(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Monday, 07 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).


Tuesday, May 9, 2017

College students to participate in ASEAN campus forum in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 9 (PIA) – College students from various schools and universities here are set to participate in the ASEAN campus forum on May 11, 2017 at the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) CBE-Function Hall, this city.

As the lead agency, PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga said that the topics that will be discussed in the said forum include Philippine chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2017, overview of ASEAN, positive impact of the ASEAN and how this opens opportunities for all Filipinos.

“Additional talking points are Pre-employment, Employment, Wage from the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board; HIV/AIDS and Teenage Pregnancy from the Department of Health; and Regional Development Plan from the National Economic and Development Authority,” bared Caga.

Caga added that PIA Director General Harold Clavite and Deputy Director General Gregorio Angelo Villar will personally grace the event, together with other distinguished guest speakers.

“It is hoped that as we work together using the awareness on how Filipinos can participate in and benefit from the programs, policies and services of the government and the ASEAN, we can best define our roles in pursuing the goals for sustainable development,” Caga expressed.

The 2017 ASEAN is anchored on the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.” (JPG/VLG/PIA-Caraga)


Mutant Adlai as alternative staple food crop for Filipinos

BUTUAN CITY, May 9 - Agriculture research specialists from the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) continue to improve its mutant varieties of Adlai or Job’s Tears, an alternative source of food to its better-known cousin crops such as rice and corn.

Adlai is twice as rich in protein as rice, and is known among indigenous communities throughout Asia as a source of flour, coffee, tea, wine, beer and vinegar, among other products. It has anti-tumor and other medicinal properties which can help mitigate the symptoms of allergies, and diabetes. Moreover, Adlai is also known for its resilience against extreme conditions brought about by climate change.

PNRI researchers are currently breeding mutant crops of the Ginampay variety of Adlai. The putative mutants are already in the fifth generation. After irradiating the seeds with doses of 100 to 200 gray (Gy), they are planted and grown for further observation. The Adlai crops are to be developed up to the eight generations to complete the mutation breeding process. The experimental crops matured up to 28 days earlier than the unirradiated variety, while also being 17-24 percent shorter.

Using gamma radiation, PNRI has been working since 2013 to improve the agronomic traits of Adlai by making mutant varieties that yield more grain and mature earlier, while also having shorter heights to make the crops more resistant to lodging during typhoons.

Aside from developing mutant varieties, PNRI also conducted studies to improve the fertilizer, soil nutrient and water management practices for Adlai. The field experiments were done in partnership with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) under an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) project on “Enhancing Productivity of Locally-Underused Crops Through Dissemination of Mutated Germplasm and Evaluation on Soil, Nutrient and Water Management Practices.”

These improvements will also complement the Food Staples Sufficiency Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA), which encourages the diversification of staple food crops beyond rice by increasing production, ensuring market availability and lowering its prices. (DOST-STII/PIA-Caraga)


Army condemns NPA violation of CARHRIHL in Surigao Norte

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 9 - The Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army joins the local government officials, the clergy, the civil society organizations and the peace advocates in strongly condemning the violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL)  for the continuous use of land mines by the New People’s Army (NPA).

In a report, the army troopers while responding to extortion complaints from civilians encountered more or less seven communist terrorists which resulted to the recovery of an improvised land mine planted near Sitio Kauyangan, Brgy Camam-onan, Gigaquit, this province.

The said encounter happened Monday morning, May 8, 2017 which lasted for ten minutes that also led to recovery of other war materials and foodstuffs.

"These communists have been there for a week conducting extortion to poor masses despite of the conditions of President Duterte to Stop NPA extortions before the resumption of Peace Talks. We also received reports that this group is conducting recruitment to minors on the said barangay," said 30IB Civil Military Operations Officer 2Lt Jonel Castillo.

It can be recalled that President Duterte set conditions which include the cessation of extortion activities conducted by the NPA rebels before the resumption of Peace Talks last March of this year.

"It is clear that these communists do not want peace for the communities. They continue conducting extortion to poor people, harassing communities and recruiting minors to join their group," said 30IB Commanding Officer Col. Rico Amaro.

"It is also a violation of the NPAs on the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect to Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL) regarding the use of land mines," Amaro added. (30IB, Philippine Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)


PSA to host 10th national confab for solemnizing officers

BUTUAN CITY, May 9 - The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) under the leadership of the National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Dr. Lisa Grace S. Bersales, organized a nationwide convention for the Solemnizing Officers to be held on May 23-25, 2017 at the Atrium Hotel, Limketkai Mall, Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City.

