Tuesday, May 16, 2017

DAR Agusan Norte holds leadership, values seminar for ARBs

By Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY, May 16 – Twenty three (23) Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) underwent a Cooperative Leadership and Values Re-orientation Seminar conducted on April 25-26, May 2-3, 5-6 and 9-10, 2017 at Agrarian Information and Marketing Center here.

At least 150 participants that included coop leaders and officers, all of them Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in the province of Agusan del Norte belonging to 23 cooperatives, associations, and women’s groups, completed the trainings.

The seminar equipped the participants with leadership skills anchored on universal values and principles of cooperativism .

According to Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Coop Strengthening Coordinator Juanita B. Balibay, the seminar aimed to strengthen the participants and their organizations with the basic principles on cooperativism and to provide a means to build integrity with the mission and values of the cooperative.

Balibay said that the agency is intensifying its effort to help the coop leaders and officers to become an effective leader in their organization.

"The DAR in Agusan del Norte, under the leadership of PARPO II Andre B. Atega, and in partnership with the Propegemous, Inc., are working closely to empower the farmers and their organizations,” Balibay added.

"Kami mapasalamaton kay nadugangan ang among kahibalo sa pagpalambo sa kooperatiba (we are thankful that we learned something to improve our cooperative," said Manager Sergio Rensulat of Pinana-an, Ambacon and Mat-i ARB Cooperatives (PAM-ARBC). (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

Kalahi-CIDSS workers gearing up for busy 2017 implementation

By Joana Rica P. Millama & Marko Davey D. Reyes

BUTUAN CITY, May 16 – Field and Regional engineers and Technical Service Providers (TSP) of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) implemented under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) attended the five-day training on the Conduct of the Technical Session Workshop on Preparation of Plan Designs and Pogram of Works (POW) for LGU-led Kalahi-CIDSS Implementation (TIER 2) being held at Hotel Luciana from May 8-12, 2017.

This said activity was attended by Deputy Area Coordinators (DAC) and Region/Sub-Regional Program Management Office engineers.

The training workshop covers technical sessions, brainstorming and proposal making enhancement to improve and update their skills and knowledge in infrastructure Plan Designs and POW preparation and ensure that community sub-project proposals are done on time - without any glitches.

Engr. Jovenal Bernat, Regional Community Infrastructure Specialist (RCIS), who is heading the conduct of the activity, clearly elaborated the purpose of the session by elaborating what he believes is the importance of the implementation. He explained that since the TIER 2 implementation is crucial (with budget utilization covering January – December 2017 only), he reminds the workers to stick with the timeline, and at the same time remember the impact of the engineers in the success of the program.

Elsa Montemor, Regional Community Development Specialist (RCDS) of the program reinforced what Engr. Bernat explained reminding the workers that even though infrastructure projects are what the DACs and TSPs are focusing on, they should always remember that community development through community organizing is the essence of the program. “This (TIER 2) has been a good practice and it is indeed true that engineers are also called Community-Driven Development enforcers by heart. So let us continue enforcing, pushing and advocating in [the] real essence of community development,” she said.

The discussion was also focused on the important role of the technical staff (DAC/TSP) in community development and encouraged the enforcers to “start the development within themselves” for they are the “vehicle for Community-Driven Development to succeed in the implementation.”

Kalahi-CIDSS is one of the programs of DSWD that uses the Community Driven Development (CDD) approach to empower local communities to undertake their own development projects by actively and directly partaking in local governance in identifying their community needs as well as taking part of implementing projects that will address these needs. (Social Marketing Unit/DSWD Field Office Caraga/PIA-Caraga)

PSA Surigao Norte conducts tablet-aided geotagging building structures

By Guillermo M. Lipio, Jr.

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 16 - The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) here conducts a Tablet-Aided Geotagging of Building Structures from May 15, 2017 to September 30, 2017 across the province of Surigao del Norte.

The activity aims to come up with accurate and reliable digitized maps for use in the post-census evaluation, validation of sampling frame for household-based and industry- based surveys, and as basis for delineation of growth areas in preparation for the 2020 Census of Population and Housing.

Map Data Collectors or MDCs wearing official Geotagging IDs of the PSA will visit barangays of Surigao del Norte to identify and collect data on building structures.

In this activity, there will be a two-minute interview with the household to ask basic information, as well as picture taking of the building.

The public is assured that all information collected in this activity shall be kept confidential as provided under the Republic Act No. 10625.

The PSA calls for public to support the geotagging activity by accommodating its MDCs who will visit the barangays as they collect information on buildings.

For more information on geotagging, contact the PSA-Surigao del Norte at 231-7415 or 826-5036. (PSA-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

Feature: Bahay Kubo sings a variety of veggies for the picking

By Charina A. Javier

Who could not recognize the song Bahay Kubo? A classic Filipino nursery song with lyrics of which mention many different local vegetables (...Ang halaman doon ay sari-sari...).  Filipinos use, mix and cook vegetables in different methods and call them in different terms. Want to start singing the song?

Filipinos like vegetables cooked most often through sauteing (gisa), boiling, or cook with coconut milk (ginataan). Across the country, there are similarities among the dishes served at home and in canteens or restaurants.

