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21 - 27 October 2017 Volume 1, No. 82
ASEAN NEWS
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ASEAN launches Direct Communications Infrastructure PH, role model of 4 ASEAN states on PPP on water use
CONTENTS
Del Carmen communities pave the way for progress
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REGIONAL NEWS
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Caraga stakeholders participate in Kilos SAMBAYANAN Forum in Butuan City
PROVINCIAL NEWS
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Surigao Norte solon bares major projects for 2018-2019 in Siargao SurSur vulnerable sectors craft disaster preparedness advisory for local radio Experts mentor MSMEs on Intellectual Property Rights DAR AgNor strengthens agrarian-coops’ auditsystem DTI-AgSur celebrates National Standards Week with an on air/on TV briefing
HEALTH NEWS
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Making exercise part of daily life
MINDANAO NEWS
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PH chairs 14th BIMP-EAGA tourism meet in Malaysia Holcim expands with new facility
NATIONAL NEWS
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Students may now avail of fare discounts on weekends, holidays PAF in good order because of Fallorina’s leadership- Duterte
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News Briefs
That students can avail of the 20% fare discount all days of the week including summer breaks, legal and special holiday, as stated by LTFRB Board Memo Circular 2017024 issued October 11, 2017.
According to DepEd Caraga regional director Dr. Beatriz Torno, the 1st Regional IPEd Education Gathering in the region is an opportune time to affirm the milestones and gains of the IPEd program and strengthen DepEd’s partnership with the indigenous cultural communities and civil society partners particularly for curriculum development and education planning.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) made an emphasis on maximizing the capacity of the media, public relations officers and government information officers to communicate to people the significance of achieving sustainable development as the key component in any peace process.
Social Security System (SSS) said members of the pension fund applying for the Unified Multi-Purpose Identification (UMID) cards may now receive their cards within 30 working days from their card application.
Cover Story
Del Carmen communities p
By: John Glenn Platil
SURIGAO CITY - “We have worked hard to showcase a government and community by the people, of the people and for the people. This is the Bagong Del Carmen! For this honor and privilege, I will always put public service above self, and to serve and not to be served. Thank you to all Del Carmenons for collaborating with our leadership, our governance and our dreams,� stated Mayor Alfredo Coro II of Del Carmen, Siargao during the celebration of the 97thFoundation Day of the municipality cum 25th Adlaw nan Numancia.
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pave the way for progress
Coro also showcased the progress made possible with the full support of councilors Walthon Calayag, Jose Bayang, Judito Donoso, Surlida Compasivo, Constantino Cubillan, Kent Jucay, Kent Paitan, and Claro Cariaga, as well as the 20 barangay captains under the leadership of ABC President Nesifora Escañan.
intentions, public service that is for the people, needed by the people, and sustained by the people,” declared Coro. He also reminded everyone about the vision of the municipality which is ‘an active citizenry and competent government with a sustainable agri eco-tourism driven economy’.
“We commit to deliver, with the best of our ability and with very pure 21 - 27 October, 2017
Coro said that its local government
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unit’s mission is geared ‘to deliver quality social services through community driven development and partnerships’. “Three years from now, or by October 2020, our beloved town will be 100 years old and we hope to sustain our progress in order to keep Del Carmen a prosperous, productive and a better place for people to dwell and visit,” added Coro. The Rubicon “We have reached a Rubicon; a very positive Rubicon with most of the basic infrastructures needed by our municipality, that are almost complete and with awarding winning programs in basic public service delivery. We are at a point where public service cannot simply be words, but positive actions that will impact the current and future
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generations. We cannot turn back now and just agree on small goals because Del Carmen has always been meant to have big and great [goals],” said Coro. According to Coro, the local government, in partnership with the public, non-government organizations (NGOs) and private sectors have always shared with the progress and development of the municipality. He also enumerated the five pillars of sustainable development roadmaps that the local government has been executing for the past four years, namely: Project EQuIP (Education Quality Improvement Program); Health Governance Program; ECOTOWN Environmental Program; Food Security Roadmap and; Social Tourism Program Development. 21 - 27 October, 2017