Priests, pastors, imams and other solemnizing officers from various religious sects and denominations, city/municipal mayors, members of the judiciary, law students, local civil registrars from all over the country are invited and will converge during the 10th National Convention of Solemnizing Officers.

The three-day event will include paper presentations on updates on marriage laws and registration procedures and sharing of experiences and best practices in the solemnization of marriages. Dr. Bersales will cap the convention with the PSA’s future directions.

The theme of this year’s national convention is “Pilipinong Rehistrado, Matatag na Kinabukasan ay Sigurado.” Said theme is in line with the global celebration of the decade of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS), 2015 to 2024. (PSA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)


News Feature: Wenifredo Maldo: Courage and determination turns dream a reality

By Gil E. Miranda

“His leadership allows the farmers in Baleguian, turning dreams of tomorrow into realities today!”

Wenifredo S. Maldo, 53 years old, is known to be a man who always stood up for what he believes is right. His friends commonly know him as “Bimbot,” whose passion in farming was a wonderful and rewarding experience for him and his family.

Though they were lived with extreme economic challenges, his family used to live in an old house made of wood, but in the years passed they thrived well in a furnished single-level large concrete structure, covered with galvanized sheet-iron roof.

Bimbot’s simple dream now becomes a reality because two of his five sons are now registered seamen and employed in an international vessel. His other two sons also graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Agriculture and BS Elementary Education. The youngest is still in Grade VII.

He is an agrarian-beneficiary of 2.5 hectares farmland in Baleguian, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte that is devoted to planting rice. One-half hectare of his farmland then was inherited from his parents, and the two hectares was registered under his name, both were acquired under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.

According to Bimbot, before his family acquired the land, they had encountered harassment when the landowner ordered them to move out, but because they stood up for their rights and fought to stay until the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) awarded the land to them. His parents then cultivated the one-half hectare and registered two-hectare under his name.

Everyday, Bimbot took off to his farm, bring a bolo to remove weeds on the ground. Out of his cultivated 2.5 hectares, he managed an additional eight hectares under an agreed leased rental agreement from his neighbor’s farm land.

His rice-farming venture was so profitable that he was able to buy his own Van, Isuzo Elf Truck, and a motorcycle. He purchased farm implements that include five unit turtle power tiller with five units machines and three units threshers.

He eventually increased his yield up to 50 percent or an average of 80 cavans per hectare and sold at P17.50 per kilo, with a net income of P855 thousand at two-cropping per year.

Other income came from farm implements he purchased which gave him an additional earning of P79,200 from the five units turtle and P58,318 from the three units thresher per year.

Bimbot was active in cooperative work and held the Chairmanship of Baleguian Organic Farmers Irrigators Association (BOFIA) for eight long years.

During his term, he made BOFIA holding an asset of P40 million consisting of farm implements from Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS), which provides an income of more than P200,000 annually.

Also, he was the recipient of recognition from a national leadership of Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP), a credit program of DAR, Land Bank of the Philippines and the Department of Agriculture for production capital to farmers.

Sometime in 1994, Bimbot was elected Barangay Council up to the year 2000. He became a three-term Sangguniang Bayan member from 2004 to 2013.

According to Bimbot, farmers in Baleguian dreamt of additional irrigation facility for the expansion of 180 hectares rice lands now came to reality when DAR constructed the P33.1 million irrigation project in Baleguian, Jabonga.

“Irrigation facility was a great help, it will bring major impact on the lives of the farmers in Jabonga,” Bimbot said.

The farmers are thankful for sharing his expertise, and his vision to transform BOFIA to become rice dealer someday.

Today, he is now a living testimony of what CARP did to his life and family, which is now a promise of a bright future.

“Everything happens because of my determination and hard work,” said Bimbot. (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Army provides support during school supplies distribution in AgSur

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, May 9 - The 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion of Philippine Army has provided support during the distribution of school supplies to the different schools in the municipalities of Lapaz, Veruela, San Luis and Talacogon, all of Agusan del Sur.

Said activity was held recently in collaborattion with the GMA Kapuso Foundation.

This project of GMA Kapuso Foundation dubbed as “Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan” distributed 3,000 bags with writing materials intended to the less privileged elementary school pupils in the calamity prone areas in Agusan del Sur.

