PSA-AgNor to launch CRVS in Butuan
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 15 (PIA) – The Philippine
Statistics Authority (PSA) Agusan del Norte will be launching the Civil
Registration and Vital Statistics Decade (CRVS) on February 19, 2016 at their
provincial office here.
According to Reynelo Magno, PSA Agusan del Norte
provincial statistics officer, as the agency mandated by Republic Act No. 10625
to carry out, enforce and administer vicil registration functions in the
country, shall lead all relevant activities that seek to uphold the continuous
and compulsory recording of births, death, marriages and other acts and events
concerning the status of persons; enhance awareness on the importance of civil
registry documents; and produce accurate, complete and updated vital
statistics.
“President Benigno S. Aquino III recently signed
Proclamation No. 1106 which declared the years 2016-2024 as Civil Registration
and Vital Statistics Decade (CRVS). Said procalamtion is a concrete
manifestation of the Philippine government’s support to the outcome of the
Ministerial Conference on CRVS in Asia and the Pacific held in November 2014 in
Bangkok, Thailand,” bared Magno.
It was also learned that the Philippines also
agreed to adopt the Ministerial Declaration to “Get Everyone in the Picture” in
Asia and the Pacific. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
Diocese of Butuan, partners unite for tree
planting activity in AgSur
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 15 (PIA) – As part of the
preparation for the Golden Jubilee celebration, the Diocese of Butuan together
with partners from government agencies and non-government organizations
spearheaded on Saturday the tree planting activity at Barangay Calaitan in
Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
According to Rev. Fr. Stephen Brongcano, the tree
planting activity which is part of the Golden Jubilee celebration is intended
to contribute to environmental welfare and at the same time concretize Jesus
Christ's teachings as embodied in Pope Francis’ Laudato Si.
Brongcano added that the activity is also a quick
response to the call to take good care of the environment and initiate
different activities that will benefit the majority.
Said event started with a liturgy of the word and
blessing of seedlings led by Butuan Bishop Rev. Fr. Juan de Dios Pueblos. He
also briefed the participants on the significance of the celebration and the
tree planting as the highlight.
Diocese of Butuan vice chancellor Fr. Michael
Abellanosa, also added that other than the tree planting, medical and dental
missions, fun run and panaw-duaw (visit to all parishes) are some of the major
events of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Diocese.
Anchored on this year's Golden Jubilee theme,
"Bugkoson ang mga Matoohong Katawhan Isip Masalmotong Simbahan,"
Abellanosa emphasized that the tree planting is also aimed to call on people to
participate in the greening programs and contribute to making a better and
conducive place to live and a wholistic well-being. "This undertaking is
just one of the many approaches in translating the gospel to be more realistic
and meaningful," he said.
“Be reminded that God created everything and as
humans we are entrusted to render time and efforts to care/nurture the
environment. I am encouraging everyone that as stewards of these gifts of
nature, we may rediscover the joy of God's love especially in this
extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy,” remarked Abellanosa.
Also, barangay captain Raquel Macfe of Brgy.
Calaitan, Bayugan City expressed her sincere gratitude for the presence of
individuals who actively participated in the tree planting activity. "In
behalf of the community members of this barangay, I would like to thank you all
and the organizers for choosing our locality to be the recipient of this
undertaking. We will ensure the proper growth of these mahogany seedlings to
achieve the purpose for a greener environment," she said.
Meanwhile, Alejandra Boiser, Community Environment
and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO)-Bayugan City said that they have prepared
around 500 mahogany seedlings intended for the tree planting activity in the
said barangay. "Two of the many ways to mitigate the negative effects of
climate change are through protection and rehabilitation. This tree planting is
very timely because it is in this area that new roads will be opened and that
landslides of mountainous areas may be avoided," she added.
(VLG/DJA/JPG/PIA-Caraga)
75IB chief mourns fallen soldier
By Nida Grace B. Tranquilan
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 15 (PIA)
–Commanding officer Lt. Col. Haron Akaz of 75th Infantry Battalion, 402nd
Brigade, Phil. Army based in Bislig City expressed his grief over the untimely
and unxpected passing of one his soldiers who was killed in an encounter with
New People’s Army (NPA) rebels around 11:30 p.m., Feb. 12 in Brgy. Sta. Fe,
Tagbina, Surigao del Sur. An NPA rebel was also killed during the incident, it
was learned.