“LGU Del Carmen executed the programs with the sole objective of decreasing the poverty incidence, increase the capacity and capability for people to find better opportunities, and to ensure balanced ecosystem development of the community,” added Coro. To top it all, Coro also explained further his centerpiece programs: •Project EQuIP: LGU Del Carmen’s Program made it into the 4th Best Literacy and Education Governance Program in the Philippines for 2016 and also its Day Care Initiative has made it to being one of the recognized champions of Early Childhood Care Development. SSCT Del Carmen Campus is on track to become a very strong college with the collaboration of LGU Del Carmen and the SSCT Del Carmen Campus family; •Health Governance Program: LGU Del Carmen maintained its Seal of Health Governance and was awarded the Top 5 Champions for Health Governance in 2015 and DOH Health Champion in 2016. All these were achieved through the efforts of the rural health unit (RHU) led by Dr. Marjory Vizconde, barangay health workers and the barangay captains for making Del Carmen known nationwide, as public servants who genuinely care for the people; •ECOTOWN Environmental Program: ECOTOWN approach to development allowed new partners to explore gaps in our targets for a more 21 - 27 October, 2017
balanced ecosystem. Del Carmen’s Mangrove Management Program with Sentro para sa Ikauunlad ng Katutubong Agham at Teknolohiya, Inc. (SIKAT) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is now nationally recognized with reduction in mangrove cutting and increasing marine resource availability. Also, RARE and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) contributed to the development of the municipality’s fisheries program which has resulted in a massive turnaround of fish stock availability, reduction in illegal fishing practices and increased morale of 2,000 fisherfolks. •Food Security Roadmap: Del Carmen continues to support several livelihood initiatives and is now working on a more inclusive and partner driven approach to develop stronger people’s organizations and social enterprises. On the local government side, it is now strengthening the Local Economic Enterprise Program that will partner with local suppliers for better market access and positioning. •Social Tourism Program Development: The brand value of ‘Siargao It Up’ is now recognized all over the country especially with the success of the 1st Siargao International Marathon: Run for the Mangroves last July 2017. And who has not known or praised the Sugba Lagoon? The community-based tourism initiative has made the lagoon a regular feature in tourism articles and landing in front covers of various magazines. (VLG/ PGO-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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ASEAN launches Direct Communications Infrastructure By: Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu
CLARK FREEPORT ZONE - The Direct Communications Infrastructure was launched this afternoon at the closing of the 4th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus. “An initiative of Brunei Darussalam, it allows Defense Ministers across the Southeast Asian region to communicate rapidly and orderly with each order through a secured hotline,” ASEAN said in a statement.
It also seeks to promote quick response cooperation among the ASEAN member-states.
After the launching, the Philippines handed over the chairmanship of the The objectives are to prevent ADMM to Singapore. and diffuse misunderstandings and misinterpretations and therefore “Singapore will build upon the prevent unnecessary escalations. good work of the Philippines and 21 - 27 October, 2017
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previous chairs,� Singapore Defense the 10 ASEAN member-states namely Minister Ng Eng Hen said. Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Established in 2006, ADMM is Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, the highest defense consultative Thailand and Viet Nam. and cooperative mechanism in the ASEAN. Meanwhile, ADMM-Plus is a platform for ASEAN Defense Ministers It aims to promote mutual trust to engage their counterparts from the and confidence through greater Plus countries namely Australia, China, understanding of defense and security India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic challenges, as well as enhancement of Korea, Russia, and United States. of transparency and openness among (CLJD-PIA 3)
PH, role model of 4 ASEAN states on PPP on water use By: Ben Cal
This was disclosed by retired Police Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco, new administrator of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), in an exclusive interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Tuesday. The four ASEAN states that have adopted the Philippines’ PPP strategy are Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, Velasco said.
MANILA - Four members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have made the Philippines their role model in the implementation of Private Public Partnerships (PPP) on the proper use of water.
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Velasco attended the justconcluded 1st Asia International Water Week and the Korea International Water Week 2017 held in Gyeongju, South Korea that brought together some 2,500 stakeholders in the water industry to discuss ways to establish lasting partnerships to resolve water issues in Asia and around the world.
He
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implemented the PPP program in 1997 during the administration of then president Fidel V. Ramos, wherein the MWSS, Manila Water, Maynilad Water Services, and SMC’s Luzon Clean Water Corp. signed a Concession Agreement in managing the country’s water industry.
