AgSur guv inks MOU with AMRI president for
scientific study of Agusan River
By David M. Suyao
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 26 (PIA) – Gov.
Adolph Edward Plaza with Adnama Mining Resources Inc. (AMRI) President Fernando
Borja signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the start of the scientific
study regarding the proposed dredging of Agusan River.
AMRI has filed their intention to voluntarily help
in the conduct of the scientific study a year ago while the provincial
government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS), thru the Agusan del Sur Environment and
Development Council (ASESDC) has made a thorough study and review on the
documents.
One of the highlights of the study said AMRI will
be taking samples of soil while digging around a foot deep and a kilo of
specimen gathered at random mostly along the upstream of Agusan River.
“On the process of our study and collection of
specimen and samples, if ever we encounter some artifacts, valuable minerals
and other valuable materials, we will turn them over to the provincial
government with explanation. We will also assure you that one member of our team
that will conduct the study will be coming from PGAS so that every move we make
will be transparent to the government. We would like to inform you also that
the thorough scientific study will last for two years if needed,” Juanito
Manzano, AMRI exploration manager said.
After series of deliberation done by the ASESDC,
the application to conduct the study submitted by the AMRI was forwarded to the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for another review and upon determining that the
intention of the study is beneficial to the government and the people of Agusan
del Sur, SP member Hazel del Rosario, chairman on Environment Committee of the
SP sponsored Resolution No. 974 “Authorizing Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza to sign
the Memorandum of Understanding with AMRI” while AMRI on its part issued
Corporate Secretary’s Certificate authorizing the corporation’s President
Fernando S. Borja to sign the MOU representing the AMRI.
“Even though this is just an initial move of PGAS
to dredge Agusan River as the main project to control floods, I want everything
to be transparent. That is why we deliberated the application of AMRI passing
thru technical and legal teams in order come up with the best decision. Now
here we are, entering into Memorandum of Understanding with AMRI, in order to
signal the start of the scientific study,” Gov. Plaza said.
On AMRI’s part, Executive Vice President and Chief
Operations Officer Jeremias Dolino said AMRI is glad to be part of the safety
plan and development of Agusan del Sur. He also assured Gov. Plaza and all
those who witnessed the signing of the MOU that AMRI will abide by all the
provisions stipulated in the MOU and deviation or violations of the MOU will
mean termination of the project and the contract. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Dinagat Islands Chamber of Commerce hosts 1st
provincial bizcon
By Ma. Jane A. Mayola
SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Mar. 26 (PIA) -
Businessmen, proprietors, and industry establishments gathered for the opening
ceremony of the 1st Provincial Business Conference (Pro BizCon) at the
Provincial Guest Center, Brgy. Cuarinta, this municipality.
The three-day conference with the theme,
"Enriching Business, Stimulating Economic Growth" will be held from
March 25 to 27, 2015.
It aims to help the province's economic growth by
creating an environment for business through knowledge and technology sharing.
Former Press Secretary and Mindanao Development
Authority chair Atty. Jesus G.Dureza, in his keynote speech, complimented the
province for its vast natural resources saying “Dinagat Islands is nature's
gift to mankind.“
He also congratulated the province for the awards
it received in terms of security and disaster-resiliency.
Atty. Dureza challenged everyone to preserved the
nature and maintain less criminality rate for investment promotion and economic
progress of the province.
Activities of the three-day conference include
seminar-orientation to the participants about various topics pertaining to
business development and strategic ways.
The said activity is spearheaded by the Dinagat
Islands Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIPCCI) in partnership with the provincial government
of Dinagat Islands. (SDR/PIO-Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)
BIR Butuan optimistic in reaching its P4.9B goal,
launches 2015 "Angat Pa, Pinas" Tax Campaign
BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 26 (PIA) - The Bureau of
Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue Region (RR) No. 17, Butuan City officially
launched its 2015 Tax Campaign at the Robinsons Place, here.
