate on climate change (CC) mitigation and daptaton,” firmly stated by National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) District-4 Mindanao Operations and Maintenance head Camilo Gamolo.

The NGCP has demonstrated support for being the first institution to display the required CC tarpaulins imprinted with thematic brand logo, “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago” in Butuan City. This is in adherence to the call of the national government to intensify the campaign on Climate Change mitigation and adaptation.

The three huge tarps were spread out in conspicuous walls outside their establishment to catch extra attention to the public. This concrete action is just part of the significant strategies to popularize the ‘new normal’ of climate change.   

The high branding presence and visibility of this material is directed towards community awareness and active cooperation for individual’s own protection.

Gamolo said, ”the challenge of climate change to the human race is to redeem ourselves as a breed capable of paramount changes to correct what we have authored upon ourselves.”

He meant real transformation from being complacent to being pro-active, resilient and responsive to the factors affecting the environment including the threats brought by climate change.

Meanwhile, Philippine Information Agency Caraga regional director Abner Caga expressed that “building resiliency is everyone’s concern and as individual stakeholders, therefore, each is encouraged to contribute in any manner to hype responsiveness on climate change challenge.” (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


Data sharing of gov’t & partner agencies on Listahanan requires MOA, says DSWD-Caraga

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 3 (PIA) – During the Consultation Dialogue on the Listahanan or National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga with partners from the regional line agencies, non-government organizations, civil society organizations and academe on Thursday in one of the local convention centers here, DSWD emphasized that data sharing on Listahanan by its partners requires execution of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

Dante Rosales, regional focal person of DSWD-Caraga's Listahanan explained that the Listahanan's data is protected under a MOA which ensures that the data will be used only for its intended purpose.

"This is also in consonance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, which is intended to protect the integrity and security of personal data in both the private and public sectors," said Rosales.

Rosales further clarified that the data sharing agreement stipulates that the data user must integrate Listahanan in all its social marketing activities – highlighting or emphasizing the use of the targeting system in identifying beneficiaries of its social protection programs and projects.

“Data user must also provide regular feedback on the data utilization and resolution on complaints regarding beneficiary eligibility and ensure the confidentiality and use of requested data only for purposes agreed upon,” Rosales added.

Meanwhile, Christopher Saavedra, regional information technology officer of DSWD-Caraga reiterated that "information such as statistics and magnitude can be obtained through official data requests. However, a MOA is required if the information being requested includes the names of family or household members."

Listahanan is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are nationwide. The system makes available to national government agencies and other social protection stakeholders a socio-economic database of poor households as basis in identifying potential beneficiaries of social protection programs & services.

The DSWD's Listahanan data and statistics can also be accessed at the Listahanan website - http://listahanan.dswd.gov.ph. From the home page, click the "Statistics" tab and log in as a guest (instructions provided on the page). Users may view data down to the barangay level. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


PIA Caraga participates in this year’s NSED

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 3 (PIA) – The personnel of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga headed by regional director Abner M. Caga participated in this year’s conduct of the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Wednesday at their regional office.

“As we advocate for Climate Change adaptation and mitigation, we also aimed to be disaster-resilient government workers. We value this kind of activity especially that disaster in any form can be inevitable. That’s why we go hand-in-hand with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on our ongoing campaign for a disaster-resilient communities here in our region,” stressed Caga.

Caga reiterated that the annual observance is pursuant to Executive Order No. 137 dated August 10,1999 which provides an opportunity to promote public awareness on DRRM to all stakeholders.

For this year, the RDRRMC Caraga has identified Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur as the host municipality where the ceremonial sites for the said drill will be done in all schools in the Poblacion area.

Caga further relayed that the drill will also gauge the efficiency of the warning dissemination and the response of the provincial/city and municipal DRRM councils and the local government units, as well as the level of preparedness of schools, hospitals, and surrounding communities if an actual earthquake takes place.

This year’s NSED is anchored on the theme, “Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan, Pundasyon ng Kaunlaran.” (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Youth sector leaders’ training, strategic planning workshop set in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, July 3 (PIA) – Following the suspension of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Election, the youth sector leaders from the different barangays here will participate in the training and strategic planning workshop on July 8, 2014 at Imadejas Convention Center, this city.

“This is in response to Republic Act No. 10632 otherwise known as An Act To Postpone The Sangguniang Kabataan Elections On October 28, 2013, Amending For The Purpose Republic Act No. 9340, And For Other Purposes, and its implementing rules and regulations, and as a support to the 86 barangays of Butuan City on the said SK election to be conducted on or before February 23, 2015,” bared Agnes Carlos, Community Affairs Officer of the city government’s Public Affairs, Information and Assistance Division (PAIAD).

