(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 27 March 2024) Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies / Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms.


Friday, May 22, 2015

PRC AgNor-Butuan City Chapter bares accomplishments in April, upcoming activities

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 22 (PIA) – In their regular monthly meeting held on Thursday here, the board of directors of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter bared several accomplishments for the month of April, as well as their upcoming activities for this year.

For the month of April 2015, the Disaster Management Services of the local chapter was able to undertake the following activities: continued monitoring of the different barangays in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte through the different Red Cross 143 coordinators with regards to weather condition affecting the area; and conducted precautionary measures through text messages in reporting untoward incidents by any means to the chapter for man-made and natural disaster.

The Blood Service Committee was able to collect 501 units of blood in the month of April 2015, including those acquired from bloodletting activities.

Teodoro Cairo, Chapter Administrator called on the public to support the chapter and participate during the conduct of the Bingo for a Cause dubbed as 'Race to Solferino' on June 6, 2015 (Saturday) at Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, this city.

Cairo further revealed that effective June 1, 2015, the new blood processing fee is P1,800.00. From the 1,500 processing fee, the PRC added P300 for the administrative cost.

"The Philippine Red Cross Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter will be celebrating its 66th founding anniversary on July 23, 2015. We will be conducting activities for this year's celebration," added Cairo.

It was also learned that this year's International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Month in August is anchored on the theme "Pagkilala sa Pagpapahalaga sa IHL, Responsibilidad ng Lahat."

“In line with this year’s IHL celebration, different lined-up activities will also be held,” said Cairo. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)


Turn-over of PWS, MOA signing, fund release of 2015 PAMANA projects set in SurSur

By Greg Tataro Jr.

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 22 (PIA) – A total of P21 million worth of funds earmarked for Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan-Department of the Interior and Local Government (PAMANA-DILG) projects is set for release on May 22, 2015 at Barangay Diatagon Gymnasium in Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

According to Engr. Merlinda Baure, Provincial Planning and Development  Office (PPDO) coordinator/PAMANA focal person, P15 million of which will go to Lianga town while the remaining P6 million is going to the neighbor-town of San Agustin.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing is set to take place in this regard between DILG Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion and Governor Johnny Pimentel.

Beforehand, a turn-over and acceptance ceremony is also going to be undertaken in the morning in connection with rehabilitation of potable water system (PWS) projects in four barangays of Lianga—Anibongan, Baucawe, Diatagon, and Manyayay.

Meanwhile, in the afternoon, a similar event is going to follow; this time at Barangay Pong-on, San Agustin for the turn-over of PWS projects in three barangays—Janipaan, Pong-on,  and Sto. Niño.

Governor Pimentel and Regional Director Famacion are going to give their respective messages in both occasion. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Feature: Facts about whole grain

By Imelda A. Agdeppa

Do you ever wonder why most health-conscious people choose whole grain foods? Here are some facts about whole grains.

Whole grains are cereals, which retain the bran, the hard, outer layer of the grain. It also contains the germ, the smallest part of the grain as well as the endosperm, the main part of the grain. Common whole grain products include oatmeal, popcorn, brown rice, whole-wheat flour and whole wheat bread.

Typical whole grain cereal foods are low in saturated fats but are sources of polyunsaturated fats, including omega 3 linolenic acid, which is believed to be good for the heart.  Whole grains are also excellent sources of fiber, which provides important health benefits, from preventing gastrointestinal disorders to promoting normal bowel. These products also promote satiety, help control serum cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Whole grains have both soluble and insoluble fibers. But not all whole grains are good sources of fiber. Whole wheat contains the highest amount of fiber among the whole grains. Brown rice contains the least amount of fiber. The common vitamins present in the whole grains are the B-complex vitamins, including folate, which is essential in the formation of all body cells.

Whole grains are also good sources of many minerals, including iron, magnesium, copper, phosphorus and zinc, which are essential to our health. They also have antioxidants, including vitamin E and selenium, as well as phytochemicals including flavonoids and phytic acid which can prevent coronary heart disease, digestive system disease, diabetes, obesity and many different types of cancer.

A study conducted by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Human Nutrition Research Center reported that those who consumed at least three 1-ounce-equivalent servings of whole grain foods per day were less likely to have the “metabolic syndrome”. This is a condition marked by a combination of abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, high blood pressure, and poor blood sugar control—all of which increase the risk for diabetes and heart disease.

How would you know if a whole grain product is really “whole”? The only way is to check the label or the ingredient list. If it doesn’t say “whole grain” or “whole wheat”, it’s not the real thing. Don't be misled by the package’s picture, or descriptive names because they do not necessarily mean whole grain goodness. Take time to read product labels and ingredients before purchasing.

Based on the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos, an individual person can increase fiber intake by eating a variety of high fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, dried beans and peas, whole grain bread, oatmeal and other whole grain cereals and pasta.

