PIA Caraga features COMELEC in One Mindanao mobile
app
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, April 12 (PIA) – The Commission on
Election (COMELEC) has partnered with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
Caraga in the delivery of real-time updates for the 2016 elections though its
One Mindanao mobile application.
Agusan del Norte provincial election supervisor
Atty. Ernie Palanan expressed his optimism that a significant number of people
worldwide who have downloaded and who will be downloading the app can be
reached and be able to see their updates especially in the coming May 2016
elections.
“We appreciated the initiative and effort of PIA
for including us in their platform. The agency has been providing us technical
support especially in our preparation for the May 2016 elections. We have been
good partners along with the media here,” expressed Palanan.
PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga said that
putting in place the COMELEC tile at the agency’s One Mindanao mobile app is
very helpful and useful to the netizens. “We have been taking advantage of the
technology and we are continuously upgrading our technical capabilities and
creativity. This time, we see it necessary to include the COMELEC in our mobile
app as this is accessible via smartphone and it's free. Users can be able to
see updates posted real-time by PIA Caraga, along with other features in the
mobile app,” he disclosed.
Meanwhile, Palanan further reiterated the conduct
of Candidates' Forum for congressional, mayoral and vice mayoral on April 22,
2016 at the Little Theater of Morelos Campus at Father Saturnino Urios
University (FSUU), this city. PIA will be covering the said forum live via
Youtube streaming and radio broadcast. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
PIA, Butuan media discover Agusan River’s ‘Peace
Rocks Island’
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, April 12 (PIA) – As the Philippine
Information Agency (PIA) Caraga personnel headed by regional director Abner
Caga together with the local media, Philippine Army, and Save Mindanao
Volunteers Incorporated (SMVI) cruised the Agusan River on Saturday, the team
led by SMVI executive director Ruel Hipulan, discovered the 2.9-hectare island,
which they then named as ‘Peace Rocks Island.’
Hipulan, who also used to travel to different
places in Caraga region brought the team to the island. When they arrived at
the area, they then agreed to name said island as ‘Peace Rocks Island’.
“This place has wild ducks and other indigenous
water species. It is also rich in different kinds of vegetation. Only few
people have visited this place and this is the first time that media
practitioners gathered together and toured this place,” expressed Hipulan.
Dir. Caga underlined that PIA and media as peace
advocates should continue to inform the people on developmental news as they
also promote peace and development in the city and in the region in general.
“This activity is definitely memorable for all of
us as we did not only enjoy each other’s company but we also learned many
things and discovered the natural resources that we have in Agusan River. This
Peace Rocks Island is a symbol of our strong partnership. We do not own this
place, but this will remind us always that we’ve reached this far and we will
continue to be partners and to be of service to other people,” Caga
highlighted.
The Peace Rocks Island is situated in the upstream
of Agusan River in Barangay San Mateo, Butuan City. The Agusan River is the
widest and most navigable river in Mindanao. Natives who live on the banks of
this river pay tribute to their patroness, Senora Sta. Ana (Saint Anne) every
last Sunday of July in the Abayan festival.
Several media practitioners from print and radio
participated and enjoyed the whole-day river cruise. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
OCD orients Caraga media on DRRM
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, April 12 (PIA) – As chair of the
Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), the Office of
Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga recently conducted the one-day orientation on DRRM
with media practitioners in the region held in one of the local convention
centers here.
According to OCD Caraga regional director Manuel
Luis Ochotorena, the said activity was aimed to provide the media a background
on DRRM particularly on the diverse yet unified roles of different government
agencies in the inter-agency coordination as well as to orient media
professionals on their significant function and crucial responsibility in the
delivery of information wen calamity strikes and other crisis situations.
“The OCD, as the implementing arm of the NDRRMC,
shall have the primary mission of administering a comprehensive national civil
defense and disaster risk reduction and management program by providing
leadership in the continuous development of strategic and systematic approaches
as well as measures to reduce the vulnerabilities and risks to hazards and
manage the consequences of disasters,” bared Ochotorena.
He also clarified that OCD is a separate
body/entity from that of the regional DRRM Council. “It is an agency that leads
the implementation of DRRM in the region while the DRRM is the highest
policy-making body on DRRM in the region. RDRRMC carries out coordination,
integration, supervision, monitoring and evaluation functions between and among
regional member-agencies,” he said.
It was reiterated that the four thematic areas of
DRRM are as follows: 1) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation with the Department
of Science and Technology (DOST) as the lead agency; 2) Disaster Preparedness
with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as lead agency;
3) Disaster Response with the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) as lead agency; and 4) Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery with the
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) as lead agency.
Also, guest speaker Romina Marasigan, Civil
Defense Public Affairs Chief and NDRRMC Spokesperson emphasized that DRRM is a
concern of the public.
“Media as DRRM key player contribute to raising
disaster awareness at all levels; understand and sisseminate accurate disaster
information; support early warning systems and life-saving protective measures;
and stimulate a culture of disaster resiliency,” she said.
