Monday, August 3, 2015

In line with the objectives of the Community Extension Service Program and part of the Social Responsibility for Community Development, SEC will establish a linkage with PIA, a government office with a broadcast communication platform designed for disaster operation dubbed Advanced Forward Emergency Broadcasting System or AFEBS Network.

During the orientation on AFEBS Network Project held on the same date at the SEC campus in Surigao City, Rosanna S. Bautista, vice president for administration/external affairs office of Surigao Education Center (SEC) presented the rationale/objectives of the Advanced Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS) Network Project. "On September 8, 2014, the PIA technical team made a site inspection and assessment of SEC's FM facility and equipment to determine the actual condition of the studio, transmitter, antenna and other equipment to provide practical recommendation and appropriate intervention," she recalled.

"As part of our Social Responsibility for Community Development through the Community Extension Service Program, we saw the need to express it in different programs and activities to reach out and increase our capability to contribute to the community through a practical information dissemination program. And with this, we are partnering with the Philippine Information Agency Caraga for the fulfillment of that social responsibility," articulated Bautista.

Deputy regional director Fryan Abkilan of PIA Caraga shortly discussed the best practices of the agency, as well as its known platforms in the region, which include the AFEBS Network. “SEC is the first private institution to adopt the AFEBS project in the region,” he stressed.

Abkilan further revealed that said project was not made possible if not because of the initiative of the regional director of PIA Caraga. "Our regional director Abner Caga of the Philippine Information Agency Caraga regional office conceptualized the public communication system dubbed Advanced Forward Emergency Broadcasting System (AFEBS), a community-based broadcasting system designed for disaster response. It is tested and proven to operate 24/7 in all weather conditions, and can be heard over the radio, internet or cellphone/smartphones. It serves as platform of our advocacies, public paging system, entertainment/music, survey, and feedback mechanism," he relayed.

Also, the officials, faculty and students of Surigao Education Center (SEC) witnessed the audio-visual presentation on the PIA Caraga's mobile application - "PIA Mindanao."

"The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga has taken a step further toward the digital age with the launch of a new mobile application that will provide the Mindanaoans with up-to-date information about the region especially during disasters and emergencies. The app was conceived as a result of the increasing intensity and frequency of disasters happening around us, the need for a new platform that will not only strengthen public awareness on the importance of disaster preparedness, but also facilitate a system for disaster response and management, is emphasized," reiterated Abkilan.

Meanwhile, Nora CL Molde, regional operations chief of PIA Caraga shared the evolution and organization profile of PIA. "PIA is the communication arm of the government. PIA is committed to provide a national mechanism for the free flow of timely, accurate and relevant information to enhance people's capabilities in decision-making and identification of opportunities for growth and development; and promote people's participation in democratic process," she mentioned.

Molde also presented the organization profile of the agency to the officials, faculty and students of SEC. "Despite limited manpower in PIA Caraga, we still attain our targets and goals in disseminating timely, relevant, and accurate information to the general public. We are doing multi-tasking just to achieve the tasks targeted for the day," she emphasized.

As stipulated in the MOA, SEC will provide funds for the following: 1) repair of the defective transmitter ad regular maintenance; 2) retuning of antenna to maximize its power; 3) purchase of high-end desktop computer; 4) purchase of air-conditioning system; 5) installation of an internet connection preferably 2-4 Mbps; 6) purchase of microphones for DJ, guest and production use; 7) purchase of headsets for DJ, guest and production use; 8) monthly preventive maintenance check of PIA transmitter by PIA Caraga team; 9) training of a staff in the operation and radio production; 10) take responsibility for its safety, security and care while the PIA transmitter is being used for broadcast; and 11) conduct monthly monitoring and report on the status of the implementation.

Hence, PIA will also provide information dissemination and promotion of SEC and its activities; provide the transmitter in lieu of SEC’s defective transmitter; oversee the overall operation of the station; provide technical assistance in the monthly maintenance check of the transmitter; and provide technical training of SEC staff in operation and radio production.

It was also learned that the regular programming shall commence from 6:00 in the morning until 10:00 in the evening daily. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

News Feature: Nursing mothers urged to continue giving breastmilk to babies after maternity leave

By Czarina Teresita S. Martinez

Did you know that nursing mothers can continue giving breastmilk to their babies even if they have to return to work after maternity leave?

The revised Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) recommends "breastfeed infants exclusively from birth up to 6 months then give appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond for optimum growth and development."

The NGF was developed by nutrition experts led by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).

Working mothers who are lactating and resuming work can express breastmilk while in the workplace.

Expressed breastmilk can be collected in sterile bottles and stored in the refrigerator or container insulated with ice.

Breast milk stored in the refrigerator can last for 24 hours, while when stored in the freezer can last for 3 months.

Caregivers at home can give expressed breastmilk while the mother is at work.

In times when the mother and the baby are together, it is best to breastfeed from the mother.

Breastfeeding promotes emotional bonding and loving relationship between the mother and the baby.

Administrators of workplaces, public places like malls and even schools are enjoined to setup breastfeeding stations where mothers can either express breastmilk or practice breastfeeding with privacy.

Let us promote, support, and practice breastfeeding.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City, Metro Manila, Tel./Fax: 8372934, 8373164; FNRI-DOST website: http//www.fnri@dost.gov.ph, email:mar_v_c@yahoo.com, mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph; FNRI Facebook page: facebook.com/FNRI-DOST; FNRI Twitter account: twitter.com/FNRI-DOST. (FNRI S&T Media Services/PIA-Caraga)

News Feature: ‘Obesity gene’ probed in the Filipino population

By Jacus S. Nacis

In order to understand weight gain and weight loss, we need to look into the triad of environment, lifestyle, and genetics.

