Agnor guv strengthens veterans’ benefits
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 28 – Provincial Governor Ma.
Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba ensured that the provincial government of
Agusan del Norte extends its support to the veterans of the province, including
their dependents, for the realization of their hospitalization program and
medical care and treatment.
This is based on the mandate of Republic Act (R.A.)
no. 6498 or “An Act Standardizing and Upgrading the Benefits For Military
Veterans and their Dependents,” as amended by R.A. no. 7696, which states that
the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office will provide hospitalization, medical
care and treatment to Filipino veterans and their dependents with its
accredited government or private hospitals through a Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA).
To include the said program for the veterans in the
province, Gov. Amante-Matba was authorized by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan
through Sanggunian Resolution No. 333-2017, authored by Provincial Board Member
Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, to sign the MOA with the Philippine Veterans Affairs
Office, Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital and Cabadbaran District Hospital.
Under the said MOA, the Provincial Hospital and
Cabadbaran District Hospital were chosen by the Philippine Veterans Affairs
Office (PVAO) to be included in its accredited hospitals to carry out its
objectives.
The agreement further stated that the two hospitals
shall make available their services and facilities for the care and treatment
of veterans and their dependents in accordance with the provisions of R.A. 6498
as amended by R.A. 7696. All bills incurred for the hospitalization and
treatment shall be reimbursed under the Philippine Veterans Affairs
Office-Veterans Memorial Medical Center (PVAO-VMMC) Hospitalization Program.
(ABSienes, LGU-Agusan del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
AgSur Negosyo Centers staff finish 5-day Small
Business Counseling Course 101
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Dec. 28 – Nine (9)
Agusan del Sur Negosyo Center (NC) project staff have completed the Small
Business Counseling Course (SBCC 101) organized by the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI)-Caraga Negosyo Center Coordinating Unit.
The graduates were as follows: Elphie Plaza (NC
Talacogon/Bayugan City); Charlotte Carl Pingol (NC-Bayugan City); Charlz Palen
(NC Esperanza/Project Entrep); Caryl Joy Husain Zapanta (NC-Provincial
Hub/Srtike Team for IPs); Shiela Mae Silong and Mark Bogani (NC-Trento); France Tumulak Suaybaguio (NC-Bunawan);
Yoraidyll Shanxt Tutor (NC-Provincial Hub/BuB); and Aibel Tolentino (NC
Provincial Hub and Project Entrep and Strike Team for IPs).
The rest of the NC project staff and counselors had
the same training in 2015 and 2016.
All the participants said they had fun while
learning. They also became more confident to serve NC clients with the added
knowledge and the tools and techniques, which they can use in their jobs.
Tapped by DTI Caraga as resource persons and
facilitators was the father and son tandem Rene S.L. Resurrecion and Rene
Mikhael Resurrecion of the Association of Development Facilitators and
Enterprise Counselors, lnc. (ADFEC, lnc.). (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del
Sur)
DTI Negosyo Center leads food safety, good
manufacturing practices seminar in Surigao Norte town
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Dec. 28 (PIA) – A
total of 32 food processors and handlers were capacitated on the basic food
safety and good manufacturing practices (GMP) held at the Legislative Function
Hall in the municipality of Claver, this province.
The seminar aimed to bring awareness to the food
processors and handlers in the municipality concerning food safety and quality,
specifically to increase responsiveness to basic hygiene and reduce the riskof
food borne diseases.
DTI Surigao del Norte Trade and Industry
Development Specialist Mardel Allen Delanto served as the resource person for
the said activity.
Major topics discussed include the importance of
GMP, contamination control, and personnel and premise hygiene.
With the said training, Claver food handlers and
processors who are directly involved in food preparation were able to acquire
working knowledge on the basics of GMP and food safety that will benefit not
only the enterprise itself, but also benefit its consumers, as it reduces risk
of food borne diseases, increase awareness of basic hygiene, reduced
recall/wastage of food, and improve staff management commitment to food safety.