Carlos further said that during the training, the participating youth leaders will discuss the types of leadership, art and the culture of leadership.

“Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. will tackle the ‘Vision 2020 and the Youth’; Vice Mayor Angelo Calo will share the ‘Youth as the Farmers of Tomorrow’; SP Samuel Allan Amante will discuss ‘Youth and the Local Tourism Industry’; SP Rema Burdeos on ‘Youth and the Duties and Responsibilities of the Family’; and SP Nestor Amora on ‘Youth and the Barangay Affairs,” added Carlos.

Along with the mentioned topics, participants will also identify issues and concerns of the youth in the city which need to be addressed.

It was also learned that they are expected to complete its Action Plan for 2015. (JPG/PIA-Caraga) 


Disaster consciousness month celebration in Caraga kicks off in Hinatuan town

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

HINATUAN, Surigao del Sur, July 3 (PIA) - The local government here was chosen among the 70 municipalities in Caraga Region to lead the kick off celebration of the National Disaster Consciousness Month from July 1 to 31.

In a simple ceremony held Wednesday at Hinatuan gym, Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel, chair of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), said that is very much appropriate that the kick-off celebration will be held here because the town was already a winner of the Gawad KALASAG in 2013.

"Aside from being a national Gawad KALASAG awardee last year, this town is also role model in disaster preparedness in the entire province," Pimentel said.

The opening ceremony was graced by Hinatuan mayor Candelario Viola and Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga regional director Liza Mazo, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga regional director Dominga Mallonga, Provincial DRRM officer Abel de Guzman, and some local officials.

Meanwhile, the local DRRM council of Hinatuan conducted various activities as part of the kick-off celebration such as the Fire Drill and Fire Olympics; Simultaneous Earthquake Drill in different schools; observance of Earth Hour, Rescue Exhibition with different scenarios and symposium on Disaster Risk Reduction Management-Climate Change Adaptation (DRRM-CCA). (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Mindanao town seals cacao deal with Kennemer Foods International

DAVAO CITY, July 3 (PIA) - A production and trading agreement aimed to integrate and scale-up cacao production in Mindanao was sealed here recently between the local government of Marihatag in Surigao del Sur and the Kennemer Foods International (KFI).

Marihatag Mayor Alan Pelenio and KFI President Simon Bakker led the signing of agreement at the Seda Abreeza Hotel, which will initiate the massive planting of four million cacao trees in the town’s 5,000 hectare pilot site.

KFI is a major supplier of US-based Mars chocolate and specializes in growing and trading high-quality agricultural crops including fermented cacao beans.

“We are more than excited about our partnership with KFI and we’re optimistic that the people of Marihatag will enjoy long-term benefits from this initiative particularly that the project will be managed by our people organizations (POs),” said Pelenio.

He added that the local government plans to integrate cacao with its existing coconut plantations since “cacao is best suited to be inter-cropped with coconut trees.”

Pelenio said that part of the agreement with KFI is the capacity building of its POs since these organizations will be trained on the latest cacao production technologies to ensure the project’s success.

The initial planting of the cacao trees commenced on Friday in which 1,600 trees were planted in the town’s 2-hectare demo farm.  The event was participated in by officials and staff of the Marihatag Local Government Unit (LGU), local chief executives of the province of Surigao del Sur, staff members of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and farmers in the area.

“A P600,000 worth of cacao seedlings, or 30,000 trees will be planted next week,” said Pelenio while adding “we will be spending P50,000.00 per hectare for land preparation and eventual harvesting since it would take at least 18 months for cacao trees to mature and bear fruits.”

An estimated annual gross income of P180,000.00 per hectare is projected to be generated from the project which is expected to generate more than 500 jobs.

“Aside from providing us with technical support, KFI is the assured market for our produce,” he said.

MinDA Chair Luwalhati Antonino, who witnessed the agreement signing encouraged local chief executives in the island-region to grow chocolate-producing cacao, of which its demand is currently seeing a spike in the global market.

“Chocolate is a multi-billion dollar industry and Mindanao has vast tracts of land suitable for cacao,” she said while adding “Mindanao strives to become the country’s leader in cacao production.”

Mindanao’s effort to scale-up its cacao production is part of the ongoing initiatives of MinDA’s “Inclusive Growth Program,” which seeks to facilitate investments that result in jobs and community empowerment, such as agribusiness projects where communities become integral to the supply chain.

The initiative is also part of the Barangay StraTREEgic Forest Program (BSFP), a project of MinDA’s MindaNOW! Nurturing Our Waters Program, which supports the National Greening Program (NGP) that aims to plant 1.5 billion trees covering 1.5 million hectares across the country from 2011 to 2016. (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)


2014 Nutrition Month celebration activities in SurSur bared

By Greg Tataro, Jr.