BIR Caraga regional director Norberto D. Vitug
welcomed all the guests and partners from the local government units (LGUs),
civic and professional organizations, media, officials from the Millennium
Challenge Account-Philippines (MCA-P), national, regional and district
officials and employees.
He said that Caraga region is well-known to have
the second fastest growing economy in Mindanao and it is endowed with beautiful
beaches and tourist spots. Its recorded collection growth from CYs 2012 to 2014
were 21 percent, 4.5 percent, and 11.4 percent, respectively. He also mentioned
that this 2015, the region’s collection goal is P4.9 billion, up by 17.9
percent as compared to its 2014 target.
He told the audience that last 2014, the region
collected P3.8 billion including tax collections credited to the Large Taxpayer
Service (LTS) amounting to P558 million.
Thus, actual collections in the region including those of the LTS would
have totaled P4.3 Billion, exceeding the collection target by 4.11 percent.
Vitug also observed that Butuan’s 2015 Internal
Revenue Allotment (IRA) by province, cities and municipalities amounts to about
P13.2 billion. With the benefits derived
from this IRA, he hopes that one day taxpayers in the region shall outdo each other
in paying the correct taxes which will eventually benefit the Filipino people.
He then presented the various projects and sources
of collection for the region, namely: monitoring of the withholding tax of IRA
utilizations; strict implementation of audit threshold; monitoring of resorts
or beaches through tourist arrivals which are increasing since CY 2014 by 15.73
percent; monitoring of log production and manufactured products which amounted
to P3,128,389,000.00 (veneer, plywood, blackboard, fiber board, etc.);
monitoring of top 50 professionals; monitoring of top 100 self-employed; strict
implementation of benchmarking; improve audit efficiency; enhanced Run After
Tax Evaders (RATE) program; a revitalized Oplan Kandando and a Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) with the barangay heads to report on new businesses in the
area.
Taxpayer Service Programs & Monitoring
Division chief Marivic A. Galban gave the audience a briefer on the Public
Awareness Campaign (PAC) program of the BIR, showcasing the PAC through an
audio-visual presentation on its milestones and plans, including the rationale
of this year’s tax campaign theme and logo. She was assisted by Public
Information and Education assistant division chief Maria Lourdes D. Narvaez and
Mina Villamor of the Client Support Service.
Deputy commissioner of Internal Revenue Lilia C.
Guillermo, director Vitug, assistant regional director Christine Juliet R.
Chua, revenue district officers Bagro S. Saransamun (RDO 103-Butuan City), Noel
B. Gonzales (RDO 105-Surigao City), and OIC-assistant revenue district officer
Ma. Jonelle S. Faune (RDO 104-Bayugan City), chief Marivic A. Galban and MCA-P
managing director and chief executive officer, Ma. Victoria E. AΓ±onuevo
unveiled the 2015 Tax Campaign Theme and Logo.
The 2015 tax campaign theme “Angat Pa, Pinas”
calls for greater cooperation among Filipinos to pay their taxes as their
contribution to nation-building. The campaign logo takes cues from the colors
of the Philippine Flag, using arrows that show an upward movement to denote
greater progress and positive change for the country. The campaign jingle
provides a battle cry for Filipinos to work for a better tomorrow.
A ceremonial electronic income tax filing and
payment of a 1702 RT return for CY 2014 was done by Royce Food Corporation head
accountant Noeme B. Garces amounting to P598,707.00 shortly followed.
Guillermo, for her part, congratulated Royce Food
Corporation for filing its income tax return and paying the tax due thereon.
She further appealed to the audience to help the BIR in sustaining economic
growth and thanked them in advance for supporting the collection efforts of the
region. She also mentioned that the BIR is busy nowadays in conducting tax
briefings on electronic filing and payment in order to achieve the BIR’s
collection goal of P1.704 trillion. She
took the opportunity to remind the region’s taxpayers of the forthcoming April
15, 2015 Income Tax filing deadline, saying that there will be no extensions.
Eighteen top taxpayers from the districts of
Butuan City (RDO 103), Bayugan City (RDO 104), Surigao City (RDO 105) and
Tandag City (RDO 106), with the assistance of their respective RDOs, dir.
