(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 30 October 2024) At 3:00 AM today, the center of the eye of Typhoon "LEON" {KONG-REY} was estimated based on all available data at 380 km East of Aparri, Cagayan or 395 km East of Calayan, Cagayan (18.8 °N, 125.2°E) with maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h and gustiness of up to 205 km/h. It is moving West Northwestward at 15 km/h. 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 Localized Thunderstorms. 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—‘: Moderate to Strong winds coming from West to Southwest will prevail with moderate to rough seas / (2.1 to 3.5 meters).


PIA News Service - Friday, June 1, 2012

DepEd-Caraga all set for Monday’s Balik Eskwela

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, June 1 (PIA) -– It’s all systems go for Caraga Region’s Department of Education (DepEd) as classes for school year 2012-2013 will open on Monday.

According to Prof. Carol Niepes, DepEd-Caraga regional information officer, all the nine divisions of the region are ready and prepared for the opening of classes this Monday since the conduct of Brigada Eskwela last week was considered successful.

To ensure an orderly opening of classes, Niepes said that a master list of officially enrolled pupils or students are already posted at the door of every classroom.

The official also said the education department is installing information and action centers in every school to attend to whatever complaints or problems that the pupils, students, and even their parents will encounter during the first week of the class.

Niepes also reiterated that the “no collection” policy is still implemented in the region as it is mandated by the education department.

She reiterated that based on the department’s order, pupils and students must be enrolled and parents should not worry on the financial obligations during the enrollment period.

However, she said for those miscellaneous fees such as the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), and Parents Teachers Community Association (PTCA), this can be paid within the school year but on a voluntary basis.

Niepes explained that for those parents who want their children to join the BSP and GSP, they will pay for the registration fee, aside from the fact that if they will be registered, they will automatically be insured. “Thus, if they will allow their children to register, then they will also be benefitted because of the insurance,” she said.

Further, Niepes said enrollment is still on-going until the first week of the class. She added this cannot be avoided since there are still enrollees during this period. However, school principals and teachers were instructed to do overtime and accept enrollees this Saturday and Sunday to accommodate late enrollees. (RER/PIA-Caraga)

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Environmental bureau eyes declaration of Taguibo river as water quality mngt. area

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, June 1 (PIA) -- The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of Caraga Region is batt ing for the declaration of Taguibo river here as water quality management area.

Lesley Garcia of EMB-Caraga planning division said Engr. Ester Olavides, environmental bureau’s director of the region was able to present the idea to the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council).

Garcia said during the presentation, Olavides discussed the importance of declaring the said river into a water quality management area.

The official further said the EMB chief of the region is set to present the proposal to the City Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection on June 8, 2012 during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

According to Garcia, this aims to get the support of the council’s committee and likewise make a recommendation to Secretary Ramon Paje of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In an article written by Garcia, she emphasized that EMB Caraga proposed Taguibo River as the Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) for Caraga Region being the main source of potable water for Butuan City and neighbouring municipalities of the Province of Agusan del Norte and some areas in Agusan del Sur Province.

She added because of this, a stakeholders’ forum was held in October 2011, attended by representatives from the different stakeholders within Taguibo Watershed wherein traverses the Taguibo River that consisted of Barangay Officials, representatives from national and local government agencies, private establishments and others sectors such as Indigenous Peoples (IPs). (RER/PIA-Caraga)

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RAFI offers kayak program

By Haidee Emmie K. Palapar

CEBU, June 1 (PIA) -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) offers a kayak program that aims to develop and enhance leadership skills.

The program is open to both corporate professionals and youth groups.

“This is not just a recreation program. This is a leadership development program using kayak as a tool. With all the beautiful and rich marine biodiversity and potential islets in Cebu, there is no reason for us not to have this kind of water activity,” Anthony Terence Ocampo, KAC deputy director for Professional Programs, said.

A kayak program will last for three to four days, wherein participants will be navigating and paddling to the sites covered by the route, like the islands of Olango, Pandanon, Caohagan, Banakon, and other islands between Cebu and Bohol.

The program will test the endurance, patience, teamwork, and communication and planning skills of the participants, as well as how they respond to changes in the environment.

The 52 tandem kayaks donated by Outward Bound Singapore will be utilized in the kayak program, which is preferably conducted during the second or third quarter of the year to avoid bad weather conditions such as typhoons and monsoons.