The pairing of environment and lifestyle as a factor in understanding body weight is an established norm.

Adding genetics in the picture bring forth quite interesting tales to tell.

Previous researches about the fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene suggested that individuals who have the high risk version of the FTO gene have the tendency to become obese. FTO gene comes in two versions: the high and the low-risk form.

The BBC News website in 2013 reported that individuals with high risk copies of the FTO gene are thought to be 70% more likely to become obese.

This BBC report was investigated further by a pioneering study on nutritional genomics by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).

Researchers from FNRI-DOST examined more than a hundred Filipino adults from Ilocos, Bicol and Metro Manila.

The FNRI study focused on the possible contribution of the FTO gene in the increasing trend of obesity in the country. The study combined the utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gene sequencing technology to determine the versions of the FTO gene.

Majority of these adult participants carry the low-risk version. However, regardless of the body mass index (BMI), more than 30 percent harbor the high risk version of the gene.

The genetic tendency towards becoming obese in this portion of Filipino adults is present even among those who are considered normal and healthy.

The high risk version posed 24 percent chance of gaining more weight compared to those who have the low risk version of the FTO gene.

Interestingly, the probability increased twice when the carrier of the high risk version of the gene falls short of the recommended energy nutrient intake (RENI) for energy, protein, carbohydrates, and fat.

Relevant findings of the study underscore the importance of meeting the recommended dietary intake especially when an individual is prone to gain more weight due to genetic variation.

In this segment of the Filipino adult population, the effect of the high risk version of the FTO gene is not the sole contributor of the propensity to gain weight.

Genes might regulate the capture, storage, and release of energy from the foods that we eat but it is equally important to note that obesity also thrives in an environment abundant with calorie-rich foods and with fewer opportunities for physical activity.

With the Philippines going more urbanized, the environment previously described can perhaps be a relevant factor of the population shifting towards unhealthy weight gain. This premise, however, needs to be confirmed further.

Without dismissing what genetic factors can contribute to our total well-being, the need to live a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and regular exercise is still the best way to combat unhealthy weight gain.

As the 9th message of the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos highlighted: “Attain normal body weight through proper diet and moderate physical activity to maintain good health and help prevent obesity”.

Feature: Feast on vegetables for body cleansing

By Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso

Do you get tired of eating too much festive foods like lechon, mechado, fried chicken, salads during celebrations?

You may want to shift from meat to veggies to get rid of some body toxins.

Vegetables are important sources of vitamins, minerals, and fibers.

Fibers are mostly found in vegetables and fruits. Regular intake of soluble fiber enables the body to absorb minerals like calcium and magnesium. Fiber also helps manage one’s weight.

Phytochemicals or phytonutrients are found in plants, particularly vegetables. Examples of these are lycopene in tomatoes, anthocyanins in bell peppers and flavonoids in broccoli. Bright colored vegetables generally contain most phytonutrients.

By eating vegetables, there are low chances of weight gain, improved teeth and bone structure, increased body resistance against infection, and reduced risk of having diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Experts say one needs three to four servings of vegetables daily. Recommended servings for vegetables also vary depending on age and lifestyle as shown: For older persons, adults, lactating women; teenage boys and girls; and growing kids (1-12 years old), all should have at least three servings.

Source: FNRI’s Daily Nutritional Guide Pyramid for Filipinos

*One serving of leafy vegetables=1 cup raw or ½ cup cooked

*One serving of other vegetables=1/2 cup raw or 1 cup cooked

Remember the 3rd message of the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF): Eat more vegetables and fruits everyday to get the essential vitamins, minerals and fiber for regulation of body processes.

Cebuano News: Gawad Kalasag awarding malamposong gipahigayon

Ni Mary Jul E. Escalante

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Agosto 3 (PIA) – Malamposong gipahigayon ang Awarding sa Gawad Kalasag isip culmination program sa pagtak-op sa kasaulogan sa National Disaster Consciousness Month niadtong Hulyo 30, 2015 didto sa Almont Inland Hotel sa Butuan City.

Nakuha sa probinsya ang ika-upat nga pwesto sa provincial category ug sa component city category nakuha sa syudad ang ikaduhang dapit.

Samtang sa 4th ug 6th class municipality category nakuha sa lungsod Tubod ang ang ikatulong dapit.

Sa schools category (Public Urban) nakuha sa Surigao del Norte National High School (SNNHS) ang ikaduhang pwesto ug ikaduhang pwesto usab ang St. Paul University (SPUS-Surigao) sa private urban.

Samtang sa schools category (Public Rural) nakuha ang unang pwesto sa Matin-ao National High School sa lungsod sa Mainit ug ang Brgy. Quezon sa Mainit nakadawat ug citation isip participating stakeholder.

Atol sa maong awarding nakadawat og cash prize ug plaque isip Most Cooperative Team ang Active Local Emergency Responder Team (ALERT) sa probinsya.

Mitunol sa maong mga pasidungog ang bag-ong regional director sa Office of Civil Defense Caraga region nga si direktor Manuel Luis M. Ochotorena diin siya usab ang chairman sa Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) uban nila Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional director Lilibeth Famacion diin mao usab ang vice chairperson sa RDRRMC, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) regional director Dominga Mallonga, Deaprtment of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional director Minda Brigoli ug National Economic Development Administration (NEDA) regional director Myla Faye Cariño. (SDR/PIC-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Monday, August 3, 2015