Vitug, ARD Chua and Dep. Comm. Guillermo, pledged their support through 24
building blocks of various infrastructure projects like a sports complex,
agriculture/irrigation, schools, library, museum and airport, topped with the
“Angat Pa, Pinas” emblem.
ARD Chua official closed the kickoff with a
reminder and appeal to all taxpayers to file early and take advantage of the
easy and convenient electronic filing in order to avoid the long queues and the
last hour inconvenience in filing on or before April 15, 2015. (BIR
Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Feature: Your weight and the "yo-yo
effect"
By Charina A. Javier
Have you tried to reduce weight through dieting
and then after dieting gained even more weight than before? Well, that
experience may be the ratchet effect or the "yo-yo effect" of
dieting.
What is the "yo-yo effect" of dieting?
It is the cycle of losing and regaining weight. This happens when a person
tries to reduce a significant amount of weight in a short period of time
through rigid dieting and then suddenly discontinues dieting because of boredom
or sheer hunger. When this happens, the person gains weight but this time
becomes even heavier than before dieting started. For example, a person
weighing 180 pounds tries to lose 10 pounds in two weeks and then suddenly
discontinues. That person may gain weight more than the weight before dieting,
meaning, more than 180 pounds. Again, the person exerts efforts to lose weight,
discontinues, then gain weight again. And the cycle continues.
This cycle is more harmful than losing only a few
pounds in a longer period of time and maintaining it. A person who undergoes
the cycle of losing and regaining weight (a person who loses 50 pounds fast and
gains it back) is more at risk of developing chronic diseases such as
hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes, among others, than a person who
loses about 10 pounds and maintains it. When a person loses weight and regains
it, the body becomes more efficient in making and storing fat. This is the
reason why that person finds it harder to lose weight the next time weight
reducing is done again.
How then can one avoid the yo-yo effect when
reducing weight? Remember that a person does not gain weight instantly, and
this is the case also with losing weight. Before someone starts dieting or
engaging in a weight loss regimen, that person has to set her mind for a
long-term weight-reducing plan, not just a short-term one. One should exercise
patience if she desires the long-term benefits of reducing weight since
significant changes in the body are not seen at first. An ideal weight loss is
1-2 pounds per week. Weight loss should be gradual to have a permanent effect.
One should try to maintain the desirable weight
when reached. This is the hardest and oftentimes taken-for-granted part in
reducing weight. People tend to go back to their usual lifestyle before they
started reducing weight, forgetting the fact that they are more prone to
gaining weight again.
Many people have been trying out popular or
"fad" diets advertised as being effective in reducing weight.
According to Felicidad V. Velandria, retired
Supervising Science Research Specialist at the Food and Nutrition Research
Institute-Department of Science and Technology, "What people need to
understand is that "fad diets" are nutritionally deficient diet.
These diets are really based on the premise that a major alteration in the
distribution of food components namely carbohydrate, protein and fat, will lead
to significant weight loss and consequently better health status. "Fad
diets" do cause weight loss because these diets contain lower calories but
in a disproportionate and unnatural distribution. The quick weight loss is due
to the diuretic effect from low carbohydrate intake and its effect on salt and
water loss. A diet containing less than 1,000 calories per day causes slowing
down in metabolism, making weight loss more difficult, resulting in weight gain
once the individual returns to her regular eating habits."
"A low calorie, well-balanced diet
accompanied by regular and effective exercise is the proven safe and medically
accepted way to loss weight. To do these, one must have the 3Ds: determination,
dedication and discipline," she said.
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; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email:
mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website:
http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.; FNRI Facebook page: facebook.com/FNRI-DOST; FNRI
Twitter account: twitter.com/FNRI-DOST. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media
Service/PIA-Caraga)
Feature: Make life easier for our lolos and lolas,
give them water!
By Ma. Anna Rita M. Ramirez
Water is life. The need for water intake is great
among older persons. Dr. Chernoff, in an article on “Nutritional Requirements
and Physiological Changes in Aging” gave equal importance to thirst and fluid
requirements among the aging population as energy and nutrient requirements.
