PRC AgNor-Butuan City Chapter bares
accomplishments in April, upcoming activities
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, May 22 (PIA) – In their regular
monthly meeting held on Thursday here, the board of directors of the Philippine
Red Cross (PRC) Agusan del Norte-Butuan City Chapter bared several accomplishments
for the month of April, as well as their upcoming activities for this year.
For the month of April 2015, the Disaster
Management Services of the local chapter was able to undertake the following
activities: continued monitoring of the different barangays in Butuan City and
Agusan del Norte through the different Red Cross 143 coordinators with regards
to weather condition affecting the area; and conducted precautionary measures
through text messages in reporting untoward incidents by any means to the chapter
for man-made and natural disaster.
The Blood Service Committee was able to collect
501 units of blood in the month of April 2015, including those acquired from
bloodletting activities.
Teodoro Cairo, Chapter Administrator called on the
public to support the chapter and participate during the conduct of the Bingo
for a Cause dubbed as 'Race to Solferino' on June 6, 2015 (Saturday) at
Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center, this city.
Cairo further revealed that effective June 1,
2015, the new blood processing fee is P1,800.00. From the 1,500 processing fee,
the PRC added P300 for the administrative cost.
"The Philippine Red Cross Agusan del
Norte-Butuan City Chapter will be celebrating its 66th founding anniversary on
July 23, 2015. We will be conducting activities for this year's
celebration," added Cairo.
It was also learned that this year's International
Humanitarian Law (IHL) Month in August is anchored on the theme "Pagkilala
sa Pagpapahalaga sa IHL, Responsibilidad ng Lahat."
“In line with this year’s IHL celebration,
different lined-up activities will also be held,” said Cairo. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Turn-over of PWS, MOA signing, fund release of
2015 PAMANA projects set in SurSur
By Greg Tataro Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, May 22 (PIA) – A
total of P21 million worth of funds earmarked for Payapa at Masaganang
Pamayanan-Department of the Interior and Local Government (PAMANA-DILG)
projects is set for release on May 22, 2015 at Barangay Diatagon Gymnasium in
Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
According to Engr. Merlinda Baure, Provincial
Planning and Development Office (PPDO)
coordinator/PAMANA focal person, P15 million of which will go to Lianga town
while the remaining P6 million is going to the neighbor-town of San Agustin.
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing is set to
take place in this regard between DILG Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion and
Governor Johnny Pimentel.
Beforehand, a turn-over and acceptance ceremony is
also going to be undertaken in the morning in connection with rehabilitation of
potable water system (PWS) projects in four barangays of Lianga—Anibongan,
Baucawe, Diatagon, and Manyayay.
Meanwhile, in the afternoon, a similar event is
going to follow; this time at Barangay Pong-on, San Agustin for the turn-over
of PWS projects in three barangays—Janipaan, Pong-on, and Sto. NiΓ±o.
Governor Pimentel and Regional Director Famacion
are going to give their respective messages in both occasion. (NGBT/Radyo ng
Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Feature: Facts about whole grain
By Imelda A. Agdeppa
Do you ever wonder why most health-conscious
people choose whole grain foods? Here are some facts about whole grains.
Whole grains are cereals, which retain the bran,
the hard, outer layer of the grain. It also contains the germ, the smallest
part of the grain as well as the endosperm, the main part of the grain. Common
whole grain products include oatmeal, popcorn, brown rice, whole-wheat flour
and whole wheat bread.
Typical whole grain cereal foods are low in
saturated fats but are sources of polyunsaturated fats, including omega 3
linolenic acid, which is believed to be good for the heart. Whole grains are also excellent sources of
fiber, which provides important health benefits, from preventing
gastrointestinal disorders to promoting normal bowel. These products also
promote satiety, help control serum cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart
disease.
Whole grains have both soluble and insoluble
fibers. But not all whole grains are good sources of fiber. Whole wheat
contains the highest amount of fiber among the whole grains. Brown rice
contains the least amount of fiber. The common vitamins present in the whole
grains are the B-complex vitamins, including folate, which is essential in the
formation of all body cells.
Whole grains are also good sources of many
minerals, including iron, magnesium, copper, phosphorus and zinc, which are
essential to our health. They also have antioxidants, including vitamin E and
selenium, as well as phytochemicals including flavonoids and phytic acid which
can prevent coronary heart disease, digestive system disease, diabetes, obesity
and many different types of cancer.
A study conducted by United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) Human Nutrition Research Center reported that those who
consumed at least three 1-ounce-equivalent servings of whole grain foods per
day were less likely to have the “metabolic syndrome”. This is a condition
marked by a combination of abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low High
Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, high blood pressure, and poor blood
sugar control—all of which increase the risk for diabetes and heart disease.
How would you know if a whole grain product is
really “whole”? The only way is to check the label or the ingredient list. If
it doesn’t say “whole grain” or “whole wheat”, it’s not the real thing. Don't
be misled by the package’s picture, or descriptive names because they do not
necessarily mean whole grain goodness. Take time to read product labels and
ingredients before purchasing.
Based on the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos,
an individual person can increase fiber intake by eating a variety of high
fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, dried beans and peas, whole grain
bread, oatmeal and other whole grain cereals and pasta.