(DTI-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
Shopping tips for healthful eating
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 28 – Consumers today have many
choices when it comes to food, especially at the grocery store. With numerous
items and brand names, how does one go about choosing foods that are enjoyable,
affordable, and most importantly, those that provide proper nutrition?
The List
Before you head out to the market, take time to
make a list. It will save you time and money.
What to eat this week. List out meal ideas for the
week, keeping in mind which days you’ll have time to cook and which days you’ll
be pressed for time to put dinner on the table. When time is short, opt for
vegetable salads or boil or steam green, leafy or other vegetables and
ready-to-eat fortified foodstuffs containing low fat, cholesterol, and sodium
or salt.
Organize the list. As you create your shopping
list, check your menu options against the Food Guide Pyramid developed by the
Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST-FNRI) to ensure you’ve remembered everything from rice, breads
and cereals to fats and oils, meat, fish and poultry, milk and other dairy
products to vegetables and fruits.
This will help ensure that you are purchasing a
variety of foods that provide all your nutrient needs.
Don’t forget snacks! Everyone enjoys a little boost
between meals, so choose nutritious, great tasting snack foods such as low-fat
nuts, popcorn and fruits.
The Strategy
Avoid going to the market or grocery when you are
hungry. Leave the decisions with your head, not your stomach. It’s easier to
stick to the list if you are not hungry, so make sure to eat something before
you go shopping.
Set a routine. Establish a day and time that makes
it easy for you to move quickly and easily through the store or market and stay
focused on your market list.
Save money. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables that
are in season because these are cheaper. In the grocery store, look for
foodstuffs that are on sale.
The labels. Read food labels. You can compare
nutrients and ingredients between similar foodstuffs. Determine which nutrients
the food contributes to your total diet.
The tricks in going to the grocery store: Knowing
how to shop and what to look for in each section of the store helps you save
your time.
Farm Products. Since fresh agricultural products
(like green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, fruits like bananas, papaya, mango,
pineapple) which contribute vitamins and minerals don’t last very long, buy
only the amount you can eat for a few days. Roots and tubers such as kamote,
potatoes and gabi can be bought in bulk for a one to two-week supply. These are
important sources of energy, fiber and vitamins.
Meat, fish, chicken, eggs, dried beans and nuts.
Get your protein! These foods are sources of high-quality protein. Buy meat,
fish, and chicken, especially when they are on sale.
Milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products,
small fish like dilis. Including these in your diet is an easy way to get your
recommended intake of calcium to prevent osteoporosis.
Frozen. The frozen foods section is a great place
for convenient, nutritious food choices for any meal occasion – breakfast,
lunch, dinner – and even dessert. Read nutrition labels and choose low fat,
cholesterol, and sodium (salt) content of different brands.
Canned foods. Canned fruits and vegetables are also
great to have on hand because they are similar and some are fortified, hence,
higher in nutrients than their fresh counterparts. Most importantly, they don’t
spoil as quickly!
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.
You may also like their Facebook page at
facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or follow their Twitter account at
twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (IAAgdeppa, Ph.D., FNRI-DOST S&T Media
Service/PIA-Caraga)
Simple tips for happy holiday eating
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 28 – Partying during the holiday
season is so common and is so difficult to avoid. Frequent partying, like a
couple of days or nights in a week, can lead you to becoming overweight or
obese.
Here are some simple tips you can follow to
maintain your weight during the holidays.
Plan ahead! Eat meals with lower fat and calories
during the day to save up for “splurges” at social events;
Balance party eating with other meals like salads
and fruits;
Be selective. Choose specials foods. Keep and eat
small portions;
Focus on socializing. Greet people you know –
conversation is calorie-free;
Do not drink alcohol with an empty stomach because
it may lead to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar level since it may inhibit the
release of glucose from glycogen in the liver.
After a holiday meal, take a walk. Walking burns
calories and helps deal with holiday stress.
For happy holiday eating, remember to include
variety of foods in your plate.
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.
