(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 09 October 2024) At 3:00 AM today, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 165 km West Northwest of Coron, Palawan (12.3N, 118.7E) It is embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: 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 ITCZ. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from Southwest to West will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Thursday, August 4, 2016


Agnor DDRM Council bares DRR quiz bowl, short film making contest winners

By Nora C. Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 4 (PIA) – The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of the province of Agusan del Norte in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) Agusan del Norte and Cabadbaran divisions has successfully conducted the DRR quiz bowl and DRR short film making contest during the month-long observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month in July, this year.

PDRRM officer Erma Suyo said that the DRR short film-making contest was participated by 12 different secondary schools. Entries of the contest were screened by the pool of judges from the different government agencies to include the Office of Civil Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Information Agency and DepEd.

On the other hand, the quiz bowl was also participated by 35 students from the different secondary schools of the province.

The winners of the short film making contest were: Magallanes National High School got the 1st place with P20,000 in cash prize; followed by Buenavista SPED High School with P15,000; and Abilan National High School got 3rd place with P10,000.

For the quiz bowl competition: the 1st place was given to the Nasipit National Vocational School with P7,000 in cash prize; 2nd place – Calamba National High School with P5,000; and 3rd place – Cabadbaran City National High School with P3,000 in cash prize.

The short film entry of the Magallanes National High School also received the Best in Cinematography and Best in Director special awards.

Special awards were also given to Irish Pianiar for Best Actress and Angelo Racaza for Best Actor award.

According to Suyo, other participating schools also received consolation prizes.

The contests were aimed to raise awareness and provide a better understanding of disaster management for children, teachers and communities, Suyo added. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


PCL-Surigao Norte chapter elects new sets of officers

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Aug.  4 (PIA) - The Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Surigao del Norte chapter elected recently its new sets of officers and board of directors at the Philippine Gateway Hotel, this city.

The newly-elected 2016-2019 officers are Councilor Marlon M. Coro of Dapa for President; Councilor Avin A. Egay of Gigaquit as Vice President; Councilor Leah D. Patan of Claver as Secretary General; Councilor Edgar N. Plaza of San Fracisco as Treasurer; Councilor Gloria A. Plaza of General Luna as Auditor; Councilor Henry C. Japzon, Jr. of San Francisco as P.R.O.; Councilor Gerardo Quinto, Sr. of Malimono as Business Manager.

The federation board of directors are Placer Councilor Allan A. Turtur; Alegria Councilor Gerry Z. Bacud; Mainit Councilor Jerry C. Madera; Taganaan Councilor Robert B. Balmedina; San Isidro Councilor Archie M. Perucho; Pilar Councilor Loreto M. Resurreccion, Jr.; Socorro Councilor Gleen Mark C. Dizon and Councilor Constantino H. Cubillan of Del Carmen.

The PCL obtained its official status as a local government association when it was accredited by the then Department of Local Government on September 3, 1990, and subsequently registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 17, 1990.

The PCL notched another milestone when Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, recognized the existence of the Federations of other Elective Local Officials.  On January 16, 1992, the Department of the Interior and Local Government issued a Memorandum Circular No. 92 -03 mandating that the existing PCL as organized in 1990, be reconstituted and its existing Constitution and By-Laws be modified in accordance with the pertinent provisions of the said Code. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


P170K worth of illegal logs from AgSur town seized

By PCI Charity S Galvez

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 4 (PIA) - Operatives of Caraga Police and personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently conducted an operation on PNP LOI SANGYAMAN or the campaign against illegal logging that resulted in the confiscation of 147 logs worth P170,000.

Police Regional Office Caraga regional director PCSupt. Rolando Felix said that on August 3, 2016, in Trento, Agusan del Sur, the operating troops apprehended an Isuzu truck with Plate Number KEB 505 driven by Makmak Guzman and owned by Genes Montana, loaded with 37 pieces of Gubas logs valued at P38,255.

Another Isuzu Truck with Plate Number MDR 938, loaded with 36 pieces of Gubas logs valued at P33,600 was also captured.

Also, another 74 pieces abandoned Lawaan logs valued at P98,400 were also confiscated in Brgy. San Ignacio, Trento, Agusan del Sur during said operation.

