PopCom warns teenagers on V-Day
By May Ann O. Escobal
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA) - The Commission on
Population (PopCom) warns young Caraganons especially those in a romantic
relationship to be more cautious and responsible on their sexuality especially
as they celebrate Valentine’s Day.
PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander A.
Makinano revealed that adolescents and youth of today are becoming more
aggressive in making decisions of their own desires especially when it comes to
romantic relationships.
To safeguard the health and well-being of the
youth, enable and empower them to make positive life choices, and actualize
their full potential are the long term priorities of PopCom through its
Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) Program.
Amidst the increasing incidence of teenage
pregnancy and other youth-related issues in the region, PopCom together with
its program partners, is constantly intensifying its implementation of the AHYD
program interventions to prevent such sexual and non-sexual risky behaviors of
the young people.
PopCom has been utilizing the Sexually Healthy and
Personally Effective (SHAPE) Modules in training adolescents and youth and
continuously conducting U4U Teen Trail Initiative in the different areas of the
region – these are entirely skilled-based interventions and are geared towards
developing practical life skills such as critical thinking, negotiating and
refusal skills among the adolescents.
“The importance of conducting these interventions
for the young people to become responsible adults and citizens of tomorrow and
will enable them to maximize their potential, help them develop their
capabilities to manage their future,” Makinano emphasized.
The official also reminded everyone that this is
not only a concern of one agency but it is everybody’s. “Unified efforts of the
different sectors in the community most especially the parents are very
important in molding these youth into better citizens,” he added.
PopCom, in partnership with the local government
units, will conduct U4U Facilitators’ Training and Trail among students of
identified secondary schools in the cities of Butuan and Surigao and in the
province of Surigao del Norte this March. The training aims to equip the
students on peer helping and counseling and facilitating skills in order to
help their fellow young adults. (PopCom-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Talacogon OFW trains in entrepreneurship
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA) - In support to the eager determination of the
OFW Family Circle of Del Monte, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur to strengthen their
organization, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) extended the
Entrepreneurship Development Training on February 9-10.
The organization’s president, Ariel N. Arreza,
extended the DOFWO’s desire to eventually begin operation. However, before they
start rolling out, they wanted to be fully equipped with the necessary skills
in handling a business operation and processes.
The two-day Entrepreneurship Development Training
was attended by 60 members of Del Monte OFW Families Association (DOFWO).
Topics on Financial Literacy were also included in the Training.
Community responder Cristy Mae Espejon discussed
the basics of financial literacy. Concepts in efficiently budgeting and savings
for very individual was thoroughly conveyed by Espejon.
The discussion on Entrepreneurship was carried out
by OWWA Programs and Services OIC, Ma. Ireen C. Cambaling. Strategies and
decision making processes in the business organization was comprehensively
delivered to the participants. They likewise taught how to make a business plan
and introduced to its components.
Del Monte OFW Families Association (DOFWO)
President Mr. Arreza shared his happiness for the support that the agency has
given their organization. “We are now one step closer in realizing our vision
of an herbal medicine plantation and production within our municipality”, bared
Mr. Arreza in local tongue.
Further trainings on their proposed business will
be provided to the organization to assist them to become self-sufficient.
(JPIM, OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
SurSur PhilHealth to mark 21st anniversary
celebration
By Greg Tataro Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 12 (PIA) – The
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) field office in Tandag
City is set to commemorate its agency’s 21st anniversary celebration on
February 14, 2016.
Ethel Yuchitcho, Local Health Insurance Office
(LHIO) chief, said their office had agreed to sponsor a Thanksgiving Mass at
6:00 a.m. on said date for the kick off ceremony.
With the theme “Taon 21: Mas Matatag na
Kasiguruhan sa Kalusugan,” the local PhilHealth chief bared some activities to
be undertaken as part of the celebration.
On February 18-19, the PhilHealth-LHIO here would
be joining with the local government unit (LGU), this city, for the Information
Caravan to be spearheaded by Mayor Roxanne Pimentel.
Besides, in San Agustin town headed by Mayor
Libertad Alameda, they would also hold “Alaga” (Alamin at Gamitin) forum in
order to inform the public about PhilHealth benefits.
Yuchitcho admitted being busy preparing for the
“Employees Day & Night” in Butuan City on February 26, taking the
opportunity to announce all of them would join the regional activity, thus
their office here would be closed on that day. (NGBT/Radyo ng
Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Integration of DRR-CCA in NSTP OK’d
By Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA) - The Disaster Risk
Reduction-Climate Change Adaptation (DRR-CCA) will now be included in the
National Service Training Program (NTSP) in the pilot schools and universities
within the province of Agusan del Norte pursuant to Provincial Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Resolution No. 02-16.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte
adopted and approved the said resolution, “Adopting and approving the
integration of Disaster Risk Reduction-Climate Change Adaptation (DRR-CCA) in
the National Service Training Program (NTSP) and appropriating funds thereof,”
in line with Republic Act (R.A.) 9163, An Act Establishing the NTSP for
tertiary level students and Republic Act 10121, the Philippine Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act of 2010.
Based on Section 14 of R. A. 10121, the Department
of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) are mandated
to incorporate the disaster risk reduction and management education in the
school curricula of secondary and tertiary levels, including the NSTP.
The local legislators of the province saw the
importance of the said program that will provide tools and enough knowledge for
the students to enhance their skills and prepare themselves in times of
disasters and calamities, hence, supported the said program in partnership with
the PDRRMC.
The proposed modules will be formulated and
developed by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga Region and CHED. (LGU-Agusan
del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
Feature: Read food labels!
By Charina A. Javier
When you buy food, do you read the labels? Which
labels catch your attention?