The head facilitators of the kayak program are Ocampo and Sheerene Abrea, KAC Professional Development Programs facilitator, who are both certified with Kayak Coach Level 1 by the Singapore Canoe Federation.

To ensure the safety of the participants, the KAC facilitators conduct Risk Assessment and Management System (RAMS) before every expedition. They follow operating procedures and standards from medical to rescue and program design, which are internationally benchmarked.

The program’s pilot group is RAFI’s Micro-finance team, who kayaked from Om Shanti, Cordova to Shalala Beach, Pangan-an and Caohagan Island last July 14-17, 2011.

“The program helped strengthen our teamwork as we cooperate with each other and focus to reaching our destination. I felt secure with several colleagues who know how to handle the kayak and the KAC team boat that followed us along the way,” Nineveh MascariΓ±as, finance supervisor of RAFI Micro-finance, said.

KAC is one of the programs under RAFI’s Leadership & Citizenship focus area, where future leaders are nurtured to prepare them to take an active role in affecting change. RAFI’s other focus areas are Integrated Development, Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Culture & Heritage, and Education.

KAC is currently building the Philippines’ first outdoor experiential center at Barangay Cansomoroy, Balamban Cebu, which is set to open in 2013.

For more information about the kayak program and KAC, please call 418-7234 local 406 and look for Totits or Sheerene or e-mail at totits.ocampo@rafi.org.ph, or visit www.rafi.org.ph or www.facebook.com.ph/rafi.org.ph. (NCLM/RAFI/PIA-Caraga)

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DA chief to grace farmers' forum in Dinagat Islands

By Rosario Roxas

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands, June 1 (PIA) -- Department of Agriculture (DA) Sec. Proceso Alcala will meet and listen to the problems of local farmers and fisher folks and, at the same time, distribute various projects that his agency to the people of Dinagat Islands.

The secretary will arrive today in the capital town of San Jose after his two-day visit to the provinces of Biliran and Eastern Samar to grace the Farmers and Fisherfolks’ Forum at Aurelio Gym.

During the forum, Alcala and his party will be briefed in some issues and concerns of the Dinagatnons farmers.

Part of his visit is the turn-over ceremony of various projects and distribution of interventions of agriculture in the province. (FEA/PIO-PDI/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Overweight children steadily increasing – FNRI-DOST

By Jund Rian A. Doringo

MANILA, June 1 (PIA) -- The 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) revealed that 4.3 percent or about four in every 100 newborns to five year-old children are overweight for their age.

A child is overweight-for-height if the weight is much greater than that of normal children of the same height.

Although the prevalence of overweight children belonging to this age group is still low, it has been steadily increasing since 1989.

Some of the highest prevalence of overweight children five years and below include Ilocos (or Region 1) with 6.3 percent, National Capital Region (NCR) with 6.2 percent and CALABARZON (or Region IV-A) with 5.9 percent.

Unused calories from excessive eating and sedentary lifestyle result to being overweight. Overweight is one of the leading causes of lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, strokes, muscle and bone disorders, and certain cancers.

A study published in the American Journal of Nutrition in 2010 showed that 43 million children, 35 million of which are in developing countries, were estimated to be overweight and obese, while 92 million were at risk of being overweight.

Worldwide prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity increased from 4.2 percent in 1990 to 6.7 percent in 2010.

The tenth statement of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF), “For a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition, exercise regularly, do not smoke and avoid drinking alcohol beverages”, focuses on behavior modifications for a healthy lifestyle. The NGF are primary recommendations to achieve good health and proper nutrition of Filipinos which were developed by a team of experts led by the FNRI-DOST.

This guideline aims to encourage people, as well as children, to engage in physical activities through brisk walking, jogging or playing sports, and to turn away from unhealthy vices such as smoking and excessive alcoholic beverage consumption.

For more information on food and nutrition, please contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; trunkline: 837 2071 local 2296 or 2287; telephone/fax no.: 837 3164, email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (NCLM/FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)

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More babies breastfed at longer duration

By Mildred O. Guirindola

MANILA, June 1 (PIA) -- To achieve a child’s optimum nutrition, the global recommendation is to breastfeed the child exclusively from birth up to six months and to provide safe and appropriate complementary foods starting at six months with continuing breastfeeding up to two years and beyond, if possible.

Based on the 2011 survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), there is a marked improvement in breastfeeding practices among mothers of children 0-23 month old.

According to the survey, the number of children 0-23 months old who are exclusively breastfed increased from 8.6 percent in 2008 to 11.8 percent in 2011.

