FNRI-DOST sets regl dissemination forum on 8th
Natl Nutrition Survey
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 22 (PIA) – The Food and
Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology
(FNRI-DOST) is set to conduct the regional dissemination forum to reveal the
results of the 8th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) on October 10, 2014 at Y
Hotel, this city.
FNRI-DOST Director Mario Capanzana recalled that
the said survey was conducted from June 2013 to April 2014.
“The activity aims to update key stakeholders in
the government and private sectors involved in food, nutrition and health
programs on the survey results. From this, they can recommend possible action
points for application of the results in local policy-making and program
planning,” relayed Capanzana.
Capanzana bared that each regional forum will be
attended by about 60 participants. “They will be composed of members of the
Regional Development Council (RDC), the regional director of DOST, Provincial
Science and Technology directors, and Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator.
The Provincial Nutrition Action Officers of the cities/municipalities that were
covered in the survey and representatives from the non-government organizations
in the region involved in food, nutrition and health will also be participants
of said forum,” he highlighted.
The NNS provides information on the health
status of Filipinos by determining and evaluating the food intake and other
characteristics of the various subpopulation groups. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
MARINA-13 leads national maritime week celeb
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Sept. 22 (PIA) – The regional
office of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Caraga in partnership with
the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Ports Authority will lead the
week-long celebration of the National Maritime Week here from September 22-28,
2014.
This year's celebration is anchored on the
theme, “IMO (International Maritime Organization) Conventions: Effective
Implementation.”
According to MARINA Caraga regional director
Engr. Emmanuel B. Carpio, the celebration primarily aims to give tribute to all
the seafarers who contributed much to the country’s economy and to promote
maritime safety for travelers and the entire maritime sector.
To highlight the week-long celebration, a Port
Maritime Industry Tripartite Forum will be conducted on September 25 to be
participated by all participating government agencies and stakeholders.
Other lined-up activities for the week-long
celebration include, hanging of streamers, thanksgiving mass, radio guesting,
regatta parade of motorboats, dressing up of ships, simultaneous blowing of
ship horn, motorcade around the city, press conference, bloodletting activity,
one-day processing of Seaman’s Book and registration of vessels, CMP
(Certificate of Marine Profession) examination, open ship, exhibits and video
presentation, friendship games, maritime fellowship night, mangrove greening
and growing, marine pollution exercise, search and rescue drill, Zumba and fun
run, and port clean-up. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Officials promote welfare, protection of OFWs
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 22 (PIA) – In the recently
concluded two-day First Caraga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) Summit held in
one of the convention centers here, two officials expressed strong support to
OFWs and urged for their constant protection.
OFW Familly partylist representative Roy
"Amba" SeΓ±eres, who served as the keynote speaker of said event,
emphasized that OFWs rights and protection should be given attention by the
government.
“We, in the government service should do our
part well. We are in the position to give what is right and due for them. If
there are issues and concerns from their level and they need our assistance, we
should respond and look for remedies. A life of an OFW is not that easy
specially that they have to sacrifice many things just to earn for their
family,” stressed SeΓ±eres.
When he was asked as to how he can help the OFWs
in terms of financial assistance, SeΓ±eres explained to the participants that
since Congress does not have Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) this
time, he will do anything just to extend assistance for the OFWs. "I even
extended my own share from my salary for this activity today just to make this
first summit for OFWs possible and successful. We'll always find ways for that
matter," he expressed.
“I urged all concerned government agencies
specially the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to treat well our
OFWs. There have been cases where they were abused by their employers so let’s
not add to the injury. Let’s protect their rights,” SeΓ±eres added
SeΓ±eres reiterated that "In case the
employer fails to give the OFW's salary at the right time, the employer has
already violated the employment contract of the parties. Therefore, the
affected employee should consult the labor attachΓ© and if not responded
appropriately, he or she can ask the embassy to repatriate the labor attachΓ©
back to the Philippines for not doing the job... You should know your rights as
OFWs. You can also file a case at the National Labor Relations Commission so
you could also claim your salary.”