Felix said that this is part of the intensified and continuing campaign against all forms of criminality by the Caraga police in coordination with other law enforcement agencies. Thus, he urged the active collaboration of the community and stakeholders by providing information to the police. (PNP–PIO/PIA-Caraga)


Surigao Norte excels in national economic competitiveness

By John Glenn A. Platil

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Aug. 4 (PIA) - The province of Surigao del Norte recently topped the 2016 Competitiveness Index Ranking Results beside Agusan del Norte, representing Caraga Region as the Most Competitive Provinces nationwide in terms of economic development.

Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte ranked 26th and 27th, respectively while Surigao del Sur placed 33rd, Agusan del Sur scored 47th and Dinagat Island ranked 61st.

Overall, the province of Rizal in Calabarzon Region emerged number one in the list of top ten provinces, followed by Cavite, South Cotabato, Laguna, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Bataan, Aklan, Batangas and La Union.

Gov. Sol Matugas said that “the beautiful news about economic progress is a welcome development and a living testament of our sustained efforts to institute concrete reforms for the well-being of our beloved constituents.”

Economic dynamism, government efficiency and infrastructure were the keystone benchmarks used in the conduct of index ranking evaluation, according to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

Also acknowledged among the listing were Surigao City and the municipality of Claver for launching different programs and constructing giant projects for the benefit of target communities in line with the “Service Beyond the Usual” advocacy of Governor Matugas.

Also recognized for the municipal category were Mainit, Del Carmen, Bacuag, Socorro, Placer, San Isidro, Tubod, Tagana-an, Alegria, Burgos, Sison, Malimono, Gen. Luna, Dapa, Sta. Monica, Gigaquit, Pilar, San Benito and San Francisco. (PGO-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


News Feature: Affordable food for Pinoys: A challenge for food sufficiency, maximum productivity

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Aug. 4 (PIA) - To achieve food sufficiency and maximum productivity, the Department of Agriculture (DA) shall undertake the implementation of a sound agriculture and fisheries programs and projects.

During the press conference conducted here on Monday, DA Caraga regional director Renato P. Manantan relayed to the media practitioners the areas of focus of their programs with emphasis on staple food commodities to ensure food security and high value crops to generate jobs and foreign earnings.

As DA Secretary Emmanuel PiΓ±ol took the helm under Duterte’s administration, he bared the directions of the aggi department as it keeps a track of doing a whole lot more in addressing the hunger problem and to achieve self-sufficiency in major commodities amid the nation’s rapidly increasing population, threats of natural calamities/disasters and climate change.

Agri-fishery development targets

DA is set to start a national mapping to determine which crop or agricultural commodity would be best in a specific area based on geographic, climatic and soil type condition. This is called the color-coded Agricultural Guide Map.

To determine also the volume and type of commodities consumed by the Filipinos and to project the country’s food consumption vis-Γ -vis population growth, DA is geared to start the National Food Consumption and Quantification Survey.

Meanwhile, under the Cash for Work Program for farmers and fishermen affected by the El NiΓ±o, it includes manual repair and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities, cleaning of coastal waters, planting of mangrove trees for fisherfolks.

Also, inclusive in the undertakings for increased and sustained gains in production through production interventions and enabling mechanisms are the following: institutional restructuring and paradigm resetting for the DA and its officials and employees; intensive technology updating and sharing, modernization and mechanization program; easy access financing program for farmers, fishermen and agriculture and fisheries stakeholders, strategic and effective postharvest, storage and processing facility; a government-initiated and supported aggressive marketing campaign especially for high value crops in foreign markets; a coordinated program with other agencies in government to ensure the protection and preservation of water resources, especially watershed; a relentless campaign for the enforcement of agricultural and fisheries laws, especially on land conversion and illegal fishing; and re-introduction of basic agriculture in the primary and elementary grades of the Philippine schools system with emphasis on the value of the land, water and seas, and the maximum but prudent utilization of the resources.

Rice Productivity Enhancement (RIPE) program

With regard to the implementation of RIPE program, a comprehensive program that aims to achieve sufficiency in rice and other basic food commodities in the country, the government will be apportioning about P816 million, where farmers can avail financial assistance amounting to P10,000 and P15,000, for the wet and dry season, respectively.