Among the 0-5 month old children, the number of exclusively breastfed continuously increased from 29.7 percent in 2003 to 35.9 percent in 2008 to 46.7 percent in 2011.

Similarly, the number of children who are breastfed and given complementary increased from 29.9 percent in 2008 to 45.2 percent in 2011.

The duration of breastfeeding improved from 4.9 months in 2008 to 7.7 months in 2011. Likewise, the exclusive breastfeeding duration also increased from 2.3 months in 2008 to 3.7 months in 2011.

With the encouraging results, what remains to be done is sustaining and strengthening the gains on the implementation of infant and young child feeding programs of the different stakeholders to reap more positive results.

For more information about food and nutrition, write or call: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. Email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; Tel/Fax: 837-2934, 837-3164, 837-2071 local 2296; or visit our website at: http//www.fnri.gov.ph. (NCLM/FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)

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Mindanao envi-econ summit slated

BUTUAN CITY, June 1 (PIA) -- A Mindanao-wide summit of government, private and civil society and non-government organizations is set here to come up with integrated and harmonized efforts to manage the island-region’s watersheds and river basins.

The Mindanao Economy and Environment Summit slated on June 4-5 will serve as a venue for Mindanao stakeholders to discuss key steps to protect ecological integrity and strike a balance with sustainable economic development.

The Summit is part of the roll out activities of the MindaNOW: Nurturing Our Waters, a flagship program of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) that aims to achieve an island-wide convergent approach to watershed and river basin management.

Among the Summit highlights is the presentation of workshop outputs from the delegation grouped according to the river basin they belong, identifying and streamlining strategies and initiatives in the production, settlement, and protected areas.

“We need to work together to address environmental concerns that confront Mindanao as it affects us in several other aspects including the island-region’s power supply,” said Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, MinDA Chairperson.

Antonino stressed that one of the strategic ways to ensure sustainability of hydro power generation in Mindanao is the restoration and better management of major watersheds and river basins where.

She added that the proposed Mindanao Power Corporation shall allocate P200 million from its annual budget for watershed restoration.

The Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan or Mindanao 2020 adopts an ecosystem-based approach in achieving sustainable economic development in Mindanao, highlighting food security and environmental integrity.

“Economic development and responsible stewardship of environment are mutually reinforcing objectives. One without the other is short-sighted and of limited benefit,” Antonino said.

The Summit will also be highlighted with the signing of agreements of participating agencies and organizations on MindaNOW Program, launching of the MindaNOW website and portal and launching of Mindanao Environment Experts Forum.

The two-day event is also slated in cognizance of the global celebration of the World Environment Day on June 5, and June as Philippine Environment Month. (NCLM/MinDA/PIA-Caraga)

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Tagalog News: Itutuon sa mga kwento ng tagumpay ang selebrasyon ng 24th CARP anniversary sa CARAGA

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Hunyo1 (PIA) -- Handa na ang Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) sa rehiyon sa nalalapit na selebrasyon ng ika-24 anibersaryo ng Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Ayon kay DAR-Caraga information officer Joie Ceballos, itutuon ang selebrasyon ngayong taon sa mga kuwento ng tagumpay at kaunlaran ng mga benepisyaryo ng programa sa rehiyon.

Sinabi rin ni Ceballos na ang isang buwang paggunita ay bubuksan ngayong Hunyo 15 sa pamamagitan ng motorcade na nagpapakita ng mga aktibidad ng kaunlaran na na-implementa ng DAR dito.

Samantala, isa namang media fusion ang gaganapin ng nasabing ahensiya kung saan ay ipe-presenta nila sa grupo ng media dito ang kanilang mga ulat ng mga proyektong naisasakatuparan.

Ang CARP ay isang Philippine state policy na nagtataguyod sa mga kaunlaran ng mga walang lupain na magbubukid, pati na rin ang pagpapalaganap ng social justice sa lahat ng rural areas.

Ito ay binuo sa pamamagitan ng Republic Act No. 6657, o ang Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988 na may layunin ng isang bansang may patas na pagmamay-ari sa lupa at pagpapalakas ng agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Ang batas ay ginawa ng dating Pangulong Corazon C. Aquino sa pamamagitan ng Presidential Proclamation 131 at Executive Order 229 noong Hunyo 22, 1987. Ang batas ay naaprubahan ng kongreso at pinirmahan ni Aquino noong Hunyo 10, 1988.

