Philippines’ TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW
breaks Guinness World Record
By Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA) – The record
breaking attempt of TreeVolution:Greening MindaNOW has made Philippines as the
new holder of Guinness World Record for the most number of trees planted in just
one hour in multiple locations, with a partial tally of 2,003,251 as of 2:38:40
p.m. on Friday, announced Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Caraga area
manager Cecilia TriΓ±o.
By enjoining all Mindanawons to beat the record
of India wherein 1,945,535 were planted, the target to set a remarkable
milestone was already attained even as the core monitoring team is still
waiting for the complete count of trees planted from all six Mindanao regions.
TriΓ±o said that although the target of
TreeVolution is too ambitious, it can't be denied that Filipinos can actually
achieve a worldwide recognition for planting millions of trees.
She lauded the planters for accepting the
challenge to hit the ground and be part of this historic event through a spirit
of volunteerism.
"Initial validation at our level confirms
our triumph but we have to go through the tedious process of evaluation by the
Guinness World Record team. All evidences such as videos, wrist bands,
registration forms, and all other required proofs will be forwarded to them
before the official declaration," she added.
Upon knowing the initial result of breaking the
record of India's Guinness World Record, Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) Caraga regional director Nonito Tamayo congratulated and
thanked the partner agencies, local government units, technical working group,
participants, and the community as a whole.
He particularly extended his gratitude to
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga headed by regional director Abner
Caga for the job well done and its all-out support by rendering a special blow
by blow and comprehensive coverage of the event.
“Without your cooperation and hardwork, we can't
achieve our goal of this undertaking. Let’s keep working together as one in the
advocacy for a greener Mindanao,” remarked Tamayo.
In response, Caga sent his warmest
congratulations to the men and women of MinDA and DENR who spearheaded and made
serious preparations in a month span of time. “Far beyond our responsibility to
disseminate relevant information to the public is keeping our advocacy on
environmental protection,” he said.
Meanwhile, MinDA Secetary Luwalhati Antonino
said during her interview over PIA Caraga’s 107.8 Power FM radio station that
she witnessed a majority of young people participating in the activity.
“It is a good sign that younger generation is
showing care and concern to our environment and I hope that the enthusiasm will
prevail. We all deserve this victory. Through our unified efforts, we have
surpassed the record of India. Our interest now shall focus also in nurturing
these trees," articulated Antonino.
With more trees still being counted, MinDA’s
TreeVolution website update as of 10:23 p.m., September 26 revealed that there
are already 3,373,762 trees planted by 183, 858 planters out of the initial
target of 4,636,000 covering a total of 9,200 hectares. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
MinDA secretary recognizes efforts of
Treevolution planters in Mindanao
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA) – Secretary
Luwalhati Antonino of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) expressed her
appreciation and recognition to all the participants of the TreeVolution:
Greening MindaNOW tree planting activity held Friday in multiple locations in
Mindanao.
"I'm so happy to witness the participation
of young people during today's TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW tree planting
activity in most of the planting sites in Mindanao. This means that they are
really concern about the environment and they are willing to enhance it by
planting more trees," Antonino remarked during her interview on Friday
afternoon over Power FM, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga's radio
station in this city.
When asked if there will be another TreeVolution
by next year, Antonino confirmed that there will be another one in 2015.
"I just hope that their enthusiasm to participate will still remain,"
she emphasized.
Antonino further acknowledged that Mindanawons
are truly nature lovers.
"We all deserve this victory. It's all
because of our unified efforts in achieving our main goal and that is to plant
more trees and live in a greener life. Beating the record of India for having
the most number of planted trees in multiple locations in Mindanao in just an
hour is a blessing which we all should be thankful for," articulated
Antonino.
Also, Antonino revealed that the government
through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will tap the
services of the indigenous peoples (IPs) through the food for work program to
serve as stewards of the trees.
“Through said program, it will also increase the
coverage of people who can avail of it, decrease poverty level and help the underprivileged
improve the quality of their life. They will be stewards of the planted
seedlings to ensure their growth and protection,” disclosed Antonino.
She said the Payment for Environmental Services
will be duplicated from other regions wherein funds will be solicited from
institutions, businesses and civic organizations to be used in maintaining the
growth of the trees planted. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Butuan dad commends TreeVolution participants
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 26 (PIA) – “I commend the
full support and participation of our co-Butuanons from all sectors who
undoubtedly volunteered themselves to achieve our goal for the Guinness World
Record. It was a noble act, not only for the environment but also for the next
generation to experience a greener surroundings. What we did was indeed
historic for we are able to unite and finished planting the target seedlings
before one hour.”