For his part, Fernandez said “our partnership with the MWSS has benefited millions of Filipinos, spurred economic activity with our investments and generated thousands of jobs. We are now setting our sights to other areas in the Philippines as there are still 15 million Filipinos without access to water. We want to replicate our During the twin Korean forums, success story to other areas so others Velasco, together with Ferdinand M. can also enjoy improved water supply dela Cruz, Manila Water president, and sanitation.” and Ramoncito S. Fernandez, Maynilad Water president, presented The water conference was the Philippines’ “Water Security under attended by Dr. Hak-Soo Lee, the Duterte Administration and the president of Asia Water Council and Successful PPP in the Philippines”. CEO of K-water; World Water Council president Dr. Benedito Braga; Minister “The Korea water conference of Public Works and Housing of was an important event to further Indonesia Dr. Ir. Basuki Hadimoeljono; promote the country’s effective, Korea Minister of the Land of participative and successful PPP legal Infrastructure and Transport Hyun Mi framework started in 1997 by President Kim; Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Fidel V. Ramos through a Concession Kwan Yong Kim; and Daegu City Agreement in the water industry Mayor Yeong Jin Kwon. that the Philippines, through Manila Water, is now exporting to ASEAN Since he assumed as MWSS countries like Myanmar, Vietnam and administrator in February this year, Indonesia,” Velasco said. Velasco cited privatization as a major factor in the vastly improved water On the other hand, dela Cruz services in Metro Manila. stressed that “water PPP can work in many places provided the regulatory He described the two framework is clear, transparent and concessionaires, Manila Waters and consistent. An output-based scheme Maynilad, as “partners in the water is appropriate for the private sector service and champions of PPP,” citing to provide an environment to perform the need to work closely together in well and in an efficient manner. Water the collective mission to ensure water PPP has worked in Metro Manila. It has security, strengthen and expand worked in other parts of the Philippines. coverage of wastewater treatment It can work in many more places in plants to help reduce water pollution Asia. Manila Water is a testimony that and protect major water resources. Asians can solve Asian water issues.” (PNA) 21 - 27 October, 2017
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REGIONAL NEWS
Caraga stakeholders participate in Kilos SAMBAYANAN Forum in Butuan City By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – The stakeholders from various sectors in Caraga region have gathered on October 20 and actively participated in the simultaneous telecast of ‘Kilos Sambayanan’ conducted by government agencies led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) held at Almont Hotel’s Inland Resort, this city.
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The program for the Kilos Sambayanan included the conduct of forum, performances, audiovisual presentations of government services for the poor, and information kiosks.
DENR Caraga Regional Director Charlie Fabre underlined that the government has to act decisively in promoting an anti-poverty project where it reaches down to the grassroots level.
During the program, Butuan City Councilor Ferdinand Nalcot said that the local government unit, along with the government agencies, has a big role in the implementation of various programs and services for the marginalized sector in the region.
“This activity is a convergence and commitment of stakeholders aimed at addressing poverty by providing the basic needs of every Filipino such as food, agrarian reform, water, health care, social protection, healthy environment, and peace, 21 - 27 October, 2017
among others,” underscored Fabre.
of economic, social and cultural aspects that would sustain until the next At the open forum proper, generation. participants were able to address their questions and clarifications to the In time with the conduct of the concerned heads of agencies. said forum, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga also installed an Uriel Eugene Correos of the local ASEAN Information Kiosk at the same government of Surigao City inquired venue. The Smart Telecommunications, about the available programs for those Inc. provided internet connectivity living in the danger zone, as well as for during the live telecast of the Kilos the Lumads. Sambayanan. Engineer Erasme Madlos, project manager of the National Housing Authority (NHA) clarified that the main requirement of NHA in their housing program is a copy of land title. “Without this, we could not give security of tenure for the beneficiaries. However, we will talk to other agencies on how we could better address this concern,” she said. Meanwhile, Jerver Batchinetcha of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Caraga also asked Atty. Jose Dumagan Jr., Regional Director of the National Commission on the Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga of why there is a need to get a Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) before a public or any private entity could start implementing its programs within the Lumad community. Dumagan stressed in his response that this is to ensure that the rights of the tribal community are protected, and to ensure that Indigenous Peoples will benefit from any program, projects or activities that will be put in place within their ancestral domain in terms 21 - 27 October, 2017
Kilos Sambayanan is a call for convergence and a commitment among all sectors of society to address poverty across its many dimensions and represents the ultimate measuring stick of the impact of government programs on the lives of the poor. It is a campaign in collaboration of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) along with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and member agencies under the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cluster such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA) , Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), DENR, Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED). (JPG/VLG/PIA-Caraga)
