Cover DENR-13 develops 4,452 hectares mangrove plantation under NGP
CONTENTS Volume 1, No. 6
7-13 May 2016
Regional News
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Caraga’s PRDP approved projects rises to P982 Million Call for Nominations: 2016 Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis in Herbal Medicine Award Butuan incumbent admin loses by 13-0 over opponent’s landslide victory
Provincial News
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DAR conducts basic cooperative training to AgNor ARBs AgNor approves budget for brgy relocation site DAR AgSur launches project, gives financial assistance Siargao agrarian orgs undergo strategic planning Surigao Norte tourism office pushes for water infra projects DOST launches SETUP project in Bislig City Hinatuan agrarian reform beneficiaries take oath
Health News
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Proper hand washing can save lives
Mindanao News
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Mindanao power monitoring body expects better power on Monday polls
National News
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Aquino government ready for smooth transition to next administration, say Palace official PHL named world’s 8th top medical tourism hub
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DENR-
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reas developed and planted to mangroves and beach forest by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) personnel under the National Greening Program (NGP) have reached 4,452 hectares since 2011.
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Cover Story
-13 develops 4,452 hectares mangrove plantation under NGP By: Eric Herzon F. Gallego
Surigao del Norte reported that 55 percent of the total target area have been planted in 1,989 hectares coastline with bacauan mangrove species and 447.6 hectares of beach forest. Surigao del Sur reported that some 1,544 hectares of beach coast were planted with mangrove propagules.
Nonito M. Tamayo. The personnel of the PENR Office of Agusan del Norte and CENR Office of Nasipit including the DENR Regional offices went to the different planting sites along the beaches to plant mangrove propagules in celebration of the 46th Earth Day with the theme “Let us plant trees.”
There were only 5 percent or 220 hectares of mangroves developed CENR officer Norman Asugan and planted in Dinagat and 215 of CENRO Nasipit, Agusan del Norte hectares in Agusan del Norte. said more than 3,000 mangrove propagules have been planted by the “We are focusing our efforts DENR personnel during the Earth Day for the meantime on mangrove celebration, spread in different sites propagules planting considering of the western coast of the province the long months of dry-spell that hit with a combined area of 10 hectares. the country since October 2015,” (DENR Caraga) said DENR Caraga Regional Director 7-13 MAY 2016
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Caraga’s PRDP approved projects rises to P982 Million By: Fretcher Magatao
BUTUAN CITY -- The Philippine Rural Development Project– National Project Coordination Office (PRDP-NPCO) reports that Caraga’s approved infrastructure and enterprise subprojects have already reached a total of P982,605,907.
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REGIONAL NEWS Intensified Building-Up of Infrastructure and Logistics for Development (I-BUILD) Component which aims to put in place strategic and climate-resilient rural infrastructure facilities along the value chain got the bulk of this amount with nineteen approved subprojects amounting to a total of P 966,385,906.98. Seven of these are already under implementation and twelve subprojects are still on the procurement process.
year,� Engr. Rene Morales, I-BUILD Component Head said during the provincial coordination meeting. On the other hand, Investments for Rural Enterprises and Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity (I-REAP) Component, which aims to strengthen and develop viable agri-fishery based enterprises through efficient value chains of key agriculture and fishery products already has one approved subproject amounting to P16,220,000 on procurement process for the Integrated Abaca Enhancement Enterprises in Santiago, Agusan del Norte.
Other than the approved 19 subprojects, I-BUILD for Caraga still has five subprojects in the pipeline which has a total amount of P516,563,803.89 and hoped to be approved within the year. The component has also four other subprojects amounting to a total These infrastructure subprojects of P65,584,180.32 in the pineline. One would translate to improved road production, processing and marketing networks linking production areas subproject for Agusan del Sur and with markets to enhance efficiency the same subproject for the Province of transporting agricultural products; of Dinagat Islands. Two additional increased productivity from irrigation enterprise subprojects are also hoped and water supply systems; and lower to be implemented in Agusan del postharvest losses. Norte within the year. The 24 I-BUILD subprojects for The realization of I-REAP Caraga would create a total amount subprojects would translate to of P1,482,949,710.92. an increased smallholder groups operating viable enterprises; I-BUILD team in the region is enhanced producer productivity doing its best to achieve the target through formalized arrangements for and has formulated a program marketing and technical services; that would reach the attainment of and increased smallholder and fisher 41% disburement of implemented resilience to climate change and subprojects by June. “We have been adverse weather conditions. busy helping the LGUs and contractors comply the needed requirements PRDP is a six-year national so we can reach our goal for this government platform for an inclusive, 7-13 MAY 2016
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REGIONAL NEWS value chain-oriented and climate resilient agriculture and fisheries sector. It is the upscale version of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) where innovations are introduced to address current and emerging challenges and make rural development more effective.
