(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 - Saturday, June 30, 2012

300 vice mayors gather in Butuan for 3rd Mindanao Island Congress

By Eldie N. David

BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, June 30 (PIA) -- Some 300 vice mayors from all over the Philippines have attended the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP) third Mindanao Island Congress held at one of the local convention centers here.

The congress, which is anchored on the theme “Protect the Natural Environment, Preserve Nature’s Wonders, Promote Ecotourism,” also highlighted with the conduct of the second Regular Quarterly National Executive Board (NEB) Meeting and the Academy of Presiding Officers (Module 2) training.

The event officially commenced with a press conference, which featured as panelists senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV, former senator Ernesto Maceda, VMLP national president and Manila vice mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, VMLP national secretary and Tagum City vice mayor Allan L. Rellon and Congress Director, VMLP Caraga Regional Chairman and Butuan City vice mayor Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun.

Fortun expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to the vice mayors of the Caraga Region to host the event and present what the region has to offer in terms of ecotourism.

Apart from the theme, the event featured the slogan, “Discover Caraga,” which was aptly adopted for all the delegates to discover for themselves the beauty of the region wherein they were treated to a tour on the second day of the congress instead of the usual plenary sessions, said Fortun.

According to Vice Mayor Rellon, Butuan City won the bid to host this year’s congress after “a very persistent Vice Mayor Fortun” was able to convince more than 90 percent percent of the league’s members with his unique and original idea of featuring breakout sessions while travelling to the different tourist destinations in the Caraga.

Simultaneous with the press conference, the vice mayors underwent the second Module of the Academy of Presiding Officers (APO), which was presented in two sessions. They listened to the lecture delivered by Atty. Benedicto Gonzales, Affiliate Legal Expert of the Center for Local and Regional Governance of the University of the Philippines-National Center for Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG), on crafting high-quality ordinances and resolutions. They also got critical pointers from Provincial Director Maria Calpiza Sardua of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Zamboanga Sibugay on the rationale, principles and process of codification.

After the press conference, the present NEB officers and members convened for their 2nd Regular Quarterly Meeting, in which the vacant position of former VMLP National Vice President for Mindanao Patri Chan, now the Mayor of Dapitan City, was filled in by Deputy Secretary General for Mindanao Antonio Bendita of Surallah, South Cotabato. By succession, PRO for Mindanao Angelito Martinez of San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur became the new Deputy Sec Gen, while Deputy PRO for Mindanao Conrad Cejoco of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, was promoted to PRO for Mindanao.

To give the guests a warm welcome, the Opening Ceremonies and Welcome Night opened with a “Kasi-Kasi,” a traditional way of welcoming visitors in Butuan City by drinking nipa wine or “laksoy.”

Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. was applauded by the participants when, in relation to the congress’ theme, he spoke to them about the anti-illegal logging drive of the city government. A series of anti-illegal logging operations was conducted by the city government, which resulted to the confiscation of a total of more than 2,000 cubic meters of illegally cut forest products amounting to some P10 million.

Other guest speakers were Agusan del Norte 2nd District Representative Angel Amante-Matba, who was represented by Ms. Miriam Pagaran, former Senator Ernesto Maceda and Senator Antonio Trillanes, the keynote speaker of the evening.

The second day was even more exciting and fun-filled for the delegates as they went on a tour to some of the different tourist destinations in the region. Among the places that they visited were the Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City, the Enchanted River in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, the Britania Group of Islands in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, the Cagwait White Beach in Cagwait, Surigao del Sur, the Bunawan Eco-park which houses Lolong, the largest crocodile in captivity and the Butuan historical sites.

On the evening of the second day, the delegates were treated to a “mini-concert” by no less than guest speaker Agusan del Norte Governor Erlpe John M. Amante who wowed the crowd with his singing prowess. Agusan del Norte 2nd District Representative was also present to complete the list of guest speakers for the evening. To buoy up the evening’s excitement, prizes were raffled to the vice mayors, the biggest one of which was the round-trip package for two to Singapore, courtesy of VMLP National President Isko Moreno. (RER/NCLM/BC-VMO/PIA-Caraga)


Disaster Consciousness month activities set in Bislig City

By Nida Grace B. Tranquilan

SURIGAO DEL SUR, June 30 (PIA) -- The city government of Bislig through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) will spearhead the activities for Disaster Consciousness Month celebration that is set to start on Sunday.

According to Youreally Love Sango of CDRRMC, the activities set for the month-long celebration is in line with the International Disaster Consciousness Month on July.

Sango said to kick-off the month-long activity, a mangrove planting will be conducted on Sunday, July 1 at Sitio Pung-o, San Fernando, Bislig. A holy mass will also be held earlier in time with the natal day of Mayor Librado Navarro.

Also, Sango said the launch and oath-taking of the officers of the Quick Response and Rescue Team (QRT) will be held on July 2. The rescue team with 261 volunteers has completed their series of trainings last May 2012.