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SURIGAO DEL NORTE
Surigao Norte solon bares major projects for 2018-2019 in Siargao By: John Glenn A. Platil
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – Surigao del Norte 1st district Representative Francisco Jose ‘Bingo’ Matugas II revealed that he is working on the construction of Siargao Nautical Highway by 2019, during the blessing and inauguration of the Municipal Public Market, Level 3 Water System, Community Fish Landing Center and Barangay Talisay Seawall in Siargao Island. ‘Siargao Nautical Highway’ means the putting up of a bridge connecting Barangay Hayangabon in Claver town to Socorro and Socorro town to Barangay Consolacion, Dapa town in Siargao Island. “I am coordinating with Department of Transportation Sec. Art Tugade for the opening of a full-blown Siargao International Airport, that is why we are expanding the roads leading to the Sayak airport terminal,” said Matugas. He also said that all is set for a wide-ranging and far-reaching Siargao Materials Recovery Facility’ in collaboration with Environment Sec. Roy Cimatu. “We seek to control the production and segregation of waste materials
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because we do not want to become just another Boracay in this part of the globe. Siargao is well-known in the field of tourism. We have lots of domestic and foreign visitors and sightseers, that is why we are doing everything to enrich and improve it,” Matugas added. Meanwhile, Matugas also disclosed that there is a big possibility that Pres. Rodrigo Duterte will soon visit Cloud Nine in General Luna town, Siargao Island. “There are four cabinet secretaries who confirmed their attendance in the World Surfing Cup which we hosted. House Speaker Sonny Alvarez has a beach house in Malinao, Gen. Luna. We are hoping that Pres. Duterte is coming, and most likely, it will be a surprise visit,” he said. (PGO-SDN/PIASurigao del Norte) 21 - 27 October, 2017
SURIGAO DEL SUR
SurSur vulnerable sectors craft disaster preparedness advisory for local radio By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – Some persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur have team-up for the crafting of a public service announcement on disaster preparedness to be aired over local radio stations here. Accordingly, the produced public service announcement focuses on preparedness measures of every family, particularly the vulnerable and marginalized groups.
communities living in areas prone to any forms of hazards, on preparedness measures and to have them the right mindset and attitude before, during and after any forms of hazards.
The script was originally written by PWDs and senior citizens during the conduct of the focused group discussion (FGD) held in Bayabas town, facilitated by the Action Against Hunger.
Fegarido added that the project also seeks to reduce losses of lives, infrastructures, and social assets incurred as a result of disasters, and to strengthen the humanitarian response and disaster risk reduction systems.
“We are happy that we were able to work with persons with disabilities and that our voices are now being heard. It is our first time to involve meaningfully in the decision making,” said Laurentino Deligencia, a senior citizen.
The conduct of the said activity is one of the initiatives of Action Against Hunger and Save the Children in strengthening disaster preparedness and improving the effectiveness of response to humanitarian crises in the Philippines. This initiative is supported by Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion Inaternacional Para el Dessarollo (AECID). (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Action Against Hunger Program Manager Ruel Fegarido said that the public service announcement is aimed to increase the awareness of the 21 - 27 October, 2017
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Photo Gallery 2017 International Youth Camp ‘Change, Challenge and Cohesion’ Press Conference Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City 27 October 2017
AGUSAN DEL NORTE
Experts mentor MSMEs on Intellectual Property Rights
BUTUAN CITY – Seventeen Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) clients went through a mentorship training on the Introduction on Property Rights Protection for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of the manufacturing sector in Agusan del Norte on October 4 at the Almont Inland Resort, this city. Engineer Jeffrey T. Dellosa, manager of the Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) of Caraga State University (CSU) and keynote speaker of the training, discussed the big 5Ws when seeking protection and the process of filing for patent and utility model applications. He also showed 21 - 27 October, 2017
the participants online resources that they can access should they need to check if a certain product name is already protected or not. Dellosa emphasized that there are a lot of protection that they can apply for just a single product. “It is
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not just about having exclusive rights, but it is also about income generation that we should seek protection for our products, processes and business names,” explained Dellosa.
owner of Love Yacon Health products in Butuan, also shared her insights during the training. “Nindot kaayo ni nga training kay karon nakabalo na ko unsa ang mga pamaagi para ma patent akong mga sabon. Basin pa lang mudako pa ni akong negosyo puhon. (The training was really beneficial because I have learned the ways to secure patent for my soap, if by fate my business will grow in the future),” said Molde.