Water plays a significant role in the maintenance of body functions, transport
of nutrients, and waste removal. As 50 percent of an adult body weight is
water, reduction in water volume or dehydration will cause cells to shrink and
die. Water maintains health and aids in the treatment of diseases.
Apparently, not all older persons have access to
water. Things that may contribute to decreased accessibility to water are voluntary
water restriction due to problems of frequent urination (incontinence);
difficulty in mobility, e.g. the old person is bed-ridden or tied to a
wheelchair; or he has diminished thirst sensitivity. Reduced thirst in older
persons may predispose them to severe dehydration, impairment of cognition (or
poorer mental function), and additional water loss.
Among the risk factors for dehydration in the
older persons are: (a) laxative abuse (that older persons probably take due to
constipation problems); (b) diuretic abuse (that may occur with intake or
prescription drugs for cardiovascular diseases); (c) occasions of depressions
(that older persons may experience unnoticed by other household members); (d)
dependence on tube or parenteral feeding (on occasions of illness when oral
feeding is hindered); (e) use of multiple medications; and (f) when the older
person has a chronic infection.
These are telltale signs of dehydration in older
adults. These include: drying of the eyes, swollen tongue, sunken eyeballs, elevated
body temperature, and decreased urine volume. Dehydration can also bring about
constipation, nausea and vomiting, decreased blood pressure, mental confusion,
and fluid and electrolyte disturbances. As quality of life for the older
persons depends to a large extent on the individual’s capacity for physical
mobility, mental alertness, and cognitive function, “conscious” provision of
fluids to them could very well serve its purpose.
Like in most of the younger adults and under
normal health conditions, a minimum intake of 1.5 liters or 7-8 glasses of
water per day is considered sufficient to prevent dehydration for most of the
older persons.
So if your lolo or lola is starting to show any of
these telltale signs, do “give them a few words of advice” - or better still,
give them water!
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; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph,
mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.; FNRI
Facebook page: facebook.com/FNRI-DOST; FNRI Twitter account:
twitter.com/FNRI-DOST. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
Tagana-an women undergo training on seaweed
processing
By Rodrigo R. Matabaran
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Mar. 26 (PIA) - A
group of women from the municipality of Tagana-an underwent a seaweeds
processing training held on March 17 to 19, 2015 at the Womens Training Center,
Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte.
The ultimate goal of the seaweeds processing
project is to increase the income of the target family beneficiaries that can
help improve their economic well-being. It is also one of the required
deliverables of the Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB) funded Seaweeds Processing
Project of which fund was released last year to the Tagana-an municipal
government by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
A total of 25 participants learned the skills on
how to prepare various food products from seaweeds such as fresh and dried
seaweeds pickles, flour jelly, jam, cookies, polvoron and fruit pie, among
others.
Vital inputs on good manufacturing processes, food
sanitation and packaging technique were also taught to the participants for
them to be able to produce good quality processed seaweeds food products.
The training was conducted by technical personnel
of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regional and provincial
offices headed by Fisheries Post Harvest and Marketing Division
officer-in-charge Helen L. Suarez.
In his message, Tagana-an mayor Cesar Diaz
encouraged the participants to make use of their learning and enhance their
skills to develop locally processed products made out of seaweeds and make it a
viable business undertaking.
On his part, Tagana-an vice mayor Falcone D.
Aristan expressed his thanks to the BFAR technical team and DTI personnel for
helping their local constituents.
As a coastal town, Tagana-an has a wide coastal
area ideal for seaweeds production. At
present, local seaweeds producers are selling their fresh and dried seaweeds to
buyers within the province and the neighboring provinces.
Hence, the local government aggressively promotes
the seaweeds production and processing hoping that it will eventually be
developed as a thriving local industry that can create more jobs and income
opportunities. The processing project is
expected to create added value to the raw seaweeds produced in the
municipality.