TANDAG CITY, July 3 (PIA) – Provincial Nutrition Officer Ermelinda Ascares bared the month-long activities for the 2014 Nutrition Month celebration in Surigao del Sur.

While the hanging of streamers by all local government units (LGUs) and concerned state agencies was set on June 30, the opening salvo marked by a parade will be done in Tandag City on July 10, she admitted.

With the theme “Kalamidad Paghandaan:  Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan,” Ascarez said that the major activities include provision of nutripak; advocacy on Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E); poster-making contest; seaweeds cooking-demo; backyard/community gardening; and Provincial Nutrition culmination/awarding ceremony. 

In addition, she also announced that there are city and municipal LGU-initiated activities to mark the month-long event. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Mining company in Caraga upholds human development
        
BUTUAN CITY, July 3 (PIA) - A mining company in Caraga Region is giving priority to develop human resources by providing education and trainings especially to out-of-school youths.

In a recent interview with Engr. Ranulfo S. Aquino, Administrative Manager of Hinatuan Mining Corporation in Brgy. Hinatuan, Taganaan, Surigao del Norte, he said as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of the company, they are investing on the human capital as they believe that this is the only way where the local residents in Taganaan will be empowered as well as in sustaining the economic aspect of the locality.

Aquino said majority of the local residents from the different barangays of Taganaan who have benefited the education and training programs sponsored by the company are out-of-school youths.

“Specifically, since 2011, we have regularly supported trainees of Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA),” he said.

The official added to date, there are already 253 trainees of ALS who have graduated and the eldest of these trainees aged over 60 years old. “This shows that the Hinatuan Mining Company doesn’t mind age, as long as they can read and write,” Aquino said.

Aquino said that with the ALS, the company together with the local government unit of Taganaan made sure that the curriculum set by DepEd was followed, while Hinatuan Mining Corporation is regularly giving honorarium to teachers.

Meanwhile, in as far as technical-vocational is concerned, Aquino said scholarship programs were given to residents in Barangay Talavera, one of the island barangays of Hinatuan.

According to Aquino, 63 youths are currently undergoing different trainings with TESDA through the agency’s Surigao del Norte Provincial Office. He added the company is not only aiming that these trainees will finish the training but as well as to inculcate in their minds the importance of values formation “for we believe that success is a product of hard work and good values,” Aquino said.

Aside from the free tuition, miscellaneous fees, board and lodging and book allowance, Aquino said the beneficiaries were also provided with passport assistance. He explained that since some of the tech-voc programs are intended for works that are required abroad such as the shipping industry, they have already prepared the trainees for their future employment abroad.

Aquino added that among the skilled works needed in the shipping industry and in abroad is welding where the trainees should undergo assessment not only from TESDA to obtain a National Certificate, but as well as international certifying body such as the American Standard. “To obtain this, we send them to Davao through the Korean-Philippine Training Center for the certification,” he said.

After receiving the American Standard Certification from Kor-Phil Training Center, Aquino said the trainees will be sent to Keppel Batangas for their On-the-Job Training. “Afterwhich, because of the rigid training they’re into, they will now be ready for any employment opportunities both here and abroad,” Aquino said.

The official likewise said that to date, around 20 scholars from Brgy. Talavera and the neighboring barangays of San Jose, Kampandan, Silang, and even as far as South Dinagat are in Laguna under the Panasonic company in Sta. Rosa to undergo a 10-month OJT in the field of welding and consumer electronics.

With the regular assistance that Hinatuan Mining Company is offering to the community in the municipality of Taganaan, Aquino said may this serve as a key to eventually change their lives towards economic development which is one of the agenda of the national government. (TESDA-13/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: DSWD, JICA pinag-ibayo ang paghahanda laban sa sakuna sa Pilipinas

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Hulyo 3 (PIA) - Sa pagsisikap na mapaghandaan ng bansa na matugunan ang epekto ng pag-iba ng klima, ang National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), sa pamamagitan ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Office of Civil Defense, at ng  Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), ay nagpalabas ng Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Capacity Enhancement Project (DRRM-CEP).

Isa sa mga konkretong nagawa ng kooperasyon ay ang pormulasyon ng National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP) na nagpapatupad ng isyu na nangangailangan ng napapanahon, mabisa at koordinadong pagtugon sa mga sakuna o kalamidad sa lahat ng antas ng pamahalaan.

Ang DRRM-CEP, na sinusuportahan ng pambansang plano para sa mga sakuna, ay gagamitin sa panahon ng buhawi o ulang munson.

Si DSWD Undersecretary Parisya Hashim-Taradji ay nakatanggap ng plano ng DRRM-CEP mula kay JICA Project Formulation Advisor Hayato Nakamura noong sila ay nagsagawa ng pagpataas ng bandela sa DSWD noong Lunes sa Batasan Hills, Lunsod ng Quezon.