Be one of those health-conscious people who choose
whole grain products. Make whole grain part of your daily meal. It is good for
your 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; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email:
mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website:
http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.; FNRI Facebook page: facebook.com/FNRI-DOST; FNRI
Twitter account: twitter.com/FNRI-DOST. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media
Service/PIA-Caraga)
Feature: Can a diabetic mom breast-feed her baby?
By Czarina Teresita S. Martinez
There is no question about breast milk being
excellent and complete food for babies. The Food and Nutrition Research
Institute, Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) says that all
mothers under normal conditions can breast-feed their babies and must be
encouraged to breast-feed.
Even a diabetic mom can successfully breast-feed.
Researchers from University Hospital Groningen in Netherlands led by Christine
M. van Beusekom found that the milk of patients with tightly controlled insulin
dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or the Type I diabetes, found no difference
in milk triglycerides, lactose, protein, cholesterol, glucose, and no
abnormalities in total fatty acids composition.
In another study conducted by Katrin M. Ostrom and
Ann M. Ferris of the University of Connecticut, they found that during the
first week after giving birth, women with Type 1 diabetes have lower prolactin
concentration compared with women without diabetes. Prolactin is known as the
principal lactogenic hormone, that helps mothers produce milk for their babies.
The low concentration of prolactin among mothers with Type 1 diabetes suggests
that diabetes may affect the secretion of this milk producing hormone. However
they observed that early breast-feeding activity, increased breast-feeding
frequency, and good glycemic control enhance prolactin secretion thus, should
be promoted during lactation in women with Type 1 diabetes.
The same study revealed that diabetic women are
experiencing breast-feeding delay due to cesarean operation or temporary
separation from their infant can still successfully breast-feed. Women with
Type I diabetes were able to establish lactation despite postpartum separation
from their infants. However, the researchers stresses the need to provide
lactation counseling and continue with aggressive therapy to diabetic mothers
so that the baby gets adequate nutrition.
Breast-feeding has been proven to be beneficial to
both mother and her baby. Breast-feeding provides all the nutrient babies need
to stay healthy. It boosts the baby’s immune systems, protecting them from
diarrhea and acute respiratory infections, two of the leading causes of infant
mortality.
The simple act of breast-feeding contributes to
the bonding of mother and her baby, builds the mother’s confidence in her
ability to care for her infant, and provides a healthy start to the baby’s
psychosocial development. Furthermore, breast-feeding may delay ovulation and
may help space births further apart thus giving time for mothers to recover
from pregnancy stress.
According to Dr. Rosa Allyn G. Sy, President of
the Philippine Diabetes Association, lactating women who are on insulin may
breast-feed provided they are carefully monitored by their endocrinology
doctor.
The FNRI-DOST encourages mothers to “Breast-feed
infants from birth to 6 months and then, give appropriate foods while
continuing breast-feeding”.
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; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph,
mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.; FNRI
Facebook page: facebook.com/FNRI-DOST; FNRI Twitter account:
twitter.com/FNRI-DOST. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
Sen. Bam Aquino inaugurates 1st Negosyo Center in
Surigao Norte
By Rodrigo R. Matabaran
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, May 22 (PIA) –
Senator Paulo Benigno “Bam" Aquino IV led the inauguration of the first
Negosyo Center at the Provincial Capitol Complex, this city.
The provincial Negosyo Center is housed in a
three-story building in the capitol complex and established under the
leadership of Governor Sol F. Matugas as one of the priority projects towards
economic development under the HEALS (Health, Education, Agri-Aquaculture,
Livelihood and Spiritual) agenda of the provincial administration.
In his message, Sen. Aquino pointed out that the
Negosyo Center will bridge the small entrepreneurs to the market and potential
investors that will accelerate growth and expansion. The center will deliver an
excellent service for the micro, small and medium size enterprises.
Sen. Aquino appreciated the commitment and support
of the provincial government in establishing the largest Negosyo Center in the
country in terms of area of the office space.
He vowed to provide all out support to the Center
as principal author of the Go Negosyo Act and He encouraged the national
government agencies and private sector partners to collaborate in helping
existing and aspiring entrepreneurs to be active participants in nation
building.
The provincial Negosyo Center is the 11th center
in the country that is established since last year and the fourth that is
launched this year.
The said center will provide business development
services that will hasten business start-up in coordination with the Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other stakeholders as collaborative partners
for enterprise development.
The center will also conduct trainings and
seminars for potential and existing micro, small and medium enterprises.
Congressman Francisco T. Matugas, Dinagat Islands
Vice Governor Benglen B. Ecleo, DTI Caraga Regional Director Brielgo O. Pagaran
and Provincial Director Celestino L. Negapatan, Vice Governor Carlos Egay Jr.
along with other local officials and representatives of other line agencies,
NGOs, the academe, the officers and members of the Small and Medium Enterprise
Development Council (SMEDC) also graced the inaugural ceremony.
Meanwhile, director Pagaran appreciated the initiative
set by the Governor as he expressed his thanks for the effort significantly
helping the tasks of DTI while encouraging LGUs to establish their respective
Negosyo Centers.
The activity ended with the signing of the
Memorandum of Agreement of the stakeholders led by Gov. Matugas, Dir. Pagaran,
SMED Council Chairperson Concepcion R. Paqueo, Engr. Leonel Santos of
STI-Surigao and representative of St. Paul University-Surigao.
The signing was witnessed by Sen. Aquino, Vice
Gov. Egay and some provincial officials and representatives of the business
sector. (SDR/DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