Marasigan further bared that the NDRRMC and even
the regional councils are faced with different challenges. “We are seeking
common grounds. We must be proactive, influence the government and communicate
to prioritize DRRM, extend extra hands in times of crisis, and communicate
effectively to save lives,” she stressed.
Also, during the orientation, the following topics
were discussed: The Role of OCD as the secretariat and executive arm of DRRM/
communications flow and warning dissemination based on the standard operating
procedures and guidelines; DOST-PAGASA Revised Tropical Cyclone classification;
and the roles of DOST, DILG, DSWD and NEDA on DRRM.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
Caraga facilitated and moderated the open forum right after the orientation.
All the participants then affixed their signatures
in the Pledge of Commitment on DRRM tarp to signify their interest and
willingness to advocate for a more proactive and resilient community.
(JPG/PIA-Caraga)
SurSur chief prosecutor gives advice to gov’t
workers on May 9 polls
By Greg Tataro Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, April 12 (PIA) –
Atty. Florito Cuartero, chief provincial prosecutor, this province, has
cautioned government employees not to meddle in the upcoming May 9, 2016 polls.
Cuartero, who spoke before capitol employees on
Monday’s flag ceremony program, clarified that “campaigning for or against any
candidate” is violative under the law, apparently referring to both the Omnibus
Election Code and the Civil Service laws and rules as well.
However, the chief prosecutor, whose office
happened to be the program host during the said occasion, pointed out that
those employees serving in “co-terminus” capacity with the appointing elective
official are exempt.
Also, it was indicated that even contractual
workers would not fall under such privilege extended to the latter, hence, the
same would apply. When pressed to
explain further, Cuartero said that “If that is so, the appointing elective
official may tend to abuse authority and hire more of such workers.”
Also, being mindful of stressful and tedious
litigation, Cuartero advised that to avoid “headache” that might be brought
about by election cases, employees should better play safe.
Efren Rivas, provincial administrator, was glad
about the piece of advice from the legal luminary here, saying, in response,
that it was very timely as the “May 9, 2016 elections is fast approaching.”
In a separate interview, the Civil Service
Commission (CSC), this province, headed by Provincial Director Ruth Beniga
confirmed about the laws to be observed by government employees during election
period, according to Ramel Tuba, Supervising Human Resource Specialist.
Quoting CSC MC No. 30 s. 2009, titled “Reminder to
all Government Officials and Employees Holding Non-Political Offices/Positions
of the Prohibition from Engaging Directly or Indirectly in Any Partisan
Political Activity,” he said that “appointive officers and employees in the
civil service, are strictly prohibited from engaging in any partisan political
activity or take part in any election except to vote.”
Tuba likewise handed out a press statement
carrying the banner story “CSC, COMELEC reminds civil servants to uphold
political neutrality” dated March 29, 2016.
In the same vein, CSC Chairperson Alicia dela Rosa-Bala, quoting the
1987 Philippine Constitution, stressed in her opening statement that “No
officer or employee in the civil service, as well as member of the military,
shall engage directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan
political activity, except to vote.” (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
News Feature: POPCOM: Pregnancies lead to death
By May Ann O. Escobal
BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 12 (PIA) - The Commission on
Population (PopCom) recently released its report that in the country, mothers
are dying due to pregnancy-related causes.
During the recently conducted regional
dissemination forum on the Sixth State of the Philippine Population Report
(SPPR 6) here, it showed that maternal deaths of the country are as high as 120
because of various factors.
During the panel discussion, Department of
Health-Caraga Assistant Regional Director Dr. Cesar C. Cassion cited the four
goals of the Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) strategy,
specifically: no mother should die giving birth; every pregnancy should be
properly managed; every pregnancy should be delivered at the facility; and
every mother and newborn pair secures proper post-partum and newborn care. With
these strategic goals, Cassion guaranteed that maternal mortality will be
prevented. ARD Cassion also emphasized the importance of strong LGU support in
addressing said issues.
PopCom Caraga regional director Alexander A.
Makinano also highlighted the importance of male/husband involvement in taking
extra care for their pregnant wife/partner. Their participation has greater
impact in providing maternal health care services.
Butuan Medical Center Hospital Director Dr.
Josephine E. Chua, on the other hand, shared some measures and program
interventions in addressing maternal health care and maternal deaths in Butuan
and how the local government unit sustain these initiatives. Chua disclosed
that LGU Butuan received financial support from the Spanish government,
constructed 19 birthing facilities, and purchased additional ambulances to
augment whenever there are emergencies that take place.
The sixth SPPR “Precious and Precarious: The Life
of Filipino Mothers” focuses on maternal mortality and its underlying causes
including unmet need on family planning.
SPPR is a series of publication by PopCom the
purpose of which is to disseminate gains and progress made in the population
management programs as well as to raise issues which are timely, relevant, and
concerning attention among the stakeholders.
PopCom appealed to its partners including the LGUs
to intensify their effort in providing and improving health facilities, health
service providers giving adequate and efficient information and services to
increase the health seeking behaviour of women.
