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


Thursday, January 15, 2015

RCDC, CDA set to hold Caraga Power Summit

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA) – With the series of power interruptions that plague Mindanao which threatens to sap the region’s potential as the next growth hub, the Regional Cooperative Development Council (RCDC) in coordination with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Caraga region will be holding a Caraga Power Summit on January 23, 2015, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Provincial Covered Court, Capitol, this city.

The summit is anchored on the theme, “Co-own the Power.”

“As co-operators, we know that our strength is in our unity and numbers that we are able to generate the funds we need to serve best the interests of our respective members. We believe that in looking for a solution to the power outages, we need to use this cooperative strength,” stated Francis Loque, chairman of the RCDC Caraga.

He recounted the power crisis experienced in 2010, 2013 and at present that is still confronting the general public. “We hear from our power distributors that either the management of Agus-Pulangi Complex was not able to deliver its power supply commitment to the electric cooperative and private distribution utilities or that there was already a shortage in the supply of electricity which made our power woes increasing to our consternation. But, whichever, as co-operators, we cannot remain silent in apathy,” expressed Loque.

Loque also said that said summit will present enormous opportunity where the strength as cooperative members can be utilized to help solve the power miseries.

Energy secretary Jericho Petilla is invited to deliver his keynote speech. Finance secretary Cesar Purisima and CDA officer-in-charge chairman Eulogio Castillo are likewise expected to grace the event. In the afternoon, a time is allotted for plenary session to discuss issues and concerns.

For those who are interested to join and for inquiries and confirmation of attendance, you may contact Corazon Estoque at (085) 342-5530 or send an email at corazonestoque@yahoo.com. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


News Feature: Have a healthy lifestyle, throw the burning stick away

By Victor J. Alfonso, Jr.

MANILA, Jan. 15 (PIA) - Achieving a healthy lifestyle does not only involve eating right and exercising regularly but also entails stopping a bad habit like cigarette smoking. and avoiding excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages.

Cigarette Smoking

Why do we have to stop smoking? Smoking has been associated with different kinds of cancer such as cancer of the mouth, tongue, throat and lungs, as well as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, ischemic heart diseases, hypertension and other diseases. The heavier the smoking, the greater is the risk to these diseases. Even those who do not smoke but are exposed to cigarette smoke can also have the same diseases.

Aside from the diseases that smoking may cause, it also has a direct effect on nutrition. Smoking may also cause malnutrition because of decreased appetite. Moreover, because of the many diseases and infections brought about by smoking, vitamin C requirement increases, causing the body’s resistance to infection to weaken further.

A mother who smokes during pregnancy also causes harm to her fetus. Cigarette smoking tends to limit the growth and development of the baby in the womb, resulting to lower birth weight. This may be due to the reduced food intake of the mother resulting from lack of appetite brought about by smoking as well as to the ill-effects of substances found in cigarettes.

The three most common substances found in cigarettes and cigars that are found harmful to the body are:

·       carbon monoxide which is a gas that destroys the capacity of the blood to supply adequate amounts of oxygen to the vital organs of the body and is responsible for the shortness of breath among smokers and also that of the people around them;

·       nicotine which is the substance that makes one addicted to cigarettes. It raises blood pressure and heart rate; and

·       tar which is the brownish viscous substance found in cigarette/cigar smoke that causes lung cancer, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.

The best rule is never start smoking because once a person is addicted, giving up smoking will not be easy. Among smokers, quitting smoking can be done only if the smoker is serious about it. To help you quit smoking, here are some tips:

Decide to stop smoking and set the date when you will stop smoking;
   
Throw away all cigarettes, cigars, matches, lighters, ash trays and all other things that have something to do with smoking;
   
Watch out for any untoward signs or any other unpleasant feelings when you stop smoking such as nausea, cold-clammy hands, too much perspiration, trembling and restlessness. Should you experience any of these, do not worry because these are usual withdrawal symptoms which may disappear in a week or two;
   
Drink plenty of water;
   
Get involved in different physical activities to divert yourself from craving for cigarettes;
Use the money saved from not buying cigarettes to get a special gift for yourself as a reward for avoiding smoking;
   
Avoid going to places where cigarettes can be bought and where people smoke;
   
Avoid lighting even just one cigarette as this will lead to lighting a second stick and another stick, and before you know it, you are back to the smoking habit;
    
Carefully observe your diet to avoid gaining weight because as you keep on with quitting smoking, you might turn your attention to food; and
   
Tell your friends and relatives that you have quit smoking.

A question often asked is: Will a smoker gain weight if he or she quits smoking? Yes, he or she will gain weight because while trying to quit smoking, food may serve as substitute for cigarettes because of the return of the usual appetite for food which may result to weight gain. Thus, there is a need to watch that you do not substitute cigarette with food to avoid weight gain.

This habit should be broken to start having a healthy lifestyle, Stop smoking for a healthier, happier you!