This was the statement of Butuan City Mayor
Ferdinand Amante Jr during today’s TreeVolution: Greening MindaNow tree
planting activity held in Barangay Bancasi.
At exactly 8:30 a.m. Amante led the final
countdown before planting begins. "For today's TreeVolution: Greening
MindaNOW, we have chosen the 4-feet tall Mahogany seedlings because the higher
the plant, there is more chance of survival based on our findings... The employees
of the city government and the barangay folks are here participating in this
activity. There is a total of 3,000 planters here," he said.
Along with other planters, Amante and his wife
planted several seedlings and observed others how they do it.
"The city government has assigned a
nurturing team to ensure that the planted trees during the TreeVolution will
really grow. We will not let that our efforts for this historic event will just
be put to waste. We will intensify our greening program so this will sustain,"
stressed Amante.
Also, after one hour of planting, all
participants moved out in the planting site and safely returned their wrist
band to the stewards. They also indicated in the registration form as to how
many seedlings they were able to plant. Meanwhile, the stewards meticulously
counted the wrist bands returned to them and started to consolidated data.
“Whatever initiative that we will do for our
city will surely benefit all. Let's make tree planting our usual activity, not
only today but for the rest of the days," he remarked.
Amante and his team then posed for posterity
showing thumbs-up as sign of support to TreeVolution and success.
(JPG/PIA-Caraga)
USAD, food production, power generation, tourism
can sail together in AdS – Gov Plaza
By David M. Suyao
PROSPERIDAD,
Agusan del Sur, Sep. 26 (PIA) - The flagship program of the provincial
government called Upland Sustainable Agri-forestry Development Program (USAD),
food production and electric power generation that Agusan del Sur are now
giving much attention can become the major income generating projects and
tourist attraction and destination.
During the first Tourism Stakeholders’ Summit
here, Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza said while giving much weight to
USAD to become full blown in Agusan del Sur by developing rubber, coffee,
upland rice and other high value crops plantations in the upland areas, these
can also become tourist attractions and destinations if given serious attention
and comprehensive and doable plans.
“The USAD, being our flagship program that we
believe will address poverty and food problem, is now at the height of its
implementation. In this program, developing of rubber, coffee cacao plantation
in the mountainous areas and upland rice in the lower areas are the main
objective of this program that can attract farmers, technologists and tourist
in order to learn and improve the technology in upland farming, and enjoy the
sceneries that the beauty of farming can bring,” Gov. Plaza said.
Gov. Plaza posted his challenge to all the
municipal executives to show him the tourism potentials of their respective
municipalities because he is willing to give counter share in order to develop
the areas if ever they pass the requirements.
“Also, I want you to know that our initial plan
for Wawa river is to construct a dam for agricultural production but with the
findings of Japanese technologists that the river can become source of hydro
power generation that can produce from 20 to 26 megawatts of electric power, we
are expanding our plan believing that along with power generation, tourism
industry will also flourish,” Gov. Plaza said.
The plans and programs that Gov. Plaza presented
was confirmed by Department of Tourism (DOT) assistant secretary Arturo Boncato
saying the DOT has came up with the new introduction called Agri-Tourism
program whose aim is to extend opportunities to the communities who have
tourist attraction areas and are also engaged in agriculture.
According to Asec. Boncato, four years ago when
the Aquino administration took over the governance and DOT has new secretary,
the DOT has formulated the new National Tourism Development Plan and
Agri-tourism is included in that plan.
“But we believe that tourism will only become a
program without the private sector intervention. For us, the private sector is
the heart and soul of tourism because it creates a big 'Bang,'” Asec Boncato
said.
Boncato further said the DOT is targeting 10
million entries of foreign tourists and 56 million local tourist this year with
DOT’s three strategic direction which are to develop market competitiveness,
develop road network and the tourism institutional development- governance and
human resources. (DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
Feature: More babies exclusively breastfed, but
for shorter period
By Imelda A. Agdeppa
Breastfeeding is the best way of providing
infants with the nutrients from the mother’s milk which they crucially need for
a healthy headstart at growth and development early in life.
Breastmilk is the ideal and complete food
because it contains all the nutrients an infant needs in the first six months
of life. It protects babies against common infant diseases like diarrhea and
pneumonia. Breastmilk is also readily available, ensuring infants of adequate
sustenance. It also promotes sensory and cognitive development among infants.
