(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 - Thursday, February 21, 2013



RDRRMC-Caraga: Butuan flood posts 8,695 evacuees

By Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- A total of 1,824 families or 8,695 persons have evacuated here during the onslaught of tropical depression “Crising” the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Caraga reported on Thursday.

In a report submitted to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Loren Catedral of the OCD who is also the duty officer of the council, said these families came from 15 different barangays located along the river banks in the city who were affected after the Agusan River has overflowed Wednesday.

Catedral further said 10 evacuation centers were designated by the city’s DRRMC in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) for the evacuees.

On Tuesday, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante Jr. ordered suspension of classes in the pre-school, elementary, and high school levels and until Wednesday.

In an interview with a local radio station here this morning, Amante said the suspension order is already lifted but the order is still in effect to schools that are designated as evacuation centers such as the Agusan National High School, Obrero Elementary School, and Butuan Central Elementary School.

As of press time, the Butuan Search and Rescue Team (BuSART) continues to monitor the water level in Agusan River. It was learned that as of 8 a.m. today, the water level rises to 3.09 meters at Alert level 3 (Code Red).

The Butuan CDRRMC has also continued to monitor evacuation centers and distributes relief goods to the evacuees.

Meanwhile, the RDRRMC Operation Center disseminated 24-hour public weather orecast and weather advisories through its short messaging service (SMS) to member-agencies, local DRRMCs, and local radio/TV stations in the region.

“The Philippine Information Agency (PIA), on the other hand, assists in disseminating warning advisories to its partner networks,” Catedral said.

In a related development, the flooded road section from Barangay Poblacion to Barangay Florida in the neighboring municipality of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte has now subsided but are still impassable to heavy vehicles due to mud.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Crising made landfall Tuesday afternoon at the Southern part of Davao del Sur. (RER/PIA-Caraga)


Egg is good growing-up food

By Czarina Teresita S. Martinez

Did you know that egg is the most commonly consumed protein source among Filipino children from ages six months to five years? This was disclosed by the recent survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).

Egg is an excellent complementary protein-rich food for babies after six months of age because budget-wise, it is very cheap and easy to prepare.

Fresh egg is an important source of high quality protein since it contains practically all vitamins, except ascorbic acid. Egg yolk in particular, is an excellent source of vitamin A, phosphorous, calcium, iron, retinol, and fat.

Make sure to select only fresh eggs for the baby’s complementary food. The egg shells should be intact with no traces of crack lines, clean and free from fecal matters or any dirt and discolorations. The egg shell is semi-permeable, thus, air and even bacteria may get inside the egg if damaged or is dirty.

It is best to cook eggs before serving as complementary food.

Soft-cooked egg is achieved by simmering it for five to seven minutes with enough water to cover the egg. Immediately cool soft-cooked egg in running water to stop cooking and preventing it to become hard-cooked egg.

Poaching is also a good way to prepare eggs as complementary food for babies. Poached egg is done by cracking the egg shell and carefully dropping it in simmering water until the egg forms a stable solid mass.

It is best to serve eggs immediately after cooking.

The Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) developed by experts led by the FNRI recommends introducing new complementary food to babies one at a time and continuing to give the same food for three to four days. In this way we can easily know if the baby can tolerate the food well and will not have allergic or other adverse reaction. For infants less than one year old, salt should not be added because the kidneys of babies cannot handle sodium efficiently.

Remember to continue breastfeeding until two years old and beyond, while slowly introducing a variety of food and training infants to appreciate the different tastes and texture of foods.

Always allow babies to burp after each feeding to help prevent colic or abdominal discomfort caused by swallowing air. Hold the baby on the shoulder or set the baby to his/her stomach over the lap and pat the baby’s back until air comes out.
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. (FNRI-DOST/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


News Feature: Healthy lifestyle on sale!

By Charina A. Javier

Travel packages, home products, restaurants, movie tickets, gadgets and a whole lot of other items are now being sold at cheaper prices with various promotions and advertisements online and in many business establishments. In fact, many people are going crazy over promos nowadays.

With this hype, have you ever thought of taking advantage of promos to live a healthier and active lifestyle?

Yes, fitness establishments and online stores offer discounted packages on various exercise programs such as unlimited dance lessons, unlimited gym access, yoga, pilates, bowling, ice skating, martials arts, boxing, and many more. These discounted exercise programs are sometimes specific for kids or adults but often open to all. There are also some that are offered for groups or families.