Other activities lined-up include: upland tree planting at Tinuy-an watershed on July 14, and the “5-K Run for a Cause” to be participated by around 2,000 runners with 76 participating organizations on July 29, in time with the culmination of the month-long activity. (RER/NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)


Feature: Breastfeeding during calamities

By Charina A. Javier

Calamities are pressing people’s physical and economic resources. The recent calamities that struck the country have displaced thousands of families and the aftermath is much worse as illnesses began to spread.

Infants and young children are the most vulnerable. Having weak immunity, they are the ones who easily get sick when staying in crowded evacuation centers.

Undoubtedly, breastfeeding is the best for babies. Breastmilk is the perfect food for newborns and infants because it provides all the nutrients that are needed for healthy development.

Today, as families are in emergency situation and where basic infrastructure has been compromised, breastmilk provides a safe food for babies. Breastmilk contains antibodies that help protect them from common childhood illnesses like diarrhea, pneumonia and malnutrition.

Moreover, breastmilk is readily safe, available and affordable. This helps to ensure that infants get adequate sustenance at the time when they need it, even in emergency situations.

Feeding infants and young children with milk formulas may pose dangers to their nutrition and health status. First, safe water needed for the preparation of milk formula and for cleaning and sterilizing materials such as bottles and nipples may not be available in the area. Water in evacuation centers may be contaminated to cause diarrhea, cholera and other water-borne diseases.

Water should be put to a rolling boil for at least 3 minutes if it is to be used to prepare milk formulas. Bottles and nipples should be boiled longer to make them sterile.

This poses the problem of not only safe water but also fuel source, which may also be scarce in evacuation centers.

Storage equipment, like a refrigerator, is most of the time not available and the hot environment in evacuation areas make milk formulas easily spoil.

In a situation where economic activities of a household are disrupted, income and savings, if there are any, are exhausted, and thus, milk formulas become inaccessible.

Mothers who are under stress may have stopped lactating for a day or so, but this can be overcome with good support.

It is a myth to think that because mothers are under stressful situations, they would not be able to breastfeed. They only need support for re-lactation.

The other myth is that because mothers are undernourished or are sick, they cannot breastfeed or the milk is of poor quality. This is not true because even very malnourished mothers can produce good milk.

Under these conditions, breastmilk may be in lower amount but it is still the best source of nourishment for the baby. Mothers, if undernourished as in such case, should be given the nutritional support that she needs.
Indeed, breastfeeding is a life saving intervention. It is best for babies in normal and emergency situations.
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. E-mail: mcv@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com, Telefax: 837-2934 and 827-3164, or call: 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (NCLM/FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog Feature: Wastong timbang para sa mahabang buhay

By Divorah V. Aguila

Kung ang inyong anak ay lumalaki nang mas mabilis kaysa normal, kailangang bigyang pansin ito kaagad.

Ang tangkad at laki ng katawan ng bata ay may kinalaman kung siya ba ay obese o sobra ang timbang.

Ang bata ay obese kung 20 porsiyento o mahigit pa ang labis na timbang niya sa kanyang ideal body weight para sa kanyang edad at taas.

Kung may family history ng obesity, mas malaki ang tsansa na ang bata ay maging mataba rin, lalo na kung ang nanay at tatay ay parehong matataba.

Ang sobrang dami ng pagkain at kakulangan sa exercise ay malaking dahilan ng obesity sa mga bata. Ang matabang bata ay malamang maging mataba rin sa kanyang pagtanda.

Sa tulong ng inyong doktor, bantayan ang pagtangkad at pagbigat ng bata upang tiyakin na normal ang kanyang paglaki.

Kung kailangan ang mag-diet, planuhin ito kasama ang doktor o registered dietitian upang makagawa ng wastong nutritional guide na susundin nang pangmatagalan. Huwag kalimutan na dapat may exercise component rin ito.

Mapanganib sa kalusugan ang obesity. Kapansin-pansin sa mga dalubhasa na ang mga batang obese ay may panganib na magkaroon sa kanilang pagtanda ng matitinding sakit, katulad ng sakit sa puso at ugat, diabetes, arthritis at ilang uri ng cancer.

Upang maiwasan ang obesity at magkaroon ng healthy eating habits hindi lamang ang mga bata kundi pati na ang boung pamilya, bigyang pansin ang mga sumusunod: Tiyakin na ang inihahandang pagkain ay balance: may kanin, ulam, sapat na gulay at prutas; Isama ang mga bata kapag nag-exercise; Limitahan ang computer at tv time ng mga bata at ipagbawal ang pagkain sa tapat ng tv; at Iwasan ang mga malalangis na pagkain at iwasan rin ang kumain sa mga mga kainan na ang menu ay nakakataba.