The government through PopCom is continuously
intensifying its efforts through various program interventions that aim to
contribute to improving the well-being and development of every Filipino
family. (POPCOM- Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
100 studs qualify for SPES program in Dinagat
Islands
SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, Apr. 12 (PIA) – Out of
200 students applicants only 100 were chosen to occupy the vacant slots and
undergo the orientation program for this year’s Special Program for Employment
of Students (SPES) held recently at the SP Session Hall, Barangay Cuarinta,
here.
The qualfied students who will avail the summer
job program can avail of several privileges such as daily compensation worth
P175.00, trainings/seminars, and other work-related experience.
For years now, the SPES has been providing
assistance to students willing to earn during vacation. The said program was
spearheaded by the Provincial Labor and Employment Management Office (PLEMO) in
coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). (Provincial
Information Office, Dinagat Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)
9th Siargao international game fishing set in
Pilar
PILAR, Surigao del Norte, Apr. 12 (PIA) – The 9th
Siargao International Gamefishing Tournament will officially open on April 14,
2016 at 4:00 p.m. at Pilar Boulevard, Pilar town in Siargao Island.
With almost 80 anglers from 12 countries are
expected to compete for different categories, this spectacular event will take
centerstage from April 14 to 17, 2016, with all the attention of the anglers
directed to this quaint town.
Gamefishing enthusiasts from all over the world
converge here every year for the prized catch and to experience once again the
hospitality of the people in Siargao Island.
Top officials from the Department of Tourism led
by assistant secretary Arturo P. Boncato will grace the affair together with
the provincial officials led by Governor Sol F. Matugas and Congressman
Francisco T. Matugas, Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr, members of the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and other municipal officials. (Provincial Tourism
Office-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
News Feature: Tips for lactose intolerant persons
By Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso
Do you avoid milk, fearing it might upset your
stomach?
Sensitivity to milk is called lactose intolerance.
This is when lactose cannot be digested, causing gastrointestinal disturbance.
Most of us, if not all, know that milk and milk
products are good sources of calcium.
Calcium is important because it keeps the body alive by performing
numerous functions including building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
It also helps in regulating blood clotting, transmitting nerve impulses, muscle
flexing and heartbeat regulation.
If you are averse to milk, here are simple tips to
overcome your lactose intolerance:
·
Drink small portions of milk through the day. Most lactose intolerant
individuals can tolerate as much as one cup of milk in a day.
·
Drink milk with a meal or snack. When milk is consumed with other foods,
it is less likely to cause adverse symptoms.
·
Select cheese. More than half of the lactose is removed from cheese in
processing. Aged, hard cheeses have the lowest lactose content.
·
Consume other sources of calcium aside from milk and milk products like
fishes, especially the small ones eaten with bones like dilis and sardines, soy
bean curd (tokwa or tofu) small shrimps (alamang) and green leafy vegetables
like malunggay leaves, saluyot, alugbati and mustasa to meet the daily
requirement for calcium.
Remember to include a wide variety of foods in the
right amounts chosen from different food groups shown the Pinggang Pinoy. This
will help you meet the recommended energy and nutrients intakes for the day.
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)
News Feature: Teenage pregnancy is double jeopardy
By Mildred O. Guirindola
One pressing public issue of today’s generation is
adolescent or teenage pregnancy. Teenage pregnancy creates a double burden for
a young woman, as the nutritional requirement of her growing body competes with
that of the growing fetus. Untimely pregnancy creates a negative consequence
for the mother and newborn.
Hence, preventing unplanned and early pregnancies
among teenagers is integral to improving maternal health.
According to the 8th National Nutrition Survey
(NNS) by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science
and Technology (FNRI-DOST), teenage pregnant women were more nutritionally
at-risk (37.4%) compared to adult pregnant women (22.6%).
Poor nutrition during pregnancy may increase the
risk of maternal death and will likely result to low birth weight, thus
increasing the prevalence of infant mortality.
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that
iron and folic acid supplements should be taken by pregnant women to prevent
maternal anemia, iron deficiency and nervous system birth defects. Results of
the 8th NNS revealed a higher prevalence of anemia among teenage mothers at
30.6% than their adult counterparts at 25.4%.
Moreover, a lower proportion of teenage pregnant
women was taking iron-folic acid, folic acid and single vitamin/mineral
supplements than adult pregnant women. In general, the percentage of teenage
mothers who took supplements was lower (78.5%) than adult mothers (84.8%).
The 8th NNS results also showed that teenage
pregnant women tend to delay their first prenatal check-up. Significantly, a
lower proportion of teenage mothers (90.5%) who received prenatal check-up was
noted compared to adult mothers (93.9%).
Prenatal or antenatal care is one of the most
important health services that ensures better maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Therefore, access to quality prenatal care is an important entry point in
improving the quality of a mother’s life, healthy pregnancy and safe childbirth.
Teenage pregnancy causes an intergenerational
cycle of poverty and undernutrition. Adolescents who experienced an unintended
early pregnancy more often stop schooling and add to the unemployment rate.
Addressing teenage pregnancy can strengthen the
nation and ensure a good future for both present and future generations.
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)