”We are saddened that one of our brothers paid the
ultimate sacrifice for protecting the locals of Tagbina town. Likewise, we are
also saddened that another NPA was killed because of their futile struggle and
wrong idealism,” said Akaz.
Pursuit operations have continued against the 10
fully armed NPA guerillas who fled after a five-minute firefight at the
compound of Sumitomo Fruits Corp. (SUMIFRO) Farm in brgy. Sta. Fe. The
government troops recovered one improvised explosive device (IED) with blasting
cap and detonating chord and one caliber .45 pistol from the NPA. Extortion
letters and some subversive documents were also discovered from the killed
rebel.
The latest encounter between the government troops
and NPA bandits in the said town was the result of the reports from the
concerned civilians who reported to the 75th IB that the NPAs threatened to
burn the equipment of SUMIFRO if they do not give extortion money to them.
“We condemn the NPA for their extortion
activities. They should put an end to these kind terrorist activities
especially that their victims are innocent hardworking farmers and
lumads," he said.
“It is very evident that this terrorist group
(NPA) does not abide by the Comprehensive Agreement in Respect to Human Rights
and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL) for their continuous manufacture
and use of IEDs," Akaz added.
Meanwhile, earlier on the same day another report
received that the newly deployed troops under the 16th IB led by Lt. Col.
Andres Ferrer while conducting security patrol at the vicinity of Mabahin-Matho
Complex of Cortes town this province reportedly encountered an undetermined
number of fully armed men. The said incident resulted to the recovery of an IED
with one blasting cap while it is believed that several NPAs were wounded and
killed after the government troops discovered several blood stains from the
NPAs’ position. (NGBT/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Feature: Discover the versatility of potatoes
By Divorah V. Aguila
Potatoes are one of the most popular vegetables
abundant throughout the year. They are
nutritious, easy to prepare, and very versatile.
A potato has approximately the same energy value
as bread, but it is a far better balanced food than bread. Potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates
which supply energy. One serving of
boiled potato, about 100 grams (g) edible portion, has about 62 calories, 1.7 g
protein, 34 milligrams (mg) calcium, 44 mg phosphorus and 24 mg vitamin C. Since potatoes are starchy foods, they put
less work on the kidneys. That same potato has about 5 grams of fiber, which is
important for a healthy digestive tract.
Potatoes contain more potassium than any other
fresh vegetable, even more than bananas. One potato (100 g) has almost 900 mg
of potassium, which is about 20% of what we need every day. Potassium is
important for body growth and cell maintenance.
It is also an electrolyte that helps balance the fluids in the body,
which is important for normal blood pressure.
Potatoes also contain substantial amounts of
vitamins C and B6, which are vital for blood clotting, wound healing, strong
immune system, normal nervous system function and for converting food to
energy.
When selecting………..
When selecting potatoes, make sure they are
smooth, shallow-eyed, and reasonably unblemished. Avoid the extra large potato, as it may have
a hollow or pithy center. Potatoes with a slightly green color are sunburned
and may have developed a bitter taste.
When choosing potatoes, be sure they are firm and smooth. Softness, a green tinge, or wrinkly skin may
indicate a potato that is past its prime.
When storing ……….
Store potatoes in a cool and dry place. Sunlight causes the skin to turn green. If this occurs, the skin must be peeled off
before consuming because of its bitter taste.
Most of the nutrients are contained right below the skin, so avoid
peeling when possible.
When preparing …………
Before cooking potatoes, they should be thoroughly
washed with clean tap water and scrubbed lightly. Any sprouts or eyes growing from the potato
should be cut. The skin can be removed or left on depending on use.
When cooking ……….
Potatoes are easy to cook. Common methods include boiling, baking,
microwaving, frying and grilling.
Potatoes can also be mashed with a little non-fat milk, or used in a
potato salad.
Consuming baked and grilled potatoes with the skin
left on provides the most nutrients.