For example, dinengdeng, and law-uy, are two dishes of Ilocano and Visayan origin, respectively. These vegetable dishes, however, both include several leafy and fruit vegetables as ingredients, cooked by boiling and without the use of cooking oil. For dinengdeng, leafy vegetables (e.g. saluyot, ampalaya leaves, squash flower, stringbeans tops, malunggay, etc.) are mixed together. Grilled fish is commonly added and fish paste (bagoong) is used to taste the dish. As for law-uy, leafy and fruit vegetables (okra, eggplant, alugbati, kangkong, etc.) are mixed, and fish is also often added using salt to taste.

Ginisa is a much used method of cooking by Tagalogs in preparing vegetables. Fruit vegetables such as upo, sitaw, kalabasa, puso ng saging, sayote and carrots, among others are often sautéed. Vegetables are cooked in a small portion of oil with garlic and a small amount of meat, shrimp or small fish then seasoned with salt or fish sauce to taste.

Vegetables cooked with coconut milk are more commonly prepared by Bicolanos and Visayans. Famous examples of vegetables cooked in coconut milk are gabi for laing, and nangka. Ginataang nangka is sometimes called salad na nangka by Visayans.

Another common method of cooking vegetables is by adding scrambled egg (torta) such tortang talong and ampalaya fruit.

In general, Filipinos are not meeting the required intake of vegetables in their diet. Based on the latest National Nutrition Survey in 2013 of the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), vegetable intake made up only 13.3 percent of the total food intake compared to 12.8 percent in 2008.

Vegetables are needed for proper regulation of body processes. They are rich sources of several vitamins and minerals. Green leafy vegetables like kangkong, camote tops, malunggay, gabi, ampalaya and others are rich sources of beta-carotene, iron, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, calcium and other minerals. Yellow vegetables such as squash, carrots and tomatoes are also rich in beta-carotene. Vegetables are rich in dietary fiber, which prevent constipation by providing roughage for easier bowel movement. They are also rich sources of anti-oxidants to prevent certain diseases like cancer.

Three servings of vegetables, about one-half cup cooked per serving, are suggested for daily consumption. Two messages of the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos recommend eating a variety of food and to eat more of vegetables and fruits everyday. These messages can be realized if the vegetables in the song Bahay Kubo are eaten regularly. This is especially true for children, whom we teach the song. At least it would make them appreciate and become more familiar with the vegetables in the song. Now, try singing Bahay Kubo and think which vegetable you will eat in your next meal.

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)

Media asks to support AgSur’s ‘Kapatid Mentor Me’ program

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur, May 16 - “We need the support of the media for Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) program so this will be known to the different communities and help them benefit from said program.”

This was the opening statement of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Regional Operations Group Assistant Secretary Blesila Lantayona during the press conference held recently right after the launching of the KMME program.

Asec. Lantayona thanked the media for their interest and insightful questions allowing her to further explain the program.

The panel of interviewees also include DTI-Caraga assistant regional director Lolita Dorado; DTI–Agusan del Sur OIC provincial director Brenda Corvera; Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship - Go Negosyo resource speaker Henry Tenedero and Sangguniang Panlalawigan member-committee chair on Trade, Tourism and Cooperatives Hazel del Rosario.

Asec. Lantayona stressed that the KMME program aims to scale up micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and be globally competitive. In response to a question why of all those who attended the mentoring program only 20 to 25 will be joining the next modules – she said the KMME is a different modality.

The good assistant secretary added that it is not only training but close and focused mentoring, so a big number of participants will not give the results intended.

Tenedero for his part emphasized that the KMME program is not a “one night stand” platform but it is a sustainable mechanism.

SP Del Rosario took the opportunity to update the members of the press on the several programs of the provincial government in support of the MSEs. She also urged the media to continue the partnership by informing the Agusanons of the programs and services of the provincial government.

ARD Dorado cited several service activities, which the DTI has helped in answer to a query whether DTI’s assistance is just limited to processing and manufacturing.

KBP Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur Chapter Chair Maximo Tutor inquired on the interventions done to ensure ease of doing business especially in terms of payment while securing business permits and in complying with tax requirements.

OIC Corvera answered that DTI is assisting entrepreneurs by providing regular seminars on taxation in Negosyo Centers where BIR is invited as resource speaker. Entrepreneurs were also trained to do simple record keeping so they can have a basis for a counterclaim to the local government unit’s presumptive computation of business taxes. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

Tagalog News: Konsumo ng prutas, gulay at lamang-ugat bumaba

Ni Divorah V. Aguila

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, May 16 - Maraming Pilipino ang hindi kumakain ng tamang dami ng gulay, prutas, at lamang-ugat.

Ayon sa isinagawang survey noong 2013 ng Department of Science and Technology’s  Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), napag-alaman na karamihan sa mga Filipino ay hindi kumakain ng prutas at gulay. Nakita rin sa naturang survey na bagama’t tumaas ng bahagya ang konsumo ng gulay, ang konsumo ng prutas ay patuloy na bumaba  simula pa noong 1970s.