Ang DRRM-CEP kung saan sinimulang balangkasin noong Marso 2012, ay naglalayon na tulungan ang DSWD na pormulahin ay kanyang sariling plano para sa pagtugon sa mga sakuna, polisiya, protocol sa makataong pagtugon, kasama na ang pagsasanay sa mga nakasalalay.

Si Usec Taradji ay nagpadala ng kanyang pasasalamat sa JICA sa kanilang patuloy na suporta at ambag lalo na sa panahong may sakuna.

“Ang pagkakaisa ng DSWD at JICA ay lumalakas sa pagdaan ng mga taon. Pinahalagahan namin ang inyong pangako at suporta sa programa ng pamamahala sa panahon ng panganib sa pamamagitan ng pamamahagi ng karunungan,” sabi ni Usec Taradji.

Sa mahigit 40 na taon, ang JICA ang siyang palaging nagpapadala ng pundo at mga eksperto para tumulong sa pagbawas ng panganib at sakuna ng bansa.

“Sa pagiging matagal ng kasama ng DSWD, ikinagagalak naming ibahagi itong plano ng DRMM-CEP. Inaasahan naming na ang komprehensibong planong ito ay magsilbing patnubay ng DSWD as lahat ng proseso ng pamamahala ng mga sakuna,” sabi ni Nakamura.

Binigyang diin din ni Nakamura na ang pagkontrol ng natural na peligro ay totoong imposible pero ang pagpalakas ng kapasidad sa pagtugon ay siyang pinaka-epektibong paraan para pangasiwaan at mabawasan ang risgo ng sakuna.

Ang seremonyang ginanap ay kasama sa pagdiriwang ng buwan ng National Disaster Consciousness sa buwan ng Hulyo at may temang “Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan, Pundasyon ng Kaunlaran. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Lathalain: Madahon at berdeng gulay, ang wonder gulay

MANILA, Hulyo 3 (PIA) - Alam nyo ba na ang mga berde at madahong gulay ay mayaman sa sustansiya at micronutrients?  Ang micronutrients ay mga bitamina at mineral na kailangan ng katawan sa kaunting dami lamang upang mapanatili ang mga iba’t ibang proseso sa loob ng ating katawan.

Halimbawa ng madahon at berdeng gulay ay mga dahon ng malunggay, ampalaya at sili.  Kasama na rin dito ang mga talbos ng kangkong, kamote, sayote at kalabasa.  Ang repolyo, letsugas, cauliflower at broccoli ay kabilang din sa grupong ito.

Ang madahong gulay ay may bitamina A  na nagbibigay proteksyon sa sakit at tumutulong sa pagpapalinaw ng mata.  Ang mga ito ay may B-vitamins din na nagbibigay enerhiya at lakas.  Ito rin ay tumutulong sa muscular at nerve function ng ating katawan.  Ang vitamin C na taglay ng mga gulay na ito ay tumutulong sa pagpapaigting ng resistensiya, pagpapatibay ng mga cells at pag-absorb ng iron.

Nagdudulot din ang mga berde at madahong gulay ng mga mineral tulad ng iron at calcium. Ang calcium ay kailangan para sa pagbuo at pagpapatibay ng buto.  Ang iron naman ay tumutulong sa pagbuo ng pula ng dugo na mahalaga upang hindi maging anemic ang isang indibidwal.

Ang mga madahong gulay ay isa ring mahalagang pinagkukuhanan ng fiber o hibla.  Ang fiber ang nagsisilbing tagapag-walis at tumutulong maglinis ng ating digestive system.

Ayon sa Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos, ine-enganyo ang pagkain ng mas maraming gulay at prutas para maiwasan ang micronutrient deficiencies.  Ayon sa surbey ng FNRI noong taong 2008, natukoy na karamihan sa mga Filipino ay di kumakain ng sapat na gulay at prutas na mayaman sa vitamin C.

Isinusulong ang pagkonsumo ng tatlong dulot o servings ng madahong gulay sa loob ng isang araw.  Ang kalahating tasang lutong gulay ay katumbas ng isang dulot.

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 S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano News: Surigao City DRRMC mipahigayon og simultaneous earthquake drill

SURIGAO CITY, Hulyo 3 (PIA) – Ang City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) mipahigayon og usa ka simultaneous earthquake drill sa mga napiling pampublikong eskuylahan sa syudad kahagapon, Hulyo 2, 2014.

Ang maong kalihukan gipahigayon subay sa pagselebrar sa National Disaster Consciousness Month karong bulan sa Hulyo.