Joining him as speakers are Engineer Jefrey M. Bagasbas who spoke about the fundamentals of patent and utility models, and Mr. Kenneth L. Ciudad who spoke about the fundamentals of intellectual property. Bagasbas gave the participants a strong message and encouraged them to continue The training raised awareness on developing their products and services. the benefits of intellectual property (IP) protection to the products, “You don’t have to be a rocket processes and business names of SETUP scientist to be an inventor,” said cooperators in the province of Agusan Bagasbas. del Norte. It also encouraged them to apply for IP protection. (DOST-Agusan Training participant Lope Molde, del Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
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DAR AgNor strengthens agrariancoops’ audit-system By: Gil E. Miranda
BUTUAN CITY – To address auditing concerns of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Agusan del Norte conducted a series of seminars and workshops on audit management to some 100 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) through the last quarter of 2017. The seminar aimed to assess the (COA) auditor, started the training by capacity of the ARBOs in implementing informing the participants that a strong and managing financial resources. audit system can reduce various forms of risks in an organization. Some ARBOs still require attendance to the audit management Chairman Ponciano M. Niño, one workshop to qualify and avail the of the participants of first batch held last government credit program under the September 19 and 20 said, “pasalamat Agrarian Production Credit Program kaayo mi sa DAR sa kahigayonan aron (APCP). kami molambo (We thank DAR so much for the opportunity to strengthen Resource speaker Myrna L. our organization).” (DAR-Agusan del Enriquez, retired Commission on Audit Norte/PIA-Agusan del Norte) 21 - 27 October, 2017
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AGUSAN DEL SUR
DTI-AgSur celebrates National Standards Week with an on air/ on TV briefing By: Noel B. Najarro
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur - In celebration of the National Standards Week this October, the Department of Trade and Industry-Agusan del Sur (DTI-AdS) Provincial Office talked about the products under mandatory certification during the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) Hour Tele-Radyo program at Aselco, San Isidro, San Francisco, this province. The discussion focused on household appliances, electronic and electrical products, lamps, wiring devices, wires, cables, mechanical and building materials, chemicals and other consumer products and on how to check the product standards markings. DTI-AdS Consumer Protection Unit Head Cheri Inson reminded the public that they must check the Product Standard (PS) marking which is represented by a globe and a check sign when buying locally produced products. Imported products on the
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other hand, must be affixed with an Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker. The KBP Hour was anchored by Maximo Tutor of DXSF-FM, Alfredo Plaza of DXDA, Alfredo Lobog of DXAK, Jordan Udtujan of One Radio with the new crew Mike and Noel Tortor. Joining Inson in the panel were LGU-San Francisco staff Estela Paman and Imelda Mandin. Also present were Jardynne Narvasa, Yoraidyl Tutor, Caren Unson of DTI AdS. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur) 21 - 27 October, 2017
HEALTH NEWS
Making exercise part of daily life By: Divorah V. Aguila
MANILA - Almost everybody knows that exercise is good for the body, but not everyone likes to run, dance, lift weights or simply to walk the extra mile. Although the health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore, many of us may have even tried changing our routine but kept sliding back to old behaviors eventually.
Committing to exercise for an hour a day in a gym may be too challenging at first, as compared to committing to 10 minutes just three or four times a week which is more manageable.
Exercise doesn’t need to be such an all or nothing commitment, as it can be a fun time to socialize with friends and working out with others can help keep you motivated.
Once these short windows of activity become a habit and you start experiencing the benefits, it’s easier to progress to the next level.