These exercise programs are sold either in single, multiple or unlimited sessions depending on the establishment that offers the activity. For the adventurous or those who just want to try first, the single session voucher is usually a good choice. For the those who are more engaged and wants to develop or maintain an exercise regimen, the multiple or unlimited sessions are better options.

Personally, I have purchased and tried the multiple sessions for pilates, yoga and dance lessons. These activities are helping me maintain an active lifestyle and while staying productive at work and enjoying social activities.

These activities have validity dates though, so anyone who purchases a program should make sure to make the most of the voucher while it is valid, and watch out for next promos to be offered.

With a lot tempting advertisements, we should remember that there are healthy items or services offered with cheaper prices too. Whether your goal is a more toned body, a stronger cardio-fitness, achieve desirable weight, or simply to have fun, the important thing to be active and live healthy.

Besides, who doesn't want discounts and gain more, right? It's like lose weight, save money, gain health!

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. (FNRI-DOST/PIA-Caraga)


News Feature: Iron deficiency among women, infants can be prevented

By Czarina Teresita S. Martinez

A baby born full-term has usually sufficient iron stores, according to the U. S. National Academy of Science (NAS).

Mild maternal iron deficiency anemia (IDA) may not have significant effect on the iron status of the newborn but severe IDA has significant repercussions.

The nine months of pregnancy is an exciting time for couples who are eagerly anticipating their bundle of joy.

However, it may also be a period of stress for the expectant mother as the nutrient demand of the developing fetus adds to the normal maintenance of iron.

Dr. Helen A. Guthrie, Professor of Nutrition at the Pennsylvania State University, says that a woman who has been well-nourished prior to conception enters pregnancy with a reserve of several nutrients that can meet the needs of the growing fetus without jeopardizing her health.

The Food and nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) recommends that pregnant women should eat a balanced diet. Lactating women are further advised to drink enough fluids preferably milk, soups, fruit juice and water so that maternal stores will not be depleted and lactation will be sufficient.

During pregnancy, the body conserves iron since menstruation ceases and iron absorption increases three folds. The blood protein responsible for iron absorption likewise increases.

However, iron stores may decrease during pregnancy because iron needs also increase.

On the last trimester of pregnancy, much of the available iron and maternal iron stores are taken up by the fetus to create its own iron stores for the first three to six months of life.

The National Nutrition Survey (NNS) by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) found that 4 out of 10 pregnant women are suffering from IDA.

Based on the criteria set by the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of IDA among pregnant women in the Philippines is of significant public health problem.

Dr. Guthrie adds that the best method of combating iron deficiency in pregnancy is to promote high intakes of available iron by women of reproductive age so that she enters pregnancy with adequate iron stores.

According to the FNRI-DOST, iron is present in both animal and plant origins
Liver and glanular organs are the richest sources of iron while meat, fish and poultry are the other good animal sources of iron.

Iron-rich plant foods are the legumes family, green leafy vegetables such as gamet (seaweeds), kulitis (Spineless amaranth), dahon ng malunggay (horse raddish leaves), kangkong (swamp cabbage), dahon ng gabi (taro leaves), dahon ng kinchay (Chinese Celery leaves) , dahon ng saluyot (jute leaves), talbos ng kamote (sweet potato leaves), and some dried fruits like prunes.

However, iron in plant foods is non-heme iron and is less bio-available than the heme iron in animal sources.

IDA could also be avoided by consuming foods that may help in increase iron absorption and metabolism like vitamin A, Vitamin C, and riboflavin that are abundant in fruits and vegetables.

In addition, IDA could also be avoided by consuming fortified iron foods. The Department of Health (DOH) is advocating the consumption of foods with the Sangkap Pinoy Seal; that include iron fortified foods. The FNRI-DOST develops fortified food products including iron fortified foods that will help increase the consumption of iron.

For more information about food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Sciecne and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan Taguig City. E-mail mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com, Telefax: (02) 8372934 and (02) 8273164, or call (02) 837-2071 local 2296 or visit our website at http//www.fnri.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST/PIA-Caraga)


Vermicomposting project in Butuan City

By Junesther Jean S. Iway

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- The local government will partner with the Department of Agriculture and the the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) to put up a vermicomposting project here.