PRDP is jointly funded by the World Bank, National Government and the Local Government Units (LGUs).
The project has partnered with LGUs and the private sector in providing key infrastructure, facilities, technology and information that will raise income, productivity and It is currently implemented under competitiveness among the players the Department of Agriculture (DA), in agriculture. (DA-Caraga)
Call for Nominations: 2016 Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis in Herbal Medicine Award By: Margarette Faye Urbiztondo BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) in cooperation with the Gruppo Medica, Inc. (GMI) and the Caraga Health Research and Development Consortium (CHRDC) is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2016 DOST-PCHRD – Gruppo Medica Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis in Herbal Medicine.
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REGIONAL NEWS
The award is given to provide motivation for students, with technical guidance of their faculty adviser, to view undergraduate thesis as an excellent opportunity to contribute to national interest. The Award recognizes relevant the innovative research works on herbal medicine that can lead to practical and/or commercial applications. The search is open to all undergraduate students of Colleges of Pharmacy, Chemistry, Nursing and Arts and Sciences who have completed their thesis projects on medicinal plants in the current school year. Nominations must be made by the students’ faculty adviser using the attached prescribed nomination form. Any alteration on the nomination form is not allowed. All nominees must submit the following requirements together with the nomination form: (1) one soft copy and hard copies of the thesis report, (2) plant authentication certification and (3) Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) certification for researches 7-13 MAY 2016
involving animals and/or Ethical clearance from the Ethics Review Committee for researches involving human participants. Nominations with incomplete requirement will automatically be excluded from the list of official entries. A maximum of three (3) thesis projects are allowed per institution. The Gruppo Medica Inc. will be giving a cash prize of P60,000.00 for the first prize or (P42,000 for the student, P12,000 for the mentor and P6,000 for the school), P40,000.00 for the second prize winner (P28,000 for the student, P8,000 for the mentor and P4,000 for the school) and P20,000.00 for the third prize winner (P14,000 for the student, P4,000 for the mentor and P2,000 for the school). Deadline for submission of nomination to the consortium is on May 20, 2016. The nominees will be reviewed and short-listed by the consortium. The short-listed nominees will be submitted to PCHRD not later than May 27, 2016. (DOST-Caraga)
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REGIONAL NEWS
Butuan incumbent admin loses by 13-0 over opponent’s landslide victory
By: Venus L. Garcia
photo:Bernardo Arellano Panizales
BUTUAN CITY -- In this year’s conduct of elections in the local level, construction mogul Engr. Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada’s (RCL) political line-up gains the electoral victory as the group received an overwhelming majority of the votes, in effect, eliminating the incumbents from their position through a rare landslide win of 13 contested electoral seats with nil over its opponents. In an official result, the team RCL has achieved a genuine success, beginning from the mayoral and vicemayoral positions, 10 city legislative councilors, to include its congressional representative of the first district. A political fight won by a clean knockout. Incoming solon Lagnada, a well-known supporter of city mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., will soon to
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assume office that will eventually hailed him as a harbinger of future progress of the only chartered city in Caraga region. This is one of the biggest upsets in political history in the area, Lagnada earning a mark of annihilating the rivals by somehow putting an end to a wellentrenched political clan, which is an extraordinary feat of a neophyte in the local political arena. 7-13 MAY 2016
REGIONAL NEWS
photo:Bernardo Arellano Panizales
After completing the electoral phases and subjecting to the rules of fair play among the candidates, Butuan City proclaimed winners are the following per official and final tally of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC):
Burdeos, Rema - 84,591 Plaza, Derrick - 82,892 Nortega, Cromwell - 76,042 Andaya, Omar - 75,397