Find an exercise that you enjoy If you haven’t exercised before doing which could be as simple as or you’ve tried an exercise program in a walk, or as unique as washing the the past and was unable to stick with clothes while mopping the floor. it, it’s important not to set unrealistic goals. If you don’t already have an 21 - 27 October, 2017
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exercise hobby yet, there are a walk the dog together as a family. variety to choose from that are both fun and healthy. While watching TV, you can gently stretch while watching your Remember that if you hate what favorite show, do push-ups, sit-ups or you are doing, you are far less likely lift light weights during the commercial to stay engaged. breaks. You’ll be amazed at how many repetitions you can fit in during Look at your daily routine and the commercials of a half-hour show. consider ways to sneak in a physical activity here and there. On weekends that you cannot watch your favorite telenovela, turn Bear in mind that even very off the TV and take a walk outside small activities can add-up over the the house. course of a day. Making lifestyle and behavior In and around your homes, changes is not easy. you can clean the house, wash the clothes, tend to the yard and garden, But over time, as you continue mow the lawn with a push mower, to exercise, you’ll start to reap the sweep up the sidewalk or patio with physical and mental health benefits a broom. and improve your performance. At work and on the go, you can Soon enough, you’ll be able to look for ways to walk or cycle more. exercise longer and harder and have the confidence to try new activities. For example, walk to an appointment or use the stairs, briskly For more information on food walk to the bus stop then get off one and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario stop early, park at the back of the lot V. Capanzana, Director, Food and walk into the store or office. Take and Nutrition Research Institute, a vigorous walk during your coffee Department of Science and break or walk while you’re talking on Technology, General Santos Avenue, your cell phone. Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/Fax Nos.: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct With friends or family, you can Line: 839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: walk or jog around an open field 837-2071 to 82 local 2296 or 2284; or park with your husband, kids or e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at friends, make a neighborhood bike mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST ride part of weekend routine. Play website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov. tug-of-war with your children in the ph. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/ yard, play exercise video games or PIA-Caraga)
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MINDANAO NEWS
PH chairs 14th BIMP-EAGA tourism meet in Malaysia
DAVAO CITY - Philippines through the Department of Tourism (DOT) chairs the 14th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-MalaysiaPhilippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Joint Tourism Development (JTD) Cluster Meeting on 23-27 October 2017 in the Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia. “We are now on our second year of Chairmanship of the Cluster and the meeting will provide us an avenue to discuss and update major BIMP-EAGA tourism deliverable for the project year 2017-2019,” said Philippine-EAGA JTD Sub-National Coordinator Nelly Nita Dillera, Regional Director of DOT – Region 12.
ecotourism sites and signature events, tourism circuits, tourism connectivity and infrastructures, and sustainable ecotourism and ASEAN standard human resource development. The meeting also highlights convergence initiatives with other EAGA Clusters such as Transport, Environment, and SocioCultural and Education.
The meeting puts into agenda the “We are hoping for a substantive development and promotion of popular meeting that will translate into more 21 - 27 October, 2017
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BIMP-EAGA tourism projects particularly headed by Tourism Undersecretary for Mindanao, Palawan, and the and current Chair of BIMP-EAGA JTD Philippines in general,” said Dillera. Cluster Alma Rita B. Jimenez, and is composed of the Department Mindanao Development of Tourism Central Office, Regional Authority Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Office 12, and Autonomous Region Alonto, who also sits as the Philippine in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Region Signing Minister for BIMP-EAGA said IV- MIMAROPA, and T’boli Municipal that the meeting is a good opportunity Tourism Offices. National Commission to promote ARMM’s island-provinces for Culture and the Arts, Bureau of as Mindanao’s emerging tourism Cultural Heritage-ARMM and Province destinations. of Palawan will also form part of the delegation during the EAGA Cluster “We are particularly pushing for convergence meeting. MinDA is the the promotion of Tawi-tawi’s Turtle the Philippine Coordinating Office for Islands as a Heritage Protected Area BIMP-EAGA (PCOBE). and Wildlife Sanctuary under the Coral Triangle Initiative, which we are The 13th BMP-EAGA JTD Cluster supporting along with Indonesia and Meeting was held at Balikpapan, Malaysia,” said Alonto. Indonesia in August 2016 where Philippine delegation was headed by Philippine tourism delegation is DOT – Mindanao.
Holcim expands with new facility By: Joey Sem G. Dalumpines
DAVAO CITY – Executives of the cement firm Holcim Philippines with representatives from the city government and other line government agencies held the ground-breaking ceremony of the Kalayaan Project on October 27, 2017. The Kalayaan Project is an added facility that can provide more than four million bags of cement per day to support the Build, Build, Build projects in Mindanao. Xavier Kennedy, Manager of the Holcim Philippines Davao Plant said the Kalayaan Project is a two prongedfacility for mechanized ship-unloading and increasing the grinding capability. He said that as the city grows and the demand for cement increases, Holcim Philippines keeps pace by adding its capacity.