Sa ilalim ng RA 6657, nilinaw nito na polisiya ng estado ang pagtataguyod sa CARP. Ang kaunlaran ng mga walang lupain at mga magbubukid ay makakakuha ng mataas na konsiderasyon sa pagpapaunlad ng social justice at ang hakbang ng bansa sa pagpapaunlad ng rural at industriyalisasyon, at ang pagtatayo ng owner cultivatorship sa economic-sized farms bilang basehan ng Philippine Agriculture.

Isinasaad din sa batas na kikilalanin ng estado ang karapatan ng mga magbubukid at mga landowner, pati ang mga kooperatiba at ibang independenteng organisasyon ng mga magbubukid, pamamahala sa programa, at magbibigay din ng suporta sa agrikultura sa pamamagitan ng tamang teknolohiya at research, tamang pinansyal, produksyon, marketing at ibang serbisyong suporta.

Hinihingi rin ng batas na ang estado ay magbibigay ng incentives sa mga landowners para mag-invest upang maipagpapatuloy ang agrarian reform program para sa pagtataguyod ng industriyalisasyon, trabaho at privatization sa public sector enterprises. Ang instrumentong pinansyal ay ginagamit bilang isang kabayaran para sa mga lupa na nagtatampok ng mga kaunlaran sa negotiability at acceptability sa pamilihan.

Kabilang sa mga aktibidad na inihandad ay isang fellowship night na gaganapin pagkatapos ng media fusion na dadaluhan ng mga broadcasters at journalists sa syudad.

Napag-alamang ito ay ang pangalawang media fusion na pinasisimunuan ng DAR-Caraga na layuning kilalanin ang mga kontribusyon ng lokal media sa paghahatid ng balita at impormasyon ng DAR-Caraga sa publiko. (RER/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog News: NFA namigay ng organic fertilizers sa mga magsasaka

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Hunyo 1 (PIA) -- Dahil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng synthetic fertilizers at sa epekto nito, ang National Food Authority (NFA) kasama ni Administrator Lito Banayo ay namigay ng organic bio-fertilizers sa mga magsasaka ng palay, galing sa iba't-ibang barangay na ginanap kamakailan lang sa Libertad National High School Covered Court ng siyudad.

Ang mga benepisaryong magsasaka ng barangay Dumalagan, Pinamanculan, kinamlutan, Bancasi, San Vicente, Bit-os, Villa Kanangga, Bonbon, Doongan, Ambago, Bayanihan, Nongnong, at Bitan-agan ang nakatanggap ng “Nitro-Fix” organic bio-fertilizers.

Ayon kay Banayo, ang pagsasaka ay importante sa bansa. Ang organikong pagsasaka ay isa rin sa mga prayoridad na programa ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III.

“Ito ang dahilan kung kaya’t dapat nating bigyan ng kalinga ang ating mga sakahan. Hinihimok din namin ang ating mga magsasaka na gumawa ng organikong pagsasaka,” ayon kay Banayo.

Binigyang diin din ni Banayo na ang paggamit ng organikong fertilizers ay makakatulong sa mga magsasaka na makatipid kaysa paggamit ng synthetic fertilizers.

“Kung tataas ang presyo ng gasolina, tataas din ang presyo ng synthetic fertilizers at maaapektuhan nito ang pagsasaka,” aniya.

Maliban sa pamimigay ng bio-fertilizers sa mga magsasaka ng palay, binigyan din ang mga magsasaka ng panahon na sabihin ang kanilang mga problema sa pagsasaka kay Administrator Banayo, kasama ng mga opisyal ng National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Caraga, at ang Suma Biotechnologies Incorporated.

Dadaluhan din ni Banayo ang distribusyon ng bio-fertilizers sa mga magsasaka ng palay sa Barangay ng Baobaoan, Taguibo, Sumilihon, Ampayon, Antongalon, Baan, Banza, Mahogany, Maug, Bobon, Cabcabon, at Tiniwisan. Ito ay gaganapin sa barangay Los Angeles sa umaga at sa Barangay Sto. NiΓ±o sa hapon ng Hunyo 1.

Nagyong Hunyo 6 naman si Banayo ay muling mamimigay ng bio-fertilizers sa mga magsasaka sa barangay ng Aupagan, Mahay, Salvacio, Pigdaulan, Camayahan, Buhangin, Taligaman, Basag, at Lemon, at ang distribusyon ay gaganapin sa barangay Tagabaca.

