PIA News Service - Friday, April 13, 2012

Pre-construction of roads consultation held

By David M. Suyao

AGUSAN DEL SUR, April 13 (PIA) -- Governor Adolph Edward Plaza convened on tuesday the officials and residents of Barangays Sta. Teresita and Pinagalaan for a pre-construction meeting.

This is for the earliest possible construction of roads connecting the two barangays to Barangays Osmena, Magkiangkang, Villa Undayon, New Salem, Mount Carmel and Bayugan City for easy and convenient transport of their products.

Last month, a meeting was also held with all stakeholders of the said projects to discuss program works. A community mapping was also conducted, which was participated by the local residents of the two barangays to discuss problems and issues and formulate possible solutions.

“We already have the money in our hands, because President Noy-Noy Aquino, with his Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan program, and thru the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) Sec. Teresita Deles have already given us a total of P20 Million last February, for the rehabilitation and construction of roads in your area. Therefore, you have all the reasons to rejoice,” Gov. Plaza said.

Meanwhile, Provincial engineer Pamela Yucosing called on barangay officials to secure the materials and equipment because every bit of the projects are for the benefit of the two barangays and the other barangays going to Bayugan City.

“We used to travel by single motorcycles in going to Bayugan City to sell our products. All we gain are body and headaches when we return home because the proceeds of our sales are just enough to pay for the fares,” Daniel Banguiran, a resident, said.

Barangay Pinagalaan has great potential in agricultural production, like animal raising, inland body of water fish, rice and other farm products. With the intervention of PAMANA program, it is expected that the people will improve their economic condition soonest. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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Feature: Get the Best from Fresh Fruits

By Ma.Susana O. Encarnacion

MANILA, April 13 (PIA) -- The scorching heat signals the coming of the summer season. There are a lot of wonderful things we can indulge ourselves into to lessen the heat. We can take a plunge in the pool or just relax at home sipping an icy cold glass of our favorite fruit shake or cold water.

But if there’s one good thing about summer, it is the abundance of fresh fruits to really enjoy. But do you know how to choose the best one among our favorite fruits? In an article published by the “Nutrition Action Health Letter (Vol. 25, No.4)”, the following tips are suggested when choosing our favorite fruits:

For apples: Look for firm and well-colored fruit. Avoid bruised fruit or one that yields to slight pressure on the skin. Apples may be refrigerated to prolong freshness. Apples are said to soften ten times faster at room temperature.

For bananas: Look for bananas which are firm, bright and free of bruises or other injuries. Avoid those which are bruised and with discolored skin. They are best stored at room temperature.

For grapes: It is best to look for well-colored and plump grapes firmly attached to the stem. Avoid soft, moldy or wrinkled grapes and those with bleached areas around the stem ends. Don’t let grapes get wet. Wash them just before eating.

For guavas: It is best to look for soft green fruit with a fragrant aroma. Avoid hard fruit. Guavas are best ripened at room temperature. Ripe guavas will keep only for a day or two but the pulp can be frozen.

For oranges: Look for firm, heavy fruits with fresh, bright looking skin that is smooth. Lightweight oranges are likely to lack flesh and juice. Very rough skin texture means thick skin and less flesh. Oranges keep fresh for only one week or two if refrigerated. They yield the most juice if kept at room temperature.

For papaya: Look for those with firm and unblemished fruit whose green color is turning yellow. Avoid those which are solid green or mushy or with bruises. Papayas are best ripened in paper bag at room temperature until softened and golden yellow.

Fruits are best enjoyed when they are eaten at their freshest. The above tips can be used as our guide in choosing the best for our favorite fruits. Some fruits like mango, papaya, guavas and citrus are rich sources of vitamin C, which help prevent scurvy.

Likewise, they are very important in increasing resistance to infection and facilitating the absorption of non-heme iron. Yellow fruits, on the other hand, are beta-carotene rich and common fruits like bananas, melon and pineapple contribute additional vitamins and minerals which are good for the body. Non-heme iron are those do not contain or that is bound in a porphyrin ring like that of heme like the ferredoxins.

Fruits like vegetables provide dietary fiber that aids in regular bowel movement. Eating fruits alone however, will not provide all the nutrients our bodies need. The human body needs more than 40 different nutrients for good health.

As suggested in the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute-Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), no single food can provide all the nutrients in the amounts needed. Remember, that the cliché: “eating a balanced diet for good health and nutrition “, still stands. I guess this is the basis of the old saying: “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Happy fruit munching!

For more information on food and nutrition, write or call: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), Gen. Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City, Telephone/Fax nos. 837-2934, 837-3164, trunklines: 837-2071 locals 2296 and 2284, 837-8113 locals 318 and 319, e-mail: mvc @fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c @ yahoo.com.ph; FNRI-DOST website: http//www.fnri.dost.gov (FNRI-DOST S&T MEDIA SERVICE/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: Surigao Norte miturn-over sa day care center ngadto sa Gen. Luna barangay

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Apr. 13 (PIA) -- Ang pangagamhanang probinsyal sa Surigao del Norte gitunol ang bag-ong natukod nga Day Care Center ngadto sa mga opisyales sa barangay ug mga residente didto sa Barangay Magsaysay, General Luna, ning probinsya.

Ang bag-ong natukod nga Day Care Center pormal nga gitunol ni Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas ug gidawat kini sa mga local nga mga opisyales sa maong lungsod sa pagpangulo ni General Luna Mayor Jaime Rusillon pinaagi sa usa ka simpleng seremonya nga gitambongan sa mga residente sa maong lungsod.

“This is the provincial government’s support to public school reforms implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd),” ingon ni Gov. Matugas.

Ang maong kalihukan gitambongan usab nila 1st district Surigao del Norte Congressman Francisco Matugas ug Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas. (Provincial Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano news: DSWD-Caraga subli-on ang KALAHI-CIDSS uban sa Gigaquit

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Abril 13 (PIA) -- Para sa ika-duha nga pagimplementa nad government’s anti-poverty project sa kapit-bisig laban sa kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), pinaagi sa regional office sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa Caraga gibag-o ang pag-abang sa local government unit (LGU) sa Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte og duha ka development projects.

Pinaagi sa usa ka memorandum of agreement nga gipermahan niagi, ang LGU nag pahimutang arun maimplementar ang duha ka community-driven development projects. Kini ang mga regular nga tulo ka katuigan nga panaglibot sa KALAHI-CIDSS ug Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) para sa usa ka tuig.

Ang duha mao ang community-driven development anti-poverty projects nha gi-implementa sa Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Ang financial mekanismu sa KALAHI-CIDSS uban sa local counterpart contribution (LCC) paagi kung diin ang local government unit maka kuha ug kalahi-CIDSS maka-angkon ug P5,850,000 ug sa parihu nga oras sila mag provide ug 30 percento nga LCC nga P2,674,285.71 para sa insfrustructure nga proyekto.

Tulo nga mga nailhan nga bangi ang makaapektado sa barangay sa mga munisipalidad nga maka angkon usab ug P900,000 gikan sa opisina sa Presidential Adviser on peace and development proyekto nga nakuha sa building arun mapadali ang resulba sa comunidad. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: Pilipinas padayon nagsubay paingon sa pagkab-ot sa Millennium Development Goals

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Abril 13 (PIA) –- Ang Pilipinas padayon pagsubay paingon sa pagkab-ot sa Millennium Development Goals partikularmente sa edukasyon, panglawas, kababayenhan ug kabataan, sulti ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa mibisita nga si Quentin Bryce ang Governor General sa Commonwealth of Australia kagahapon Huwebes.

Ang MDGs, mga tumong nga gitakda sa United Nations, mao ang otso ka mga international developments targets diin ang tanang 192 ka mga miyembrong estado sa UN ug mokabat 23 ka mga international organizations uyon sa pagkab-ot niini sa tuig 2015.

Kini nga mga tumong mao ang: pagwagtang sa hilabihang kapobrehon ug kagutom; achieve universal primary education; promote gender equality and empower women; reduce child mortality rate; improve maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases; ensure environmental sustainability; ug paghimo og mga global partnership alang sa kalamboan.