Kaya naman ipinapayo at itinataguyod ng mga dalubhasa sa nutrisyon at kalusugan ang pagkain ng maraming gulay, prutas, at lamang-ugat upang mapunuan ang mga kakulangan sa micronutrients.  Ang lamang-ugat ay dapat ding kainin dahil nakadaragdag ang mga ito ng enerhiya o lakas sa ating katawan at fiber para sa regular na pagdumi.

Ano ba ang kahalagahan ng regular na pagkain ng gulay?  Ang mga green leafy at yellow vegetables o berde, madahon at dilaw at madahong gulay ay mayaman sa beta-carotene na nagiging bitamina A sa katawan.  Ang sariwa at katamtamang luto ng mga berdeng madahong gulay ay pinanggagalingan ng vitamin C, iron, calcium, dietary fiber, folic acid, vitamin E, at ilang phytochemicals na napatunayang tumutulong laban sa kanser at ibang sakit.

‘Yun namang ‘‘di madahong gulay” tulad ng okra, sayote, upo, at ampalaya ay nakadaragdag ng dietary fiber, iron at B-complex vitamins.

Ang pagkain ng gulay ay nakatutulong sa pag-iwas sa vitamin A deficiency disorders o VADD, na isa sa mga laganap na uri ng malnutrisyon sa Pilipinas.  Dahil sa VADD, bumababa ang resistensya laban sa impeksyon na nagbubunga ng madalas at malalang pagkakasakit.  Bumabagal din ang paglaki ng mga bata.

Ang unang palatandaan ng VADD ay ang nightblindness o kahirapang makakita sa gabi.  At kung matindi ang kakulangan sa bitamina A, maaaring magkaroon ng lesion o sugat sa mata na tawag ay xerophthalmia na posibleng tumuloy sa pagkabulag.  Pero huwag kayong mag-alala, ang mga ito ay maaaring maiwasan.

Katulad ng gulay, mahalaga ang prutas sa ating diet dahil mayaman ang mga ito sa vitamin C, lalo na ang bayabas, mangga at papaya.  Nakatutulong ang vitamin C upang maiwasan ang scurvy o pagdurugo o pamamaga ng mga gilagid at upang tumibay ang ating resistensiya laban sa impeksyon.

Nagtataglay naman ng beta-carotene ang madilaw na prutas.  Mayaman sa bitamina at mineral ang saging, melon, at pinya.  Meron ding dietary fiber ang mga prutas upang makatulong sa regular na pagdumi.

Kadalasan, ang lamang-ugat ay hindi kasama sa diet ng mga Pilipino, maliban sa mga lugar na ito talaga ang karaniwang kinakain o ang staple food.  Ang pagkain ng lamang-ugat gaya ng patatas, gabi, at kamote ay nakapag-dudulot ng enerhiya sa katawan.  Nagdudulot din ito ng dietary fiber at vitamins.  Ang dilaw na kamote ay nakapagbibigay ng beta-carotene habang ang patatas naman ay mapagkukunan ng vitamin C.  Dapat na kumain ng lamang-ugat kahit mga tatlong beses sa isang linggo.

Kaya isama natin sa ating listahan ng bibilhin ang mga ito.  Tandaan, ang pagkain ng iba’t-ibang uri ng pagkain araw-araw, kabilang ang prutas, gulay at lamang-ugat ang pinakamahalagang gabay para sa ating kalusugan.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa pagkain at nutrisyon, lumiham o tumawag kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute-DOST, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila, Tel. No. 837 2934 or 837 2071 loc. 2287, email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, o mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. I-like ang aming Facebook page sa facebook.com/FNRI.DOST o sundan kami sa aming Twitter account sa twitter.com/FNRI_DOST.  (DOST-FNRI S&T Media Services/PIA-Caraga)

Tagalog News: Regular na pagkain ng gulay, may dagdag na benepisyong taglay

Ni Divorah V. Aguila

BUTUAN CITY, May 16 - Ano ba ang gulay? Ang gulay ay tanim o bahagi ng tanim tulad ng ugat, tangkay, talbos, dahon, bunga, o bulaklak na kalimitang inihahain bilang ulam o ensalada.  Mayroong dalawang grupo ng gulay: ang madahong berde at dilaw na gulay, at ang iba pang gulay.  Malalaman sa kulay at bahagi ng tanim na kinakain ang kahalagahang pangnutrisyon ng gulay.

Ang mga madahong berde at dilaw na gulay ay sagana sa beta-carotene na  nagiging bitamina A sa katawan.   Tumutulong ito sa ating mga mata na maka-adjust sa gabi o sa dilim.  Ito rin ay kailangan sa paglaki ng mga bata.  Tumutulong din ang bitamina A para mapanatiling malakas ang ating resistensya laban sa sakit at impeksyon.    Mainam din ito sa pagiging malusog at makinis ng ating kutis at buhok.  Ang beta-carotene na taglay ng mga gulay ay napatunayang may kaugnayan sa pagbaba ng panganib o risk sa ilang uri ng kanser.  Mas higit na maraming taglay na beta-carotene kung matingkad ang pagka-berde o dilaw ng gulay.  

Ang madahong berde at dilaw na gulay ay mayaman din sa iron o yero at kalsiyum.  Ang iron ay kailangan para sa malusog at mapulang dugo na tumutulong sa kasiglahan ng katawan.  Ilan sa mga madahong berde at dilaw na gulay ay ang dahon ng malunggay, dahon ng ampalaya, karot, talbos ng kamote, saluyot, dahon, at bunga ng kalabasa, sili, alugbati, at talbos ng sayote.