In a memorandum of agreement signed by the parties, the DA-BAR will provide P1.5 million to the city government as institutional development support to establish a vermicomposting facility in Butuan City.

The project aims to further promote agricultural productivity and support for local farmersa Vermi-Composting facility in this city.

The DA-BAR will first create an evaluation team in coordination with LGU-Butuan to keep track of the project’s progress. On the other hand, the city government is responsible for the orderly, systematic and timely implementation of the said project.

Vermicomposting is a process or method of composting through the utilization of worms to turn organic wastes such as scraps, garden waste, manure, paper, wood, and other agricultural and industrial organic wastes into high quality compost. (LGU-BC/VMO/PIA-Caraga)


P28-M farm-to-market road benefits 5 barangays in Agusan del Norte

By Gil E. Miranda

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 -- The Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project Phase III (DAR-ARISP III) recently turned-over the completed 6.5-kilometer (km) concrete farm-to-market road worth P28 million to the local government of R.T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte.

More than 11,000 residents in barangays Tagbongabong, Basilisa, Balangbalang, Poblacion II, and San Antonio Agrarian Reform Communities (TAGBABAPSA ARC) benefited from the project with 989 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) including hundreds of residents from neighboring barangays.

The road project provides better accessibility to three barangays, from national road junction in Poblacion II traversing Brgy. Balangbalang to San Antonio.

DAR Caraga Regional Director Faisar A. Mambuay, Andre B. Atega also of DAR, and Mayor Nilo D. Soliva led the ceremonial ribbon cutting and unveiling of the marker.

Mambuay said, “This project is expected to improve lives and reduce poverty level of agrarian reform beneficiaries, farmers and residents in the community.”

Atega said the project will increase household income and change the way of life among the residents. He asked the local officials as well as the residents to take care of the project to prolong its service.

Mayor Soliva lauded government initiatives like DAR’s interventions that dramatically increase productivity and boost economic condition which change not only the landscape but positively ease in commuting and lessen transport cost.

“This road brings rapid growth that lead to the prosperity of my constituents,” Soliva added.

Jeanda Agao, one of the recipients, said the project indeed, is a dream come true to the residents, who endured years of bad road condition, but now, they have an accessible road that greatly improve the mobilization of agricultural products.

“Ang maong proyekto dako og tabang kay dili na kami maglisod sa pagdala sa among produkto ngadto sa kamerkadohan (the project greatly helps because we can easily bring our products to the market)," Jeanda said.

Witnessing the said activity were Vice Mayor Eleuterio R. Enriquez; Denia Jabagat and Virgie Batosalem of DAR; Danilo E. Versola of DPWH; District Engineer Salvador E. Montil Jr., San Antonio Brgy. Chairman Diosdado Enriquez; and some local residents.

The project is jointly funded by government and by Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) implemented under DAR’s Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project, Phase III (ARISP III). (DAR-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Caraga)


Agri-Pinoy Program continues to soar in Butuan City

By Junesther Jean S. Iway

BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- Cooperative here were granted assistance through resolutions passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

One unit of Multipurpose Drying Pavement was granted to Tagpulangi-lilo Irrigator’s Association; one unit of Rice Milling Machine was granted to the Butuan-Agusan Farmer’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative; and another unit of Rice Reaper was granted to the Taguibo IPM Irrigator’s Association, Inc.

In the said approved resolutions, the city mayor was given authority to enter and sign memorandum of agreements (MOA) relative to the implementation of the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program. There are already more than 72 project recipients of the Agri-Pinoy Project, it was gathered.

The Agri-Pinoy Rice Program is a national rice program focused on agricultural sector through integrating government initiatives primarily aimed at uplifting the lives of the Filipino farmers through support to rice production; irrigation; postharvest and other infrastructure facilities; market development services; extension support, education and training services; and research and development services.

With this, the different project recipients shall be responsible for the maintenance of the facilities and equipment granted to them and shall utilize the same in accordance to their intended use and in furtherance of the purposes of the Agri-Pinoy program which supports the Food Staples Sufficiency Program. (LGU-BC/VMO/PIA-Caraga)


217 youths clinch scholarships

By Gervacio C. Dauz Jr

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- A total of 217 youth recipients under the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (DSWD-Tesda) Cash for Training Project (C4TP) received their respective, coveted scholarship vouchers, which will serve as their skills training passes to retool them for a better future.