Also, President of Blas Ople Policy Center and
Training Institute Susan "Toots" Ople underscored that OFWs should
not be victims. "Every Filipino overseas worker's rights and dignity must
be protected. They are true heroes in a true essence," she said.
Ople further reminded that as the OFWs are
active on its fund raising activities, its bookkeeping records should also be
intact, clean and organized. "Mindanao is the flavor of the month. There
are a lot of non-government organizations looking for partnership with other
associations for a specific projects that have long term direction," she
added.
Right before she left back to Manila on the same
day, Ople expressed her appreciation to Caraganon OFWs. "Thank you so much
to all our participating OFWs for the warm welcome that you showed me. I always
want to visit your place here in Caraga. Please do not hesitate to call our
office at the Ople Center if you have any concerns, we will be very glad to
serve you. Do not mind our distance because our office is just a call away.
I'll see you all soon again," remarked Ople.
Meanwhile, after attending said activity,
SeΓ±eres announced his cellphone number to all the participants so they could
just call him immediately for any OFW concerns. He also encouraged them to
write a letter addressed to his office for any related complaints, and assured
that he will respond accordingly. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
OFW Family partylist bares support for
Caraganons working abroad
By Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 22 (PIA) – Expressing genuine
concern to Caraganons who are working in foreign countries, Overseas Filipino
Workers (OFW) Family partylist representative Roy “Amba” SeΓ±eres confidently
conveyed to the participants of the 1st Caraga OFWs Summit held on September 20
to 21, 2014 in this city that there are already 16 house bills now in the
second and third reading in Congress all geared for the protection of OFWs.
"Of the 16 House Bills that I filed in the
congress, one of them has to do with ambassadors for them to exercise
extraordinary services as head to ensure security and protection of OFWs.
Another bill proposes for governors and mayors to play the role as surrogate
parents safeguarding OFWs' children," relayed SeΓ±eres.
When he was asked as to how he can help the OFWs
in terms of financial assistance during the forum, SeΓ±eres explained that since
Congress does not have Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) this time,
he assured them that he will do anything just to extend assistance for the
OFWs. "I even extended my own share from my salary for this activity just
to make this first eve summit for OFWs possible and successful. We will find
ways and work it out," he expressed.
He also urged Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration (OWWA) to treat very well the OFWs since there have been cases
where they were abused by their employers. “Let’s not add to the injury, help
them out by addressing their concerns when they come to your office,” he added.
SeΓ±eres encouraged OFWs to contact him or write
a letter addressed to his office for any related complaints, and assured that
he will respond accordingly.
Susan "Toots" Ople, President of Blas
F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute also graced the summit who served
as the keynote speaker and elaborated alternative strategies of earning an
income. This year’s event is themed,
“Kabuhayan sa Kapaligiran ng mga OFWs Tungo sa Kaunlaran.”
(VLG/JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Alternative income generation underscored in 1st
Caraga OFWs Summit
By Venus L. Garcia
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 22 (PIA) – Venturing on
business that will help provide opportunities for Overseas Filipino Workers’
(OFWs) to have an alternative source of income was the key point of discussion
during the 1st Caraga OFWs' Summit held on September 20 to 21, 2014, this city.
The Tulay sa Overseas Filipino Workers’ (OFWs)
Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MPC) in Caraga region spearheaded the summit with a
theme, “Kabuhayan sa Kapaligiran ng mga OFWs Tungo sa Kaunlaran.”
The region’s current and retired OFWs and their
beneficiaries who convened in the two-day event gained inputs on how important
it is for them to properly manage their hard-earned money and invest wisely to
have a long term livelihood security while working across the county or as they
come back to the mainstream in the Philippines.
As mentioned by event speaker and president of
Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute Susan "Toots" Ople,
OFWs must be empowered that is why the institute is offering livelihood
trainings and encouraging them to link-up with other cooperatives."