Mayor: Lagnada, Ronnie Vicente – Busa, Cherry May - 75,237 89,811 Rosario, Vincent Rizal - 71,919 Vice Mayor: Aquino, Joboy – 88,641 Sanchez, Ehrnest John - 70,901 Member, House of Representatives; Agusan del Norte, Unay, John Gil Sr. - 68,563 First Legislative District: Fortun, Lawrence Lemuel – 82,773 The winning political contenders had reached more voters in a smooth Members, Sangguniang electoral process and it is now a Panlungsod; Agusan del Norte-Butuan challenge for a person who is elected City Lone District: for the favor of the people and who is dependent on the suffrages of his Carampatana, Glenn - 94,445 fellow citizens to prove worthy of taking the place for true public service. (PIANalcot, Ferdinand - 87,022 Caraga) 7-13 MAY 2016
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Pre-Election Operations Media Center Ocular Inspection Interview with Libertad Central Elem. School principal Nenita M. Diolata 8 May 2016
Election 2016 PressCon AFP, PNP & COMELEC Caraga Press Conference Media Center - PNP Caraga Sandigan Hall, Butuan City 9 May 2016
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DAR conducts basic cooperative training to AgNor ARBs By: Gil E. Miranda BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte conducted a two-day seminar on Basic Cooperative Course 34 Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) members of farmers’ cooperatives and associations held recently at Barangay Dulag, here.
The seminar was held through V, in partnership with Propegemus the effort of the DAR Agusan del Norte Foundation, Inc. (PFI). led by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Andre B. Atega, CESO Among the participants who
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PROVINCIAL NEWS attended the training are members of the DAR assisted organizations that includes Manila De Bugabus MultiPurpose Cooperative (MDBMPC); Dulag Organic Farmers (DOF); Dulag Dairy Cow Farmers Association (DDCFA); Dulag Women’s Association and Barangay Dulag Organic Farmers Association Inc (BDOFAI).
training.
According to BDOFAI Chairman Lorenzo Salar, Jr., majority of the participants are satisfied with the results of the topic discussed during the
“The DAR and in partnership with the PFI intend to empower the ARBs and strengthen their organizations,” he said. (DAR-Agusan del Norte)
“Na challenge ko sa kabagohan sa mga topiko. Nagpasalamat ko sa facilitator nga ilang napasabot sa amo ang topiko hinungdang nga nadugangan ang among kahibalo sa kooperatiba (I was challenged from the new kind of topics. I am thankful to the facilitator for we learned something The activity was aimed from this training),” Salar said. to capacitate the ARBs on the fundamental of cooperativism, identify During the seminar, Arnold L. the importance of legal underpinnings Tapere, PFI Executive Director and of a cooperative and explain the one of the speakers discussed to plans, programs and policies of the the participants the history of the cooperative. cooperative and its principles.
AgNor approves budget for brgy relocation site By: Aimee B. Sienes BUTUAN CITY -- The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is set to purchase a parcel of an agricultural land in Barangay Cahayagan, Carmen, with an area of 10,369 square meters amounting to P1,000,000.00 for the relocation site of said barangay.
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PROVINCIAL NEWS Barangay Cahayagan has not enough funds for the purchase of the said relocation site, thus, the Barangay Council headed by Punong Barangay Isagani A. Pajardo requested for financial assistance from the province. As part of the priority programs of the provincial government, the province addressed the needs of the said barangay for the improvement of the barangay and the lives of the constituents. The Provincial Appraisal Committee already appraised the market value of the property and considering that the price is fair and
reasonable, which is lower than the actual sale value in the locality, the province agreed to finalize the sale. To immediately acquire the said relocation site, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte recently authorized Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba to sign the Deed of Absolute Sale in behalf of the province with the owner of the said land Alberto Villahermosa through Sanggunian Resolution No. 088-2016, authored by Vice Governor Ramon AG. Bungabong. (LGU-Agusan del Norte)
Province of Agusan del Norte Accelerating New Dimension on Good Governance and Excellence in Local Leadership (ANGELL) Technical Working Group Meeting Provincial Governor’s Office, Butuan City 12 May 2016
Photo Gallery
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
DAR AgSur launches project, gives financial assistance By: Cyrene Tajonera and Rechel Besonia
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -The Department of Agrarian Reform recently launched the Village Level Processing Center Enhancement Project (VLPCEP) and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) held at DAR Conference Hall, San Francisco, this province for the RAM Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries MultiPurpose Cooperative (RARBEMPCO) as the project beneficiary.