Samantala, nagpasalamat si Vincent Rosario, barangay captain ng barangay Libertad kay Banayo dahil sa pagsisikap nitong mabahagi-an ang mga magsasaka ng bio-fertilizers sa iba't-ibang barangay ng syudad.

“Siguradong makakatulong ito sa mga magsasaka upang mapaunlad nila ang kanilang sakahan at mapalaki ang kita nila dahilan sa magandang ani at dekalidad na produksyon. (RER/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog news: Environmental bureau, kinumpirmang maraming establismiyento ang nabigyan ng compliance certificates

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Hunyo 1 (PIA) –- Kinumpirma ng Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) kamakailan lang na maraming establisimiyento sa rehiyon ang nabigyan na ng Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC).

Bagama't, sinabi ni EMB Caraga Regional Director Engr. Esther Olavides na nagpalabas din ng isang notice of violation ang kanilang tanggapan sa ilang establismiyento na lumabag sa mga kundisyong nakasaad sa ECC.

Ayon sa Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System, ang ECC ay isang patunay ng Environmental Compliance Commitment na kung saan ang mga nasasailalim dito ay kailangan sumunod.

Ito ay isang dokumento na inilabas ng DENR-EMB matapos ang isang positibong review ng ECC application, na nagpapatunay na ang mga sumasailalim dito ay sumunod sa lahat ng mga alintuntunin ng EIS System at nagpapatuloy sa pag-implementa ng naaprobahang Environmental Management Plan.

Ang ECC din ay nagbibigay ng gabay sa ibang ahensya at sa mga LGUs sa EIA findings at rekomendasyon na kinakailangang ikonsidera ng kanilang sariling proseso ng paggawa ng desisyon.

Ang ECC ay mayroong kaukulang sukat at kundisyon na ang mga sumasailalim dito ay kailangan mag-umpisa bago o habang sinasagawa ang operasyon ng proyekto, at sa ibang kaso naman ay habang sa antas ng pag-aabandon upang paikliin ang napag-alamang environmental impacts.

Sa pangkalahatan, ang sumusunod ay ang mga napag-alamang tampok ng ECC: 1) Scope of project or undertaking; 2) Conditions conformed with by the Proponent to implement the mitigation measures for potentially negative impacts and/or enhancement measures for potentially positive impacts as identified in the EIA Report; and 3) Suggestions or recommendations to assist LGUs and other agencies of the government to incorporate the EIA Results in their decision-making process. (RER/PIA-Caraga)


Cebuano news: Palasyo mianunsyo sa pag-arubar sa duha ka dagkong mga proyekto

By Fryan E. Abkilan

SURIGAO CITY, Hunyo 1 (PIA) –- Giaprubahan na niadtong Miyerkules sa National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board alang sa implementasyon sa duha ka dagkong mga proyekto, ang MalacaΓ±ang mianunyo kagahapon.

Ang NEDA Board, nga gipangulohan ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III nag miting niadtong Miyerkules didto sa MalacaΓ±ang.

Atol sa regular press briefing didto sa MalacaΓ±ang, si Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte miingon nga sa lima ka mga proyekto nga gituki sa maong miting duha lamang ang giaprubahan sa board.

Ang unang proyekto mao ang Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Expressway project, ang Phase 2 sa Expressway project nga adunay total project cost nga mokabat sa P15.8 bilyon.

Ang ikaduhang proyekto mao ang National Sewerage and Septage Management Program, usa ka proyekto nga pilot phase pa lamang, nga adunay kinatibuk-ang capital cost nga mokabat sa P26.3 bilyon.

Niadtong milabayng semana, giaprubahan sa Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC CabCom) NEDA Board ang lima ka mga proyekto sa transportasyon, infrastructure ug health worth nga mokabat P32.67 bilyon gitumong aron pagtukod og pagrehabilitar sa importante nga mga imprastruktura sama sa mga dalan, tulay ug mga hospital.

Ang NEDA Board, nga gipangulohan sa Pangulo, maoy pinakataas nga development planning and policy coordinating body sa nasod. Ang board gilangkoban sa nagkalain-laing mga sekretaryo sa Kabinete, mga president sa Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, governor sa Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao ug deputy governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) dinhi sa nasod.

Ang ICC, nga usa sa interagency committees sa NEDA Board, maoy mo evaluates sa fiscal, monetary ug balance-of-payments implications sa dagkong national projects. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)