Improvised bomb found in Manila-bound bus
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Feb. 4 (PIA) – Police
personnel together with the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and K9 unit of
Surigao City and Philippine Coast Guard dealt with a suspicious Improvised
Explosive Device (IED) found on a Manila-bound bus around 8:20a.m., Monday at
Brgy. Lipata, Surigao City.
Police report said, a PP Bus Line travelling
from Davao to Manila with plate no. TOC 681 made a stopover for breakfast at
Tatzkie Meal Stop located along the highway of the said barangay when one of
the female passengers identified as Wennie Obiena Oscar, 23 years old, single
and a resident of Campo Uno, Paranas, Samar noticed a male person wearing a
gray color Lacoste t-shirt carrying a carton box and placed it on the rear
portion of the said bus and disembarked right after.
Then, one male passenger identified as Moni
Hermogenes Torena, 77 years old and a resident of Silago, Southern Leyte
boarded the said bus after urinating and noticed a smoke coming from the said
box, he then called the attention of the bus driver, Ruel Orquesta Panuncio, 45
years old and a native of Kalubi-an, Leyte who took away the said carton box
out from the bus.
PO3 Ivy Recimo trained personnel from EOD of the
Surigao City Philippine National Police voluntary detonated the said box using
water disruptor with non-electric blasting cap.
A police report confirmed that the IED was found
with components of gasoline mixed with paint as main charge, detonating cord as
initiator, original time fuse and improvised firecracker fuse, one gallon
plastic water container and a carton box as packaging. The area was then
declared safe at around 10a.m. same date. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Rise in consumption of sugar-laden beverages
pose health risk
By Jund Rian A. Doringo
MANILA, Feb. 4 (PIA) - Added sugars are caloric
sweeteners added to food or beverages during production. Having no nutritional
value, added sugars are often referred to as empty calories.
The most popular added sugars are sucrose, most
commonly known as table sugar, as well as beets and cane sugars, corn syrup,
malt syrup, maple syrup, fruit juice concentrates, and honey, to name a few.
Moreover, the most popular types of food containing added sugar are sweetened
beverages like juices, fruit juice concentrates and soft drinks.
The Daily Nutritional Guide Pyramid developed by
the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and
Technology (FNRI-DOST) illustrates that sugars and sugar substitutes or
alternatives must be consumed in least amounts, as they are near the tip of the
pyramid together with fats and oils. However, global data suggests that the
increasing consumption of beverages that are sweetened with added sugar is
responsible for the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity across
population groups.
In a study led by Berkey in 2004 on sugar-added
beverages and adolescent weight change, it was found that consumption of
beverages that are sweetened with added sugars was associated with body mass
index (BMI) gains during the following year. Moreover, consumption of
sugar-added beverages may contribute to weight gain among adolescents due to
its considerable contribution to total energy intake.
Linardakis in 2008 reported a study on the
effects of sugar-added beverages consumption among kindergarten children on
their nutrition status and risk of obesity. The study conducted among children
in Crete showed that high intake of sugar-added beverages was associated with
poor eating habits and inadequate nutrition intake, as well as increased risk for
developing childhood obesity.
In the Philippines, the FNRI-DOST in 2012
studied the pattern of beverage consumption across different population groups
and examined the association between consumption of selected beverages and
nutrition status using data from the 7th Nutritional National Survey (NNS)
conducted by the Insitute. It was noted that there was high intake of soft
drinks and coffee across the Filipino population, and decreased intake of milk
throughout childhood to adulthood.
High soft drinks and coffee consumption, or
sugar-added beverages can pose a great risk to over-nutrition and obesity, as
verified by the previous studies cited earlier about the association of
sugar-added beverages and nutritional status.
Awareness on the potential health risk of high
intakes of sugar-added beverages can be beneficial to conquer the increasing
prevalence of overweight and obesity in the country. With education on
recommended amounts of sugars and sugar exchanges through health and nutrition
campaigns, the Filipino population can choose healthier food options. Also,
policies and regulations on the availability of sugar-added beverages,
especially in schools, must be reviewed to help avoid childhood obesity.