r u S l e d Agusan
Said project was designed to enhance the existing processing center with development support initiative for ARB cooperatives, improve their capability to produce quality processed products including services to its members. Further, it helps develop market- competitive Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organization (ARBO) products and enrich enterprise and livelihood activities at the community level in the selected agrarian reform areas.
production of sweet palms. Though they have an existing processing center, their financial capability is not sufficient to cover the expenses to enhance the building and acquire the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) License to operate which is necessary in promoting the reliability of the product’s safety for the consumers. Hence, the department provides technical and financial assistance amounting to P500, 000.00. 70 % which will be used to cover the expenses of the processing center enhancement The RARBEMPCO at Barangay while 30% will be used in the processing Sta. Cruz, Rosario, Agusan del Sur is of FDA- LTO and trainings. fortunate to be able to avail the said project. The coop engages in kaong The said launching was attended vinegar production because of its wide by Department of Trade and Industry
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PROVINCIAL NEWS OIC Provincial Director Brenda Corvera; OIC Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I (PARPO I) Allan N. Mundala; Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Evita R. Puerin; Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (ARPO II) Corine Munion; RAM Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries MultiPurpose Cooperative (RARBEMPCO) Manager Juel Jayuma and other representatives from line agencies. “Ako nagpasalamt ug dako sa atong ahensya sa DAR nga pinaagi ani nga proyekto kami matabangan aron molambo ang among produkto. Dako kaayo nga garbo sa among kooperatiba nga maila ang among
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produkto dili lang sa among probinsya kundi lakip sa ubang mga lugar. Among paningkamotan nga mamahimong successful kining mao nga proyekto pinaagi sa among kakugi (I am thankful to the DAR for giving us this rare opportunity to enhance our processing center and eventually improve our product. It is our pride to be known for the quality of our product not just in our province but hopefully to other places as well. We will give our full commitment in making the project successful through hard work),� said Jayuma on his message of commitment. (DARAgusan del Sur)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Siargao agrarian orgs undergo strategic planning By: Daryll M. Tumbaga
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- Five assisted agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Surigao del Norte (DAR-SDN) underwent a two-day Strategic Development Planning and Workshop held at D’Islanders Pension Hauz, Dapa, Siargao Island, this province.
The officers and members of Esperanza Farmers Credit and Consumers Organization (ESFARCRECO) of Brgy. Esperanza, Del Carmen underwent the said activity on April 26-27, 2016 as the ARBO embarks on a project under the Village Level Processing Center Enhancement Project of DAR-SDN.
organization because we were able to identify the weaknesses and gaps of ESFARCRECO that we need to work out for it to grow. ”Meanwhile, the officers and members of both Don Paulino United Farmers and Fisherfolks Credit Organization (DOPUFAFICO) of Brgy. Don Paulino, Dapa; Osmeña Small Farmers Credit Cooperative (OSFACO) of Brgy. Osmeña, Dapa; According to Levy P. Alatraca, Corazon Farmers Credit Association secretary of ESFARCRECO, “the (COFARCA) of Brgy. Corazon, Gen. strategic planning really helped our Luna; and Poblacion San Isidro Farmers
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PROVINCIAL NEWS Association (POSAIFA) of Brgy. Del Carmen, San Isidro have undergone the strategic planning last April 28-29, 2016 in preparation for the reportorial requirements of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) should the said ARBOs register themselves with the CDA. According to Delia E. Pelicano, chairperson of COFARCA, “we are very grateful to the DAR for this
opportunity because through this strategic planning we are able to come up with a one-year action plan and most importantly the 5-year development plan for COFARCA.” Meantime, Eugenio Escopete of OSFACO added that the said activity was a big help in establishing the vision, mission, goals and objectives of their organization. (DAR-Surigao del Norte)
Surigao Norte tourism office pushes for water infra projects SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -In another partnership program with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Tourism through the Provincial Tourism and Culture Office (PTCO) of Surigao del Norte will identify water infrastructure projects for priority tourism areas with problems on potable water supply.
