PDI intensifies greening program
By Ma. Jane Mayola
SAN JOSE-Dinagat Islands, Oct. 25 (PIA) – The
provincial government of Dinagat Islands and
the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) has
intensified its greening program through greening project dubbed “1M Trees in 3
Years” in the islands to combat against climate change and global warming.
According to PENRO Officer Zacarias N. Vales said
that around 3,000 seedlings have already distributed to farmers, local
government units, national line agencies, and other organizations.
Vales said they will continue to propagate
thousands of tree seedlings under the project dubbed “1M Trees in 3 Years.”
He further said that the project also promotes
reforestation and campaign against illegal logging, and greening Dinagat to
mitigate the effects of climate change and global warming. (SDR/PIO-Dinagat
Islands/PIA-Dinagat Islands)
DTI-Surigao Norte, PTCC conduct seminar on Phil.
Traceability System
By Ma. Theresa Calang
SURIGAO CITY, Oct. 25 (PIA) - The Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte Provincial Office in cooperation
with the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) recently conducted a seminar
on Philippine Traceability System (PTRACE) held at Parkway Function Hall, this
city.
It aims to raise awareness of MSMEs on the
importance of traceability system in the manufacture of safety and quality
products, and provide understanding on tracking and tracing food products along
the food chain using the traceability system.
The seminar is intended for Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), food manufacturers, producers and other related
sectors, national and local government officers and business counsellors,
non-government organizations (NGOs), academe and student, and food service
providers among others.
Topics discussed during the seminar include
fundamental and importance of P-Traceability as well as introduction to
Philippine Food Safety law.
Food industry experts and government practitioners
also graced the event to share their experiences on implementation of the
traceability system. (SDR/DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Surigao City SWDO joins National Children’s Month
celebration
SURIGAO CITY, Oct. 25 (PIA) – The Surigao City
Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) joined this year's celebration of
National Children’s Month in October.
According to CSWDO Gloria Salvador, one of the
highlights of the celebration was the search for Little Mr. and Ms. Universe
2014 participated by Day Care pupils from different Day Care Centers of the
city held recently at the Surigao City Gymnasium.
Declared Little Ms. Universe 2014 is Kisha Nicole
Mamac and Little Mr. Universe 2014 is Revilo Maceren Villar, both from Barangay
Lumaban Day Care Center.
The CSWD office will also conduct a series of
educational games for the Day Care pupils of the different city day care
centers.
This year’s National Children’s Month celebration
is anchored on the theme “Bata Kasali Ka, Ikaw ang Mahalaga.” (SDR/PIA-Surigao
del Norte)
OPAG- SurSur & PCA collaborates in controlling
Coconut Scale Insects
By Japhet C. Sugian
TANDAG CITY, Oct. 25 (PIA) – The Office of the
Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) in Surigao del Sur in collaboration with Philippine Coconut
Authority (PCA) has recently conducted a Level Technical Awareness on Coconut
Scale Insects also known as “Cocolisap” to the three batches of farmers in
Marihatag town, Bislig and Tandag Cities.
Technical information of the capability of pest
and the extent of damage it brings and some possible control measures were
presented.
Coconut scale insect (Aspidiotus destructor,
Signoret) accordingly is endemic in the province of Surigao del Sur. Though PCA- Surigao del Sur has released a
statement suggesting a “no show” of scale insects in the province, they still
encouraged farmers to be very vigilant and be observant in such cases.
On his presentation, provincial seed coordinator
and entomologist Daniel C. Lequillo said scale insects are small insects and
considered as plant parasites. He showed to the participants the morphological
characteristic of this pest and its level of damage to coconuts.
On the other hand, provincial IPM coordinator
Floresita Pante also explained how to combat this pest. “Mechanical control is
found to be more appropriate in this stage of damage which includes pruning and
spraying with the use of soapy water and it is also applicable to use natural
enemies, insects against insects," she said.
“The knowledge imparted by the speakers will help
us especially in early detection. It is very important to know the pest by
heart so that we will be able to establish immediate control to prevent its
infestation," said Rex Fernandez, CAFC chair of Tandag City.
Surigao del Sur chief provincial
agriculturist Marcos Quico also shared
the importance of farmers in every agricultural endeavor of the provincial
government. He said, “the farmer will serve as channel of information and act
as an extension worker to their area or barangay”.
Meanwhile, Governor Johnny Pimentel already
ordered the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, together with the PCA, to
continue their initiatives in controlling possible pest occurrence, restore
coconut planted areas with senile trees and re-establish a rehabilitation
campaign to improve coconut industry in Surigao del Sur. He also pointed out
that concept for coconut optimization program in the 2nd district of Surigao
del Sur must be drafted the soonest for the inclusion of funds to the
Department of Agriculture- Philippine Rural Development Project (DA- PRDP).
(NGBT/OPAG-SDS Information Officer/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