Tumong ug tinguha sa maong kalihukan ang pag-establisar og mga miyembro sa CDRRMC nga may kahibalo ug katakos nga mohimo sa ilang mga responsibilidad isip usa ka commander, responders ug evaluators adesir ug panahon nga mutumaw ang usa ka kalamidad lakip usab ang angay nga buhaton human mutumaw ang kalamidad.

Ang maong simultaneous earthquake drill gihimo isip parte sa mga nakahan-ay pang mga kalihukan nga gitawag og “SURIGAO SHAKEDOWN” ning bulan sa Hunyo. (SDR/MICO-Surigao City/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Butuan City set to conduct 1st social entrepreneurship convention

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, July 2 (PIA) – The local government of Butuan, co-convened by the Gawad Kalinga (GK), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), all of Caraga Region, will be holding here the first ever Social Entrepreneurship Convention of Butuan City with a theme, “Inclusive Economic Development Through Social Entrepreneurship” on July 10, 2014.

According to Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr., the convention has the objectives to catalyze rural development through mobilizing resources of the local, national and international private sectors; to empower Butuanons through social entrepreneurship for financially and environmentally sustainable Caraga 2014-2020; to propel the city’s social entrepreneurship movement using the Butuan City GK Enchanted Farm project as the platform; to raise awareness on the dynamics of social entrepreneurship; and to elicit commitment from entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to be part of a more defined social entrepreneurship movement and come up with a social entrepreneurship’s network.

“The event will be attended by 200 delegates from the business and government sectors, academe and other like-minded group with the goal of making Butuan City the center for social entrepreneurship in the region,” said Amante.

Also, Victor Emmanuel Ozarraga, area coordinator of GK, is encouraging individuals to join the convention and know on how to become a wealth creator for inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity. “Business have the power to shape a kinder world if the profit does not leave the poor behind. It is the social entrepreneur who can help change the world for the better,” he said.

A registration fee of P300 will be charged per participant. For more information, contact Karen Butcon at 0906-5287508 or Tina Orbita at 0930-3890790; or send an email at bxusocialentrepconvention2014@yahoo.com. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


Carmen town mayor delivers SOMA

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY, July 2 (PIA) – Mayor Ramon M. Calo of Carmen, Agusan del Norte delivered on Tuesday his state-of-the-municipality address (SOMA) and outlined his various accomplishments for the year 2013 in a special session conducted by the Sanggunian Bayan members held at the Rama gymnasium.

Mayor Calo cited in his SOMA the different services rendered to his constituents and achievements received.

According to Mayor Calo, the LGU of Carmen is one of Caraga’s Top Achievers Awardee in Real Property Tax Collection and in Business, Fees and Charges and Economic Enterprise Collection for calendar year (CY) 2012 and 2013.

Mayor Calo also bared that the civil society organizations, people organizations, women’s group, cooperatives and persons with disabilities were properly represented in the Local Special Bodies, Bids and Awards Committees and Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT).

The municipality was able to extend assistance to individuals/persons/groups in crisis situations. A total of 211 persons were provided with social welfare assistance and 81 people were extended burial assistance. The financial assistance given in CY 2013 amounted to P309,630.68. Assistance intended to persons with disabilities and senior citizens also amounted to P110,000, Mayor Calo reported.

The Rural Health Unit free medical consultation served 5,421 walk-in patients in 2013 from 3,213 patients served in 2013.

A new ambulance amounting to P618,000 was also purchased in 2013.

Also, Mayor Calo reported the ongoing rehabilitation of Mt. Carmel View Park and the ongoing construction of Punta Diwata Dormitory Building.

The infrastructure projects for 2013 include the construction of the Kabayawa-Poblacion farm to market road, concreting of Quesaba Street worth P800,000; and the P30 million Tagcatong – Vinapor Provincial Road.

The municipality’s updates can be viewed at their official Facebook page at Wowcarmen Agusan del Norte. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


AgNor town launches RMC award

By Mary Christine Anthonette M. Salise-Punzalan

CARMEN, Agusan del Norte, July 2 (PIA) - The local officials here recently awarded the outstanding barangays and district officials during the opening celebration of the 65th Araw ng Carmen on July 1, 2014.  The award known as the RMC Award stands for ‘Responsableng Mamumuno at Mamamayan ng Carmen’ which recognizes good performance not only among the barangay officials but also the people in the community.

The RMC award was conceptualized through the efforts of the local officials and functionaries of the local government unit in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Carmen.  It was aimed to encourage not only the barangay officials but also the people in the community through their respective districts to strive hard and do their part in attaining excellence in local governance.

Carmen municipal mayor Ramon M. Calo said that good governance is a shared responsibility of the officials and the people in the community.  He believes that giving incentives to those performing barangays and districts will encourage the community to participate in matters of public affairs which defines the real meaning of governance.