Be one of those health-conscious people who choose whole grain products. Make whole grain part of your daily meal. It is good for your health!

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: Can a diabetic mom breast-feed her baby?

By Czarina Teresita S. Martinez

There is no question about breast milk being excellent and complete food for babies. The Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) says that all mothers under normal conditions can breast-feed their babies and must be encouraged to breast-feed.

Even a diabetic mom can successfully breast-feed. Researchers from University Hospital Groningen in Netherlands led by Christine M. van Beusekom found that the milk of patients with tightly controlled insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or the Type I diabetes, found no difference in milk triglycerides, lactose, protein, cholesterol, glucose, and no abnormalities in total fatty acids composition.

In another study conducted by Katrin M. Ostrom and Ann M. Ferris of the University of Connecticut, they found that during the first week after giving birth, women with Type 1 diabetes have lower prolactin concentration compared with women without diabetes. Prolactin is known as the principal lactogenic hormone, that helps mothers produce milk for their babies. The low concentration of prolactin among mothers with Type 1 diabetes suggests that diabetes may affect the secretion of this milk producing hormone. However they observed that early breast-feeding activity, increased breast-feeding frequency, and good glycemic control enhance prolactin secretion thus, should be promoted during lactation in women with Type 1 diabetes.

The same study revealed that diabetic women are experiencing breast-feeding delay due to cesarean operation or temporary separation from their infant can still successfully breast-feed. Women with Type I diabetes were able to establish lactation despite postpartum separation from their infants. However, the researchers stresses the need to provide lactation counseling and continue with aggressive therapy to diabetic mothers so that the baby gets adequate nutrition.

Breast-feeding has been proven to be beneficial to both mother and her baby. Breast-feeding provides all the nutrient babies need to stay healthy. It boosts the baby’s immune systems, protecting them from diarrhea and acute respiratory infections, two of the leading causes of infant mortality.

The simple act of breast-feeding contributes to the bonding of mother and her baby, builds the mother’s confidence in her ability to care for her infant, and provides a healthy start to the baby’s psychosocial development. Furthermore, breast-feeding may delay ovulation and may help space births further apart thus giving time for mothers to recover from pregnancy stress.

According to Dr. Rosa Allyn G. Sy, President of the Philippine Diabetes Association, lactating women who are on insulin may breast-feed provided they are carefully monitored by their endocrinology doctor.

The FNRI-DOST encourages mothers to “Breast-feed infants from birth to 6 months and then, give appropriate foods while continuing breast-feeding”.

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)


Sen. Bam Aquino inaugurates 1st Negosyo Center in Surigao Norte

By Rodrigo R. Matabaran

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 22 (PIA) – Senator Paulo Benigno “Bam" Aquino IV led the inauguration of the first Negosyo Center at the Provincial Capitol Complex, this city.

The provincial Negosyo Center is housed in a three-story building in the capitol complex and established under the leadership of Governor Sol F. Matugas as one of the priority projects towards economic development under the HEALS (Health, Education, Agri-Aquaculture, Livelihood and Spiritual) agenda of the provincial administration.

In his message, Sen. Aquino pointed out that the Negosyo Center will bridge the small entrepreneurs to the market and potential investors that will accelerate growth and expansion. The center will deliver an excellent service for the micro, small and medium size enterprises.

Sen. Aquino appreciated the commitment and support of the provincial government in establishing the largest Negosyo Center in the country in terms of area of the office space.

He vowed to provide all out support to the Center as principal author of the Go Negosyo Act and He encouraged the national government agencies and private sector partners to collaborate in helping existing and aspiring entrepreneurs to be active participants in nation building.

The provincial Negosyo Center is the 11th center in the country that is established since last year and the fourth that is launched this year.

The said center will provide business development services that will hasten business start-up in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other stakeholders as collaborative partners for enterprise development.

The center will also conduct trainings and seminars for potential and existing micro, small and medium enterprises.

Congressman Francisco T. Matugas, Dinagat Islands Vice Governor Benglen B. Ecleo, DTI Caraga Regional Director Brielgo O. Pagaran and Provincial Director Celestino L. Negapatan, Vice Governor Carlos Egay Jr. along with other local officials and representatives of other line agencies, NGOs, the academe, the officers and members of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (SMEDC) also graced the inaugural ceremony.

Meanwhile, director Pagaran appreciated the initiative set by the Governor as he expressed his thanks for the effort significantly helping the tasks of DTI while encouraging LGUs to establish their respective Negosyo Centers.

The activity ended with the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement of the stakeholders led by Gov. Matugas, Dir. Pagaran, SMED Council Chairperson Concepcion R. Paqueo, Engr. Leonel Santos of STI-Surigao and representative of St. Paul University-Surigao.

The signing was witnessed by Sen. Aquino, Vice Gov. Egay and some provincial officials and representatives of the business sector. (SDR/DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)