According to PTCO Officer-inCharge Arturo M. Cruje, the province has pushed for the development of its priority tourism areas which has potentials to become tourist destinations. However, most of these areas have no sufficient water supply especially in Siargao Island. He said that the funds will come from the savings from Water Supply Funds of Fiscal Year General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2013 and 2015. 7-13 MAY 2016
e t r o N l e Surigao d “Under the GAA for 2015 and 2016, water supply projects in these priority areas can now be funded. The DPWH Regional Office or District Engineering Office shall be responsible for the full implementation of the identified water infrastructure projects,” Cruje said. The provincial tourism office will identify the projects areas and endorse the list to a unified management body which shall be created soon. (Provincial Culture and Tourism Office-Surigao del Norte)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
DOST launches SETUP project in Bislig City BUTUAN CITY -- A P1.7Million project of Mangagoy Fishermen MultiPurpose Cooperative (MAFISCO) funded by the Department of Science and Technologys’ (DOST’s) Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) was launched recently in Bislig City. This is so far the biggest SETUP funded project in the 2nd district of Surigao del Sur. The launching of the upgraded ice plant with 17 tons capacity, from 10 tons capacity before, was attended by cooperative’s officials and Caressa Leanne V. Lim, OIC Provincial Science and Technology Director of DOSTSurigao del Sur.
is now five cans per batch compared to one can before.
Members of the cooperative include fishermen, boat operators, fish traders, market and ambulant vendors. A thousand of these beneficiaries are expected to benefit from the gains Technology upgrading of the of the project. The upgraded facility ice plant started last November 3, aims to a increase 100 percent in sales 2015. It was completed by the end of during the first year of operation. January 2016. Series of test runs were conducted to make sure that the DOST SETUP is a nationwide equipment installed were running on its flagship program of DOST that helps specification. micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to improve their business The key features of the upgrade by boosting up their productivity include having 360 cans of ice per and competitiveness through batch compared to 165 cans before science, technology and innovation and, harvesting of ice and water filling interventions. (DOST-Caraga)
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PROVINCIAL NEWS
Hinatuan agrarian reform beneficiaries take oath By: Myra Yu TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- Ten agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from Hinatuan, this province took their oath recently at the Municipal Trial Court of Barobo affirming their commitment to the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) of government.
Said oath taking is required as provided in the rules and regulations of becoming an ARB and what are their obligations upon receiving the certificate of land ownership award (CLOA). Among the obligations cited include the paying of their annual amortization with Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), prohibition period of 10 years not to sell, transfer or convert the awarded lot unless fully paid at LBP, cultivate the land productively and pay taxes.
of the LBP in the processing of Voluntary Offer to Sell Claim Folders (VOSCFs) and/or Compulsory Acquisition Claim Folders (CACFs).
Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Benjamin M. Mataksil said the oath ensures that the identified farmer-beneficiaries have underwent a selection process conducted by the Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officers as provided in Section 22 of Republic Act No. 6657 also known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform The obligations stated above are Law. (DAR-Surigao del Sur) also relative to one of the requirements 7-13 MAY 2016
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Health News Proper hand washing can save lives By: Czarina Teresita S. Martinez The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) found that 8 out of 10 children practiced handwashing before and after meals. The highest percentages of children washing their hands were in Ilocos Region, followed by Central Luzon.
before and after meals.
In a similar study done in Bogota, Colombia published in the American Journal of Public Health, Dr. Yehuda Neumark reported that scarcity of adequate facilities prevents children from adopting proper hygienic behavior and thwarts health promotion The Department of Education efforts. (DepEd) recognizes that academic performance of the pupils and The renovations in public schools instructional outcomes are largely will provide a unique opportunity to determined by the quality of health of meet the challenges of supportive the school children. environment for adoption of healthy behavior. DepEd institutionalizes the In the Philippines, the Department Essential Health Care Program (EHCP) of Health (DOH), leads the celebration to address the most common hygiene of Global Handwashing Day every deficient related problems in public October 15 of the year. The global schools due to lack of water and advocacy day is dedicated functional sanitary facilities. to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance The aim is to promote cleanliness of handwashing with soap and clean through simple, yet cost-effective water as an effective and affordable interventions like washing of hands way to prevent diseases and save lives.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) says that a large percentage of foodborne disease outbreaks are spread by contaminated hands. The simple act of handwashing with soap and clean water among children under five years old can reduce the incidence of diarrhea by 40 percent and respiratory infection by 25 percent. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that although people around the world clean their hands with water, very few use soap to wash their hands. Washing hands with soap removes germs much more effectively. There are steps to proper handwashing, as recommended by DOH Wet your hands with clean water and apply soap.