Tandaan, kung kayo’y nababagabag na ang inyong anak ay mukhang tumataba, huwag pagalitan ang inyong anak upang siya ay mag-dyeta.

Gamitin ang positive reinforcement. Hikayatin ang buong pamilya na mag-exercise at tiyakin na balanse ang pagkain para sa buong pamilya.

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa pagkain at nutrisyon, sumulat o tumawag kay: 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 to 82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph o mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (NCLM/FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)


Tagalog news: Agusan del Sur isinalin ang bagong gusali sa Red Cross

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, Hunyo 30 (PIA) -- Isang bagong gusaling nagkakahalaga ng P7 milyon ang isinalin ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Agusan del Sur sa Philippine Red Cross sa pamamagitan ng isang seremonya noong ika-10 ng Hunyo.

Dumating sina PRC chairman Richard Gordon at secretary general Gwendolyn Pang sa bagong gusali ng PRC sa Agusan del Sur (PRC-Ads).

Sila ay sinalubong ng mga boluntaryong kabataan ng Red Cross na nakasuot ng pula, ng PRC-Ads lupon ng directors na nakasuot ng puting t-shirt na may logo ng Red Cross at Red Crescent at ng mga opisyales ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pangunguna ni bise gobernador Santiago Cane Jr. na siyang kumakatatawan kay gobernador Adolph Edward Plaza.

Sa pagdating ni Gordon, sinimulan agad ang seremonya sa pagputol ng laso at ang pagbendisyon sa gusali. Tumuloy na ang grupo sa provincial training center kung saan daan-daang mga boluntaryo ng Red Cross, bata man o matanda, naka suot ng pulang t-shirt, ay naghihintay.

Sa tulong ni Cane at Pang, ipinamigay ni Gordon sa mga volunteers ang mga light rescue materials (LRM) na binubuo ng mga rubber boots, rain coats, flash light, megaphones, radyo, first aid kit, wasay at marami pang iba. Ang pondong ginamit dito ay galing sa Netherlands Red Cross. Ang kinatawan na si Margot Cleenberger ang nagsabing pinili nila ang Agusan del Sur upang maging benepisaryo ng LRM dahil ang buong lalawigan ay madaling bahain at kailangan ng mga tao ang mga naturang kagamitan sa pahahon ng kalamidad.

Sinabi ni Gordon sa kanyang mensahe, ang mga tao sa Agusan del Sur ay napakaswerte para magkaroon ng isang pinuno tulad ni gobernador Plaza na may isang tunay na pagmamalasakit at pagmamahal sa kanyang mga nasasakupan.

“Napakaswerte ninyo sa pagkaroon ng gobernador gaya ni gobernador Plaza dahil bilang isang pinuno, siya ay laging nag-iisip kung ano ang pinakamabuti at pinakamahusay para sa kanyang bayan. Tulad na lamang ng bagong gusali na ibinigay sa Red Cross. Gusto kong malaman ninyo na ang gusaling iyon ay hindi para sa amin sa PRC ngunit para sa mga tao ng Agusan del Sur. Kami ay tagapangasiwa at nakatira lamang sa gusaling iyon na handang maglingkod sa inyo sa panahon ng inyong pangangailangan. Sa buong bansa, dito lamang sa Agusan del Sur na ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ay nagpatayo at nagbigay ang isang bagong gusali para sa Red Cross. Gusto kong malaman niyo na ang PRC ngayon ay hindi lamang para sa dugo ang pagseserbisyo ngunit ito ay para sa malawakang serbisyo sa sangkatauhan, pagliligtas ng nangangailangan na buong daigdig ang nasasakupan at handang tumulong para magsanay sa inyo at bigyan kayo ng inyong kagamitan,” sabi ni Gordon.

Sa kanyang mensahe, sinabi ni Cane na ikinagagalak niyang sabihin na ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ay naglaan ng pondo upang suportahan ang mga programa ng Red Cross.

“Mula noong taong 2001, sa pamamagitan ng pag-eendorso ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan, kung saan ang mga miyembro ay nandito ngayon, ay nagtabi ng pondo upang matugunan ang mga gastusin para sa re-agents o sa pagpoproseso ng dugo. Sa simula, ang badyet ay P1.5 milyon bawat taon, ngunit noong aming nakita na ang pangangailangan ay tumaas at ang re-agents ay tumataas din ang presyo kaya sa ngayon, ang aming inilaan na pondo ay umabot na sa P2.5 milyon para sa re-agents lamang. Binayaran din ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang kalahating presyo ng isang ambulansiya na nagkakahalaga ng P1.9 milyon para sa PRC-AdS. Ang gobernador ay nagpaplanong kumuha ng dalawang pang mga ambulansya para sa lalawigan. Ganyan ang pagtutulungan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan at ng Red Cross dito sa Agusan del Sur,” sabi ni Cane. (RER/DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)