Therefore, there will be a potential increase in the rice production from the current national average harvest of four metric tons per hectare through the provision of hybrid rice seeds to farmers.

Per information issued by DA-Caraga as of July 30, 2016, based on the data from PSA-LGU on the average regional annual production and yield for CY 2016, the production in Caraga region is 510,817(MT) with an area of 166,390 hectares and yield of 3.07 mt/ha. Among the five regions, Agusan del Sur ranks the highest for the last three consecutive years (CY 2013-2015) having a yield of 3.39 mt/ha, 3.32 mt/ha, 3.21 mt/ha, respectively.

“As to food sufficiency, aside from project RIPE, we also target for high value crops, fishery and aquatic resources, family-based agro-forestry program, corn program, livestock and poultry, coconut productivity and rehabilitation agenda (copra), irrigation, and address other concerns and priorities such as green house technology, backyard vegetable gardening, tilapia fish farms,” said Rebecca Atega, chief of field operations division of DA-Caraga.

Meanwhile, Manantan guaranteed to continue the remarkable accomplishment of the region to ensure that DA’s food production program will aid in poverty reduction. He is also more inclined of viably working to achieve the mission on providing available and affordable food for the Filipino people. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)


Feeding programs address hunger, malnutrition and performance among school children

By Ma. Anna Rita M. Ramirez

MANILA, Aug. 4 (PIA) - Average diets of Filipino school-age children 6 to 12 years old are poor in quantity and quality, according to the 2013 National Nutrition Survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).  Of these children, four in five were at-risk of inadequate energy intake and almost one in two was at-risk of inadequate protein intake.

Coming to school on empty stomachs compromises the productivity of children, as they tend to become sluggish, less attentive and less participative. School performance may be affected over time if this situation becomes protracted.

Given the link between diets, nutrition and performance in observation studies, these findings could play a significant role in the school-age children’s performance in school as well as school participation rates.

School feeding programs (SFP) bridge this hunger gap, at least for the period that a child attends school.  Private companies had partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) in its “Adopt-a-School” strategy in order to complement and maximize resources. Initiatives from private companies came in their corporate social responsibility (CSR) function.

A retrospective evaluation of school feeding programs (SFP) implemented by a private renewable energy company in 24 partner-schools for the school year 2012 – 2013 in five host communities was conducted by the FNRI-DOST from July to August, 2013.

The SFPs were evaluated in terms of potential contribution of foods served to recommended energy and protein intakes, nutritional status and mean quarter grade average as compared with schools without the feeding program.

Depending on meals served and duration of feeding, results showed that the SFP had the potential to increase energy, protein and iron intakes by as much as 41.6, 24.6 and 31.1 percent, respectively.

By the end of the school term, a decrease in the prevalence of underweight by 9.5 percentage points among SFP participants, while a 5.1 percentage point increase in the prevalence of underweight among non-SFP participants, were observed.

In addition, significantly higher mean quarter grade average was recorded among SFP participants with an average grade of 79.2 – 81.2 percent, compared to non-SFP participants with an average grade of 78.6 – 80.2 percent.

The sustainability of the school feeding program appears high with the strong support of the school and the parent-volunteers in the private company’s SFP.

A limitation of the evaluation study’s research design is that results are considered associations rather than attributions to the school feeding programs.

The evaluation of this program is part of the research functions of the Nutrition Intervention, Evaluation and Policy Section of the FNRI-DOST.  The FNRI-DOST recognizes the value of investments in packaging nutrition intervention delivery systems and nutrition policy research in addressing malnutrition among vulnerable Filipino population groups.

For more information on FNRI-DOST’s researches, 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; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website at 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)


Food tips for the home during disaster

By Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Ph. D.

MANILA, Aug. 4 (PIA) - Some hazards are naturally occurring physical phenomena caused either by rapid or slow onset events which can be geophysical like earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis and volcanic activity. Others are hydrological like avalanches and floods some climatological such as extreme temperatures, drought and wildfires, meteorological like storms and wave surges, or biological such as disease epidemics and insect or animal plagues.