Rub each thumb clasped in opposite hand.
Lather soap; rub hands together, palm-to-palm and in between fingers. Rub back of one hand with the palm of your other hand. Rub fingertips of each hand in opposite palm.` Hand washing with soap and water removes the dirt and bacteria from the hands. It prevents the transmission of disease. Proper handwashing is simple. It is a lifesaving habit. For more information on food and nutrition, write or call: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General 7-13 MAY 2016
Rub both palms with fingers then rinse thoroughly with running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone / Fax Nos: (02) 837-2934 or (02) 837-3164; Direct Line 839-1839; DOST Trunk Line:837-2071 to 82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mcv@fnri.dost. gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRIDOST 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)
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photo: www.philstar.com
Mindanao power monitoring body expects better power on Monday polls
DAVAO CITY -- The Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) expects better supply situation in the Mindanao grid during the conduct of the 2016 national and local elections, according to a statement released to the media on Friday. Chaired by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), MPMC assured the public that adequate measures were put in place, in accordance with the Department
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Circular No. 2016-01-001 released by the Department of Energy (DOE) which created the Power Task Force Election (PTFE) 2016 to ensure adequate and reliable electric power supply before, 7-13 MAY 2016
MINDANAO NEWS during, and after the May 9, 2016 service interruption,” he added. elections. In a recent series of briefing, In the circular, DOE which also co- the National Grid Corporation of the chairs the MPMC, has been deputized Philippines (NGCP) reported that the to “primarily provide and maintain Mindanao Grid’s available capacity stable and continuous nationwide or supply is expected to be 1,736 electric power requirements on megawatts (MW) from May 8 to 10. May 2, 2016 until the termination or Gross reserves of the island is also conclusion of the canvassing of votes expected to be at 383 MW on May 8, and the proclamation of the winning around 373 MW on May 9, and 254 MW candidates.” on May 10. “However, in the case of Mindanao, the PTFE adjusted the period to start May 6 instead of May 2 considering that hydro power plants, Mindanao’s major source of power supply are still struggling from El Niñoinduced generation shortfall,” said Romeo Montenegro, head of the MPMC Technical Working Group and director of the MinDA Investment Promotions and Public Affairs Office. He explained however that starting Friday this week Mindanao will enjoy a more steady supply of power and will experience extremely minimal or zero power interruptions. Despite the toppling of Tower 25 in Lanao del Sur Tuesday night, Montenegro stressed there’s no reason to raise any alarm in so far as power situation is concerned as supply availability in the Mindanao grid is assured at least three days before and three days after the polls. “But we urge vigilance as toppling of transmission towers can pose power supply disruption and subsequent 7-13 MAY 2016
The increase in the available capacity will be made possible with the measures implemented by the members of the PTFE like increasing the water outflow of the Agus and Pulangi Hydropower plants and the postponement of planned maintenance shutdown of some power generators prior, during, and after the elections. Since early this year, DOE has been coordinating with the members of the PTFE to ensure the reliability and stability of not only the Mindanao Power Grid but also of the whole country. The task force is headed by DOE with NGCP heading the command post or operations center. Members include the National Electrification Authority (NEA), National Power Corporation (Napocor), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM), National Transmission Corporation (Transco), Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC), and the power distributors and electric cooperatives. (MinDA)
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Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Mngt. Council Regional Selection Committee Meeting Big Daddy’s Hotel & Restaurant, Butuan City 11 May 2016
ht Media Fellowship Nig ncasi, Butuan City Ba p m a C ll, a H n a ya Kala 6 May 2016
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Aquino government ready for smooth transition to next administration, say Palace official
MANILA -- Malacanang on Sunday has assured the smooth transition from the Aquino government to the next administration. Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the smooth transition is expected because of good governance, which is the advocacy of the Aquino administration. “Dahil pagtatatag 7-13 MAY 2016
pamamahala o good governance, maisasalin ng Aquino administration sa hahaliling administrasyon ang isang pamahalaan na kung saan ay maayos ang mga sistema, patakaran at pamamaraan, kumpleto at hayag ang sa masigasig na mga opisyal na datos at dokumento ng mabuting at laging handang maghatid ng
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NATIONAL NEWS mapagkalingang paglilingkod sa mga mamamayan,” explained Coloma during an interview over Radyo ng Bayan.