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“At this moment, we can dispatch close to four million bags of cement at its current capacity. We are going to add more to this capacity through this project,” Kennedy said. Sapna Sood, President and Chief Executive Officer of Holcim Philippines said the added capacity 21 - 27 October, 2017
is their contribution to ensure the fast development of Mindanao, where more infrastructure projects are being built. “We are proud of our many years of partnership in the city’s development and excited to support its sustained growth. This investment is an important part of our commitment for a reliable supply to support the government’s infrastructure drive in the region,” she said. The Davao expansion is part of Holcim Philippines’s P2.7 billion investment to raise its nationwide cement production to 12 million metric tons from the present 10 million metric tons. The increased capacity allows Holcim Philippines to continue supporting the country’s development as the government ramps up infrastructure spending up to 7% of GDP by 2022. The government has identified upgrading infrastructure in Mindanao as a key priority and plans to steadily increase allocations for development works in the region. This year, the government allocated around P476 billion for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of which almost 40% will be spent for road building in Mindanao. Davao City is also receive increased public 21 - 27 October, 2017
for infrastructure, with recent reports saying close to P50 billion will be spent for road projects to improve the traffic flow of the growing city and the overall logistics environment. Davao is also included in the planned Mindanao Railway project, with a 105-kilometer segment that opens up more economic opportunities for Davao and its people. Councilor Jesus Joseph Zozobrado III, Chair of the City Council Committee on Infrastructure revealed that there are indeed eleven by-pass roads and one coastal road being constructed by DPWH, and more infrastructure projects are set to be started in 2018. He said that these projects need cement. “The Holcim’s Kalayaan project is very timely,” Zozobrado said. In a message he read in behalf of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, the city chief executive expressed thanks for the Holcim Philippines oneness with the communities in Mindanao. Duterte-Carpio said that the commitment of the Holcim Philippines of providing world-class service across the nation may hopefully be as solid as their product.
“It is my hope that you will continually uphold humility and integrity in delivering your services. May your products continue to serve as foundation of sturdy homes, buildings, tools and all other infrastructure projects set to symbolizing a stronger Davao,” the funding mayor said. (PIA XI)
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NATIONAL NEWS
Students may now avail of fare discounts on weekends, holidays By: Aerol John Pateña
MANILA Students are now entitled to fare discounts even during weekends and holidays, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.
This as the LTFRB issued an order stating that students may avail of the twenty percent discount from Monday to Sunday, including summer breaks and holidays starting October 28.
holidays.
Postgraduate students, however, such as those taking up medicine, law, masters, doctorate degrees, among others, are not covered by the new “Students can avail of the 20 order. percent discount from Monday to Sunday including summer breaks, legal “We have received complaints and special holidays,” the Board said in in social media,” LTFRB board member its memorandum circular (MC) dated and spokesperson Aileen Lizada October 11 amending MC 2005-014. said in a text message to reporters when asked on the rationale of the MC 2005-014 states that students decision. may only be granted fare discounts during the school year from Mondays Lizada said the fare discount will to Fridays. This cannot be availed of be applicable in buses, jeepneys, taxis on weekends, summer breaks and and other public utility vehicles. (PNA)
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21 - 27 October, 2017
PAF in good order because of Fallorina’s leadership- Duterte By: Jean Ricelle A. Aquino
CLARK AIR BASE, Pampanga - President Rodrigo R. Duterte lauded Tuesday erstwhile Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lieutenant General Edgar Fallorina for leaving the service branch in good order.
“PAF has made remarkable organization improvement under his [Fallorina] leadership. The Tactical Operations Command and Air Defense Command were both reactivated through his leadership,” the Commander-In-Chief said during the Change of Command Ceremony.
aircraft and more than 400 personnel in Marawi City for combat support on troop movement operations.
Also, humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations alongside aerial observation over battle-stricken areas, and airlift of assisting personnel, relief goods and victims were done. Under Fallorina, aerial This is why Duterte assured PAF that the reconnaissance and maritime patrol service branch has the full support of missions over the West Philippine Sea, the government. the Benham Rise, and other parts of the Philippine territory were all performed. “As you have performed your mandate as an organization… I enjoin The President also congratulated our troops to continue performing their Fallorina’s effectivity as a leader for duties just as well, since Martial Law supporting internal security operations, remains in effect in Mindanao,” he mainly on the on-going military stressed. operations in Mindanao where the PAF provided air assets for troop movement, Fallorina has stepped down from and close-air support to ground troops service as he reached the mandatory against the Abu Sayyaf and other retirement age of 56. terrorist groups. He was replaced by Lieutenant Moreover, PAF deployed several General Galileo Kintanar. (CLJD/-PIA 3) 21 - 27 October, 2017
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