"Aside from having savings in the bank,
it's also important to design your own plans for the future like how to acquire
a health insurance with lesser premium and consider joining in an organization
where members share the same purpose and objectives as yours to endeavor in
community-based business," expressed Ople.
Ople said that based on Social Enterprise
Development Partnerships, Inc. study, one out of ten OFWs end up broke even
after years of working abroad and eight out of ten OFWs do not have savings or
money set aside for retirement.
It was recalled that the Microsoft Tulay
Foundation started the Tulay progam through the efforts of Ople before it was
tuned-over to Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). It is still
implemented with eight modules from the fundamentals of computer to internet
surfing and other related modules.
"Mindanao is the flavor of the month. There
are a lot of non-government organizations (NGOs) looking for partnership with
other associations for a specific projects that have long term direction,"
bared Ople.
On a significant note, Ople also emphasized that
OFWs should not be victims. "Every Filipino overseas worker’s rights and
dignity must be protected. They are true heroes in a true essence," she
said.
Meanwhile, Engr. Zaldy Deronia, president of
Tulay sa OFWs MPC thanked the members and other participants for their presence
and encouraged them to take active involvement in the cooperative to make it
performing, sustainable and beneficial to all members. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)
AgNor ENRO readies TreeVolution event
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 22 (PIA) – The office of the
Environment and Natural Resources of Agusan del Norte is now ready for the
conduct of the TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW activity on September 26.
During the briefing and updates on the
preparation for the conduct of the big event on Friday, Provincial Environment
and Natural Resources (PENRO) officer Paterno Olivera said that PENRO is now
ready for the big event. Site validations are being conducted and the volunteer
planters of different schools and stewards
will be briefed before the conduct of the event, he said.
PENRO Olivera further said that during the
event, volunteer planters are required to bring their own digging tools, water
and food in their assigned planting areas. Tree planting will simultaneously
start at exactly 8:30 in the morning and will end at exactly 9:30.
“Planters are required to plant 20 seedlings
within the period of one hour,” Olivera said.
“The PENRO Agusan del Norte has targeted a total
of 25 hectares to be planted during the conduct of the TreeVolution. The 16
hectares are located in barangay Maug and the other nine hectares in Tungao,
all in Butuan City,” Olivera added.
Also, Forester Rodel Mendez of PENRO Agusan del
Norte revealed that rain tree or acacia specie is included to be planted in
their identified planting sites. “Seedlings for planting during the
TreeVolution are sufficient and now ready,” he said.
Mendez also said that different signages will be
posted and visible to the different planting sites during the conduct of the
event. Wristbands and identifications (IDs) will also be provided to the
volunteer planters, stewards, and others involved in the event.
Also, Community Environment and Natural
Resources Office (CENRO) of Tubay in Agusan del Norte headed by Forester Vince
A. Estopito has identified a total of 75 hectares to be planted with falcata
and rubber seedlings during the conduct of TreeVolution. According to Forester
Achilles Ebron, the 38 hectares are located in the municipality of Kitcharao;
30 in RTR; and five hectares in Cabadbaran City.
In areas identified by CENRO Tubay, volunteer
planters of Kitcharao will plant 11,500 falcata and 3,000 rubber seedlings;
16,000 falcata seedlings in RTR; and another 10,000 falcata seedlings in
Cabadbaran City.
Forester Norman Asugan of CENRO Nasipit also revealed that as to the
seedling preparation status to be planted to the 107.7 hectares total area
covered by CENRO Nasipit, seedlings were already delivered to the sites.
Meanwhile, Caraga area manager of Mindanao
Development Authority (MinDA) Cecilia D. Trinio also said during the briefing
and updates that, on the event day, the volunteer planters are required to wear
white shirts (short or long sleeves), yellow for stewards and orange for the
medics.