The criteria of the said award focused on the areas of Governance, Administration, Social Services, Economic and Environmental protection underscoring the importance of disaster prevention and mitigation.
 
The winners of the said award are the following, for the Barangay Category: 1st Place - Brgy Tagcatong with Plaque of Recognition and Php80,000 worth of project; 2nd Place - Brgy Poblacion with Plaque of Recognition and Php60,000 worth of project; 3rd Place - Brgy Rojales with Plaque of Recognition and Php40,000 worth of project.

For the District Category: 1st Place - District Rosas, Tagcatong with Plaque of Recognition and Php20,000 worth of project; 2nd Place - District 12, Poblacion with Plaque of Recognition and Php15,000 worth of project; while the 3rd Place went to District Mangga, Rojales with Plaque of Recognition and Php10,000 worth of project. (DILG-Carman Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Mindanao River Basin TWG aims to fast track flood control projects

COTABATO CITY, July 2 — Members of the Mindanao River Basin-Technical Working Group (MRB-TWG) convened here on Tuesday to review ongoing projects aimed to provide long-term solutions to the flooding within the area and to fast track technical preparations needed to jumpstart the construction and implementation of both structural and non-structural flood control interventions.

Convened by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), the meeting gathered the core members of the MRB-TWG composed of representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of Regions X, XII and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), along with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), the Regional Planning Development Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

Structural interventions are composed of infrastructure and other flood-control projects, while non-structural interventions include reforestation, mangrove rehabilitation, and sustainable watershed management.

“Both of these structural and non-structural interventions are aimed to address the issue of flooding beyond a piece-meal method and are part of the strategic programs prioritized in the MRB Master Plan which adopts the ridge-to-reef approach,” said MinDA Chair Luwalhati Antonino.

The ridge-to-reef is a development approach that requires the protection, utilization, and rehabilitation of the environment from the mountains to the seas.  Mindanao’s roadmap for peace and development or Mindanao 2020 calls for the full implementation of this strategy.

Initiated by MinDA, the MRB Master Plan is a result of several years of study that delved into the root causes of the constant flooding in the river basin, and at the same time outlined recommendations on interventions to address the problem in an integrated and holistic approach that cuts across regional and provincial borders.

Completed in 2013, the MRB Master Plan was subsequently endorsed by the Regional Development Councils of Regions X and XII, as well as the Regional Economic Development and Planning Board of the ARMM by the first quarter of this year. The same plan was also adopted by the Cabinet Cluster on the Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation during its meeting in Quezon City last month.

To date, there are seven structural projects that are on going and designed to relieve the flooding problem in the area. These include the P39.89 million River Bank Protection Project along the Cotabato-GenSan Road in Tamontaka, Cotabato City which is expected to be completed in June 2014; the P174.19 million Simuay Flood Control Project in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao which is expected to be completed by the end of 2014; the P46 million Allah River Flood Control Project in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat which is expected to be completed in July 2014; a P50 million and P74.5 million Libungan Flood Control Projects Phase III both in Libungan, Cotabato which are expected to be completed in August and October of 2014, respectively;   a P72.5 million Carmen River Bank Protection with Revetment Flood Control Project in Lumayong, Carmen, Cotabato to be completed in November 2014; and a P15.2 million University of Southern Mindanao Flood Control Project Phase I in Kabacan, Cotabato which is already substantially completed.

Aside from these existing structural projects, MinDA has been proactively advocating for the fast tracking of the implementation of six priority flood control projects in the MRB with a budget of P6.9 billion from DPWH. The six identified priority projects are: Channel modification of the Ambal-Simuay River; Dredging of the Rio Grande de Mindanao; Dredging and dike construction along the Tunggol River including the expansion of the Tunggol bridge; Construction of revetment dikes along the Ala River; Construction of revetments along the Buluan River; and the Construction of revetments along the Tamontaka River.

The DPWH central office has already prioritized these projects and the detailed engineering is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Along with the River Basin Control Office (RBCO) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), MinDA has been mandated by Executive Order No. 50 to not only complete the MRB Master Plan and to facilitate development interventions, but also to create the MRB Management council to serve as lead organization that will oversee the protection and management of waters and natural resources within the MRB.

In line with efforts to climate change-proof the MRB Master Plan, the MRB-TWG recently completed its second module of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (DRRM-CCAM) training, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to include DRRM and CCAM initiatives in the master plan.

“This is part of our integrated effort to also prepare our partner agencies including the LGU alliances within the MRB to implement their respective preparedness, prevention and mitigation measures,” said Antonino.