Sa iyang mensahe human nahimamat si Bryce didto sa Malacañang Huwebes sa buntag, si Pangulong Aquino miingon ang iyang administrasyong nakahimo na sa “significant progress” aron makab-ot kini nga mga tumong.

“As part of our efforts to ensure that no Filipino is left behind, the Philippines is well on track in reducing the number of Filipinos who suffer from hunger and bringing down the mortality rate for infants and children under five-years-old and increasing the number of households who have access to safe water supply and sanitation facilities among others,” ang Pangulo miingon.

“The government is intensifying efforts to accelerate progress in eradicating poverty, in providing universal primary education and improving maternal health,” siya midugang.

Iyang gipasalamatan ang gobyernong Australia sa mga technical ug pinansyal assistance nga gihatag niini diin, siya miingon maoy susi sa paglambo sa nasod aron makab-ot kini nga mga tumong.

“I am proud to share the significant progress we have made in obtaining the 2015 Millennium Development Goal targets—progress that signifies our gratitude to the people and government of Australia who have been generously providing both technical and financial assistance to our key MDG-related projects and programs through the Australian Agency for International Aid or AusAID,” ang Pangulo miingon.

Iyang gipasabot nga ang Pilipinas mohimo sa tanan aron dugang mapalig-on ang relasyon tali sa duha ka mga nasod.

“For 66 years, the Philippines and Australia have enjoyed a dynamic and fruitful partnership. It is one of the oldest, strongest, and most enduring partnerships in the Asia Pacific region rooted upon a firm foundation of trust, positive engagement, and shared values and ideals,” pagpasabot ni Pangulo.

“We remain committed to this partnership and to further harnessing its strength towards the achievement of the goals that our peoples share with the rest of the community of nations,” siya midugang. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Thursday, April 12, 2012

PNoy to DOE: Solve Mindanao power crisis ASAP

By Robert E. Roperos

DAVAO CITY, April 12 (PIA) -- Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed the energy department to solve the power crisis at the soonest time possible without sacrificing the future.

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jose Rene Almendras today said in press conference today in Davao City that the President has instructed him to focus on identifying and providing solutions to the Mindanao power crisis.

The DOE chief stressed, however, that the President wants a solution that will not "jeopardize the future."

“This means that the President want a long-term solution to the power crisis in Mindanao," Almendras said.

Almendras added the solution to the prevailing power crisis must be felt not only at present but also in the future. “Thus, the president wants to have it solved without jeopardizing the future of Mindanao,” he added.

The energy secretary said also said that the President will grace the Mindanao Energy Summit tomorrow, Friday at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City.

Almendras said the President will preside over the summit where private and public stakeholders are expected to present the scenario of the power crisis, as well as to identify and solve the problem.

Meanwhile, Almendras explained that the seven-day shutdown of Malampaya Plant which is scheduled in July will be implemented since the demand of electricity during rainy season (July-September) is low as compared to the summer season. This, according to Sec. Almendras, must be made for the maintenance of the plant. (PIA-Caraga)

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MinDA: All systems go for Mindanao Power Summit

DAVAO CITY, April 12 (PIA) -- The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) announced today that preparations are being firmed up for the scheduled largest gathering of power industry stakeholders from all across Mindanao on Friday in Davao.MIn

Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, chair of MinDA, said that based on latest confirmations, around 300 to 350 delegates are expected to attend the event.

MinDA is organizing the summit in collaboration with the Department of Energy.

“The Power Summit accords us the opportunity to discuss the real Mindanao power situation and the specific short to long term measures that stakeholders wanted acted on jointly by the government and the industry players,” Antonino said.

Antonino stressed that President Benigno Aquino III has sought that proposed measures for resolving the Mindanao power problem and putting in place of a long term action plan should form part of the shared consensus of the Mindanao stakeholders.

“This is being done for and by the Mindanawons who have a direct stake on the Mindanao power issue and what needs to be done, and the President will be there to see to it that the proposed measures are thoroughly studied and doables carried through,” she added.

Among those expected to take part in the one-day summit are heads and representatives of all electric cooperatives in Mindanao, distribution utilities, generation companies, governors and city mayors, Mindanao lawmakers, business and industry sectors, non-government organizations, civil society groups and consumer advocates.

Antonino said the Summit format was designed to provide opportunity for the key sectors and stakeholder representatives to present their respective issues and recommendations for way forward actions.

The President is expected to respond with specific policy directives. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga/MinDA)

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Surigao Norte turns-over day care center to Gen. Luna barangay

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Apr. 12 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Surigao del Norte turned over recently the newly constructed Day Care Center to the barangay officials and residents of Brgy. Magsaysay, Gen. Luna town, this province.

The newly constructed Day Care Center was formally turned over by Gov. Sol Matugas and was received by the local officials of Gen. Luna led by Mayor Jaime Rusillon through a simple ceremony which was witnessed by the local residents.
“This is the provincial government’s support to public school reforms implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd),” said Gov. Matugas.

The event was also witnessed by 1st district representative Francisco Matugas and Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas. (Provincial Information Center/FEA/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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BIR in Surigao del Sur set for ITR filing deadline

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, April 12 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) District Office 106 in Surigao del Sur has already braced itself for the anticipated throng of Income Tax Return (ITR) filers especially on April 16 deadline.

According to Revenue District Officer Amanoding Esmail, his office has already put up a Tax Filing Center in both the cities of Tandag and Bislig. They are manned by a revenue examiner to oversee the operations of the Office of the Collection Agent and the respective branches of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), being one of the BIR Authorized Agent Banks (AABs) here.

He said, under Bank Bulletin No. 2012-07, all BIR AABs are mandated to extend their banking hours up to 5:00 p.m. for the period April 2 to 16, 2012 apart from opening bank operations on March 31 and April 14 for purposes of accepting tax payments.

Esmail expressed confidence that his office will continue to hit its set monthly tax goal which, this April, is pegged at P64,193,000. (RER/NGBT/Greg S. Tataro, Jr., Radyo Ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)

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Regional Peace and Order Task Force intensifies efforts to assist evacuees

BUTUAN CITY, April 12 (PIA) -- The Regional Peace and Order (RPOC) Task Force Kitcharao created during the meeting of the regional body on April 3 in Butuan City has intensified multi-sectoral efforts to address the plight of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) originating from Cabadbaran City, Kitcharao in Agusan del Norte and Gigaquit in Surigao del Norte.

Chaired by Fr. Lito L. Clase of the Caraga Council for Peace and Development, the Task Force Kitcharao includes the Commission on Human Rights, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Commission for the Indigenous Peoples, National Economic and Development Authority, and the concerned local government units (LGUs).

It is tasked to lead in planning the steps to be undertaken for the evacuees to return to their places.

About 257 families or 1,106 individuals started arriving on March 23 at the gymnasium in Imadejas Subdivision in Butuan City, turning it as their evacuation camp. Mostly from the Mamanwa tribe, they are the IDPs from the alleged armed conflict between the government’s armed forces and the New People’s Army specifically in Zapanta Valley in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte.

Aside from distributing food packs from the DSWD, LGUs of Butuan City and Agusan del Norte, and other sectors, several dialogues were already conducted by the Task Force Kitcharao whose members became busy attending to the needs of the said evacuees amid the height of the observance of the Holy Week.

An ocular inspection was facilitated by Mayor Jenry Montante of Kitcharao to check the situation in Zapanta Valley to see if it is safe for the IDPs to return to their communities. The ocular inspection team revealed that there were no houses destroyed or damaged and that the area was clear from skirmishes and presence of the two opposing armed forces. The team consequently declared the area safe for the return of these IDPs.

The LGUs of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City provided transportation when some of the IDPs agreed to return to their places of residence in Kitcharao on April 5.