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 Nos: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071-82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or follow our Twitter account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)


SurSur guv voices out concern over 'unrestored bridge' in San Agustin town

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 15 (PIA) – Surigao del Sur governor Johnny Pimentel has expressed concern on Monday over the delay of the restoration of detour bridge traversing Hubo River in San Agustin town, 64.5 kilometers south, this city, that was washed out by floods due to Tropical Storm (TS) Seniang on December 29, 2014.

He told capitol employees during the regular Monday flag ceremony program that the restoration work is hampered as adverse weather continues to dump more rains.

“My office has already coordinated with the regional director and Engr. Calderon; and also the contractor,” he said, referring to DPWH Caraga regional director Danilo Versola and district engineer Joseph Calderon of the DPWH 1st Congressional District Office in the province as well as Luciano Construction.

“Actually, the timetable is that the detour bridge will be completed on January 30.  But because of the heavy rains that we have been experiencing . . . dili maka-trabaho kay taas ang tubig.  So, sa pagkakuman, lagmit maabtan pa yaon nan Pebrero. And most probably, magpadayon ining atong kalisod.  But we expect that by the middle of February, this will be passable,” the governor lamented in a mix of English and vernacular.

Beforehand, Pimentel admitted that the province has sustained significant damage from TS Seniang—citing the washed out detour bridge in San Agustin as the most severe.

“It has hampered the delivery of our products going to and from the province of Surigao del Sur,” he added. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


SurSur PNP sends contingent to Tacloban for Papal visit

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 15 (PIA) – The Police Provincial Office (PPO) in Surigao del Sur headed by P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, acting provincial director, has sent a 51-man team to Tacloban City to secure the Papal visit on January 17.

The whole contingent, among them are six police subordinate officials, left on Saturday, January 10, with P/Supt. Daniel Laniog Peusca, deputy provincial director for administration, as head.

However, Verdadero followed suit a day after, who took over the responsibility, it was learned.

Before the provincial chief cop left for Tacloban, he has his hands full due to important undertakings which include, among others, attending the first annual New Year’s Call in Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13), a regular affair for Caraga high ranking police officials headed by P/CSupt. David Ombao, acting PNP regional director. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Army’s 401st Brigade exempt from sending troops to Tacloban for Pope visit

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 15 (PIA) – BGen. Gregory Cayetano, commanding officer of the 401st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army under the 4th Infantry Division bared they were exempted from sending troops to Tacloban City in connection with the Papal visit on Saturday, January 17.

The top army commander in Caraga, with the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur as area of responsibility (AOR), cited threat behind their “exclusion” to augment the Joint Task Force POPE.

He hinted that his AOR remains the hotbed of insurgency here, hence the need to just stay put.

However, Gen. Cayetano confirmed he is well aware of the five-day ceasefire declared by the leftist group in time for the Pope visit from January 15-19 in the country.

Likewise, he said that the month-long truce declared by the state also ends on January 19.

Meanwhile, 1Lt. Al Anthony Pueblas, civil military officer (CMO) of the 36th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army under the said brigade said the battalion remains intact, adding they keep a watchful eye on the enemy of the state despite the scenario.

On the other hand, the Police Provincial Office (PPO) in Surigao del Sur headed by acting provincial director P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, has sent a 52-man team to Tacloban on January 10 to assist in the maintenance of peace and order for the coming of Pope Francis, it was learned. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Rural bank supports DepEd’s 'Adopt-A-School Program'

By Junnabelle Mae D. EboΓ±a

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA) - For the first time in the history of the company, Eastwest Rural Bank Butuan Branch took the lead in adopting San Roque Elementary School as part of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Adopt-A-School Program.

Noreyev Barsobia, branch manager of Eastwest Rural Bank has the heart and soul in taking the lead in supporting the pupils’ education of the said school. Together with his personnel, Barsobia distributed various school supplies and used clothing to the pupils from Kindergarten to Grade-VI.

Furthermore, the group conducted feeding to all the pupils with pospas and pancit last September 2, 2014.

“You are very lucky and fortunate, of all the schools under the Division of Butuan City, our company chose your school as our partner in this program. We do hope that you study hard your lessons in order for you to achieve your dreams in life.  I know pretty well that it is not easy to acquire higher ladder of education.  Don’t make poverty as your hindrance to be successful but rather, make it as a challenge, a stepping stone to strive hard and achieve valued results,” Barsobia emphasized.

They assured that the partnership between the company and the school will continue. The teachers, pupils and parents of the said school thanked them so much in supporting their quest for quality education and for sharing their time and money to this program. (DepEd Butuan City Division/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


NIA-SurSur posts P73.6M in damages due to TS Seniang

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Jan. 15 (PIA) – The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Surigao del Sur has incurred a total of P73.6 million in estimated damages due to floods caused by Tropical Storm Seniang.

Engr. Dexter Sablaon, Provincial Irrigation Management Office (PIMO) acting division manager, bared that there are NIA facilities located in both Districts I and II such as dams, drainage systems, canal structures, canals and service roads that have been washed out, silted and/or grouted as said storm battered the province on December 29, 2014.