Ang pangalawang grupo ng gulay ay ‘yung iba pang gulay na tumutulong naman sa mahusay na panunaw.  Nagtataglay din ito ng mga bitamina at mineral bagama’t hindi kasing sagana sa sustansiyang taglay ng berde at madahong gulay.    Ilan sa mga gulay na ito ay ang ampalaya, puso ng saging, bataw, kadyos, bunga ng malunggay, okra, paayap, sigadilyas, at sitaw.

Ang mga gulay ay nagtataglay din ng fiber (o hibla) na siyang tumutulong linisin ang ating bituka, para sa regular na pagdumi.  Tumutulong din ang fiber sa pagpapababa ng kolesterol.  Mas nakabubusog din ang mga pagkaing mayaman sa fiber, kaya nga kahit marami ang kainin nating prutas at gulay, hindi ito mabilis makadagdag sa ating timbang.

Ang karot, katuray, dahon ng gabi, dahon ng malunggay, dahon ng siling labuyo, at dahon ng upo ay mayaman sa beta-carotene.  Kung bitamina C naman ang pag-uusapan, mataas dito ang katuray, dahon ng kamoteng kahoy, talbos ng sayote, dahon ng kulitis, at mustasa.  Mayaman naman sa kalsiyum ang dahon ng kulitis, buto ng utaw (o soybean), dahon ng katuray, saluyot, at mustasa.  Ang mga gulay tulad ng dahon ng kulitis, dahon ng talinum, katuray, buto ng utaw, at abitsuwelas ay ilan lamang sa mga gulay na mataas ang taglay na iron o yero.

Bukod sa mga sustansiyang taglay ng gulay, marami pang benepisyong pangkalusugan ang dinudulot ng mga ito.   Halimbawa ay ang gamit nito bilang halamang gamot o herbal medicine.

Katulad ng ampalaya, kalimitang ginagamit ang mga dahon nito para sa ubo ng mga bata.  Kalimitan din itong ginagamit na panggamot o panglanggas sa mga sakit sa balat.  At di lang ‘yon, ginagamit din ang ampalaya bilang pampurga.

Isa pang gulay na may gamit bilang halamang gamot ay ang karot.  Ito ay nagtataglay ng carotenoids na sinasabing nakakababa ng posibilidad sa pagkakaroon ng kanser at sakit sa puso at mga ugat.  Ang beta-carotene na taglay nito ay nakabubuti para sa ating paningin at iwinawasto nito ang pamamaga ng mucous membrane sa loob ng ating ilong.

Ang isa pang gulay na madalas kasama sa ating hapag kainan ay ang kamatis.  Ang kamatis ay nagtataglay ng phytochemicals tulad ng lycopene na ayon sa mga pag-aaral ay tumutulong sa pag-iwas sa kanser.

Ang isa pang gulay na halos kasama sa pang-araw-araw na pagkain ng bawa’t Pilipino ay ang sili.  Ang sili ay nagtataglay ng bitamina A, C at E, folic acid at potassium.  Ang sili ay maaaring makatulong sa pagpapababa ng blood pressure at sa pag-iwas din sa ilang uri ng kanser.

Ang ilan pa sa ating mga gulay na may benebisyong pangkalusugan ay ang kalabasa, gabi, labanos, at malunggay.  Ang mga gulay na ito ay sinasabing laxative o ‘yung tumutulong upang maging maayos ang pagdumi.

Ngayon at alam na natin ang iba’t-ibang benepisyong taglay ng gulay, halina’t magplano ng samu’t-saring lutuing gulay para mapakinabangan natin ang mga benepisyong nabanggit.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa pagkain at nutrisyon, lumiham o tumawag kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute-DOST, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila, Tel. No. 837 2934 or 837 2071 loc. 2287, email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, o mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. I-like ang aming Facebook page sa facebook.com/FNRI.DOST o sundan kami sa aming Twitter account sa twitter.com/FNRI_DOST.  (DOST-FNRI S&T Media Services/PIA-Caraga)

Cebuano News: 2 ka proyekto sa NIA giturn-over na

Ni Jane B. Huqueriza

DAKBAYAN SA BUTUAN, May 16 - Gi-inagurahan bag-uhay pa lamang ang duha ka proyekto sa National Irrigation Administration (NIA) nga mao ang Jubgan Communal Irrigation System (CIS) nga nagkantidad ug kapin P7 milyon ug ang Rehabilitasyon sa Sanghan Communal Irrigation system (CIS) nga adunay pondo nga P15 milyon.