The distribution of school supplies in the area of 26th Infantry Battalion under 401st Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division started on April 26, 2017 and April 28, 2017.

The said activity benefitted 3,000 incoming kindergarten and grade one pupils of Veruela, Lapaz, San Luis and Talacogon towns.

“The 26IB is always ready to help the communities. One way of doing this is to actively support respectable organizations like GMA Kapuso Foundation in its efforts to alleviate the sufferings of our needy people and promote education among the children,” said 26IB commanding officer LTC Rommel Pagayon. (26IB, Phil. Army/PIA-Agusan del Sur) 


News Feature: Iron fortified rice, a key to healthy lifestyle

There are many issues confronting health development especially in areas where improper diet and food shortage occurs. One of these issues is the rise of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) and malnutrition cases among children in the region. IDA is the shortage of red blood cells (hemoglobin) in the body to meet the normal amount which is 120 mg per liter. This occurs when the collected iron in the liver is already consumed due to non-intake of iron-rich food in a period of time.

Rice remained as the staple food of Filipinos. A study research conducted by Southeast Asian Regional Center (SEARCA) commissioned by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PRRI) said that Filipinos eat an average of 119 kg of rice annually in 2009 to 2010. This indicates that rice plays a vital role to address health issues in the country thus, this was prioritized in Research and Development Institutions (RDIs).

In line with this, RDIs have come up with several studies to improve the production and health benefit of rice. For instance, rice is being genetically modified in some research institutions in order to produce new varieties, enhance its function, and production that can cater to the demands of the population.

The emergence of Iron Rice Premix (IRP) and Iron Fortified Rice (IFR) paved the way to address health and nutrition issues plaguing the region. These are research- based products from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) that aimed to slash the rise of anemia and malnutrition cases in the community. IFR is a blend of well-milled rice and mineral iron in rice kernel form.

Importance of IFR in the body

IFR is the only type of rice blended with iron. Iron is one of the most important minerals in the body. As cited from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the significant function of iron is to carry oxygen in the hemoglobin or red blood cells throughout the body so cells can produce energy. Thus, it enhances body strength, activates brain performance, and boosts body resistance against sickness. Iron also helps eliminate carbon dioxide from the body.

Further, the recommended level of iron in the body is classified by gender and age. Males aging from 14 to 18 are recommended with 11 mg, and aged 19 and above must have 8 mg daily intake. The daily intakes for females aged 14 to 18, 19 to 50, and 51 and above must have 15 mg, 18 mg, and 8 mg, respectively. This indicates that females need more iron than males.

The daily intake of IFR contributes in many ways especially to pregnant and breastfeeding women. Thus, the DOST 1 is continuously promoting this technology to its target firms for production and diffusion to the grassroots.

The DOST’s Iron Rice Premix (IRP) and Iron Fortified Rice (IFR) is in line with the Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000 (R.A. 8976), an act that protects and promotes the right of health for the people and instills health awareness among them.

IFR is being adopted by several firms in the region through the DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) under the leadership of Director Armando Q. Ganal. One of its successful adoptor is the Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corporation in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan owned by Racky D. Doctor.

The company continues to expand its production on IFR through a partnership with other government agencies. Aside from IFR, it has also adopted other FNRI- DOST developed food technologies namely, Rice- Monggo (RIMO) curls, and Rice-Monggo Instant Baby Food blend. These developed food technologies are available in schools, relief areas and the public. (DOST/PIA-Caraga)   


Butuan cops ready for Balangay Festival 2017

BUTUAN CITY, May 9 - Security measures are in place to ensure peaceful and secured Balangay Festival 2017 that will be held in the city on May 10-19, 2017, Caraga Police director Chief Supt Rolando Felix said.

A total of 200 cops will be deployed to the Balangay Festival aside from the troops from the Philippine Army and force multipliers to support the security operations.

The Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Local Government Units, other government agencies, and private sectors will collaborate to make this event successful.

 “Making this Balangay celebration peaceful and orderly is our contribution to boost the tourism in Butuan City and attract more investors from different parts of the world,” Felix affirmed.

He also appealed to the citizens to immediately report to the police suspicious activities in the area and to approach the nearest police assistance desks for any concern of peace and order.


The upcoming Balangay Festival 2017 will showcase the “Butuan Brand” introducing the city of Butuan as the Philippine’s prime tourist and investment destination with colorful Balangay float parade. (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)