The 2011 updating survey on infant feeding
practices among children 0-23 months old by the Food and Nutrition Research
Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) revealed that
among 0-5 month-old infants, about half (or 48.9 percent) are exclusively
breastfed.
Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant
receives only breastmilk and no other liquids or solids are given, not even
water, with the exception of oral rehydration solution, or drops and syrups of
vitamins, minerals or medicine.
Results of the survey also revealed that among
6-8 month-old infants, only 5.1 percent are exclusively breastfed, while among
9-23 month-old infants; a measly 0.6 percent are exclusively breastfed.
The survey covered 6,653 children 0-23 months
old. Of these children 24 percent belongs to the 0-5 month old group, 27.4
percent to the 6-11 month old group and 48.6 percent to the 12-23 month age
group.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends
to mothers worldwide to exclusively breastfeed infants at least for the first six
months to achieve optimal growth, development and health for the infant.
The region with the highest percentage of
exclusively breastfed 0-5 months old infants is Eastern Visayas with 72.7
percent.
On the other hand, Central Luzon,
Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon (CALABARZON), National Capital Region
(NCR), Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Cagayan Valley and Central
Visayas are the regions with lower percentages of exclusively breastfed
children. These range from 27.8 to 48.5 percent, which are lower than the
national percentage of 48.9 percent.
The survey also revealed that 51.9 percent or
about half of mothers start to breastfeed within the recommended one hour after
delivery, followed by 32.3 percent or one-third at less than one day after
delivery, and 15.8 percent at more than one day after delivery. Immediate
breastfeeding within an hour after birth is crucial because of colostrum, the
yellowish, sticky breastmilk produced at the end of pregnancy. The WHO
recommends colostrums as the perfect food for the newborn due to the antibodies
it contains.
According to the 2011 updating survey, the
proportion of exclusively breastfed 0-5 month-old infants is 46.7 percent,
higher compared to the 2008 national nutrition survey result of 35.9 percent.
This reflects an increase of 10.8 percentage points.
Moreover in 2011, the proportion of exclusively
breastfed 0-23 month-old infants is higher 11. 8 percent, compared to 8.6
percent in 2008.
Exclusive breastfeeding reduces infant mortality
due to common childhood illnesses like diarrhea and pneumonia and helps the
baby recover during illness.
Breastfeeding likewise benefits mothers, as it
helps to space children, reduces the risk of some cancers such as ovarian and
breast cancers.
Further, breastfeeding helps women return to
their pre-pregnancy weight faster and lowers rates of obesity.
Although there have been increases in the
proportions of exclusively breastfed infants over the years, the increases are
only in small percentages.
Policies to promote and protect breastfeeding
like providing nursing stations in the workplaces, must be seriously
implemented, and should be compatible with women’s work.
Strict implementation of the Mother-and-Baby-Friendly
Hospital Initiative (MBFHI), includes giving the infant immediately to the
mother to breastfeed within the first hour of birth to make sure colostrum is
consumed by the infant.
Communication and advocacy for active
involvement in support of breastfeeding is important in increasing the
percentage of exclusively breastfed infants.
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. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
Feature: Cutting down on salt
By Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso
Sodium is an essential mineral for life. It is
found in the blood and in the fluid that surrounds cells. It maintains cellular
environment and prevents cells from swelling or dehydrating. Sodium is also
important for maintaining proper nerve and muscle cell function.
An overly high intake of sodium which is a
component of salt, has been linked to high blood pressure particularly in
susceptible individuals. High blood pressure increases risk of heart disease,
stroke and other diseases. Sodium affects the blood pressure in two ways. These
are by favoring the retention of too much water in the blood and by causing the
swelling of the innermost lining of the arteries which narrows the diameter of
the blood vessel.
Limiting sodium — which is present in salt,
seasonings, processed foods, bread, bakery products and other substances in
foods you eat — is one of the most important things that people with
hypertension can do. Sodium retains fluid in the body. To pump the added fluid,
the heart has to work harder. People with heart failure should not put this
extra strain on their hearts.
It is estimated that many Filipinos eat more
salt and sodium than recommended. The Filipino diet contains about 2000 mg of
sodium coming from sodium inherent in foods, particularly animal and vegetable
foods as well as from salt added to food which is about 5g of salt. With the
addition of soy sauce, patis, mono sodium glutamate (MSG) or vetsin and other
salty condiments during cooking or seasonings at the table, or excessive intake
of salty fish and highly salted fermented fish or sauces such as bagoong, the
sodium intake increases drastically to about 6000 mg (about 15g of salt).