Ang duha ka proyekto gi-implementar sa Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands Irrigation Management Office (ASDI-IMO) sa pagdumala ni Engr. Salome N. Layasan, IMO Manager uban ni Engr. Alexander B. Calo, Satellite Office Head ubos sa rehiyonal na opisina sa NIA nga gidumala ni Engr. Constancio G. Bana-ay, Acting Regional Manager kauban ang partner sa proyekyo nga mao ang mga Irrigators Associations (IAs) ug Local Government Units (LGUs)

Ang Jubgan CIS nga inagurahan ug giturn-over niadtong Mayo 9, 2017 sa Jubgan, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte sa MADANLOG Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc. nga adunay 45 nga mag-uumang benepisyaryo nga gipanguluhan ni Julito G. Pulos. Ang proyekto adunay 10 ektarya na service area (SA) pero sumala ni Engr. Bana-ay, Jr., nga ang pasilidad nga giturn-over, pwede pa kining maka-hatag ug tubig irigasyon nga sobra sa SA tungod sa kakusog sa tubig, kinahanglan lang nga e develop ang mga area nga mahimong basakan aron kini makahatag ug dako nga tabang labi na sa pag-uswag sa panginabuhian sa mga mag-uuma.

Ang Sanghan CIS mao ang proyekto kung diin dili lamang pasilidad sa patubig ang napondohan kundi nahilakip dinhi ang IA Hall, adunay kapin P15 milyon ang kinatibuk-an nga gasto nga maghatag ug serbisyo sa 103 ka mag-uuma nga nahisakop sa 200 SA. Ang proyekto giturn-over kini niadtong Mayo 10, 2017 sa Sanghan, Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte sa KAMALAKA Irrigators Association nga gipanguluhan ni Ruenston Delalamon. Sumala sa mensahe ni Engr. Layasan nga ang proyekto kinahanglan gyud ampingan labi na panahon sa operasyon aron kini magamit pa sa sunod nga mga henerasyon ug dili lamang ang mga pasilidad kundi pati na ang tinubgan sa tubig.

Pareho nga nagmalipayon ang mga mag-uuma nga na turn-over na ang proyekto labi na kay wala na silay pagabayaran sa NIA nga amortization tungod sa memorandum nga gipagawas na libre na ang patubig. Pero gipasabot ni Engr. Susan D. Lariba, O&M Chief nga pwede gihapon mangolekta ang IA ug maintenace fee para pondo sa ilang asosasyon pero kinahanglan nga ipa-agi ug asembliya. (NIA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga) 

Monday, May 15, 2017

ASEAN Campus Forum inspires young Caraganons to partner for change, sustainable development

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, May 15 (PIA) – Campus leaders and students from different colleges and universities in this city are more motivated in promoting awareness about the benefits of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in every Filipino’s life and its impacts in the attainment for sustainable economic development as they actively joined the ‘ASEAN Campus Forum’ spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga on Thursday at the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), CBE Function Hall, here.

College of Teacher Education Dean Arlyn Floreta, representing FSUU president Rev. Fr. John Christian Young, expressed her warmest welcome to the youthful crowd. “The students were very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to be informed well anything about ASEAN as the government calls for collaboration and synergy in pursuit of progress,” she said.

In attendance as the honorary guest is PIA deputy director-general Gregorio Angelo Villar. Participated by some 300 student-participants, it was the second forum conducted in Caraga region following the ASEAN Multi-Sectoral Forum held just the last month.

Villar clarified that ASEAN is about opportunities for all, and not a mere promise of the government to provide everyone a better life. It is about opening better opportunities for all Filipinos that would make them excel in their field of interest, with the help of other Asian nations.

“We encouraged them to learn more about ASEAN more than the basic things that they learn from school. What is important is for us to understand how we can participate and get the advantage of the substantial list of opportunities associated with ASEAN economic community integration,” said Villar.

There’s the opportunity for livelihood as the students became professionals. “Their professional license will be acknowledged in other ASEAN-member states. Also, aside from widening of our market through different trade agreements, it would turn ASEAN into a more competitive region within the world economy,” Villar added.

Part also of the event was the lecture on the Primary Health Care Program, significant data on the region's teenage pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS. Department of Health (DOH) – Caraga regional director Jose Llacuna, Jr. encouraged the participating students to cascade to their peers and family members all the relevant information and learnings that they gained from the forum. He also stressed that with the right information and awareness, students and young adults can help reduce the incidents of teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS.

Meanwhile, Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB) board secretary Earl Dela Victoria cited in his discussion on 'Productivity 101 & Wages' that students must instill in their heart and mind the essence of sincere determination to pursue the goals in life after getting a degree in college.

He encouraged them to be more prepared to face the challenge of global competitiveness. “You have to possess the ability to compete with anyone, anytime, anywhere. There is hope for sustainable development if you are determined to seek for improvement. Be confident in making your tomorrow better than today,” underscored Dela Victoria.

Meanwhile, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) -Caraga regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño enunciated during his talk about the Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) that health and productivity have a bearing in the economy, such that health is important in pursuit of development. She cited that even if the people are healthy and not productive, still development is hard to achieve.

Comprehending well the topics being discussed during the forum, Joel Batiancila, Jr., supreme student government (SSG) president of Saint Joseph Institute of Technology (SJIT) remarked that what he has learned from the forum will essentially aid him and his fellow students on how they can be productive members of the ASEAN community.