Potatoes have a bland flavor, so they can be used
frequently in meals. It is best to cook potatoes on a low heat, if
possible. If they are not baked, they
should be cooked in a vapor-sealed vessel to retain their goodness.
To bake, drop them first in very hot water to heat
them, and then rub them with oil to keep their skins from getting too hard
during baking and to make them more digestible.
Before serving baked potatoes, they may be cut in
half, scooped out, and mashed with butter or a little grated cheese, and then
garnished with parsley or chives. You
may also take plain, baked potatoes by splitting them open, and serve with a
Roquefort, cream, and chive dressing.
While a plain potato with the skin intact is very
good for you, potatoes can have an evil side. French fries and potato chips are
full of fat, salt and calories and a baked potato can go from good to bad when
you add bacon, cheese and a big glop of sour cream. Keep your baked potato
healthy by topping it with some lycopene-rich salsa, or use a dab of low-fat
sour cream.
Here are some more healthy potato tips:
·
Include potatoes in your variety of daily colorful fruits and vegetables.
·
Start a vegetable garden and plant potatoes - they are easy to grow.
· Wash
and poke holes in a raw potato and microwave for about four minutes for a fast,
tasty low-calorie snack.
· Add
cut-up boiled potatoes to stews and vegetable soups.
· Wrap
baking potatoes in foil and put them on the grill and add to a summer meal.
· Boil
and mash potatoes for an all-time favorite dish.
·
Slice potatoes into strips, season, and bake in the oven for healthy,
homemade French fries.
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; Telephone/ Fax Nos:
837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071-82 local
2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST
website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.
Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or follow our Twitter
account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
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)
Farmer leaders to receive financial support
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 15 (PIA) - A new ordinance was
passed and approved recently by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del
Norte providing financial assistance to the members of the Provincial
Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) and Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources Management Council (IFARMC).
Under Provincial Ordinance No. 406-2016 authored
by Provincial Board Member Antidio B. Amora, entitled: “An Ordinance Providing
Financial Support to the Farmer Leaders on Agriculture Rural Based Organization
Under the People Empowerment and Agri-Entrepreneural Skills and Livelihood
Enhancement Program of the Province of Agusan del Norte,” PAFC and IFARMC
members who shall be present during regular quarterly meeting of farmer leaders
will receive an honorarium of P500.00 each.
This was based under Section 36 of Republic Act
7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, which states that, a local
government unit may, through its local chief executive and with the concurrence
of the sanggunian concerned, provide assistance, financial or otherwise, to
such people’s and non-government organizations for economic, social oriented,
environmental or cultural projects to be implemented within its jurisdiction.
Hence, Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba
was positive about the program for the farmers to encourage people
participation and empowerment in agriculture and fishery development, and
endeavors to emphasize social justice, equity, productivity and sustainability
in the use of the agriculture and fishery resources.
The general functions of PAFC and IFARMC are to
identify and assess the diverse needs and resources of the province and
participate in policy assessment and formulation in consultation with the
provincial government and non-government organizations in agriculture and
fishery development.
The province will appropriate funds every year for
the said quarterly honorarium under Support to Rural Based Organizations.
(LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
OWWA organizes OFW org in AgNor town
BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 15 (PIA) - The Overseas Workers
Welfare Administration (OWWA) in partnership with the local government unit of
Buenavista, Agusan del Norte held a one day community organizing to the 30
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and dependents on February 10, 2015.
The participants were provided with Financial
Literacy Training and Values Reorientation Seminar, which is anchored on the
aspiration of the agency to prepare the OFWs and their beneficiaries in
becoming self-sustaining individuals especially upon return of the OFWs in the
country.
“Understanding the value of money, knowing how we
could make the most out of it and being taught on how to make it grow is very
helpful for us OFW families, we know that working abroad wouldn’t last
forever,” shared Rebecca M. NaΓ―ve during the discussion in financial literacy.
They were also given workshops on revisiting their
values through interacting with their co-participants.
Meanwhile, a campaign on the programs and services
of the agency was also delivered. Enthusiastic with the many benefits that the
agency offers, the participants inquired more about the services they may avail
of especially the scholarships and training benefits. They were likewise
enjoined to help in disseminating the agency’s services to their neighbors who
were not able to attend in the campaign.