A Task Force Kitcharao dialogue with the LGU of Cabadbaran City was conducted on April 11 at the Cabadbaran City Hall where the body reiterated the request of the remaining IDPs for the concerned local government to identify IDPs from their area, and to check if it is already safe for the IDPs to return to their habitual places of residence. (RER/NCLM/Ian G. Miculob/PIA-Caraga/NEDA-13)

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Construction of multimillion irrigation system in Patin-ay starts

By William U. Andres

AGUSAN DEL SUR, April 12 (PIA) -- The construction of a P15-million worth of irrigation system starts after a ground-breaking ceremony and memorandum of agreement (MOA) was executed between the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), the provincial government, the local government unit (LGU) of Prosperidad, Barangay Patin-ay, and the Barangay Patin-ay Irrigators' Association (BPIA).

According to Ruperto Eva, President of the BPIA, the project is for the farmers in Patin-ay because they have been wishing that an irrigation system be constructed in the area so that rain waters can be controlled during rainy season while surely increasing their production because of constant water supply.

Engr. Ferdinand Amon, head of the NIA based in Rosario town, said the cost of the project had already reached P15 million for the Phase 3 implementation whose funds were taken from the provincial development for agriculture fund of Cong. Maria Valantina Plaza, the provincial government, the municipal government of Prosperidad and NIA.

“This amount will answer the completion of Barangay Patin-ay Communal Irrigation System where some mechanisms will also be installed so that it will be easier for the farmers to irrigate their rice fields so that there will be no damages that will incur during floods,” Engr. Amon said.

According to Engr. Amon, the irrigation system can be sufficient to irrigate some 100 hectares of rice fields of around 50 farmers in the area. Because of enough and controlled supply of water, farmers can possibly produce 1,000 cabans of rice per hectare if they will also use and adopt the modern way of farming and technology.

Cong. Tina Plaza also encouraged the farmers to work even harder and consider the project as another investment for better income and economic development of their families. Cong. Plaza also assured the residents of Patin-ay that she will continue to look for funds so that the same projects can be replicated in other areas.

The phase 1 of the project was the dredging of Patin-ay canal that leads to La Caridad, and Phase 2 was the completion that connects Patin-ay river to Gibong River. (RER/DMS-PIA Agusan del Sur)

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Cebuano news: Aquino gi-welcome ang Governor-General sa Commonwealth gikan sa Autralia

By Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Abril 12 (PIA) – Si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III gi-abi-abi si Quentin Bryce, Governor-General sa Commonwealth sa Australia nga maoy mu-mugna sa duha ka adlaw nga State Visit sa Pilipinas karong adlawa, Abril 12 hangtod Abril 13.

Ang Pangulo hatagan si Bryce og usa ka tradisyonal nga welcome nga gasa sa Malacañang sa pagbisita sa pangulong estado lakip na pud niini ang full military honors ug 21 gun salute sa gawas sa palasyo karong adlawa sa buntag. Human niini, usa ka state dinner ang i-host sa Pangulo ang ipahigayon.

Ang Department of Foreign Affairs niingon sa usa ka saysay kabahin sa usa ka meeting sa pangulo, si Bryce usab ang mu-asikaso sa site visit sa Conditional Cash Transfer program sa Department of Social Walfare and Development (DSWD) ug BRACE (Building the Resilience and Awareness of Metro Manila Communities to Natural Disaster and Climate Change Impacts), programa sa Australian Agency for International Aid (AusAID).

Ang pagbisita ni Bryce ang una sukad siya nahimong Governor-General sa Commonwealth sa Australia. Siya nagalaum nga mapakusgan, mapabuhi ug mapaabtik ang kauban sa duha ka nasud nga muabot pa sa sulod sa 66 ka katuigan. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: Aquino mipagawas sa Proclamation No. 362 pagdeklarar sa 2010 population nga miabot na sa 92.34 milyon

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Abril 12 (PIA) -- Gideklarar ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang opisyal nga populasyon sa Pilipinas base sa tuig 2010 nga miabot na sa 92.34 milyon matud sa National Statistics Office (NSO).

Base sa 2012 Census of Population and Housing nga gipahigayon sa NSO, ang kinatibuk-ang populasyon sa Pilipinas niadtong Mayo 1, 2012 mokabat na sa 92,337,852.

Ang maong mga ihap sa sensos nahimong opisyal uban ang pagpirma ni Pangulong Aquino sa Proclamation No. 362 niadtong Marso 30, 2012.

Ang 2010 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) gisugdan sa NSO niadtong Mayo ngadto Hunyo tuig 2012 isip pagsunod sa Commonwealth Act 591 ug Batas Pambansa Blg. 72.

Ang Commonwealth Act No. 591, nga aprobado niadtong Agosto 19, 1940, mitugot sa kanhi Bureau of Census and Statistics nga (karon National Statistics Office o NSO) sa pagkolekta pinaagi sa enumeration, sampling o lain pang mga pamaagi ug statistics ug lain pang impormasyon kalabot na sa populasyon, ug mopahigayon sa mga imbestigayon alang sa statistical nga mga katuyoan ug mga pagtoon sa sosyal ug ekonomikanhong mga kundisyon sa nasod, ug susama pang uban.

Ang Batas Pambansa Blg. 72 mihatag sa dugang gahom sa NSO aron mopahigayon sa mga population census matag napulo ka tuig sugod niadtong 1980, nga walay pagdaot sa gipahigayon nga espesyal nga mga census sa agriculture, industry, commerce, housing, ug lain pang mga sector nga aprobado sa National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

"Section 9 of Executive Order No. 121 (s. 1987), otherwise known as the “Reorganization Act of the Philippine Statistical System,” declared that the NSO shall be the major statistical agency responsible for generating general purpose statistics and for undertaking such censuses and surveys as may be designated by the National Statistical Coordination Board," ang Pangulo miingon.

Ang 2010 Census of Population and Housing gipahigayon uban ang tumong sa pag-ihap sa gidaghanon sa mga residente dinhi sa nasod ug ang ilang mga pinuy-anan.

Ang NSO mibutyag nga ang populasyon sa tuig 2010 misaka sa 15.83 milyon kumpara niadtong tuig 2000 nga 76.51 milyon. Sa tuig 1990, ang kinatibuk-ang populasyon miabot sa 60.70 milyon.

Ang populasyon sa Pilipinas misaka sa 1.90 porsyento kada tuig, sa tuig 2000-2010. Kini nagpasabot nga adunay duha ka mga tawo ang nadugang kada tuig sa matag 100 ka mga tawo sa populasyon.

Ang mga Population censuses gipahigayon kada 10 ka tuig sugod niadtong tuig 1980.

Ang NSO maoy kinalabwang statistical agency nga gitahasan alang sa statistics, censuses ug mga surveys nga gitugot sa National Statistical Coordination Board. (RER/FEA/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano news: Malacañang mibutyag nga muhatag og ayuda ang gobyerno sa mga pamilya sa mga Pilipino seafarers nga namatay sa Iran

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 12 (PIA) -- Ang Malacañang gipaabot ang ilang simpatiya sa mga pamilya sa Mga Pilipino nga seafarers nga nangamatay samtang sila gi-rescue human ang ilang barko gi-hijack sa mga Somali nga pirata duol sa baybayon sa India niadtong niaging bulan.

Ang palasyo nisaad usab og ayuda sa mga pamilya sa mga seafarers.

“Kami ni-simpatya sa mga pamilya sa duha ka Pilipino nga gipatay samtang sila gisulayan og rescue. Ang amo pagsabot nga adunay ayuda nga gihatag kanila. Samtang, kami mapasalamaton guihapon nga na-secure ang release sa mga Pilipino nga seamen,” butyag ni Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda sa usa ka press briefing sa Malacanang niadtong Miyerkules.

Ang Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) ni-ingon nga ang mga biktima anaa sa 10 ka mga Pilipino nga tripulante nga sakop sa carrier MV Eglantine nga gi-hijack sa mga Somali nga pirata. Ang sakyanang pandagat nga gipanag-iyahan sa Iran gidakop sa mga Somali nga pirata duol sa baybayon sa India niadtong Marso 26.

Samtang ang Iranian Navy naglunsad og rescue operation ug gihimong mga human shield sa mga pirata ang mga tripulante, ingon sa DFA.

