(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Tuesday, 19 March 2024) Easterlies affecting 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. Light to moderate winds coming from Northeast to North will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.1 meters).


Wednesday, March 29, 2017

36IB promotes 'Project Ka-PALAY-apaan'

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 29 (PIA) – The 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion, Philippine Army in collaboration with the local government unit of Tago and other partner stakeholders has introduced an organic farming dubbed as “Project: Ka-PALAY-apaan” to the four identified far-flung barangays of the province.

During the press briefing conducted recently at the 36IB Headquarters in Tago, Civil Military Operations Officer Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas said the Project: Ka-PALAY-apaan is being piloted in the three barangays of Tago town namely: Layog, Lindoy, and Kinabigtasan, and Barangay Patong in San Miguel town.

Pueblas said the selection of the pilot areas is based on the recommendation from their Bayanihan Team Activities (BTA).

Pueblas said, at present, some 104 farmer-beneficiaries from four barangays are implementing the program covering a total of 120.35 hectares.

Meanwhile, 36IB commanding officer Lt. Colonel Randolph Rojas said the project is primarily aimed to address the following issues raised by the farmers: the “high cost low yield” that CPP-NDF-NPA (CNN) exploits to agitate the masses; help assist the farmers on how to increase their harvest; protect the environment, minimize soil degradation and erosion, decrease pollution, optimize biological productivity and promote a sound stage of health; and finally, to encourage the youth to engage and promote the organic farming.

The said program is facilitated by the 36IB in collaboration with the LGU-Tago, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Employment and Labor (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), Philippine National Police, PhilRice, Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU), Cantilan Bank Inc., and Good Harvest Bio-Organic Farming. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Feature: Helping your workforce stay fit and healthy

By Divorah V. Aguila

Physical activity and exercise have been proven to help prevent lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and hypertension.

Companies who have incorporated wellness program in their workplaces can attest to the truth that as they help their workers stay fit, they reap the cost savings, cut absenteeism and boost productivity.

Workplace wellness programs can be as varied as possible.

The key is to offer opportunities and incentives for employees to lead healthy lifestyles: eat healthy food, quit smoking and be physically active.

Exercise and physical activity are integral in the prevention and treatment of lifestyle-related diseases.

Most employees would like to eat better, exercise regularly and achieve a normal weight, but simply telling people to adopt a healthy lifestyle isn't helpful.

Here are some tips to companies that have not yet tried incorporating health and wellness activities in your company:

1.         Get the support and involvement of company leaders.  If employees will see that the management is supportive of the program, their likelihood to participate in the program is huge.

2.         Create a taskforce or ad-hoc committee that will plan special events, promote employee participation and spread the news about health and wellness program.

3.         Routine physical check-ups among employees will increase employees' awareness of their condition and inspire them to do something about their lifestyle.  But be sure that they are aware of the results.

4.         Monthly wellness lectures can educate employees on eating healthy, increasing physical activities, managing time and stress, and alcohol and smoking cessation.

5.         Organize weight loss competitions, focusing more on lifestyle changes than cash incentives.  This gives employees the motivation to participate and value the program.

6.         Company wellness events like sports fest, fun run, or mini-Olympics, can be done quarterly or bi-annual.  Events like these will help create an environment that encourages regular physical activity.

7.         A health club will encourage more employees to participate because it is accessible.

8.         Make available information packages such as brochures and posters on food and nutrition to employees.  You may also want to publish a company cookbook to which employees can contribute their favorite healthy recipes.

9.         Provide incentives for achieving goals such as healthy behaviors and weight. This can be by way of extra time for walking, discounts on health care premiums or even days off from work.

10.      If funding support is not a problem, corporate health club memberships offered by fitness centers where discounted rates may be given to a number of employees.

Remember, creating this healthy environment does not have to involve significant or expensive changes.

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. (DOST-FNRI S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)

Feature: Good nutrition from the start

By Idelia G. Glorioso

As new parents, you want to give the best to your baby. The best start is through good nutrition. Good nutrition from the start or on the baby’s first year is very important because it is a time of rapid growth and development. Providing babies with the right foods will promote good health and develop good eating habits.

It is a fact that mother’s milk is the ideal nourishment for the first six months of life. Generally, at six months of age, the baby is ready for solids or complementary foods but if you are not sure, test the baby’s readiness to accept new foods by placing a teaspoon between the lips. If the lips tend to close or the teaspoon is pushed away continuously, then your baby is not yet ready. Don’t force your baby to eat.

The following indicates readiness to accept solids:

-           when he accepts food from a spoon without the tongue pushing the  food out of his mouth,

-           when he is interested in foods when others eat,

-           when he is able to swallow ,

-           when your baby has doubled his birth weight, and

-           when he can sit on his own.

Here are some important points to keep in mind when introducing solids to your baby’s diet:

(1)       One at a time – Introduce one new food at a time. Never start two new foods at the same time. Let your baby get used to a new food for about three days before trying out a new one. This will give you time to see if there is any allergic reaction to your baby. It is also advisable to introduce new food to your baby during breakfast or lunch to reduce the risk of allergic symptoms developing during the night. Be sure to only give foods that are appropriate to your baby’s age.

(2)       Take it in Steps – Start with a small amount of any food – a teaspoonful or less then gradually increase the amount – a tablespoonful or more. Use thin liquid purees when starting solid foods then gradually shift to more solid and chunkier meals. Make sure that your baby is able to cope comfortably with the new texture.

(3)       Keep it Wholesome – Offer bland foods to your baby. Salt should not be added to your baby’s food until the age of one as the baby’s kidneys cannot cope with salt. Even after the age of one, only a little amount of salt should be added to the food.  Add little or no sugar to your baby’s food. Too much sugar and sweets lead to tooth decay and encourage the child to have a sweet tooth.

(4)       Don’t force your baby to eat – Don’t over-react if your baby doesn’t want to eat. Maybe he/she doesn’t feel hungry. Don’t worry, he/she will make up for it next time.

(5)       Don’t Forget the Basics – Always test the temperature of the food before you give it to your baby. Be sure to pay attention to good personal hygiene practices when preparing baby’s food. Wash your hands with soap and clean water before handling baby’s food. Sterilize bowls and spoons used for feeding. Avoid giving left-over foods to your baby, give only freshly cooked and freshly peeled fruits.

Remember …… with proper feeding, your baby will grow healthy and strong, be a source of pride and happiness to your family.


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. (PIA-Caraga)