NIA: Flood damages to infra reached P215 Million
by David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, April 1 -- The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has reported some P215 Million worth of damages on irrigation infrastructure caused by the January 3 and February 17, 2011 floods that hit Agusan del Sur.
According to Engr. Jose Alvaran, Senior Project Engineer of NIA in Agusan del Sur, the damages range from irrigation canals, dams and service roads that lead to the barangays being served by the irrigation system.
“For Andanan river irrigation system (RIS) alone, our records show that some 450 meters of dams affecting 500 hectares of rice lands were damaged during the occurrence of the two floods. Another major damage is the Gibong river irrigation system affecting another hundreds of hectares that will cost us around P100 Million to repair. The rest are communal dams serving hundreds of hectares also," Alvaran said.
Reacting to the reports of NIA, Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza suggested that NIA should also include the number of farmers affected, and not only the dams, the canals and the service roads in preparing their reports.
Engr. Alvaran also said NIA Agusan del Sur have only accomplished 86.25 percent of their 2010 projects because of bad weather condition. But Alvaran said, works are on-going in order to complete the delayed projects scheduled for completion last year.
This year, Engr. Alvaran said, NIA Agusan del Sur has lined up five major projects to supplement the existing irrigation systems. These projects are the Bahayan RIS, the Bayugan RIS, the Andanan RIS, Gibong RIS and Simulao RIS, amounting to P49,500,000. The program of works was already forwarded to NIA central office for funding. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Surigao City on alert level 1
SURIGAO CITY, Apr. 1 (PIA) - Alert level one was raised early today, April 1 in the city following continuous rains which started Thursday evening, March 31, 2011 brought about by a low pressure area.
In a radio interview, acting Mayor Kent Yuipco, said an alert level one was hoisted through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council upon recommendation from PAGASA.
With this development, an automatic suspension of classes in the pre-school and elementary levels both from private and public will be enforced.
Yuipco, likewise, advised the people living near the mountain slopes and in the low-lying areas to be alert for possible flash floods and landslides.
Latest PAGASA bulletin revealed that the Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on satellite and surface data at 800 km East of Guiuan, Eastern Samar (11.0°N, 134.0°E).
Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and isolated thunderstorms becoming cloudy with widespread rains over Eastern Visayas and Northeastern Mindanao which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. The rest of Luzon will be partly cloudy to at times cloudy with isolated light rains.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the Northeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the Northeast to Northwest with slight to moderate seas. (FEAbkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)
DOT sets reg’l tour guiding training-workshop
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, April 1 (PIA) –- Caraga Region’s Department of Tourism (DOT) is set to conduct a Regional Tour Guiding Training-Workshop on May 7, 2011 to July 3, 2011 to those who wants to become an accredited Tour Guide in Caraga.
In a press statement, DOT-Caraga Regional Director Leticia Tan said the training is scheduled on a modular session held every Saturday and Sunday, intended to all interested participants who cannot attend on weekday sessions.
Dir. Tan further said the training will run from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon for nine weekends or 18 days.
The tourism department said a pre-screening and final interview for participants will be conducted.
The pre-screening interview will be conducted on April 12 and 18, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Surigao City and DOT Regional Office, respectively.
The final interview and selection of qualified applicants will be held on April 25, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the DOT-Caraga Regional Office.
Tan also said a registration of P9,500.00 will be collected after the final interview and selection of qualified applicants. “This is to cover the expenses for the meals, snacks and room accommodation of the participants for nine weekends,” Dir. Tan said.
Qualified applicants must be college graduate in any course, has good moral character, and proficient in English or another foreign language preferably Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Mandarin.
Part of the requirements include: college diploma, transcript of records, one copy of 2X2 picture, and training certificates, if any. (PIA-Caraga)
Transport strike in Butuan, peaceful – transport leader
by Robert E. Roperos
BUTUAN CITY, April 1 (PIA) – “The transport strike yesterday participated by transport organizations here in Butuan City is generally peaceful as there are no drastic acts reported,” said Mr. Samuel Carampatana, operations manager of the transport organization in this city.
Carampatana said, unlike the previous transport strikes, yesterday’s activity is peaceful because majority of the tricycle and jeepney drivers participated and supported their call.
The transport organization leader also reported that 95% of the drivers in the city did not operate yesterday as they feel the need to inform the government of the transport sectors’ sentiment over the continuous gasoline price hike.
In a related development, the city and provincial governments of Butuan and Agusan del Norte, respectively have provided free ride to commuting public especially those who are working in private or public offices.
It was learned that the two LGUs here have been providing free transport whenever there is a transport strike so as not to inconvenience the riding public. (PIA-Caraga)
Multi-Sectoral group finalizes programs for implementation in Surigao del Sur CADT areas
by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan
BUTUAN CITY, April 1 (PIA) - The Indigenous People’s Development Programme Caraga (IPDP-Caraga) conducted recently a follow-up Capacity Enhancement Training for the Multi-Sectoral Group Convergence partners in Surigao del Sur held in Almont Inland Resort, this city.