Bisan pa man ang mga rescuer nakabawi guihapon og walo ka mga tripulante nga Pilipino nga seamen. Ang duha nga tripulante nga Pilipino namatay tungod sa pinusilan sa ulo ug naglisod sa pagginhawa sa sulod sa engine room.

Samtang, ang mga Iranian commandos nakadakop og 12 ka mga Somali nga pirata.

Ang mga naka-survive nga mga tripulante midangat na sa Manila gahapong adlawa. Ang pag-uli sa mga namatay ginalihok guihapon sa Embahada sa Pilipinas ug Iran, sigon sa DFA.

Ang shipping company nihatag og kasiguruhan nga sila muhatag og ensakto nga financial compensation sa mga pamilya nga namatayan, dugang pa sa DFA. (RER/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: Mga empleyado sa BIR mudawat og ITRs sa mga Banko

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, April 12 (PIA) -– Ang mga empleyado sa Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) gipangdestino sa mga nagkadaiyang bangko sa dakbayan para makatabang sa pagfile og income tax returns.

Sa usa ka interview nga gipahigayon sa Radyo ng Bayan, si BIR Regional Director Norberto D. Vitug nagkanayon nga ang mga empleyado sa BIR ilang gipangdestino sa nagkadaiyang bangko sa Butuan para makatabang sa pag-file og income tax return ug mapadali ng proseso sa mga porma.

“Ang mga taxpayers mamahimo na nga mu-file sa mga bangko aron dili na sila muadto sa BIR nga opisina aron mag file sa ilang income tax returns. Aduna usab kami gibutang nga Tax Payer Assistance Service Center sa nagkadaiyang Barangay sama sa Ampayon, Libertad, ug aduna pud sa city hall, Gaisano Mall, ug sa public market aron matabangan ang mag tax payers kalabot sa ilang pag-file og income tax returns,” ingon ni Vitug.

Adunay nga commercial nga mga bangko nga accredited sa BIR nga obligado nga mudawat sa income tax return hangtud sa alas 5:00 sa hapon, sama sa Land Bank, Philippine National Bank, ug uban pang bangko nga accredited sa regional office sa BIR.

Sa Abril 15 ang katapusan sa pagfile og income tax return. Ang BIR Director usab nagpadumdum sa mga filers nga magfile samtang sayo-sayo pa. (NCLM/PIA-CARAGA)

PIA News Service - Wednesday, April 11, 2012

BIR personnel accept ITRs from Butuan banks

By by Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- Employees of Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) were assigned in different banks in Butuan City to help banks in filing their income tax returns.

In an interview over Radyo ng Bayan here, BIR Regional Director Norberto D. Vitug said BIR employees were assigned to different banks to help them file their income tax return and also for the immediate processing of the forms.

“Taxpayers were also allowed to file in the bank so they will no longer go to the BIR offices to file their income tax returns. We have also the Tax Payer Assistance Service Center in some barangays such as Ampayon, Libertad, and also in the City Hall, Gaisano Mal, and in the public market to help taxpayers concerning the income tax filing,” Vitug said.

There are commercial banks that are accredited by the BIR and under obligation to accept income tax return until 5:00 p.m. such as the Land Bank, Philippine National Bank, and other banks accredited by the regional office of the BIR.

The deadline for the filing of income tax is on April 15. The BIR director also advised the filers to pay ahead of the deadline. (RER/NCLM-PIA 13 CARAGA)

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DSWD Caraga earmarks P55.3M in development projects

By Keneath John Bolisay

BUTUAN CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- In a continued effort to bring basic social services to people in the far-flung areas of the Caraga region, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga is allocating some P55,320,000 grant in development projects through its anti-poverty program Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS).

According to Asst. Regional Director Mita G. Lim, this new fund is still part of the expansion of the KALAHI-CIDSS project and the first loan agreement with World Bank.

The grant will be utilized for infrastructure projects and capacity-building activities as the program is expanding its coverage to nine new municipalities in the region.

“The project expansion will commence with simultaneous project launching in the respective areas and MOA (memorandum of agreement) signing with key partner stakeholders that will happen within the next two weeks,” Lim said.

The project will cover the areas of RTR and Kitcharao in Agusan del Norte; Alegria, Mainit, Tubod, Del Carmen, Burgos, and Sta. Monica in Surigao del Norte; and Lingig in Surigao del Sur.

Aside from the grant that will come from DSWD, the beneficiary municipalities will also provide their local counterpart contribution (LCC) of 30 percent in cash and in-kind.

“The KALAHI-CIDSS financial system works in a way that key development players are given roles in planning, budgeting and decision-making that make up half of the implementation process that ensures transparency and accountability; each contributing an impact in alleviating poverty,” Lim added.

Since its pilot implementation in 2003, KALAHI-CIDSS has disbursed a total grant of P357,786,439.20 in completing 490 sub-projects in 321 barangays in 22 municipalities in Caraga Region. (RER/NCLM/PIA-Caraga/DSWD-13)

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DSWD-Caraga renews KALAHI-CIDSS partnership with Gigaquit

By Keneath John O. Bolisay

BUTUAN CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- For its second year of implementation, the government’s anti-poverty project Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), through the regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Caraga renewed its engagement with the local government unit (LGU) of Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte with two development projects underway.

Through a memorandum of agreement signed recently, the LGU is set to implement two community-driven development projects. These are the “regular” three-year cycle of KALAHI-CIDSS and the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) for one year.

Both are community-driven development anti-poverty projects implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The financial mechanism of KALAHI-CIDSS comprises a local counterpart contribution (LCC) scheme for which the local government unit will receive a Kalahi-CIDSS grant of P5,850,000 and at the same time will provide a 30 percent LCC of P2,674,285.71 for infrastructure projects.

Three identified conflict-affected barangays in the municipality will also receive a grant of P900,000 from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process for peace and development projects aimed at building resilient communities. (RER/NCLM/KJB/PIA-Caraga/DSWD-13)

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Confiscated timber turned over in Butuan City

By Maria Luisa Dianah Z. Generalao

BUTUAN CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Rico E. Puno lead the formal turnover of confiscated logs to the Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office and the Philippine National Police (PNP) officials held recently at the Police Regional Office (PRO) Regional Headquarters, Camp Rafael Rodriguez, this city.

The 1.1 million board feet of timber products, which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional officials estimated to cost P14.9 million, were confiscated during the 159 separate Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) assisted joint operations of the DENR, PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) anti-illegal logging teams in Caraga Region following the arrest of 85 suspected illegal logging violators.

In his message,Puno said the PAOCC will continue to support law enforcement action to prosecute all persons behind this wanton destruction of our forest cover here in Mindanao.

"The full might of the country’s law enforcement community represented by the PNP, AFP, DENR – backed by the supportive guidance of the PAOCC and the national leadership shall continue to wage war against environmental law violators and syndicates behind the destruction of our natural resources," he added.

The official also lauded officers and rank-and-file personnel of PRO 13 for their feat in terms of environmental protection and law enforcement in the region.Puno also added that PRO 13 has done so much in the past three months which indicates a positive outlook of things to come.

The turn-over ceremony was attended by Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., PNP-13 Director Reynaldo Rafal, DENR Regional Technical Director Virgilio dela Cruz, and members of the PAOCC.

The turned-over timbers will be utilized to make school desks for public schools in Caraga Region and for the construction of PNP shelters and outposts in the region. Mayor Amante also requested the undersecretary for a share of the wood products for the relocation of families affected by Task Force Likas. (RER/NCLM/PIA-Caraga/LGU-Butuan City)

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Lathalain: Wastong timbang para sa mahabang buhay

Ni Divorah V. Aguila

MANILA, Abril 11 (PIA) -- 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 kung hindi 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.
• 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 or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: Aquino, Emir sa Qatar saksi sa pagpirma sa upat ka mga gikasabotan

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Abr. 11 (PIA) -- Gisaksihan nila Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ug Haring Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, ang Emir sa Qatar ang pagpirma sa upat ka government to government nga mga gikasabotan kagahapon Martes didto sa Malacañang.

Ang Emir sa Qatar miabot dinhi sa Pilipinas Martes sa hapon alang sa duha ka-adlaw nga pagbisita dinhi sa nasod.