You may also like their Facebook page at
facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or follow their Twitter account at
twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (MIGGlorioso, FNRI-DOST S & T Media
Service/PIA-Caraga)
HIV does not have to be a death sentence
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 28 – Starting as a mysterious
pneumonia-like infection in the 1980s, acquired immune deficiency syndrome
(AIDS) is the most advanced stage of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
infection usually manifested by the accumulation of diseases rooting from
having very low or no immune system response.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
HIV targets the immune system and weakens people’s defense systems against
infections and certain cancers. It destroys and impairs the functions of the
immune cells while increases the vulnerability of an infected person a wide
range of diseases that a person not infected can normally fight off.
Although a lot of misconceptions about the
transmission of HIV have been circulating for years now, HIV can only be
transmitted through the exchange of certain body fluids specifically the blood,
vaginal secretions, semen, and breast milk.
Consequently, saliva or sweat and any other body
fluids can not transfer the virus, not even mosquito bites.
Signs and symptoms of the virus infection may vary
from one person to the other, but the most noticeable are swollen lymph nodes,
weight loss, fever, diarrhea, and cough that can later develop to severe
illnesses such as tuberculosis, cryptococcal meningitis, lymphoma, Kaposi’s
sarcoma, to name a few, as confirmed by the WHO.
Nevertheless, the only way to know if a person is
HIV positive is through HIV testing.
The WHO revealed that “HIV continues to be a major
global public health issue, having claimed more than 34 million lives so far in
2014, where 1.2 million people died from HIV-related causes globally. Moreover,
there were approximately 36.9 million people living with HIV at the end of 2014
with 2 million people becoming newly infected with HIV in 2014 globally.”
In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH)
revealed that there were over 27,000 cases of reported HIV as of July 2015.
Though the prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the country is low, the Philippines
has the fastest growing HIV epidemic in the world, according to WHO.
As to date, there is no known cure for HIV. The
issue of HIV has imposed a stigma in the society up until today. However,
getting tested positive for HIV is not a death sentence anymore.
There is a continuous development for the
regression and treatment of the virus through effective anti-retroviral (ARV)
drugs to help prevent transmission of the virus and let people living with it
enjoy productive lives.
In line with this, the United Nations (UN) in 2000
has committed and signed time-bound and quantifiable targets to address issues
of extreme poverty, along with its underlying causes known as the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) which are expected to be met by 2015.
The MDG 6 focuses on combating HIV or AIDS, malaria
and other diseases by reversing the spread of HIV or AIDS, malaria and other
diseases by 2015.
The battle against HIV or AIDS is achievable by
limiting exposure to risk factors and observing HIV preventions like using
condom and sterile injecting equipment, and early detection of the virus via
HIV testing.
If found positive, don’t lose hope. With continuous
ARV treatment, regular check-up and counseling coupled with healthy lifestyle,
eating properly, having the right mind and attitude, and regular exercise,
people living with the virus can live longer and stronger. (JRADoringo,
FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
PNP Caraga awarded as best JABRAC
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 28 – The Philippine National
Police (PNP) in Caraga was adjudged as Best Joint Anti-Bank Robbery Action
Committee (JABRAC) during the awarding ceremony held at the PNP National
Headquarters in Camp Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City on December 15, 2017.
Senior Supt Ernesto Flores, Deputy Regional
Director for Operations, received the plaque of distinction for the successful
conduct of impact programs and activities from October 16, 2016 to October 16,
2017.
“The efforts of our JABRAC in strengthening ties
and maximizing security measures to prevent bank robberies and other related
crimes had made PNP Caraga a recipient of this award,” said Chief Supt Noli
Romana, Regional Director and the chairperson of JABRAC.
JABRAC is a joint effort of the PNP and private
sector to fight robbery and other bank-related crimes.
Anchored on the principle of unified response and
integrated efforts among its members, the committee provides overall planning,
coordination and monitoring to ensure the safety and security of the banks and
other financial instructions. (PNP-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
2017 OFW Family Day gathers 1,500 Caraganon OFWs,
families
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 28 – The Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration (OWWA) in Caraga, in partnership with the local government of
Surigao del Sur, celebrated the OFW Family Day dubbed “Pamaskong Handog para sa
Pamilyang OFW” at the Barobo Gymnasium, Barobo, Surigao del Sur on December 16,
2017.