During the briefing, Regional Technical Director
(RTD) Maritess Ocampo of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) who will have the direct supervision of the ENROs identified sites
during the event upon knowing preparations of the ENRO offices express her
gratitude to the concerned personnel. “I am glad that you are gone this far in
your preparation for the big event, I am hoping that we will be successful in
our aim to break the record of India on September 26,” RTD Ocampo said.
The TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW initiative
supports the National Greening Program of the government that targets 1.5
million hectares reforested by 2016 to which Mindanao’s contribution is 456,000
hectares. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
SurSur Council for Human Resource Managers set
to hold 3rd Quarter Meeting, Leave Administration Re-Orientation
By Greg Tataro Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 22 (PIA) –
The Surigao del Sur Council for Human Resource Managers, Inc. (SDS-CHRMI) is
set to hold a 3rd Quarter Meeting cum Re-Orientation on Leave Administration on
September 23-24, 2014, this city.
According to the information letter sent out by
Manolo Junipero Serra, SDS-CHRMI president, which carries the endorsement of
Ruth Beniga, Civil Service Commission (CSC) Field Office provincial director
here, the two-day event still forms part of the 114th Philippine Civil Service
Month celebration.
During the occasion, three major topics/inputs
are lined-up to be discussed:
Preparation/planning of the hosting of the province for the 12th Caraga
Regional Council for Managers, Inc. (CRCHRMI) Convention; Leave Administration
lectures/inputs/updates c/o CSC Provincial Director Beniga; and, SDS-HRMI
council reports and updates, it was learned.
Serra also sought the consent, especially of the
concerned local chief executives (LCEs) in the entire province, to allow their respective
Administrative Officers/Human Resource Management Officers/Personnel Officers
and/or staff that handle leave administration to join the activity.
He stressed that “their active participation
would further enhance and strengthen the organization with the Commission and
your agency in terms of Human Resource Management.” (NGBT/Radyo ng
Bayan/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Tagalog News: U.N. kinilala ang ambag ng tropang
Pilipino sa pagpatupad ng kapayapaan sa Golan Heights
Ni David M. Suyao
AGUSAN DEL SUR, Setyembre 22 (PIA) - Kinilala ng
United Nations ang naiambag ng mga sundalong Pilipino na naging parte ng United
Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) sa Golan Heights.
Sa kanyang pagbasa ng isang liham na pinadala ng
UN Assistant Secretary-General para sa pagpatupad ng operasyon Edmond Mulet,
sinabi ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na nagpahayag ang United Nations ng
kanyang pasasalamat sa pamahalaan ng Pilipinas sa kanyang naiambag sa UNDOF.
“Ipinakita ng Secretariat ng United Nations ang
kanilang pasasalamat sa permanenteng misyon ng Republika ng Pilipinas sa United
Nations at marangal na inihayag ito sa United Nations Disengagement Observer
Force (UNDOF),” sabi ni Mulet.
Nais ng Secretariat na ipahayag ang kanilang
pasasalamat sa pamahalaan ng Republika ng Pilipinas sa kanyang naiambag sa
UNDOF. Alam ng pamahalaan ng Pilipinas na ang seguridad at ang mga operasyon sa
sitwasyon ng lugar na dapat ihiwalay ay nangangailangan ng paglipat ng maraming
tauhan ng misyon papunta sa parte ng Alpha,” dagdag ng opisyal ng UN.
Noong nakaraang buwan, ang mga sundalong
Pilipino na nanilbihan bilang tauhan na tagapamayapa ng United Nation ay
nakaharap ang mga rebeldeng Syrians sa Golan Heights.
Noon lamang Biyernes, ang unang grupo na umabot
sa 244 na mga Pilipinong tagapamayapa ay dumating sa Manila ng mas nauna kaysa
itinakda dahil sa lumalalang panseguridad na sitwasyon sa pagitan ng rehiyon.
Sa isang banda, sinabi ni Pangulong Aquino na
ang pamahalaan ng Pilipinas ay nanatiling tapat sa pangkapayapaang misyon.
(DMS/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