Selyado na sa duha ka mga nasod ang kasabotan kalabot na sa tourism, legal and justice, agriculture and fishery cooperation lakip usab ang mga pamuhunan. Gipirmahan usab ang kasabotan sa usa ka private sector alang sa pag-establisar sa joint business council tali sa Pilipinas ug Qatar.

Ang memorandum of understanding (MOU) sa turismo gikatakdang mohimo og paborableng mga kondisyones ngadto sa long-term ties sa industriya sa turismo nga makahatag benipisyo alang sa Pilipinas ug Qatar.

Kabahin sa legal front, ang MOU sa kooperasyon kalabot na sa legal field maoy mopasiugda sa panag-ambitay sa mga kasinatian ug maayong kahimoan sa mga mandato sa duha ka mga nasod sa mga tagsa-tagsa niini ka mga ministries of justice.

Ang MOU sa agrikultura ug kooperasyon sa pangisda, gikatakdang mogalam sa sectoral nga kalamboan ug mopauswag sa natad sa agrikutura tali sa duka mga nasod.

Pipila ka mga erya ang naapil niini mao ang crops technology, vegetable and fruit preservation, biotechnology, post harvest technology, livestock and fisheries, coastal and deep-sea fishing management, irrigation, water resources ug halal industry.

Ang duha ka mga nasod mipausbaw usab sa mga tie-ups sa kooperasyon sa pamuhunan pinaagi sa pagpirma og usa ka MOU tali sa Department of Trade and Industry ug sa Qatar Holdings Limited Liability Corporation.

Kining maong MOU palapdan ang mga oportunidad sa pamuhunan sa Pilipinas sa nagkalain-laing mga sector lakip ang natural resources, commodities, energy, agriculture and infrastructure.

Luyo sa mga government-to-government nga mga kasabotan , gipanday usab ang usa ka private sector tie up sa pag-establisar og usa ka joint business council tali sa Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry ug ang Qatari Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (RER/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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Cebuano news: TESDA mipresentar sa unang grupo nga migradwar sa Siargao Island

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Apr. 11 (PIA) -– Ang Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) sa Surigao del Norte gipresentar bag-ohay pa lamang ang pinaka-unang grupo nga migradwar didto sa Siargao Island sa usa ka simpleng commencement rites nga gipahigayon didto sa Women’s Center sa General Luna, ning maong probinsya.

Ang unang grupo naglakip sa 24 ka mga gradwado sa security services, 12 sa housekeeping, 24 sa healthcare, 10 sa massage, ug unom sa bartending.

Si Surigao del Norte 1st District Congressman Francisco Matugas maoy nahimong pinasidunggang mamumulong atol sa maong kalihukan nga nagdala sa tema nga, “Your gift of learning our tool for nation building.”

Mitambong usab sa maong kalihukan sila Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas, TESDA Provincial Director Rodrigo de Villa ug Gen. Luna Mayor Jaime Rusillo. (Provincial Information Center/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Tuesday, April 10, 2012

DSWD releases P22-M to Caraga Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries

By Stella Maris V. Barcelon

BUTUAN CITY, April 10 (PIA) -- The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) recently released cash grants to some 10,619 beneficiaries of set 5 areas for the month of January and February 2012, amounting to P22,011,400.00.

These areas include the municipalities and cities of Nasipit, Magallanes, Santiago, Tubay, San Jose, Alegria, Burgos, Sta. Monica, Cortes, San Agustin, Bislig City and Tandag City, all in Caraga Region.

The beneficiaries received their cash grants through over-the-counter (OTC) payments in their respective Landbank branches. During cash grant releases, the latest beneficiaries were advised to make use of money for the educational and nutritional needs of the family especially the children.

“Pinaagi sa tabang sa Pantawid Pamilya ma abag-abagan ang among panginahanglanon, labi na karon nga ting sira na sa klase makabayad na kami sa mga amutan sa eskuylahan (Through the help of Pantawid Pamilya, some of our needs can now be addressed especially that classes are about to end, we can already pay our school dues),” Lindy M. Amoguis, 36, from Bislig City said.

The program offers cash grants to the beneficiaries as long as beneficiaries comply with the conditions. These conditions include (1) children enrolled in pre-school and elementary must have at least 85 percent of the school attendance, (2) monthly health check-ups of children and pregnant mothers, and (3) attendance to the monthly Family Development Session (FDS). Each household will receive P500 cash grant for health, and P300 for education maximum of 3 children.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is one of the flagship programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in poverty reduction. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga/DSWD-13)
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Multi-sectoral electrification advisory council organized in Agusan del Sur

By William U. Andres

AGUSAN DEL SUR, April 10 (PIA) -- Responding to the call of the National Electrification Administration (NEA), the Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO) convened leader-members of the cooperative to organize the multi-sectoral electrification advisory council (MSEAC).

This was to give space for the member-consumers to participate in addressing the power crises that Mindanao is now facing.

In order to realize the creation of the council, a one-day congress was called.

It was participated by selected sector representatives from the business, local government units, association of barangay captains, women’s organization, youth, media and other stakeholder-sectors, and discussed issues and concerns that could possibly help the different sectors to improve ASELCO’s operation and services.

“The National Electrification Administration has lay down its intention that every electric cooperative in the country must organize the MSEAC whose members will be coming from the different sectors of the society in order to represent their sector in formulizing policies and suggest programs that can help the cooperative in the discharge of its duties, responsibilities and services,” Dir. Benjie Peralta of NEA said.

“While the services rendered by ASELCO to its member-consumers are good, it will become better this time because of the creation of the MSEAC. ASELCO can now monitor where they failed in extending their services because of this advisory council, while policies may now be polished in order that they become relevant to the needs,” Vice Gov. Santiago Cane, who was the guest of honor and speaker said.

According to Board of Directors Pres. Joel Jumonong, one of the moves of the MSEAC was the passing of a resolution creating satellite offices in the municipal level so that payment of electric bills are made easier.

In time with the conduct of the congress, three new members of the Board of Directors took their oath of office. They are Dir. Cora Cullantes of District IV, Prosperidad area, Dir. Benedict Chee of District I, Sibagat and Esperanza and Dir. Narciso Cellan Sr. of District V, Rosario and Bunawan area. (DMS/WUA/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

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DSWD Caraga puts new framework to KALAHI-CIDSS

By Keneath John O. Bolisay

BUTUAN CITY, April 10 (PIA) -- With the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) scale-up in full swing this year, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has mainstreamed three new “lenses” to the project’s implementation.

Meant to answer emerging issues, the DSWD has integrated three new lenses or frameworks in KALAHI-CIDSS. These are on gender lens, peace lens and integration of disaster risk reduction into climate change adaptation (CCA) in planning and decision-making.

In line with the continuous systems enhancement, the KALAHI-CIDSS shall promote active participation of both men and women in decision-making within the opportunities provided by project activities, and to ensure that both have equal access to and enjoy the benefits of project implementation.

Likewise, peace lens will be adopted to look for opportunities for building peace, peace trends, zones of conflict, and how peace is construed when talking about security and the potential impact of policies.

Lastly, the community-based disaster risk reduction into climate change adaptation framework will be adopted for full participation and contribution of volunteers for stronger, more resilient and more sustainable community.

“These ‘lenses’ are part of the scaling-up implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS throughout the country until 2015,” said Assistant Regional Director Mita G. Lim.

She said, “These will help greatly in the holistic approach we employ in community-driven development projects such as Kalahi-CIDSS in response to prevalent social and environmental conditions in far-flung areas who are very susceptible to such problems.”
Recently, new members of Area Coordinating Teams underwent a basic orientation on Kalahi-CIDSS and skills training, which also included the discussion on these new lenses. (RER/NCLM/KJB/PIA-Caraga/DSWD-13)

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Liga Ng Mga Barangay chapter assembly set in Surigao del Sur

By Greg Tataro

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, April 10 (PIA) -- The 11th Provincial Assembly of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas-Surigao del Sur Chapter is set on April 18 – 21 at Villa Maria Luisa Hotel, this city

According to Mr. Tony Campos, chief of staff of Liga President Vicente Pimentel III, the four-day affair with the theme “Current Trends In Barangay Development,” aims to update barangay leaders on how to fully develop their respective communities through the application of current trends in socio-economic development.”