As part of non-structural efforts to address flooding in Mindanao, MinDA, the DENR and the DILG are collaborating in massive reforestation efforts in areas in and around critical rivers, mountain ranges, watershed and identified flooded areas in Mindanao.

Under the Mindanao Barangay StraTREEgic Forest Project (BSFP), an initial 200 barangays throughout the island-region will be actively engaged in reforestation efforts in support of the National Greening Program.

The BSFP, a sub-project of MinDA’s MindaNOW! Nurturing Our Waters Program will help mobilize stakeholders, resources and partnerships in reforestation efforts not only as a mitigating measure against further flooding, but is also envisioned to restore the forest cover of the island-region. From the initial 200 barangays, the BSFP is planned to expand to an eventual total of 1,700 barangays all over Mindanao.

Also present during the meeting are Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani Jr., ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Laisa Alamia, and Ching Ayupan, representative of the office of Cardinal Orlando Quevedo. (MinDA/PIA-Caraga)


Use iodized salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorder

By Jund Rian A. Doringo

MANILA, July 2 (PIA) - Did you know that iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) affects Filipino in all population groups? This is according to the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted in 2008 by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is the world’s most prevalent, yet easily preventable, cause of brain damage. It is one of the main causes of impaired cognitive development in children.

The Philippine government proactively regulated an act promoting salt iodization nationwide and for related purposes, otherwise known as the ASIN Law or Republic Act 8172 to address this concern.

The seventh recommendation in the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) is to use iodized salt to prevent IDD.

With the joint efforts of the government and private sector in eradicating IDD in the country, we are hopeful to expect a productive citizenry and progressive economy.

Let us all work together to eradicate IDD by using iodized salt in our daily cooking.

For more information on food and nutrition, 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: K-12 enhanced BEC, blueprint for progress

By Dr. Maria Dinah D. Abalos

BUTUAN CITY, July 2 (PIA) - Education has been one of the greatest sources of strength and global economic competitiveness, a fuel for progress, a vehicle to opportunities and a prerequisite to success and development of a country. The implementation of the Philippine K-12 Enhanced Basic Education Curriculum (BEC) paves the way to the country’s progress.

The government through the Department of Education (DepEd) exhausted all efforts and made a landscape in its educational system through Republic Act 10533, the K-12 Enhanced BEP and the Kindergarten Act of 2012. Its Curriculum Framework is founded on these legal bases drawn from the philosophical basis of education. This curriculum embodied literacy among indigenous people and Alternative Learning System clienteles considering the needs of the learner and intellect of the children.

This 12 –year basic education curriculum design is at par with the world and consistent with the most part of the world. It is a spiral curriculum model jumpstarting in Kindergarten, six years to Elementary (Grades 1-6), four years Junior High School (Grades 7-10) and two years Senior High School (Grades 11-12).

The use of the mother tongue as medium of instruction in teaching the learning areas from kindergarten to grade 3 is one of the main features of the K-12 BEC, the Mother Tongue-Based Multi-lingual Education (MTB-MLE). Besides, Mother Tongue also is an additional language subject in grades 1-3. This is so, to develop the solid foundation of the native tongue before introduction of other school languages (Filipino and English), Just like other Asian countries like that of China, Japan, Malaysia and others.

The two years of Senior High School is more disciplinal in nature and intends to provide development of integrative skills in information, media technology skills, learning and innovation skills, communication skills, life and career skills to Filipino students. To produce Filipino graduates with these 21st century skills is the main goal of the K-12. Grade 12 graduates have two options to take, to proceed to higher education or to be employed/engaged in entrepreneurial job having equipped with the necessary skills.

The K-12 program is designed and implemented to strengthen the system in education in every community nationwide and would eventually change and implement reforms in the system. It shall put in place learning models that are rigorous, relevant, focused on real world experiences that will associate in the personalized learning and career leading, ensuring K-12 graduates ready to face the world of work and ready for a higher level education.

In this, we can collectively make basic education attainable and accessible to all Filipino learners, making them assets to the society and catalysts to success and progress of the nation. Thus, the Philippine government is looking forward to a productive and successful implementation of the K-12 BEC in its pioneer quality products by 2018. (EPS-I DepEd, Butuan City/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Surigao Norte guv calls on Surigaonons to avail scholarship in medicine

By Ivonnie B. Dumadag

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, July 2 (PIA) – Surigao del Norte Governor Sol F. Matugas is calling on those who are interested to avail of the scholarship program in medicine that the provincial government is offering. This is in anticipation of the need for medical specialists for the Surigao del Norte Provincial Hospital located in Brgy. Bad-as, Placer, this province.

“We are calling interested individuals especially Surigaonons to avail of this scholarship,” said Gov. Matugas.

Those who will qualify for the scholarship should be graduates in the fields of Nursing, Physical Theraphy and other related courses. Medical students who are already enrolled in medicine proper may also avail of this scholarship after passing the screening process.