The recipients came from the municipalities of Magallanes, Jabonga, Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR), Santiago, and Tubay, plus the lone city of Cabadbaran.

Each scholar is allocated P20,000 which is translated in the form of several benefits such as training cost, allowance, assessment fee, and tool kits – the latter being provided only for those who will undergo skills training for self-employment.

Minda Bulatao-Brigoli, director of DSWD Caraga, said “This opportunity is not for us in the agencies; rather it is for you. We are investing on you, because, in the future, you will be the ones who will define what kind of development our country will have. Being youth, you have the zeal and drive, and you will serve as the propelling force for our next generation. So, take good care of this opportunity.”

Dr. Florencio F. Sunico Jr., director of Tesda-Caraga, revealed that C4TP allocation for Agusan del Norte and Butuan City is pegged at P8.5 million with at least 425 scholarship slots. He urged the scholars to “Make use of the opportunity, because we are counting on you.”

Furthermore, he shared that “our philosophy is about teaching a man how to fish, so that he will be able to eat for a lifetime.” He dovetailed it to the scholarship undertakings, saying, “We don’t give you money, but training opportunity to enhance yourselves. This is taxpayers’ money and we are just stewards.”

Dale Corvera, mayor here and host of the launching and awarding activity, tackled the scholarship opportunity as “A gift from the government for you, our young people. Through this opportunity, you will learn skills that you can use for your future.”

He went on to share the example wherein his leadership was challenged in accommodating several applicants, but there is only one nursing position available in the city government. “But while others are trying to fight for that one vacancy, here’s a mining company in Surigao asking me if I have skilled workers here that they can hire. So, the irony goes on and on, which is about mismatch between the labor and market.”

Veering on the contribution of Tesda, he said, “When Tesda gives skills training, it always provides the appropriate ones needed by the market.” He cautioned, however, the scholars that it would still be a useless endeavor “if you will not take charge of it.”

As a development undertaking, the C4TP was a joint idea between Tesda and DSWD “In support of government’s thrust to provide a sustainable intervention to improve the plight and condition of the youth and empower them through skills training and assistance towards gainful employment and entrepreneurial activities.” (NCLM/TESDA-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)


Cebuano News: Pundo andam na alang sa pagtabang sa mga naigo sa bagyong “Cresing” matud sa Malakanyang

Ni Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Peb. 21 (PIA) -– Andam na ang nasyunal nga gobyerno pinaagi sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) alang sa pagtabang sa mga naigo sa bagyong “Cresing” nga bag-ohay pa lamang miigo sa pipila ka mga lugar sa Mindanao, matud sa Malakanyang

Sumala ni Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda kagahapon nga adunay kantidad P15,528,181.68 andam nga pundo ug kantidad P24,121,258 nga mga relief supplies ang nakaandam na tanan sa DSWD field office lakip ang storm path, kantidad P39,649,439.96.

Matud ni Lacierda nga sa maong giandam nga pundo, kantidad P8,584,738.43 nga standby funds ug kantidad P15,171,087.17 nga stockpile ang nakaandam na alang sa rehiyon sa Caraga diin maoy usa sa dakong naangol sa maong bagyo.

Adunay mokabat 644 ka mga pamilya o 3,220 ka mga tawo ang gitahong naapektuhan sa bagyong “Cresing” dinhi sa Mindanao diin ang DSWD field office miandam na sa kantidad P607,599.96 standby funds ug kantidad P3,232,664.20 nga mga stockpile sa pagkaon ug mga galamiton.

Matud pa niya nga sa Davao region , diin adunay mokabat 8,820 ka mga pamilya o 44,370 ka tawo ang naapektuhan, kantidad P4,649,925.54 ang giandam alang sa standby funds ug adunay igong stockpile sa mga pagkaon ug mga galamiton ang giandam na.

Samtang, kantidad P500,000.00 sa standby funds ug P1,007,649.09 kantidad nga mga stockpile sa pagkaon ug mga galamiton ang giandam na didto sa Rehiyon IV-B Field Office, samtang andam na usab ang pagkaon alang sa 4,000ka mga pamilya, 30 ka mga karton sa noodles, 158 ka mga karton sa sardinas, mga crackers ug uban ang giandam usab didto sa Rehiyon XII Field Office, dugang pa niya. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)