Campos added, Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo and Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian are expected to grace the occasion. (Radyo Ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA Surigao del Sur)

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Feature: Grazing your way to health

By Celeste C. Tanchoco

MANILA, April 10 (PIA) -- We are a nation of snackers – taking snacks when skipping breakfast or lunch, while watching television or surfing through the net, in response to stress or boredom, or while chatting with friends.

Snacking for some is important in meeting calorie and nutrient needs while others may need to modify snacking habits to less fat, sugar, and calorie intake. What is important to consider is that snacking should be part of a healthy diet.

As our lifestyles become more hectic, many lack the time and consistent schedule to sit down and eat three meals a day as meals may be grabbed on the run. This eating pattern of munching and crunching throughout the day is often referred to as “grazing.”

Grazers eat on the run, eat small amounts more often, and often eat independently of other family members.

While grazing can be an effective way of filling-in extra calories and nutrients otherwise missing from inadequate or skipped meals, it can also be a source of extra calories, fat and salt. If snacks are considered mini-meals which are part of a healthy diet, grazing can be a healthy style of eating, and may be a more convenient way to eat.

Taking several mini-meals a day can help to:

• Optimize your energy and mental power. More than four hours without eating deprives you of the fuel needs to concentrate and function at your best.
• Control your weight. Eating small frequent meals prevent you from becoming too hungry, which in turn make it easier to keep you from overeating, and thus becoming overweight.
• Reduce the load on your heart. After you eat, your heart pumps extra blood to your stomach and intestine to digest the meal – the larger the meal, the more work for your heart.
• Prevent heartburn. Large meals are more likely to cause stomach acids to reflux into the esophagus causing heartburn.

Make snacking a healthy part of your lifestyle. Develop snacking habits for healthy living by:

• Making snack food choices as part of a puzzle that makes up a healthy eating pattern.
•All foods can fit. There are no right or wrong snack foods. For as long as taken in moderation and balanced over one or more days, all foods can be part of a healthy eating style.
• Moderation is the key. All foods fit. Moderate how often and how much food containing high levels of calories, fat, salt and sugar you eat.
• Variety is a must. Select snack foods from a variety of food groups to meet nutritional needs. Besides, variety gives pleasure and interest to eating.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; Trunkline: 837-2071 local 2296; Telephone/Fax No.: 837-3164; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; Website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRI S & T MEDIA SERVICE/PIA-Caraga)

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TESDA presents Siargao Island’s first batch of graduates

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Apr. 10 (PIA) -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Surigao del Norte presented recently its first batch of graduates in Siargao Island in a simple commencement rites held at the Women’s Center in Gen. Luna, this province.

The first batch include 24 for security services, 12 for housekeeping, 24 for healthcare, 10 for massage, and six for bartending with First District Congressman Francisco Matugas as the keynote speaker.

The event carries the theme, “Your gift of learning our tool for nation building.”

Governor Sol Matugas, TESDA Provincial Director Rodrigo de Villa and Gen. Luna Mayor Jaime Rusillon, have also graced the graduation ceremony. (Provincial Information Center/FEA/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

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MinDA, ARMM ink MoA to boost investments in Muslim Mindanao

COTABATO CITY, April 10 (PIA) -- Local and foreign investments in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are seen to grow this year following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the ARMM-regional government.

Signed during the 1st ARMM Economic Summit held here recently, the MOA is aimed at boosting local and foreign direct investments in the ARMM, which is among the three-pillar thrusts of the new ARMM government, along with reforming its bureaucracy and upholding peace and security.

With the MOA, MinDA and the ARMM regional government shall establish a one-stop-shop that would facilitate business transactions faster, easier and more convenient for prospective investors.

The partnership shall also embark on a strengthened campaign to promote and facilitate investments ranging from small and medium enterprises to agro-industrial ventures.

The ARRM-Regional Board of Investments (RBOI), in coordination with MinDA, is currently facilitating the entry of two companies which are planning to expand their banana plantations in ARMM.

"Said investments are valued at P1.5-billion,” said Larzon Santos, ARMM-BOI research division chief.

In his keynote speech during the summit, Gov. Mujiv Hataman said that uplifting the social and economic conditions of ARMM following years of downturn entails aggressive measures on enterprise development, harnessing existing industries, and drawing more businessmen to invest in the region.

In a study commissioned by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), it was found out that like the rest of Mindanao, ARMM has an excellent agro-climatic conditions which is conducive to producing a wide range of high value agricultural crops.

The study also revealed that ARMM’s fertile soils yield crops like cassava, white corn and coffee that are superior to those grown elsewhere in Mindanao.

Unlike neighboring regions whose lands are now extensively farmed, there remain large tracts of land available for farming in ARMM.

The study also boasts of the region’s competitive labor cost which is 20 percent lower than in Davao, 26 percent lower compared to Central Luzon and about 43 percent lower than in Metro Manila.

“It is useful to note that there are a number of companies that have dared to invest in ARMM and have actually done well,” said Dr. Ciel Habito of the Brain Trust Incorporated, economic advisor of Hataman.

Habito said that La Frutera, a banana export venture in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao of the multinational firm Unifrutti and Agumil, a Malaysian-owned palm oil processing company in Buluan, has shown the way.

He added that Matling Industrial and Commercial Corporation has been processing cassava into flour in Malabang, Lanao del Sur, since 1928 and is the largest cassava processor in Mindanao.

“Lamsan Incorporated has been manufacturing cornstarch and other products from corn in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, for four decades now. Philippine Trade Center Incorporated is another cornstarch manufacturer in the same municipality,” he said.

Moreover, Habito said that EA Trilink Corporation registered a P1.5 billion investment in ARMM last year to upgrade the region’s information and communications technology capabilities to world standards.

In spite of these seeming advantages, the study showed that ARMM has not only failed to attract the investments it needs to bring more jobs and incomes to its people; it has also sunk into deeper poverty.

Hataman said that the keys to achieving economic growth in ARMM are transparency in governance and the active participation of private sector.

“Kaya nating baguhin ang takbo ng pamamahala sa ARMM (We can change the way ARMM is being governed)”, he said adding that his administration is keen on following the “tuwid na landas” (straight path), President Benigno Aquino’s platform in governance.

He emphasized that “all efforts towards pump-priming ARMM’s economy will be put into waste if its people are not cooperating”.

He said that the new ARMM government needs as much cooperation from its people as it can get.

For its part, MinDA believes that a strengthened and empowered local government unit (LGU) and communities are the prime-movers of a bottom-up development as embodied under the Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan (Mindanao 2020), Mindanao’s peace and development blueprint for the period 2011-2030.

The Mindanao 2020 envisions a stable, autonomous, self-reliant and effective governance mechanism for the Bangsamoro people that is widely acceptable and finds active support from its citizenry. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga/MinDA)

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Lathalain: Food-borne diseases iwasan, ligtas at malinis na pagkain tiyakin

Ni Marilou R. Galang

MANILA, Abril 10 (PIA) -- Ang Gabay sa Wastong Nutrisyon para sa Plipino o Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos na binalangkas sa pamumuno ng Food and Nutrition Research Institute ng Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) ay binubuo ng sampung pangunahing rekomendasyon ng naglalayong itaguyod ang mabuting kalusugan at wastong nutrisyon ng mga Pilipino.

Ang ikasiyam na gabay ay nagsasaad na “Kumain ng malinis at ligtas na pagkain." Layunin ng mensahe na ito na ipabatid ang mga paraan kung paano maiiwasan ang mga sakit na nakukuha sa pagkain at ang iba’t-ibang pinanggagalingan ng kontaminasyon ng pagkain.