Technological or man-made hazards are complex emergencies or conflicts, famine, displaced populations, industrial accidents and transport accidents. These are events that are caused by humans and occur in or close to human settlements. These can include environmental degradation, pollution and accidents.

A natural or man-made disaster can cause loss of lives or damages to properties. Our country is not spared from the havoc of natural disasters, as it is surrounded by bodies of water and is located along the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire”, from where typhoons, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and earthquake emanate.

Emergency reserve food and water in the home are essential in the event of a natural disaster. Ensuring the safety and quality of food and water supply is very important because consumption of contaminated food or water may result in illness or death. Careful planning and readiness help ensure safe food and water supply for the family.

Here are some practical food tips that you can follow when disaster occurs:

Store food that are non-perishable or with long storage life
Foods that need no refrigeration
Foods that are easy to prepare to prepare and cook
Foods that require a minimal amount of water if preparation is needed
Foods should be compact and lightweight
Store clean water in safe sealed containers
Also wash hands with soap and water when handling foods to prevent illnesses and
Include hand sanitizer

Examples of foods to store are ready-to-eat canned goods like sardines, dried fruits, juices, staples (sugar, salt, pepper), instant low-salt noodles, high energy foods (peanut butter, jelly, nuts, energy bars), cookies, candies and other snack foods. Also, avoid storing foods that are salty, spicy and caffeinated because these will increase thirst.

We must also consider the special nutritional needs of infants and young children, pregnant and lactating and older persons in the home because they are the most vulnerable persons. Like for infants and young children, breastmilk is still the best food for them. Practice and maintain exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months.

For pregnant and lactating women, micronutrient-rich foods must be considered, like fortified foods such as instant low-salt noodles and cereals. For older persons, store easy to chew and digest foods like soft biscuits, bread, oats and easy to prepare soups.

Also, water is the most essential life-sustaining resource. Keeping water in a clean plastic bottle will keep you hydrated.

Have a bag of foods ready to carry when disaster strikes. Every household should assemble a disaster supplies kit and keep it up to date. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items a family would probably need to stay safe and be more comfortable during and after a disaster. Disaster supplies kit items should be stored in a portable container near or as close as possible to exit door.

Review the contents of your kit at least once every quarter or as your family needs change. Major food shortages can be a major feature during emergency situation. Planning ahead and preparing the disaster kits before calamities strike would to prevent us from additional stress when disaster strikes.

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)


Tagalog News: Caraga Gawad KALASAG regional winners pinarangalan

Ni Nora Lanuza Molde

BUTUAN CITY, Agosto 4 (PIA) - Pinarangalan ng Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) na pinangunahan ng Office of Civil Defense (OCD) ang mga nanalo sa 2016 Regional Gawad KALASAG dito sa lungsod.

Ayon kay Caraga OCD regional director at chairperson ng RDRRMC Manuel Luis M. Ochotorena, 32 entries sa 17 kategorya ang nakakuha sa una hanggang pangatlong pwesto bilang regional winners at lima naman ang nabigyan ng gawad kalasag citations sa taong kasalukuyan.

Kabilang sa mga nanalo ay: para sa kategorya ng probinsyal DRRM council, nakuha ng probinsya ng Dinagat Islands and unang pwesto, pangalawa ang Agusan del Norte, pangatlo ang Agusan del Sur at sinundan ng Surigao del Sur at Surigao del Norte.

Samantala, nakuha naman ng Butuan City ang unang pwesto para sa highly urbanized city DRRM council category. Para sa component city category, nakuha ng Cabadbaran City ng probinsya ng Agusan del Norte ang unang pwesto sumunod and Bislig City ng Surigao del Sur  at pangatlo ang Surigao City ng probinsya ng Surigao del Norte.

Dagdag pa ni director Ochotorena, lahat ng mga nanalo ay nabigyan din ng plaque of recognition.

Samantala, binigyan din ng council ang mga partner agencies, mga myembro ng regional technical working group at regional selection committee ng plaque of commendation sa suporta at commitments upang maging matagumpay ang pag-implementa ng Disaster Risk Reduction and Management programs sa rehiyon.

Ang Gawad ay isang Filipino term na ibig sabihin ay ‘award’ at ang KALASAG ay acronym ng ‘Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan’ na ibig sabihin din ay ‘shield.' (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)