In his report, the NIA chief remarked that ruined facilities that serve an estimated total of 3,329 hectares needed “immediate repair.” (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


DepEd supports 'zero waste' goal of the govt

By Alfonsito Allan Cale

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA) – The month of January in every year is declared as “Zero Waste Month.”

In support to Presidential Proclamation No. 760 dated May 5, 2014 entitled “Declaring Every Month of January as Zero Waste Month" and to help protect the environment, the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary issued Memorandum No. 1, series of 2015 dated January 8, 2015 to all officials/heads and concerned for the immediate dissemination of the said proclamation.

Local DepEd officials and teachers here wholeheartedly supported the call. Lectures on environmental management and protection are included in the lessons.

The Republic Act No. 9003, or the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000” promotes environmental awareness and action among the citizenry and institutionalizes public participation in the development of national and local integrated, comprehensive and ecological waste management programs.

In the proclamation, it states that zero waste is an advocacy that promotes designing and managing products and processes to systematically avoid and eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste and materials, and to observe and recover all resources, and not indiscriminately dispose or burn them. (NCLM/DepEd Butuan City Division/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


OCD Caraga, RDRRMC team conduct disaster assessment in Dinagat Islands

By Ma. Jane A. Mayola

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Jan 15 (PIA) - The Rapid Disaster Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) team of the Office of Civil Defense - Caraga and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) facilitated the conduct of assessment and validation of damages brought by the recent Tropical Storm (TS) Seniang on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 in San Jose, this province.

The team led the assessment and validation of damages on irrigation, agriculture, fisheries, government infrastructure and facilities, housing, and private structures.

Based on the assessment, the municipalities of San Jose and Basilisa have the highest reported damages on housing, fisheries and agriculture.

In over-all assessment, the province of Dinagat Islands achieved the zero casualty target during the onslaught of TS Seniang. (SDR/PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)


DepEd issues guidelines on respecting IPs culture

By Alfonsito Allan Cale

BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) has released recently an order promulgating the “Guidelines on the Conduct of Activities and Use of Materials Involving Aspects of Indigenous Peoples Culture.”

The said order was a result after a consultation with various Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities, educators, and civil society support groups nationwide.

The guidelines seek to provide guidance on the ethical assessment of the conduct of learning activities and related engagements of schools, DepEd offices, and other education initiatives that involve various aspects of indigenous peoples culture.

Activities that involve IPs culture such as cultural presentations, performances, festivals, use of artifacts and indigenous clothing must be respected.

DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro also emphasized during the signing of the order the importance of cultural exchange in the constant effort to better understand and value indigenous culture in education. (DepEd-Butuan City Division/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Tagalog News: Pamahalaan ipapatupad ang bagong hanay ng seguridad sa pagbisita ni Pope Francis

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Enero 15 (PIA) - Ang National Organizing Committee na siyang tinahasan na magsaayos ng mga paghahanda para sa pagbisita ng Santo Papa Francis ay gumawa na ng maraming pagpapabuti para maseguro ang kaligtasan ng Santo Papa sa kanyang pagbisita.

Sa ilalim ng bagong hanay, papayagan ng mga otoridad ang maraming tao na masilayan ang bibisitang pinuno ng simbahang Romano Katoliko sa kanyang pagdating sa Manila sa araw na ito, Huwebes, sabi ni Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda sa kanyang panayam sa media noong Miyerkoles.

Pinag-aralan ng komitiba ang mga kuhang bidyo ng motorcade ni Pope John II noong 1995 ng siya ay dumating para sa World Youth Day na ginanap sa Quirino Grandstand, sabi ni Lacierda.

Ang komitiba, sabi niya, ay pinalitan ang layout ng Roxas Boulevard bilang parte ng bagong set-up ng seguridad para pigilin ang mga tao sa paggalaw habang papalapit ang mga sumusunod sa Santo Papa.

Ang mga tao ay papayagan na ngayon na lumagay sa buong linya ng northbound papunta ng Luneta pati na rin sa center island, paliwanag niya.

Naglagay din ang mga otoridad ng barikada at nagpakalat ng mga panseguridad na tauhan, dagdag niya.

“Kaya imbis na nagtulakan ang mga tao para makita ang Santo Papa, sila ay papayagan na ngayon na okupahin ang northbound na daan.”

Pinorma rin ng mga otoridad ang mga rehas para gumawa ng depensang lugar at sa loob noon ay mga maliliit ng quadrants, sabi niya.

"Magkaroon ng buffer areas. Kapag magkaroon ng tulakan at stampede, meron kang lugar para malipatan," puna niya.

Sabi ni Lacierda na ang bawat rehas ay bababantayan ng walong tauhan ng pulis, 400 na reservists mula sa AFP, 10 Health Department personnel, walo hanggang sampung volunteer mula sa Red Cross at dalawang marshals.

Tuwing umaga, ang mga opisyal ay gumagawa ng mga pagpupulong sa mga gagawin, sabi ni Lacierda, at dadag pa niya na si Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin at Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa ay magtatagpo sa Huwebes ng umaga para sa isa na namang maigsing security briefing. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)