Ang food-borne disease o mga sakit na nakukuha sa pagkain ay resulta ng pagkomsumo ng mga pagkain na galing sa hayop na may sakit bago pa ito katayin, kontaminado ng mga organismo dala ng mga insekto, langaw, ipis o daga, kontaminado dahil sa hindi ligtas at maayos na pamamaraan ng mga taong may kinalaman sa paghahanda at paghahain ng mga pagkain, nagtataglay ng mga nakalalasong mga sangkap galing sa pagkain mismo o naidagdag nang hindi sinasadya.

Ang impormasyong ito ay hatid sa inyo ng FNRI-DOST, ang pangunahing ahensiya ng gobyerno sa pananaliksik sa pagkain at nutrisyon. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon at kaalaman sa pagkain at nutrisyon, sumulat o tumawag kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Direktor, FNRI-DOST sa kanyang email address: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph o mar_v_c@yahoo.com o sa telepono bilang 837-2934/837-3164. Maaari ding bisitahin ang FNRI website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service)

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Cebuano news: PR elektado usab sa UN information body

BUTUAN CITY, Abril 10 (PIA) -- Ang Pilipinas napili pag usab sa laing duha ka katuigan nga termino sa United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – usa ka ahensya nga nagabuhat aron masiguro ang kabus nga mag tao sa katibuk-an nga mahatagan ug access sa komunikasyon ug teknolohiya nga makatabang sa ilang kalisud.

Ang Manila pagapangulohan ni Secretary Herminio Coloma gikan sa Presidential Communications Operations Office nga mu-serbisyo sa dugang duha ka tuig nga termino nga magsugod sa tuig 2012 hangtud 2013 isip Vice President sa UNESCO Information for All Programme (IFAP) Council uban sa Austria ug Grenada representatives.

Ang IFAP member-states gilangkuban sa Austria, Belgium, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Grenada, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Madagascar, Mali, Mongolia, Niger, Oman, Peru, Russian Federation, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania and Urunguay.

Napili usab sa IFAP Bureau ang Russian Federation isip Pangulo, Latvia, Oman, ug Tanzania nga miyembro ug ingon man ang Colombia isip mu-imbestigar ug maghatag ug report. (RER/NCLM/Danilo S. Makiling/PIA-CARAGA)

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Cebuano news: Pangulong Aquino gipangunahan ang paghandom sa ika-70th Araw ng Kagitingan didto sa Bataan

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Abril 10 (PIA) -– Gibutyag ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang walay puas nga suporta sa gobyerno ngadto sa mga beteranong Filipino nga nakig-away alang sa kagawasan ug soberensya sa nasod sa milabay nga pipila ka mga dekada.

Sa iyang mensahe atol sa paghandom sa ika- 70th Araw ng Kagitingan kagahapon Lunes, ang Pangulo miingon nga ang mga beterano ug ang ilang mga tagsa-tagsa ka mga benipisyaryo sayon na karon makapahimulos sa mga tabang medikal gikan sa dugang mokabat 600 ka mga hospital libot sa nasod nga akreditado sa Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC).

“Kung hindi pa po ninyo nababalitaan, hayaan ninyo na ako na ang maghatid ng good news para sa inyo… ito pong ika-31 ng Marso mas madali nang makatatanggap ng benepisyong pangkalusugan ang ating mga beterano. Limangdaan siyamnapu’t siyam (599) na ospital po sa buong bansa ang na-accredit ng Veterans Memorial Medical Center bilang regional o provincial extensions,” ang Pangulo miingon.

“Lumawak na rin po ang mga serbisyong maaaring i-subsidize ng VMMC… pati po operasyon sa katarata, coronary andiogram at cardiac bypass kasali na,” siya midugang.

“Dahil rin po sa ipinapatupad na direct remittance pension servicing system, mas mabilis at mas husto nang matatanggap ng mga beterano ang kanilang pensiyon, nilinis na rin po ang mga talaan ng mga pensiyonado nating kababayan upang masigurong ang pera ay nakararating sa dapat nitong hantungan… iyan po ang ilan sa mga paraan upang kilalanin natin ang kagitingan ng ating mga beterano na ginugunita natin sa araw na ito,” gipasidunggan sa Pangulo ang dili malimod nga mga benipisyo sa kahiusahan ug kooperasyon sa tagsa-tagsa ka mga nasod.

“Ngayon nabubuhay na tayo ng mapayapa at natutuhan ang aral ng kasaysayan... walang maidudulot ang karahasan, hindi matatamo ang kaunlaran kung hindi makikipag-ugnayan sa mga karatig bansa, nasa interes ng lahat ang pakikipagtulungan,” siya midugang.

Human sa paghatag og pasidungog sa iyang pag-abot, si Pangulong Aquino mideretso ngadto sa Colonade Area alang sa Wreath Laying Ceremony diin siya mihalad ug mga bulak ngadto sa mga namatay’ng mga sundalo nga mihimo ug dakong sakripisyo alang sa nasod ug katawhan, pito ka mga dekada na ang milabay.

Mitambong usab sa maong kalihukan nga nagdala sa tema nga: “ Beterano Tagasulong ng Tunay at Walang Humpay na Pagbabago,” sila kanhi pangulong Fidel V. Ramos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe, US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Leslie Bassett ug lain pang lokal nga mga opisyales.

Didto usab sila Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Jesse Dellosa, Philippine Airforce Commanding General Maj. Gen. Lauro dela Cruz, Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Philippine National Police Chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome ug Navy Flag Officer In Command Rear Admiral Alexander Pama.

Ang tema karong tuiga mipasigarbo sa papel sa mga beterano, kinsa, bisan pa og nakahatag na og dakong kontribusyon sa nakab-ot nga kagawasan, kalinaw ug demokrasya, nagpadayon pa gihapon pagbuhat og maayo alang sa nasod.

Una siya mihatag sa iyang mensahe, gipangunahan sa Pangulo ang paghatag og award sa mga mingdaog sa Oratorical, Painting ug Essay Writing Contest nga gipahigayon subay sa selebrasyon karong tuiga. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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Cebuano news: CDA 2012 Gawad Parangal, gilusad

Ni Danilo S. Makiling

BUTUAN CITY, Abril 10 (PIA) -- Gilusad sa Cooperative Development Autority (CDA) ang “CDA Gawad Parangal’ sa katibuk-ang nasud karong tuig 2012, isip paghatag og pasidungog sa mga kooperatibang naghatag usab og kalambuan sa mga indibidwal nga miyembro niini.

Ang Gawad Parangal usa ka banderang programa sa CDA nga nagahatag og pasidungog sa mga kooperatiba ug sa ma lider sa mga kooperatiba ug ingon man sa mga kauban nga mga organisasyon aron mamahimong sulundunon sa ubang mga kooperatiba ug mahatagan og kusog ang ilang mga kapasidad sa opersyonal nga pamaagi niini.

Ang programa nagsugod niaging tuig human nga ang taga rehiyon sa Caraga nahimong Outsanding Cooperative (Large Category). Sa Agusan del Norte, ang Agusan del Norte Teachers, Retirees, Employees and Community Cooperative (ANTRECCO) nakakuha sa ika-tulo nga puwesto sa Mindanao area.

Ang pasidungog gihatag sa micro, small, medium, ug large scale nga kateguriya kung diin ang nidaug sa tagsa-tagsa nga mga katiguriya sa rehyional nga hut-ong makig-harong sa nasyonal na nga hut-ong.

Ang musonud maoy ang mga kwalipikasyon sa Outstanding Cooperatives: kinahanglan rehistrado sa CDA ug maayo sa iyang kahimtang sa sulod sa tulo ka katuigan.

Ang kooperatiba usab kinahanglan nga nanimuyo sa sulod sa lima ka katuigan ug kinahanglan nga maganansiyahon sa sulod sa duha ka tuig.

Kinahanglan nga sila napili sa mga mosunod nga mahisgot: cooperative federation or union, government organization, local government units, ug lain nga mga non-government organizations.

Samtang, ang kwalipikasyon sa outstanding LGU’s-Cooperative Development office lakip na niini ang musunod: kinahanglan nga gikan sa probinsyal o chartered o independent nga lungsod; formally organized, established o designated nga opisina; adunay trabahante ug pundo ug adunay angay nga kooperasyon sa pag ugmad sa ilang mga programa.