“So my message to the youth, let’s be only aware, let’s all understand and participate. Let’s make use of the information available to us and at the same time be responsible in sharing the information that is available to you right now,” urged Villar. (VLG/JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Caraga RDP geared towards attainment of ASEAN development goals

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CTY, May 15 (PIA) - As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries envisioned to achieve greater economic cooperation in the areas of financial policies, trade, and human capital, the Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) is likewise focused on the long-term development plan that is anchored on a long-term vision and grounding in the hallmark of President Rodrigo Duterte administration’s three main pillars – Malasakit, Pagbabago at Patuloy na Pag-unlad.

As enunciated by National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) -Caraga regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño in her talk about the Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP) during the ASEAN Campus Forum held in this city on Thursday, the region aims for peace and prosperity and thus health and productivity have a bearing in the economy, such that health is important in pursuit of development. She cited that even if the people are healthy and not productive, still development is hard to achieve.

In her discussion, Cariño shared that the RDP, as the blueprint of the region’s target, is comprised of the many strategies in attaining the inclusive and accelerating economic growth.

“The challenge is the need to diversify the economy to sustain its growth. There are 105,000 indigenous people population in Caraga region and that they are given priority in the RDP,” said Cariño.

Meanwhile, as the guest of honor during the forum, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) deputy director-general Gregorio Angelo Villar underscored that ASEAN is all about opportunities and that communities have to take advantage of the many prospects for progress.

“For instance, economic integration provides opportunities to boost economic stability in the region,” said Villar.

In view of the ASEAN theme, 'Partnering for Change, Engaging the World', Villar made emphasis on the role of government leaders and of every Filipino in advocating for positive change through collaboration with the neighboring countries. "It is not about finishing the race but a matter of how many communities raced together to achieve the goal," he underlined.

According to Villar, the agency is not only campaigning for awareness about the ASEAN but also to bring closer to the youth sector the services, programs and policies of the government.

Interfacing with the student-participants, Villar also encouraged them to be more cooperative and active in advancing development because as millenials they can engage themselves in spreading the concept and benefits of ASEAN utilizing the social media platform.

“This is not just a project of the PIA but a project of the entire government wherein it aims to impart information regarding the ASEAN, the RDP, and all other vital pieces of information. And we are pitching support from our partner stakeholders and all sectors in the community to be our partner for change and progress,” said Villar. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

PIA, partners orient student leaders on ASEAN

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 15 (PIA) – Right after the recently concluded multi-sectoral forum on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) here, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga went to conducting campus forum for the same purpose – to intensify awareness of the students on the importance of ASEAN in the country and how Filipino people can benefit from it.

In partnership with the Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU), the CBE Function Hall was jampacked with some 300 student-leaders from the different colleges and universities in the city.

In behalf of FSUU president Rev. Fr. John Christian Young, dean of the Teacher Education Program Arlyn Floreta expressed her warmest welcome to the participants. She said that the school is fortunate that students were given the chance to be informed anything about ASEAN.

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) deputy director general Gregorio Angelo Villar underscored that ASEAN is all about opportunities and that communities have to take advantage of the many prospects for progress.

In view of the ASEAN theme, 'Partnering for Change, Engaging the World', DDG Villar made emphasis the role of our leaders and of every Filipino in advocating for positive change through collaboration with the neighboring countries.

Villar also stressed that the agency is not only campaigning for awareness about the ASEAN but also to bring closer to the youth sector the services, programs  and policies of the government.

“ASEAN is about opportunities for all, and not a mere promise of the government to provide everyone a better life. It is about opening better opportunities for all Filipinos that would make them excel in their field of interest, with the help of other Asian nations,” underlined Villar.

Interfacing with the student-participants Villar further encouraged them to be more cooperative and active in advancing development because as millennials they can engage themselves in spreading the concept and benefits of ASEAN utilizing the social media platform.

Also, Department of Health (DOH) Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr., tackled the Primary Health Care Porgram, significant data on the region's Teenage Pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS.

Llacuna encouraged the participating students to cascade to their peers and family members all the relevant information/learnings that they gained from the forum. He also stressed that with the right information and awareness, students and young adults can help reduce the incidents of teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS.

Tegional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) board secretary VI Earl Dela Victoria cited in his lecture on 'Productivity 101 and Wages', that students must instill in their heart and mind the essence of sincere determination to pursue the goals in life after getting a degree in college. He encouraged them to be more prepared to face the challenge of global competitiveness.

Meanwhile, as enunciated by regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) during her talk about the Caraga Regional Development Plan (RDP), she emphasized that health and productivity have a bearing in the economy, such that health is important in pursuit of development. She cited that even if the people are healthy and not productive, still development is hard to achieve.

Cariño also shared the major strategies of the different sectors in achieving the RDP.

Cariño further reiterated that the challenge of the Caraganons is the need to diversify the economy to sustain its growth. She added that there are 105,000 indigenous people population in Caraga region and they are given priority in the RDP. (JPG/VLG/PIA-Caraga)

DOH Caraga to participate in AIDS candlelight memorial

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 15 (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) is commemorating this year’s Philippine International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (PIACM) celebration thru the conduct of the ‘Walk for a Cause’ on May 25, 2017 from the capitol grounds to Guingona Park, this city.

According to DOH-Caraga regional director Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr., the said celebration will be the centerpiece of the commemoration and will be participated by the different focal agencies and partners in Caraga region.

“The AIDS Candlelight Memorial is a global event that is not only a commemoration for those who died from the disease but as a platform for HIV and IADS Awareness as well,” underlined Llacuna.