For more information on food and nutrition, please
contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research
Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City;
trunkline: 837 2071 local 2296 or 2287; telephone/fax no.: 837 3164, email:
mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph
(FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
News Feature: Eating malunggay leaves lowers
blood sugar level and more
By Jund Rian A. Doringo
Manila, Feb. 4 (PIA) - Moringa, or more commonly
known among Filipinos as malunggay, is a plant acknowledged for its nutritional
and medicinal value. Almost all parts of the moringa plant are edible, from the
immature seed pods called drumsticks, to the leaves, mature seeds, and roots.
The leaves are said to be the most nutritious
part of the plant. According to the Food Composition Tables (FCT) developed by
the Food and Nutrition and Research Institute of the Department of Science and
Technology (FNRI-DOST), malunggay leaves are significant sources of B vitamins,
vitamin C, beta-carotene, zinc, potassium, and iron, among other significant nutrients.
Malunggay is a very common ingredient in Asian
cuisines in countries such as Sri Lanka, India, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Thailand,
and Pakistan.
In the Philippines, malunggay leaves are added
to broth, like in the famous tinola, a traditional chicken soup dish with
ginger and green papaya or chayote, to make a nutritious soup. The leaves are
also processed with olive oil and salt to become pesto-like pasta sauce or
crushed and mixed with lemons or citrus fruits to make juices or ice candies.
Among its many miraculous benefits, moringa can
balance blood sugar levels. The FNRI-DOST conducted a study to determine the
changes in glucose of people with moderately-raised glucose levels using
malunggay leaves powder to verify this claim.
It was found out that food products such as
buns, fish sausages, and veggie soups with added malunggay leave powder
decreased fasting blood sugar, thus, possessing strong potential in fighting
diabetes. However, the cholesterol-lowering effect of malunggay leaves is yet
to be established in humans by way of a thorough correlation research study
involving repeated observations over long periods of time.
Malunggay, touted as the miracle tree, is very
abundant in the Philippines. It is therefore very practical and gainful to
undertake studies on how to maximize its health benefits for every Filipino’s
well-being.
For more information on food and nutrition,
please contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research
Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City;
trunkline: 837 2071 local 2296 or 2287; telephone/fax no.: 837 3164, email:
mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; website:
http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
News Feature: Proper diet equals good school
performance
By Imelda A. Agdeppa
MANILA, Feb. 4 (PIA) - Proper nutrition is
maintaining normal growth, attaining normal body weight and sustaining normal
body nutrient levels. Undernutrition and over nutrition are both detrimental to
an individual’s health. When a person’s diet is below the recommended energy
and nutrient intakes, this depletes the body’s store of nutrients, and if
chronic, leads to protein-energy malnutrition in children that causes wasting.
On the other hand, exceeding the normal recommended levels of nutrients leads
to an accumulation of body fat and damage to and malfunctioning of organ
systems. Balanced nutrition is therefore essential to living a healthy life and
preventing diseases.
Recent studies of the Harvard School of Medicine
in 2008 showed that the human brain keeps on developing until about 25 to 30
years old. Where school-age is a time for many fundamental phases of mental
development, research shows that brain development during adolescence is much
more complicated and essential in understanding decision-making capabilities
and intellectual capacities in the future. Nutrition can play a very important
role in brain development, during these crucial periods of development.
Several determinants affect school enrolment,
attendance, and achievement. These determinants are classified by the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) into
endogenous and exogenous factors. Endogenous factors include the child’s
attitude and aptitude, educational attainment of parents, family income, and
health. Exogenous factors include quality of schooling, training of teachers,
and availability of books and educational materials. Endogenous and exogenous
factors are not stand-alone but determinants that should both be satisfactory
to induce optimum brain development.
Nutrition is an endogenous factor in school
achievement. Specific micronutrients like vitamin A, iron, and iodine play a
role in mental development and an adequate diet provides necessary energy to
accomplish daily tasks. The 7th National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food
and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology
(FNRI-DOST) in 2008 showed a moderate prevalence of deficiencies in iron (14%),
vitamin A (4.6%), zinc (20.6%) and iodine (11.8%) among Filipino adolescents.
These nutrients are essential among adolescents who go to school since they
help in normal growth, immune function, and mental development.