The activity primarily aims to review and finalize the plan activities for implementation of the specific multi-sectoral convergence plan from the different group clusters, and to support the capacity-building of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) for development and protection of their ancestral domain.
During the workshop, implemented programs based on the previous convergence plan were reported accomplished by implementing agency from different clusters. Primarily, the NCIP revealed that they are already assisted the Indigenous People Organization (IPO) to legalize their organizations as duly registered PO.
On the otherhand, Mr. Domingo Nahayangan, IPDP-ILO Programme Director directly encouraged the members of five different clustered group composed of different government agencies to identify at least two activities to be implemented as soonest time to be started this month simultaneously. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Judge Bayana cites women's role in family, nation building
by Susil Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, April 1 (PIA) - Regional Trial Court Judge Evangeline Yuipco Bayana has acknowledged the role of women in building a family and nation while addressing the discussion on Magna Carta of Women held at the
Provincial Sports Complex culminating the celebration of the Women's Month last Thursday, March 31, 2011.
"By having a lady governor in the province Gov. Sol F. Matugas, a lady senior board member Myrna Romarate and board member Regina Alaan and a lady judge Evangeline Yuipco Bayana -- these are just some of the manifestations that we are part in nation building," Bayana told the members of Provincial Gender and Development Coordinating Council (GADCC) and various stakeholders who attended the discussion spearheaded by the Provincial Social Services Office in partnership with the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte.
Bayana also said, that the Magna Carta of Women is one of the best things that happened in this celebration because women were given equal opportunity to enjoy a better life among others, to participate directly in nation building and above all it guarantee the civil, political and economics rights of women especially those in the marginalized society. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Multi-Sectoral group finalizes programs for implementation in Surigao del Sur
by Nida Grace B. Tranquilan
Butuan City, April 1 (PIA) - The Indigenous People's Development Programme Caraga (IPDP-Caraga) conducted recently a follow-up Capacity Enhancement Training for the Multi-Sectoral Group Convergence partners in Surigao del Sur held in Almont Inland Resort, this city.
The activity primarily aimed to review and finalize the plan activities for implementation of the specific multi-sectoral convergence plan from the different group clusters, to support the capacity-building of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) for development and protection of their ancestral domain.
During the workshop, implemented programs based on the previous convergence plan were reported accomplished by implementing agency from different clusters. Primarily, the NCIP revealed that they are already assisted the Indigenous People Organization (IPO) to legalize their organizations as duly registered PO.
On the other hand, Domingo Nahayangan, IPDP-ILO Programme Director directly encouraged the members of five different clustered group composed of different government agencies to identify at least two activities to be implemented as soonest time to be started this month simultaneously. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Calcium intake of Filipinos still low – FNRI Survey
BUTUAN CITY, April 1-- The latest nutrition survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2008 noted that the calcium intakes of Filipinos are inadequate.
A nearly 90 percent of Filipino households is not meeting the average requirements for calcium. Thus, only one in every 10 Filipino households meets the average requirement for calcium. The consumption of Filipinos for milk and milk products decreased by seven grams, from 49 grams per capita per day in 2003 to 42 grams per capita per day in 2008.
The most important dietary sources of calcium are milk and milk products. Milk and milk products contain highly absorbable calcium and are also good sources of other vital nutritional elements including high quality protein for building and repairing of body tissues, and vitamin A for better eyesight and healthy skin. Dairy products are also rich in riboflavin for the normal functioning of the nervous system, cobalamin or vitamin B12 for maturation of red blood cells and even phosphorus for proper bones and teeth development.
Aside from milk and milk products, there are other sources of calcium like fish, especially the small ones eaten with bones like dilis and sardines, small shrimps or alamang, soy bean curd or tofu and tokwa, and green leafy vegetables like malunggay leaves, saluyot, alugbati and mustasa.
One should include milk and milk products and other calcium-rich foods like small fish and green leafy vegetables in the daily diet to meet the requirement for calcium.
Non-milk drinkers may add milk to casseroles, cheese sauces, fruit shakes, dips, puddings, mashed potato, and halo-halo to get considerable benefits from milk as well.
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; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso, FNRI-DOST S & T Media/PIA-Caraga)
Feature: Stunted, underweight children on the rise
Undertaking researches that define the population’s nutritional status with reference to malnutrition and nutrition-related diseases, and their causes is one of the legal bases the Food and Nutrition Research Institute – Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) is conducting nutrition surveys regularly.
In 2008, the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) showed significant increases in the prevalence of stunting and underweight children 0-5 and 6-10 years old from 2005 to 2008.
“In 2008, in every one hundred 0-5 year-old pre-school children, 26 were underweight, about 28 were stunted and six were thin using the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS),” according to Dr. Jocelyn A. Juguan of the FNRI-DOST during her lecture on “The 7th National Nutrition Survey: Highlights on the Nutritional Status of Infants” at the Philippine Women’s University’s (PWU) Nutrition Month celebration on July 21, 2010.
“In every one hundred 6-10 year-old children, about 26 were underweight and about 33 were stunted,” Dr. Juguan added.