Family Welfare Officer Lorie Ann G. Hilongos then
facilitated the community organizing and election of officers of the Buenavista
OFWs Organization.
Moreover, Auralyn Sanchez, the elected president
of the organization, afterwards held a meeting with the officers to discuss the
IT Training they wish to be provided with by the month of March.
The agency will be assisting the organization for
their registration with the Department of Labor and Employment. The group will
also be given Techno-Transfer Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Development
Training apart from their scheduled Information Technology. (JPIM,
OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Surigao Norte town supports DOLE’s programs,
services
By Olga Virginia A. Demata and Abigail Grace S
Pantejo
MAINIT, Surigao del Norte, Feb. 15 (PIA) – The
local government unit (LGU) of Mainit, Surigao del Norte being an active
partner, pledged their support in implementing the Department of Labor and
Employment’s (DOLE's) various programs and activities.
The LGU allocates a total amount of P100,000
yearly under the Gender and Development (GAD) fund of the municipality for
semi- institutionalization of its Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO).
“This fund will be appropriated yearly by this
local unit in order to sustain the implementation of DOLE programs and
activities,” Sangguniang Bayan member Lynda B. Mozar said.
The LGU wants to develop their PESO by conducting
more activities with regard to providing employment services to job seekers,
both for local and overseas employment, recruitment assistance to employers and
conduct of pre-employment counseling and orientation to prospective local and
overseas workers.
Recently, the Sangguniang Bayan of Mainit was
present, along with municipal vice mayor Crisanta O. Mondano in confirming the
resolution here at the SB Session Hall Legislative Building. (DOLE/PIA-Surigao
del Norte)
TESDA helps rebuild houses through carpentry training
in SurSur
By Greg Tataro Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 15 (PIA) – In a
joint undertaking with concerned government agencies and instrumentalities, the
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provincial office
here has continued to make a dent by carrying out its mandate.
Recently, the said agency headed by provincial
director Rey Cueva had added another feather in its cap by holding a five-day
“Training Cum Production in Carpentry NC II” for 28 participants whose houses
were said to be “washed out” by Typhoon Agaton, the first storm to hit the
province in 2014, it was learned.
The activity was held in Barangay Bolhoon, San
Miguel, 31 kilometers south, this city.
According to Cueva, the training aims “To develop
skilled carpenters through Community-based Training” and “To rebuild 28 houses
washed out by Typhoon Agaton through training cum production process.”
The Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO), LGU San
Miguel, Philippine Army, Barangay LGU-Bolhoon, Surigao del Sur State University
(SDSSU), and their office were cited as “sources of funds” by the TESDA
provincial chief.
Busy a couple of weeks earlier a series of
commitment, the TESDA here had also been host to the 2016 Planning and
Budgeting Exercises for TESDA Caraga Execom Members at La Entrada, San Agustin
town on January 14-15. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Cebuano News: Pista sa Kapitolyo mabulokong
gisaulog
Ni Mary Jul E. Escalante
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Peb. 15 (PIA) -
Nahimong mabulukon ug bibo ang pagsaulog sa kapistahan sa patron Our Lady of
Lourdes o Pista nan Kapitolyo niadtong Pebrero 11, 2016 ning dakbayan.
Ang maong selebrasyon gisugdan pinaagi sa usa ka
prosisyon sa sayo nga kabuntagon sulod sa capitol compound ug misunod nga
gipahigayon ang usa ka Misa Pasalamat didto sa Capitol Chapel.
Human sa misa pasalamat, gisaluhan sa mga
empleyado sa kapitolyo ug mga opisyales ning probinsya ang libreng pamahaw ug
painit isip usa ka pamilya didto sa capitol grounds. Pagkahapon sa samang
adlaw, napuno sa kabibo ug katawa ang Provincial Convention Center sa mga
padula ug pabibo nga gisalmutan sa mga empleyado ug mga opisyales.
Dako ang kalipay ni Gobernador Sol Matugas sa
malampuson ug hapsay nga kasaulogan sa maong kapistahan ning tuiga ug
mapasalamaton usab siya kang patron Our Lady of Lourdes sa tanang grasya nga
gibubo niini sa probinsya. (PGO-PIC/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