Some 1,500 OFW and dependents, coming from the
different municipalities of Surigao del Sur and other provinces, along with
their local government unit (LGU) representatives and Public Employment and
Service Office (PESO) officers, gathered in the joyous celebration.
Various national line agencies and social partners
joined together to bring services and presents to the OFW families.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation
(PhilHealth), under their OFW program, supported the activity and gave away
prizes for their trivia questions that set a festive vibe to the crowd. The
Caraga Association of Recruitment Agencies (CARA) performed a dance
presentation, then immediately proceeded to giving away a number of raffle draw
prizes. Social partners such as PEPSI Cola, Motortrade, Pru-Life UK, Camella
Homes, Sunpride Foods and Tanduay Distillers brought goods for the raffle and
dance contest prizes. Cash gifts were also raffled by B-MEG and/or San Miguel
Foods Corporation, ten winners for P1,000.00 each while LBC Express also
raffled six, each at P500.00.
Local government officials also attended the
gathering. Surigao del Sur Vice Governor Manuel O. Alameda, Sr., delighted by
the huge number of people in attendance gave cash prizes to six raffle winners
on top of the grocery items. Governor Vicente Pimentel, although was not able
to attend the event, sent a video greeting to the constituent OFWs. Sangguniang
bayan Member Margarita Garay also donated kitchen wares for the OFWs to take
home.
OWWA made sure to prepare a number of exciting
prizes from grocery items, rice sacks, home appliances and bicycles.
Eight OFW family circles joined in the dance
competition, all the teams danced in the tune of “Para Sayo” by IΓ±igo
Pascual. OFWs and their dependents
gracefully danced their hearts out. In the end, the Sulong Mt. Diwata OFW and
Dependents Association from San Francisco, Agusan del Sur bagged the first
prize amounting to P6,000.00. United OFW Family Circle of Bislig won second
place and Tucada OFW and Dependents – Cortes Cluster won third with prizes
P4,000.00 and P2,500.00, respectively. All non-winning teams received a
consolation prize of P1,000.00 each.
Meanwhile, the OWWA Caraga officers and staff
prepared a dance number to entertain the participants. To make sure that the
participants stayed active up until the end of the program, a community dance was
led by OWWA Officers and Staff where the attendees grooved gracefully.
A simultaneous free health and beauty clinic was
also carried out with services including facial massage, body massage, manicure
and pedicure, and haircut.
Further, the Information Caravan on Reintegration
Program was also incorporated in the celebration. (JPIMillones,
OWWA-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Help picky teens eat healthy foods
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 28 – Adolescence is probably one
of the most confusing and experimental stages of the human life.
It is when rapid changes occur inside the body like
hormonal surges, which prepares the teens to face the real world and become
adults.
Proper nutrition is necessary in supporting these
changes and in attaining optimal growth and development.
According to the Philippine Dietary Reference
Intakes (PDRI) by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department
of Science and Technology (DOST-FNRI), adolescents have the highest recommended
energy intake per day, with an average of 2,800 calories for males and 2,200
calories for females.
A balanced diet fuels the growing teen body and
boosts intake of nutrients for energy, growth, and proper functioning of bodily
processes.
Among teens who are usually picky eaters, this is
easier said than done.
Here are some tips in getting your picky teens eat
healthy foods:
Be very hands-on with what they eat. Cook more
meals at home and make each meal more interesting by adding fun and creativity
to the foods. Create a food collage or make a fruit smiley on top of their
cereals to encourage them to eat the food you prepared;
Let them eat breakfast. This is a good training to
instill in their young minds that breakfast is the most important meal of the
day;
Make eating a bonding moment between you and your
teens. Make it fun by injecting themes or motifs every now and then;
Walk the talk. It is important that your teens see
that you practice what you preach by eating nutritious foods and staying
healthy;
Make them involved by having them help you in the
kitchen. Try to bring them to the grocery with you too;
Don’t force them to eat foods that they don’t like.