Participants are encouraged to wear black t-shirt and bring advocacy messages. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

DTI holds regional trade fair, exhibit in Butuan

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 15 (PIA) – In time with this year’s Balangay Festival here, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga is set to hold the opening of the ‘Buy Caraga By Caraga: Balangay Festival Edition’ regional trade fair and exhibit on May 17, 2017 at the Robinsons Place’ Atrium, this city.

DTI Caraga regional director Brielgo Pagaran said that ‘Buy Caraga By Caraga’ is DTI-initiated regional trade fair on the region’s processed foods, organic, and healthy food products, bakery and confectionery goods, beverages, and wearable and home-style products.

“Since its inception in 2012, Buy Caraga By Caraga has provided a business-to-business platform for the local Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to discover new markets, launch new products, and transact with the intra-regional buyers,” bared Pagaran.

The said activity also aims for the Caraga locals to be aware, appreciate and take pride in patronizing the very own produce of the enterprising manufacturers in the region. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Middle Agusan River Sub-basin Summit cum Strategic Planning set in AgSur

By Jennifer P. Gaitano

BUTUAN CITY, May 15 (PIA) – Stakeholders from various sectors will be attending the Middle Agusan River Sub-basin Summit cum Strategic Planning on May 23-25, 2017 at the Emilitas Restaurant and Dormitel in Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur.

Most Rev. Juan de Dios Pueblos, Butuan City Bishop recalled that the Agusan River Basin (ARB) is one of the eight major river basins in Mindanao. It is the third largest river basin in the country covering a total area of 11,936 square kilometer. It encompasses portions of Claveria and Bukidnon in Region 10; Compostella Valley and Davao Oriental in Region XI; and Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur in Caraga region.

Bishop Pueblos added that the basin is sub-divided into three sections: The Upper ARB Sub-basin, the Middle ARB Sub-basin and the Lower ARB Sub-basin. The province of Agusan del Sur belongs to the Middle ARB of which area has 64.78 percent of ARB’s total area.

“Since there is still a need to increase the awareness and participation of ARB stakeholders across regions, the sub-basin summits must be conducted. Hence, the upper Agusan River Sub-Basin Summit was held last October 11-12, 2016 at Comval Hotel, Nabunturan, Compostella Valley. Gov. Tyron Jayvee Uy was elected as chairperson of the Upper Agusan River Sub-Basin Council with Atty. Felix Alicer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources region 11 as co-chairperson. And this year, we are eyeing to create the Middle and Lower Sub-basin Council,” expressed Bishop Pueblos.

It was also learned that during the summit, the participating stakeholders shall elect set of officials and regular member for the Middle Agusan River Sub-basin Council. Only those elected official shall proceed to the Strategic Planning in the following days as per schedule. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

Butuan dad unveils 'Butuan On' brand

By Maria Lourdes Pizarro-Apego

BUTUAN CITY, May 15 - Towards attaining the vision Lagsik na Dakbayan, the city is switching Butuan on.

This is how local officials introduced this unique brand of Butuan dubbed as Butuan on.

During the Balangay Festival 2017 Press Conference, Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada stressed Butuan is currently embarking on a transformation journey "from an old kingdom, we will ascend to becoming a hub city of opportunities for all, so we are now switching Butuan on."

"Butuan on is our rebirth, rediscovery and rebuilding of our city towards that vision."...thus "ikaw ug ako, kitang tanan mao ang Butuan on," Mayor Lagnada adds.

Meantime, Sangguniang Panglunsod Committee on Tourism Chair Cherry May Busa explains the 'Butuan on' brand with a drawing at the side which she says represents the famous Balangay boat in a modern way.

Said drawing depicting the Balangay boat, she says, also contains the violet color which represents Butuan's royal ascendancy.

Further, said logo also contains a shout out tagline, "A City Ascending" which answers the question where to Butuan, what is our vision?

Butuan's vision, says Busa, is to make Butuan a center, a hub of opportunities,sustainable and livable to all. a center, show window and gateway to Caraga region. (Radyo ng Bayan Butuan/PIA-Caraga)

Surigao Norte town is target LGU in 2017 citizen satisfaction index system

By Bryan F. Edulzura

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 15 - The municipality of Claver in Surigao Del Norte is this year’s target local government unit (LGU) on Citizen Satisfaction Index System (CSIS).

Claver was selected as target LGU because it is one of the largest economies and emerging center of commerce and trade in the province.

CSIS program is a tool for drawing applicable information to measure citizen satisfaction in various local government services such as health care delivery and business permit application.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) commissioned Saint Paul University – Surigao as DILG’s partner Local Resource Institute to conduct the survey and serve as an intermediary body between the local government unit and the citizens.

“We, at DILG, envisions to transform Local Government Units to become self-reliant, development-centered, safe, peaceful, socially-protective, business-friendly, environmentally-protective and transparent, accountable and participative,” said DILG provincial director John Reyl Mosquito.

“CSIS advances this cause by engaging the citizens as partners in development and good local governance,” Mosquito added.