lang mapag-usapan ‘yung tipikal (typical) na pagpasok ng bagong administrasyon: ‘yung mga idaraos na kaganapan doon pagkatapos ng inauguration sa Luneta Grandstand, Coloma said coordination ‘yung pagdaraos ng unang pulong ng between the outgoing and incoming Gabinete, ‘yung pagbati sa bagong administrations is important to ensure a Pangulo at administrasyon ng mga smooth transition. mamamayan, iyon ang ilan sa mga tinalakay,” Coloma continued. “Noong palapit na ‘yung pagpalit ng administrasyon, siguro pagkatapos “At doon naman sa mismong ito noong proklamasyon ng bagong tanggapan natin, walang ganung Pangulo na idinaos sa Batasang pormal na proseso dahil nga hindi Pambansa noong first week o lagpas naman nabuo ‘yung ating tanggapan lamang sa first week of June 2010 ay hangga’t hindi nailabas ‘yung nagkaroon na ng mga ugnayan sa Executive Order 4 ni Pangulong Aquino pagitan ng outgoing at incoming na naganap naman noong patapos administration,” the Palace official na ang unang buwan,” said Coloma. recalled. “ Nagkaroon naman nang maayos na pakikipag-ugnayan sa pagitan ng “Nagkaroon din ako ng outgoing at incoming administration.” oportunidad na mapasama doon (PND) sa mga pagpupulong na ‘yon para
PHL named world’s 8th top medical tourism hub MANILA -- A global nonprofit association for medical tourism and international patient industry has listed the Philippines as eighth place among the top medical tourism destinations in the world in 2015, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Monday.
The Philippines placed ahead of countries such as Japan and France, according to a list compiled by the International Healthcare Research Center and the Medical Tourism
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NATIONAL NEWS Association (MTA).
come to specifically avail of more complex procedures; international Canada emerged as the top patients, including overseas Filipino medical tourism destination worldwide workers, expats, and retireers; and followed by UK and Israel which came accompanying guests, either friends second and third, respectively. or immediate kin of travelers. MTA is non-profit association Medical tourism in the Philippines represents healthcare providers, caters to approximately 80,000 to governments, insurance companies, 250,000 patients or clients annually. employers and other buyers of healthcare. As of the DOT, DOH, DTI-BOI’s latest count, 62 hospitals around According to MTA, clients of the the country are now internationally Philippines for medical tourism come accredited. from East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan), Sri Lanka, the Pacific Islands In a 2014 study by renowned (Guam, Palau, Marshall Islands, and medical tourism author Ian Youngman, Micronesia), Australia, North and global health and wellness tourism South America, Europe and the United market is worth USD438.6 billion and Kingdom, and the Gulf States. Philippine medical tourism was able to generate USD66 million and USD145 It also noted that Filipino expats million for 2013 and 2014, respectively. and overseas Filipino workers likewise prefer to have their medical procedures DOT Director for Medical Travel done in the country. and Wellness Tourism, Cynthia Lazo, said it is crucial to have a ‘One Country Currently, the Department of Package.’ Tourism (DOT), Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Trade and “It has to be a country effort, Industry – Board of Investments (DTI– a collective effort of every medical BOI) have a joint program to promote and wellness facility in the country, for Philippine medical tourism. the Philippines to be accepted in the medical and wellness market,” she This informal partnership resulted said. in a roadmap that identified five major segments in the international “Our value proposition is, time medical travel sector: tourists, who and again, our 7,107 islands which a come for spa and other wellness medical traveler can choose from, services; medical tourists, who avail while availing of a clinical or wellness of low-acuity medical procedures; procedure in the country,” she added. medical travelers, who purposely (PNA) 7-13 MAY 2016
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