Aside from DTI, other agencies including the
Department of Agriculture (DA), BFAR and Surigao del Norte Provincial
Agriculture Office supported the seaweeds development effort of the
municipality by providing needed financial and technical assistance. (SDR/DT-Surigao
del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
AgNor creates council of sectoral leaders
By Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 26 (PIA) - The Sangguniang
Panlalawigan (SP) of Agusan del Norte created recently through Provincial
Ordinance No. 384-2015 the Council of Sectoral Leaders in the province of
Agusan del Norte, defining its composition and functions and for other
purposes.
The brainchild of Vice Governor Ramon “Rambu”
Bungabong, the ordinance aims to establish and strengthen a council of all
sectoral leaders in the province that shall assist the province in its
development planning and in the implementation and monitoring of local
government socio-economic development projects based on the Grassroots
Participating Budgeting Process/Bottoms Up Budgeting (BUB) process.
Under the said ordinance, the council shall be
composed of elected leader representatives from various sectors and federated
non-government Organizations (NGOs), Peoples Organizations (POs) and Civil
Society Organizations (CSOs) duly accredited by the provincial government in
the manner prescribed by law, circular and/or provincial ordinance or executive
order.
Among the functions of the council include
identifying issues and concerns, in consultation with the city/municipal
levels, and submit a three-year plan to the provincial governor and the SP to
cater the needs and full development of all sectors to achieve total
development of the province.
The council also serves as advisory council of the
province and the SP and the leaders may be invited to attend committee meetings
to solicit their comments or opinions on referrals or any concern pending
therein.
Elected leader representatives from the identified
federated NGOs, POs and CSOs in the province from various sectors shall elect
its officers among themselves.
The term of office of the elected officers shall
be three years with the right to one re-election. Their term of office shall
commence on the first working day of September following the month of the
election of no representative and shall expire on June 30 of the third year or
until their successors shall have been elected and qualified.
For the effective
implementation of the ordinance, the province will appropriate P100,000.00
starting next calendar year 2016 and every year thereafter to shoulder the cost
in the organization and meetings of the council. (LGU-Agusan del
Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Tech-voc trainees feature skills in Kalandrakas XI
By Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 26 (PIA) – Technical Vocational
(Tech-Voc) trainees from this city and the province of Agusan del Sur have
featured their skills during the staging of “Kalandrakas XI,” one of the
highlights of the 2015 Women’s Month Celebration in Caraga Region.
According to Fe Gomez, Senior TESD Specialist and
Gender and Development (GAD) focal person of the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA)-Caraga, some five male and five female trainees
of Massage Therapy NC II from the Butuan Manpower Training Center were requested
by the Regional Development Council (RDC)-GAD to perform their services to
those in attendance.
Aside from this, Gomez said some eight trainees in
the beauty care have offered services in manicure, pedicure, foot spa and
facial.
At the end of the day, 22 male and 54 female
participants were able to avail services in massage therapy while 63
individuals have availed services in beauty care.
Atty. Marylin Pintor, RDC-GADCC Chairman
acknowledged the support extended by the member-agencies. She said the heads of
the different government agencies and their respective focal persons are among
those who have contributed to the success of the activity.
She added that from the opening activity until the
conduct of the Kalandrakas XI, employees of the different government agencies
were very active participating in the foot parade, throwing holi powders in
different colors which added color to the festive mood of celebration.
Atty. Pintor also acknowledged TESDA for regularly
showcasing the skills of their trainees serving the participants in massage and
beauty care.
This year’s celebration of Women’s Month pays
importance of equitable participation and representation of women in
policymaking or decision making in all levels of organizations or bodies in our
society. “Juanas” who brought inspiring changes here in the country and across
the globe with its theme “Juana, Desisyon Mo Ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng
Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!”
The 2015 Women’s Month Celebration is the best
time to highlight the “drivers of change” wherein women can express their
strength, power and abilities being a credible leader in the society.
This celebration recognizes the role of women in
the political arena or in any levels of organizations making use of her
decision making that could influence their over-all contributions to progress.
(TESDA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