Dr. Juguan also revealed that the highest prevalence of anemia at 55.7 percent was observed among infants, 6 months to less than one year old, which remains a significant public health problem.
However, survey results showed that anemia prevalence generally in 2008 declined from 2003 among children 6 months to 12 years old.
“About 1.91 million or 15.2 percent children had vitamin A deficiency (VAD),” Dr. Juguan said. “There is a significant drop in the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency from 40.1 percent in 2003 to 15.2 percent in 2008 among children 6 months to five years,” she further added.
The role of mothers in complementary feeding is important in providing the necessary nutrients for the growing infant, 6 months and older.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), complementary feeding is the gradual shift from breastmilk to solid foods and giving other foods in addition to breastmilk, typically covers the period from 6 to 18-24 months of age, and is a very vulnerable period.
It is important to feed children 6 months onwards with enough sources of iron, zinc and B vitamins with continuing breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond when possible in a timely, accurate, and appropriate manner.
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; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Jund Rian A. Doringo, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
Feature: Fruits not common in the Pinoy diet
Did you know that Filipinos are eating less fruits over the years?
This was revealed in the food consumption survey (FCS) conducted in 2008 by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) which showed that fruit consumption has decreased over the past 20 years from an individual intake of 107 grams in 1987 to only 54 grams in 2008.
The survey also revealed that individual fruit intake did not change from 2003 to 2008 at 54 grams.
The amount of 54 grams is about one serving-size banana latundan that contributes about 6.3 percent of the average individual food intake for 2008.
This consumption level is lower than the recommended intake of 2-3 servings of fruits daily.
No wonder that no fruit was included in the list of most commonly-consumed foods of Filipinos in 2008.
Fruits are rich sources of nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber.
Vitamin A is needed for normal vision, promotes growth and boosts immune resistance, while vitamin C increases the body's resistance to infection, helps keep gums and teeth healthy and acts as antioxidant, among others.
Fiber provides bulk, aids in normal bowel movement, helps in the management of diabetes, lowers cholesterol and may help prevent certain cancers.
However, based on the FCS, Filipinos get most of these nutrients from other food groups, particularly meat, fish and poultry for vitamin A and vegetables for vitamin C and fiber.
The low intake of fruits calls for a more aggressive promotion of fruit consumption and a closer look at the reasons why fruits are not common in the Filipino dining table, including their affordability and availability, as well as the Filipino's attitude towards eating fruits.
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; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Charina A. Javier, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
Feature: Calcium is the least consumed micronutrient in the Filipino diet
Ninety-nine percent of calcium is located in the skeleton for bone structure and strength, while one percent is found in the soft tissues, extracellular fluid and plasma for metabolic and regulatory roles.
Specifically, calcium is consumed for the construction, formation and maintenance of bones and teeth, blood clotting and wound healing, muscle contraction, maintenance of cells and connective tissues, blood pressure control and nerve transmission, among others.
According to the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intakes (RENI) developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2002, calcium requirement differs according to population groups and sex.
The male and female adults 19 – 64 years old need 750 milligrams (mg) per day of calcium, while those 65 years old and over need 800mg/day.
The Philippines has relatively lower recommendation values for calcium than the United States, Australia and other Southeast Asian countries.
Dried dilis, canned fish, sardines, some green vegetables and legumes, seeds and nuts, snails and mollusks are the richest sources of calcium in the diet, while milk, yogurt and cheddar cheese have the highest absorbable calcium.
Dr. Rodolfo F. Florentino, Chairman-President of the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines (NFP) discussed the results of the FNRI’s 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), particularly the calcium intake of Filipinos at the 12th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Osteoporosis Society of the Philippines Foundation, Inc on October 22, 2010.
The survey assessed the current food consumption situation and energy and nutrient intake of Filipino households and determined the current food and nutrient intakes of Filipinos across population groups.
Results of the household food consumption survey showed that mean one-day per capita calcium intake is at 42.3 percent (%) of the RENI – showing calcium as the least- consumed nutrient in the Filipino diet.
There was a drop in the proportion of households meeting the RENI for calcium from 16.0% in 2003 to 11.5% in 2008.
“According to the result of the 7th NNS, the six to twelve year-old children had the lowest consumption of calcium according to population groups, with 0.26 grams per day,” Dr. Florentino said.
Pregnant women had the highest mean one-day calcium consumption among population groups.
In general, the estimated average recommendation for calcium was not met and registered very low proportions across population groups at around 9.8%.
Fish was shown to be the primary source of calcium in the Filipino diet, followed by rice and cereals, vegetables and milk and milk products.
Dr. Florentino also pointed out that milk intake, as an excellent source of dietary calcium, was poor except in infants.
Calcium intake can be increased through increased consumption of fish and milk in the diet, as well as promoting cheaper sources of calcium.
Promotion of adequate calcium intake throughout the lifespan is strongly encouraged to meet the recommended intakes especially in infants after six months.
Everyone must take part in improving the calcium intake, particularly during the growing years to avoid calcium deficiency-related diseases such as osteoporosis.
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; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Jund Rian A. Doringo, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