The 2003 National Nutrition and Health Survey
(NNHes) conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute-Department of
Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) has shown the prevalence of hypertension of
22.5% among Filipino adults. This means that 22 in every 100 Filipino adults
are hypertensive. The survey also noted that at the age of 40 years, the blood
pressure starts to rise.
Here are some tried-and-true ways for reducing
sodium intake:
Limiting salt when you eat:
Eat natural foods with little or no added salt.
Take the salt, patis, bagoong, soy sauce, catsup
off the table.
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and other
low-sodium foods instead of canned and processed foods.
Eat fresh meats and fish instead of ham, bacon,
tinapa, dilis, daing, etc.
Limiting salt when you cook
Avoid any seasonings, including soy sauce,
patis, bagoong, bouillon cubes, chili sauce, meat tenderizer, soy sauce, steak
sauce, and worcestershire sauce.
Use fresh herbs, lemon juice and vinegar as
seasonings in place of salt.
Drain and rinse canned foods before preparing
them in order to remove some of the salt.
Limiting salt when you shop
Read food labels to check salt content (listed
as "sodium") . It is still important to read the label to see exactly
how much salt it contains. The less salt, the better!
Start
with what is in your cabinet right now so you can stop buying high-sodium foods
such as processed/instant foods and snack chips.
The correct balance of electrolytes and water
within the body cells is essential for life's vital functions. The most
important electrolytes are sodium, potassium and chloride with small amounts of
bicarbonate, magnesium, calcium and other trace minerals. To balance
electrolytes in your body, drink plenty of water and eat fruits high in
potassium like banana and orange juice.
For more information on food and nutrition,
contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, FNRI Director, Food and Nutrition Research
Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue,
Bicutan, Taguig City, Tel./Fax: 8372934, 8373164; 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)
Surigao City hosts forum on national standards
By Rodrigo R. Matabaran
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Sept. 26 (PIA)
- The Philippine Association of Black Iron and Galvanized Iron Pipes and Tubes
Manufacturers, Inc. in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI) conducted a Forum on Philippine National Standards (PNS) 26:2003 or the
Black Iron and Galvanized Iron Steel Pipes PNS on September 22, 2014 at Parkway
Hotel, Barangay Luna, this city.
The activity is an information campaign to
disseminate information and regulatory mechanism governing product standards
particularly on PNS 26:2003, a product standard for black iron and galvanized
iron steel pipes.
In his welcome message, DTI provincial director
Celestino L. Negapatan expressed his gratitude to the technical team of
Philippine Association of Black Iron and Galvanized Iron Pipes and Tubes
Manufacturers, Inc. and to the participants as well for their effort and for
finding time to join the activity.
He explained that one of the agency’s priorities
is the continuing effort to educate the business sector, the local government
units, other stakeholders and the general public on product standards.
A total of 62 participants attended the forum
composed of hardware store owners and their representatives, contractors, civil
engineers, building designers and engineering office personnel of the local
government units of the provinces and municipalities of Surigao del Norte and
Dinagat Island, some officers of different consumer groups in the province
including Surigao Consumer Association, Surigao del Norte Consumer
Organization, Inc. and Claver Consumer Organization.
During the forum, Engr. Patrocinio J. Santos,
Senior Technical Officer and Roderick B. Loreto, Junior Technical Officer of
the Phil. Association of BI-GI Pipes Manufacturers informed the participants
about the mandatory standards of PNS 26:2003 for Black Iron and Galvanized Iron
Steel Pipes.
Engr. Santos and Junior Technical Officer
Loreto, emphasized on some technical details as well as the quality of steel
pipes with product standards certification whether produced by local
manufacturers or imported from other countries, they encouraged the local
hardware dealers to buy and sell steel pipes that passed the standards for the
overall welfare and safety of the consuming public and consumers were advised
to buy the right type of steel pipes for a particular use whether for water
pipes or structural purposes considering safety and cost implications.
DTI personnel also presented and discussed
topics on the Promotion of Green Economic Development (PROGED), Consumer Act,
Consumers Rights and Department Administrative Orders governing product
standards that stipulates fines and penalties to business establishments
violating laws governing product standards and among others. (SDR/DTI-Surigao
del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)