Sama sa niaging kategurya, ang mga piliunon kinahanglan nga gi-indorso sa CDA Cooperative Development Specialist ug bisan usa ka kooperatiba sa ilang lugar.

Para sa mga Outstanding Cooperative Leaders, ang mga mapili kinahanglan nga maayo sa ilang kahimtang isip miyembro sa kooperatiba sulod sa lima ka katuigan nga nilabay.

Kinahanglan nga sila usab napili nga opisyales sa ilang kooperatiba sa bisan usa ka termino, ug walay minus nga naka rehistro, ug adunay kontribusyon sa kooperatiba nga kaugmaran.

Dugang niini, ang nga mapili kinahanglan nga adunay upat ka mga nipili ug erdorser nga gikan sa mga musunod: cooperative, government organization, local government units, private sector, ug lain pang institusyon.

Ang mga mu-qualify nga mga kooperatiba mahukman sa mga musunod nga criteria: 40 percent sa organization, leadership and management (COOP indicators, membership, leadership ug management); 35 percent for financial management ug business operation (volume of business, ug financial soundness); 20 percent for social relevance (provident services & other support programs, community programs); ug 5 percent sa awards ug recognition (recognition/citation received-local international). (RER/PIA-Caraga)

PIA News Service - Monday, April 9, 2012

News Feature: Breastfeeding still best for babies even during emergencies

MANILA, April 9 (PIA) -- In emergency situations and where basic needs have been compromised, breastmilk remains a safe food for babies. Providing all nutrients needed for healthy development, it also 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 ensure that infants get adequate sustenance at the time when they need it.

Feeding infants and young children with milk formulas may pose danger to their nutrition and health status. First, safe water needed for 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 maybe also be contaminated that can cause diarrhea, cholera and other water-borne diseases.

Storage equipment, like refrigerators, is usually not available and the hot environment in evacuation areas may spoil milk formulas.

In a situation where economic activities of a household are disrupted and income and savings, if there are any, are exhausted, 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.

Another myth is that because mothers are undernourished or 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.

Breastfeeding is a lifesaving intervention. It is best for babies in normal and emergency situations.

For more information on cassava and its products or on food and nutrition, 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; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; Website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)

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Cebuano news: Aquino mangulo sa Energy Summit karong semanaha, sulti sa Malacañang

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Abril 9 (PIA) -- Ang Malacañang mibutyag kagahapong adlawa Domingo nga si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III maoy mangulo sa usa ka Energy Summit karong semanaha aron tukion ang krisis sa kuryente nga maoy hinungdan sa matag unya nga pagkapalong sa sugang dagitab sa Mindanao.

Sa press briefing nga nasibya sa estasyon dzRB Radyo ng Bayan si Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte miingon ang Pangulo mopahimulos niining higayon uban ang mga hingtungdan aron tukion ug hisgotan ang mga pamaagi aron matubag ang krisis sa enerhiya nga maoy hinungdan sa halos 15 ka oras nga pagkawala sa kuryente sa pipila ka mga parte sa Isla sa Mindanao.

“The President would like to take advantage of the opportunity to have all the stakeholders there (Energy Summit) and to clear the air about the situation in Mindanao,” Valte said.

Siya midugang nga ang Pangulo mohisgot sa sugyot nga mga solusyon sa gobyerno lakip usab ang pagpaminaw sa mga husistyon gikan sa hingtungdang mga partido “to have a speedier resolution to this problem.” (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

PIA News Service - Sunday, April 8, 2012

Cebuano news: Aquino gi-awhag ang mga Filipino sa pagsunod sa mga buhat ni Kristo sa iyang mensahe sa Domingo sa Pagkabanhaw

SURIGAO CITY, Abril 8 (PIA) –- Si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III moduyog uban sa nasod karong Domingo sa pagselebrar sa pagkakabanhaw ni Hesukristo ug iyang giawhag ang mga Filipino nga sundon ang mga buhat ni Hesukristo aron magmugna og nasod nga diin wala nay kapobrehon.

"Ipinagdiriwang po natin ngayon ang muling pagkabuhay ni Hesukristong anak ng Diyos matapos niyang isalba ang sanlibutan mula sa kasalanan. Sa kanyang dakilang sakripisyo, pinasan niya ang kasalanan nating lahat; sinapo niya ang ating mga kahinaan at binuksan ang pintuan tungo sa kaharian ng Diyos Ama. Tunay nga po sa kanyang pagkabuhay naisakatuparan ang buhay na walang hanggan," ang Pangulo miingon sa iyang mensahe sa Domingo sa Pagkabanhaw.

Giawhagan usab ni Pangulong Aquino ang katawhan nga dili unta sila mawad-an og paglaom nga mahaw-as sa kapobrehon.

"Ganito rin ang pagbangon na ipinapakita ng bansa natin ngayon. Dahil sa kawalang pag-asa, maraming Pilipino ang pinili noong makipag-sapalaran sa ibayong dagat, maka-alpas lamang sa kadilimang bunga ng katiwalian at kahirapan sa ating bayan. Ngunit Simbahang Katoliko na rin ang nagsasabi: pinakamalaking kasalanan ang mawalan ng pag-asa," he said.

Imbes nga mawad-an og paglaom, gipahinumdoman ni Pangulong Aquino ang katawhan aron sublion ang ilang pagsalig ug padayunon ang ilang pagtuo sa gugma ni Kristo. "Ito na nga po ang naghahatid sa atin ng liwanag tungo sa maunlad at makatarungang lipunan," siya miingon.

"Noon nga pong nakaraang eleksiyon, nagkaisa tayong tuldukan ang pang-aabuso sa kapangyarihan, at ang pagdurusa ng ating mamamayan," siya miingon.

Ang Pangulo mitumbok nga daghang overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) ang nakabalik na sa nasod sukad siya milingkod isip Pangulo. Gibutyag usab niya ang midaghan nga mga negosyante nga namuhunan dinhi sa nasod, nga naghatag og mga oportunidad panginabuhian alang sa katawhan.

"At higit sa lahat, mga Pilipinong muling naging ganado sa pagkamit ng kanilang ambisyon dito sa ating bayan. Napatunayan natin na ang susi sa pag-asenso ay ang pagsunod sa mabuting halimbawa ni Hesukristo: Ang paggawa ng tama, pagkakawanggawa, at pagiging bukal ng malasakit sa kapwa," siya miingon.

"Ito ang prinsipyong nagdala ng kumpiyansa sa ating bansa, kaya naman mahigit dalawampu't dalawang porsyento ng kabuuang investments sa PEZA ay inilagak sa loob lamang ng dalawampu’t isang buwan natin sa pwesto. Dito rin nagbukal ang paulit-ulit nating pagkamit ng mga record-high sa Philippine Stock Exchange index," ang Pangulo namahayag.

Uban ang giya sa Ginoo, ang Pangulo miingon ang iyang administrasyon nagmalampuson sa mga anti-poverty programs niini. "Ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit Marso pa lamang ay nairehistro na sa ating Conditional Cash Transfer program ang target nating tatlong milyong pamilyang benepisyaryo para sa taong 2012. Nagawa natin ito dahil mayroon kayong gobyernong nakatutok at handang magsakripisyo para sa kapakanan ng taumbayan," siya miingon.

Iyang giawhag ang mga Filipino nga maghiusa aron ipadayon ang pagbuhat og kaayohan alang sa tanan ug magmugna og usa ka progresibong nasod.

"Makakamit lamang ito sa patuloy na pagsasabuhay ng mga aral ni Kristo: sa pagbubukas ng puso sa kapwa, lalo na sa mga kapus-palad nating kababayan," siya miingon.

"Kung ipagpapatuloy po natin ang ating mabuting nasimulan, magpapamana tayo sa susunod na salinlahi ng isang Pilipinas na tunay na maka-Diyos, makatao, at makatarungan. Samahan ninyo ako: sabay-sabay tayong tumungo sa di-hamak na mas magandang buhay para sa mga Pilipino," siya miingon. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)