People have different considerations when
selecting and buying a food product. They often choose a product because of its
taste. Some consider the price. Others try out new ones because of testimonials
while some people are attracted by a product's packaging. A growing number of
health-conscious people are now taking time and carefully considering the
nutritional and health values of a product.
A nutrition claim describes the level of a
nutrient in a food or dietary supplement and describes the link between a
nutrient and the deficiency disease that can result of the nutrient is lacking
in the diet. For example, "enriched with vitamin C" and "vitamin
C prevents scurvy." A health or disease claim shows the relationship
between a nutrient and other substances in a food and a disease or
health-related condition. Nutrition and health labels help customers in
selecting which components of food would contribute to a well-balanced diet.
They provide information about prevalent public health concerns and help
promote a healthy diet. Some food products put additional information about the
association between the nutrient they claim to have added or modified in the
product and the probability of decreasing the development or preventing the
progression of a certain disease. An example of this is the role of calcium in
the prevention of osteoporosis, as seen in some milk product packages. These
nutrition and health claims have to be approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs
before the manufacturers can put claims on the products.
Various manufacturers nowadays have invested in
fortifying, enriching or modifying the content of their products in response to
the emerging health and nutrition concerns of consumers. A product that is
fortified, enriched or modified are labeled according to the nutrients that
were added or modified in the product. Examples of nutrition claims of products
are "rich in Vitamin A and C", "with beta-carotene”, "high
calcium", "low sodium", "non-fat",
"sugar-free", "high fiber", "low calorie", among
others. On the other hand, examples of nutrition support claims include,
"protects your heart", "help prevent osteoporosis",
"help prevent certain cancers", and others.
A product has to meet certain standards before it
can put a nutrition or health claim on its label. For example, when a product
claims that it is low calorie, it must have 40 kilocalories or less per
serving. When a product claims that it is rich in or a good source of a certain
nutrient, it has to contain at least 20% of the recommended intake of that
nutrient of a reference person.
The Sangkap Pinoy Seal found in the packaged food
products that consumers buy is given to food products fortified with vitamin A,
iron and iodine either singly, in combination or all of the three nutrients.
Having the Sangkap Pinoy Seal means that at least 1/3 of the recommended
nutrient intakes for vitamin A, iron, and iodine was satisfied by the food
product.
Other manufacturers have also fortified their
products with other nutrients such as calcium, zinc, vitamin C, folate, and
vitamin B complex. These are optional nutrients for the manufacturers to add in
their products and are not required in the Sangkap Pinoy Seal.
However, a fortified or enriched product should
not be the only source of nutrients. Eating a variety of foods everyday, the
first message of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by the Food
and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology
(FNRI-DOST), is recommended. No single food can provide all the nutrients
required in the proper amount.
Consumers should always read the product labels
before buying. Consumers should be wise in choosing food products that taste
good and are affordable but also consider the nutritional values one can get
from them.
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)
Feature: Shopping tips for healthful eating
By Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa
Consumers today have many choices when it comes to
food, especially at the grocery store. With numerous items and brand names, how
does one go about choosing foods that are enjoyable, affordable, and most
importantly, those that provide proper nutrition?
The List
Before you head out to the market, take time to
make a list. It will save you time and money.
§ What to
eat this week. List out meal ideas for the week, keeping in mind which days
you’ll have time to cook and which days you’ll be pressed for time to put
dinner on the table. When time is short, opt for vegetable salads or boil or
steam green, leafy or other vegetables and ready-to-eat fortified foodstuffs
containing low fat, cholesterol, and sodium or salt.
§ Organize
the list. As you create your shopping list, check your menu options against the
Food Guide Pyramid developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute –
Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) to ensure you’ve remembered
everything from rice, breads and cereals to fats and oils, meat, fish and
poultry, milk and other dairy products to vegetables and fruits. This will help
ensure that you are purchasing a variety of foods that provide all your
nutrient needs.
§ Don’t
forget snacks! Everyone enjoys a little boost between meals, so choose
nutritious, great tasting snack foods such as low-fat nuts, popcorn and fruits.
The Strategy
§ Avoid
going to the market or grocery when you are hungry. Leave the decisions with
your head, not your stomach. It’s easier to stick to the list if you are not
hungry, so make sure to eat something before you go shopping.
§ Set a
routine. Establish a day and time that makes it easy for you to move quickly
and easily through the store or market and stay focused on your market list.
§ Save
money. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season because these are
cheaper. In the grocery store, look for foodstuffs that are on sale.
§ The
labels. Read food labels. You can compare nutrients and ingredients between
similar foodstuffs. Determine which nutrients the food contributes to your
total diet.
§ The
tricks in going to the grocery store: Knowing how to shop and what to look for
in each section of the store helps you save your time.
Farm Products. Since fresh agricultural products
(like green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, fruits like bananas, papaya, mango,
pineapple) which contribute vitamins and minerals don’t last very long, buy
only the amount you can eat for a few days. Roots and tubers such as kamote,
potatoes and gabi can be bought in bulk for a one to two - week supply. These
are important sources of energy, fiber and vitamins.
Meat, fish, chicken, eggs, dried beans and nuts.
Get your protein! These foods are sources of high-quality protein. Buy meat,
fish, and chicken, especially when they are on sale.
Milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products,
small fish like dilis. Including these in your diet is an easy way to get your
recommended intake of calcium to prevent osteoporosis.
Frozen. The frozen foods section is a great place
for convenient, nutritious food choices for any meal occasion – breakfast,
lunch, dinner – and even dessert. Read nutrition labels and choose low fat,
cholesterol, and sodium (salt) content of different brands.
Canned foods. Canned fruits and vegetables are
also great to have on hand because they are similar and some are fortified,
hence, higher in nutrients than their fresh counterparts. Most importantly,
they don’t spoil as quickly!
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)