The need for medical practitioners and specialists is imperative within the Level 2, 50-bed Surigao del Norte Provincial Hospital, which is already set to open by the end of the third quarter.

“We have right here, at the heart of the province, a state of the art hospital which we envision to be the finest government hospital in the region, and we are also looking at the possible partnership with the MVP Group of Companies, owner of the best hospitals in the country, to provide us with assistance in personnel trainings, referral system and access to facilities and services of medical specialists that our provincial hospital cannot yet provide,” she added.

No less than His Excellency, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, has been invited to grace the inauguration of the Surigao del Norte Provincial Hospital in the last week of September. (SDR/PPDO/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


Feature: Variety of foods for a healthy life

By Jund Rian A. Doringo

MANILA, July 2 (PIA) - Did you know that no single food can provide all the nutrients the body needs?

Nutrients provides cells and organs the necessary food to maintain the body’s functions that support life.

Eating a variety of foods everyday from all the food groups provides the needed nutrients by the body, with consideration on the amount and balance. It can also help in having an attentive mind. These food groups comprise of energy giving foods such as rice, bread, and root crops, foods that promote growth development such as meat, milk, and legumes, and foods that maintain body processes such as vegetables and fruits.

The first recommendation of the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) is to eat a variety of foods everyday to get the nutrients needed by the body.

Eat a variety of foods to guarantee a healthy body free of macro- and micronutrient deficiency diseases and health-threatening conditions.

For more information on food and nutrition, 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)


Tagalog News: Pangulong Aquino nananawagan sa mga pinuno ng mga fraternity na ihinto ang hazing sa kanilang hanay

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Hulyo 2 (PIA) - Nanawagan ang Pangulo noong Martes sa mga pinuno ng mga fraternity na ihinto na ang hazing sa kani- kanilang hanay.

“Gusto kong manawagan sa mga nakakatanda nitong iba’t ibang fraternities na kahit naranasan ninyo ang tulad nito, hindi ba panahon na na maging aktibo kayo na gawing ihinto itong hazing?" sabi ng Pangulo sa isang interview sa pagitan ng selebrasyon ng ika-67 anibersaryo ng Philippine Airforce at Air force City, Clark Air Base, na nasa Angeles, Pampanga.

Tinutumbok ng Pangulo ang bago pa lamang na kamatayan ni Guillo Cesar Servando, isang De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde sophomore, na naiulat na resulta ng hazing.

Sabi niya, hindi niya matanto ang lohika na nasa likod ng hazing.

“Ang manakit ng ganun sa mga taong tatawagin mong kapatid ay wala sa lohika na maari kong arukin,” sabi niya.

Natandaan niya na ang anti-hazing law ay “nasa  libro na” ngunit sa palagay ay may kulang sa pagpatupad na siyang pumipigil sa atin na ipatupad ang buong kaparusahan na nakasaad sa nasabing batas.

Kukunsulta ako sa ating mga eksperto sa legal at sa mga nagpapatupad ng batas kung ano pa ang malawakang gawin,” sabi ng Pangulo. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)


Tagalog News: Aquino magsumite ng minumungkahing Bangsamoro Basic Law sa kongreso pagkatapos ng SONA, sabi ng Palasyo

Ni David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Hulyo 2 (PIA) - Sinabi ng Malakanyang noong Lunes na isusumite ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang minumungkahing Bangsamoro Basic Law sa kongreso para maratipikahan pagkatapos niyang magbigay ng kanyang Ulat sa Bayan (SONA) sa Hulyo 28.

Sa isang panayam sa media, inihayag ni Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda ang kanyang kumpyansang isabatas ng kongreso ang nasabing panukalang batas.

“Palagi naming sinasabi na isusumite ng Pangulo ang Bangsamoro Basic bill pagkatapos ng kanyang SONA. Sertipikahan ito ng Pangulo na kailangan agad at may tiwala kami na ang Bangsamoro Basic bill, habang ito ay dadaan sa proseso ng lehislatiba, ito ay magiging batas,” sabi ni Lacierda.

Ang tanggapan ng Pangulo ay nakatanggap ng balangkas ng Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) mula sa Bangsamoro Transition Committee noong nakaraang Mayo, at ang legal na koponan ng Pangulo at ang tanggapan ng Chief Presidential Counsel ay pinag-aralan ito mula’t mula pa.

Sinabing muli ni Lacierda na ang balangkas ng Bangsamoro Basic Law ay ginawa mula sa konstitusyon kaya ito ay constitutional.

“Naniniwala kami na kung ano man ang ihahain sa Kongreso ay konstitusyonal,” sabi ni Lacierda. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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)