They will only loathe the foods you give them;
Introduce them to different food items from time to
time. This will make their diets more varied;
Instead of serving your teens sugary desserts, try
stocking fruits in the fridge and serve the fruits as desserts. Fruits like
mangoes, grapes, and apples are as delectable as cakes but not as high in
calories;
Disguise healthy foods by adding them to a classic
dish. Add vegetables like carrots and celery with meatballs or add squash with
pudding;
Include calcium-rich foods in their diet for bone
growth. According to the PDRI, adolescents have the highest recommended calcium
intake per day at 1,000 milligrams (mg). Make sure to include milk, dairy
products or small fishes like anchovies and tagunton in their diet;
Make a healthy snack ready. Most of the time, teens
will always be hungry and will ask for food. Have a stock of granola bars,
yogurts, and whole grain sandwiches.
Shifting from childhood to adulthood is critical
and demands thorough attention to successfully carry it out.
Aside from the biological changes in the body, this
is the period when outside influences have great impacts to the decisions of
the adolescents in creating self-concept, sense of identity, sexual
orientation, and self-esteem.
Consequently, it is the best time for family values
and ties to shine through the whole process of an adolescent so that they
become comfortable in accepting social roles and responsibilities in the
community.
What better way to strengthen this tie than through
healthy eating!
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.
You may also like their Facebook page at
facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or follow their Twitter account at
twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (JRADoringo,
FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
Nutritional needs of teenagers
BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 28 – Because of the rapid growth
and development during teenage years, adolescents have greater needs for
certain nutrients. Below are certain nutrients needed by teenagers in greater
amounts. These are based on the Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes (PDRI)
2015 developed by Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST-FNRI). The PDRI is a new set of multi-level
standards wherein the Recommended Energy/Nutrient Intake (REI/ RNI) is one of
the components. The REI/RNI is the level of intake of energy or nutrient which
is considered adequate for the maintenance of health and well-being of healthy
persons in the population.
Energy – Adolescent boys need more energy foods
because of an increase in physical activities than adolescent girls. The energy
requirement of adolescents aged 13-15 years is 2700 kcal for 48.5 kg boys while
2170 kcal for 46 kg girls. For adolescents aged 16-18 years, it is 3010 kcal
for 59 kg boys while 2280 kcal for 51.5 kg girls;
Protein – The need for body building foods is also
high among teenagers because of accelerated growth and development. The protein
need of adolescents (13 -15 years) is 62 grams per day for boys and 57 grams
per day for girls. For adolescents aged 16-18 years, it is 73 grams per day for
boys while 61 grams for girls is needed;
Calcium – Teenagers have higher requirements for
calcium as the adolescence period is a vital time for bone development.
Teenagers need extra calcium to store up an optimal amount of bone (peak bone
mass). Building bone mass through a balanced diet, including adequate calcium
may delay the onset or limit chances of developing osteoporosis later in life.
Calcium requirement for an adolescent boy or girl (13-18 years) is 1000 mg per
day;
Iron – Both teenage boys and girls need additional
iron due to the growth spurt. Among teenage girls, the onset of “monthly
period” increases the need for iron. The recommendation for iron is 19 mg/ day
for teenage boys (13-15 years) while it is 28 mg/day for teenage girls (13-15
years). Iron requirements of teenage girls cannot be met by usual diet alone.
Intake of iron-rich and iron-fortified foods and the use of supplements are
recommended, if necessary.
It is important to plan how to get adequate iron.
Iron from meat is better absorbed by the body than the iron from plant sources.
However, the absorption of iron from plants is improved by eating fruit or
drinking juice that contains vitamin C with the iron-rich food.
Meet the changing nutritional needs of a growing
teenager by choosing and enjoying a diet that includes a variety of foods from
the Pinggang Pinoy, coupled with regular physical activity.
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 (MIGGlorioso, FNRI-DOST S&T Media
Service/PIA-Caraga)