The result of the CSIS survey will be utilized to develop concrete and effective method in improving local government services. (DILG-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

DTI Asec Lantayona graces 'Mentor Me' program launch in Agusan Sur

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, May 15 – “The MSMEs of this province are very much fortunate to have this program, as it will help scale up the business of the mentees thru a series of trainings and mentoring sessions.”

This was the statement of Assistant Secretary (Asec) Blesila Lantayona of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Operations Group in her speech during the launching of the Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME) program in the province.

Asec. Lantayona is the department’s champion and national coordinator of the KMME.  She has done the rounds attending most of the roll-out and launch of the program all over the country.  Her schedule allowed her to be in only two provincial roll-outs out of five in the Caraga Region: Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte.

The mentees, she referred to in her speech are the first 20 to 25 micro and small enterprises (MSEs) selected to go through an 11 –week module of topics covering all aspects of their business operations.

She noted the overwhelming support to the program as evidenced by the overflowing crowd (the actual MSE-participants were over 100 more than was targeted at 372), the presence of Provincial Governor Adolph Edward Plaza, Sangguniang Panglungsod Committee Chair on Trade, Tourism and Cooperatives Hazel del Rosario, members of the local chambers and members of the Provincial Micro Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council.

In the sidelines, she also told DTI-Agusan del Sur OIC-Provincial Director Brenda Corvera, that she appreciated the fact that the MSEs were taking down notes.

KMME aims to produce confident entrepreneurs with the right mindset and business-know how to scale up and sustain their respective businesses.

The launch included the first two modules of the mentoring package: (1) Entrepreneurial Mind setting and Values Formation, and (2) Marketing.  The rest of the modules, which will be provided to mentees weekly at the Negosyo Center-Agusan del Sur are - (3) Business Model Canvas, (4) Product Development, (5) Operations Management, (6) Supply and Value Chain, (7) Human Resource and Organization Management, (8) Entrepreneurial Accounting and Financial Management, (9) Taxation, (10) Business Law and (11) Business Improvement Plan. The mentees are scheduled to graduate on July 2017.

The KMME Roll-out was held at Mabe’s Savory Place, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur last May 3, 2017 with the participation of MSEs coming from the different municipalities in the province and also from the neighboring province Surigao del Sur. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusand el Sur)

Feature: Potassium in bananas helps regulate blood pressure

By Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits among people of all origins because these can be available fresh year-round and cheaper compared with other tropical fruits.

To the consumer, the banana seems a simple name for the yellow and elongated fruit that is served as a dessert. The word “banana” is a general term embracing a number of species or hybrids of the genus Musa of the family of Musaceae, closely related to plantains.

Bananas are classified either as dessert bananas or as green cooking bananas. The ripe banana is popularly served as a dessert. It is a delicious addition to fruit salads or simply eaten out of hand. Overripe bananas make excellent breads, cookies, muffins and cakes. They make attractive garnish in ice cream. Unripe or green bananas are used in cooking. Unripe bananas can be fried, boiled, baked or made into chips.

Bananas are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Potassium is a mineral that is important for controlling the body's fluid balance. It is also needed for muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, and the proper functioning of the body's heart and kidneys. Potassium helps regulate water balance and blood pressure in cells, together with other minerals like sodium, calcium, and magnesium.

Besides being a good source of vitamins and minerals, banana is also a natural remedy for a number of illnesses and conditions. Ripe banana relieves diarrhea, whereas the unripe banana relieves constipation. Banana is highly recommended for patients suffering from high blood pressure because of its potassium content.  The fresh leaves of banana are also used as bed spreads for bed ridden patients to avoid bedsores.

One piece of banana each day restores the balance of potassium. So make it a habit to include banana in your daily meals.

According to the 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos  developed by the Technical Working Group headed by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), you should eat more vegetables and fruits to get the essential vitamins, minerals and fiber for regulation of body processes.

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)

‘Mentor Me’ program excites small businesses in Agusan Sur

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur, May 15 – The interest of micro and small businesses or enterprises (MSEs) in this province on the ‘Kapatid Mentor Me’ (KMME) program proved to be very high as actual participants during its recent launch with participants that reached to almost 400.

The actual figure of 310 attendees from a target of only 200 count only the MSMEs.  The event also had attendees from local and provincial government, provincial, national offices, members of the Provincial Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council and the academe.

The activity was not a mere launch as it also featured two modules of the KMME - Entrepreneurial Mind Setting and Values Formation, and Marketing.  The two were given by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship Go-Negosyo Angelpreneurs Henry Tenedero and Willy Arcilla, respectively.

They were joined by Agusan del Sur’s version of successful entrepreneurs who were gracious to accept the invitation to share their stories during the Inspirational Forum. They were Frederico Blanco of F&H Aqua spring Purified drinking water, Rosalina Go of Rose Excellence Corporation, owner of the ubiquitous Rose Bakeshops and Irenea Hitgano of Hillsview Food Products- producer of the fast selling Mangosteen tea.

The participants were seen still glued to their seats till the end of the program as they soaked in the info-sharing of experts.

The participants were seen still glued to their seats till the end of the program as they soaked in the info-sharing of experts.

The Mentor Me Program is one of the components of the KAPATID Program which is an initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the PCE.

The program aims to further develop micro and small--scale enterprises through coaching and mentorship. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)