Consumption of a variety of foods daily helps
attain normal levels of nutrients in the body. Good eating habits should start
early in households.
A study in 2009 among 12-15 year old adolescents
in Palestine showed that vegetable and fruit consumption is significantly
related to school performance. Similarly, a study in the Philippines among
school-aged children, where fortified ready-to-drink juice was supplemented for
120 days showed significant improvement in children’s knowledge scores after
the intervention.
An individual who eats nutritious foods in
adequate amounts has enough energy to participate in daily school activities.
Daily recommended intakes for children 4 to 6 years old, according to the 2000
Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos, includes 3-4 ½ cups rice and
alternatives, 1 1/3 matchbox-size meat or 1 piece large fish or 2 pieces small
fish, ½ piece egg, 1 glass milk, 1/3 cup green leafy or yellow vegetable, ¼ cup
other vegetables, 2 pieces vitamin C-rich fruits and other fruits, 6 teaspoons
oil including oil used for cooking, 5 teaspoons sugar, and 5-7 glasses of
water. Different age groups require different amounts of food from each food
group.
Attainment of nutrient requirements promotes
normal growth and mental development. A normal well-nourished child is ready to
actively participate in society and contribute profound ideas in any given
situation. Proper nutrition can further lead to a sound mind and body and could
increase the productivity of the country.
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. Email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph. Telefax: 837-2934 and
827-3164, or call 837-2071 local 2296 or visit our website:
http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Ph. D., FNRI-DOST S&T Media
Service/PIA-Caraga)
Cebuano News: Presidente Aquino miingon nga ang
gobyerno mo-empleyo og 4,000 ka mga propesyonal sa posisyong magtutudlo
Ni Nida Grace P. Barcena
SURIGAO DELSUR, Peb. 4 (PIA) – Si Presidente
Benigno S. Aquino III miingon kagahapon nga ang Department of Education (DepEd)
sa kasamtangan nag-hire ug mga propesyonal nga mokabat sa 4,000 ka mga posisyon
sa mga magtutudlo alang sa pagtugon sa mga kakulangon sa mga magtutudlo sa mga
publikong tulonghaan.
Sa iyahang pakigpulong atol sa seremonya sa
tur-over sa 66,813 ka mga lawak-tulonghaan didto sa Carmona National High
School, siya miingon nga ang DepEd bisan pa mo pil-ap sa 103,000 ka mga bag-ong
posisyon sa mga magtutudlo nga gimugna ubos sa kasamtangan administrasyon.
"Mula 2010 hanggang 2013 naman, nagdagdag
tayo ng halos 103 libong posisyon para sa mga guro. Baka pansinin po n’yo,
“posisyon.” Sabi ko, “Bakit ‘posisyon?’” May kulang pa raw ho kasi na apat na
libong maha-hire," sulti ni Presidente.
"Dati nag-e-export tayo ng teacher, ngayon
naghahanap tayo ng teacher—apat na libo, mga specialized po ito, baka may
kakilala kayong naghahanap ng trabaho, kulang pa ho tayo ng apat na libo,"
dugang pa ni Presidente.
Ang DepEd miapora sa maong pagpang-rekrut ug
propeso sa pag-hire aron sa pagpil-ap sa mga posisyon.
Ang gobyerno sa kataposan nakaangkon og zero
backlog sa mga lawak-tulonghaan uban sa konstraksyon sa 66,813 ka mga
classroom, sulti ni Presidente
"Mulat po tayong hindi pa tapos ang ating
misyon, at mayroon pa rin tayong mga pagsubok na dapat lampasan. Marami po ang
winasak na paaralan ng mga nagdaang kalamidad, at bawat taon ay nadadagdagan
ang mga mag-aaral," siya miingon.
"Sa abot ng ating makakaya, titiyakin
nating matutugunan ang batayang pangangailangan sa sektor ng edukasyon; at
sisiguruhin nating pati ang magiging pagkukulang sa mga susunod na taon dahil
sa K to 12 program ay mapapaghandaan din, matatapos, at hindi mapapamana ang
pag-solve sa susunod na administrasyon," dugang pa niya. (PND/PIA-Surigao
del Sur)
