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INFOBYTES THE OFFICIAL E-NEWSLETTER OF THE PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY-7 | WWW.PIA.GOV.PH VOL. 2 | NO. 14 July 12, 2013
Call center workers
TOPSTORIES
not eating enough healthy food, survey shows By Rachelle M. Nessia CEBU CITY (PIA) -- Local nutrition officials raised the alarm over the results of a local study that showed call center workers eating less and less nutritious food. A survey conducted here last year reveals that call center agents in Cebu City are reaching for more junk foods instead of healthy foods due to lack of time and accessibility to healthy food. The survey done on 1,200 call center workers in Cebu City was conducted by the Population Commission (Popcom) and the University of San Carlos (USC). Said survey results also point to a higher incidence of smoking and drinking of alcohol among call center employees, said Popcom-7 Planning Officer Michael Pacios. Reasons cited by call center employees were lack of time to cook nutritious food and non-availability of healthy food in their working place, said Pacios. Susan Orpilla of the National Nutrition Council-7 (NNC) said the survey’s results are alarming as the high-fat and novegetables diet put the health of call center agents at risk. “They are future parents. What if these young adults are already anemic and when they get married and their anemia is not treated, they will also produce underweight children,” said Orpilla. Lack of proper nutrition also affects their productivity, she warned. Orpilla appealed to call center employers to make sure there is healthy food available for their workers in their canteens. The Regional Nutrition Council has earlier passed a resolution requiring all school canteens in the region to make sure the food they serve adhere to NNC’s 10 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos. Orpilla said BPO companies can also choose to adopt the guidelines when stocking food in their companies. Meanwhile, Orpilla noted a low vegetable consumption in Central Visayas. She quoted a survey that shows vegetable intake in Central Visayas is only at 37.23 kg per year per person. The required vegetable consumption for each Filipino is at 69 kg per year. Orpilla urged Cebuano consumers to increase their intake of vegetables by eating more home-cooked meals or growing their own vegetables in their backyards. (RMN/PIA Cebu)
EARTHQUAKE AND FIRE EVACUATION DRILL: Employees assemble at the designated evacuation area while medical and emergency personnel stand by during the Earthquake and Fire evacuation drill at the I. T. Park, Cebu City. (VVV/PIA Cebu)
DENR-7 strictly monitors traders of wildlife species By Hazel F. Gloria CEBU CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) strictly monitors establishments that are selling wildlife species without permits. DENR-7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo in a press statement said, “I have issued instructions to our field officials and the newly deputized wildlife enforcement officers to conduct a thorough intelligence gathering so that we would be able to know if there are certain establishments, pet shops or other similar places that are selling or trading wildlife species without permits from the DENR.” Under RA-9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, illegal trade of endangered species is penalized by a fine of P200,000 and a jail term of two years while the killing of endangered animals carries the penalty of imprisonment of six years and a fine of P500,000. “ We w i l l n o t h e s i t a t e t o implement the full force of the law against those who engage in illegal trading, collection and possession of wildlife species,” Montejo added. He warned against poachers who try to smuggle wildlife species as the wildlife monitoring units in airports
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and seaports are now being alerted 24 hours a day. In a related development, Montejo urged the public not to remove or take away wildlife species from their natural habitat or else it would threaten their ability to survive in a new environment. The instructions of DENR-7 came after authorities seized a large number of protected animals during a raid in a home in Tondo, Manila last June 3. During the raid, the team found dead animals apparently dumped outside the house, emitting a strong foul odor. The raiding team, headed by DENR Undersecretary and Philippine Operations Group on Ivory and Illegal Wildlife Trade (POGI) head Ernesto Adobo Jr., recovered 78 Palawan hill mynas, 12 blue-naped parrots and five juvenile Indo-Pacific or saltwater crocodiles which were all dead. Only 14 Philippine forest and pond turtles were retrieved alive. It can be recalled that on June 21, the DENR destroyed five tons of smuggled elephant tusks using a road roller, making the Philippines the first country in Asia to conduct physical destruction of massive ivory stockpiles in support of global efforts to stamp out illegal wildlife trade. (mbcn/HFG/PIA-7 & DENR-7)
INFOBYTESTOPSTORIES
NEGROS ORIENTAL
Over 11 join Nutri-fit walk in Dgte City By Jennifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE City (PIA) --More than a thousand students, local and school officials participated in the Nutri-Fit Walk Sunday around Dumaguete City to highlight the Nutrition Month celebration. Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria led the activity to show support in addressing hunger issues and actions to mitigate hunger and malnutrition in the city as well as in the country. This year's Nutrition Month theme focuses on "Gutom at Malnutrisyon, Sama-Sama Nating Wakasan," as part of the Philippines’ commitment to the United Nations Millennium Development Goal (MDG), eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. During its nutrition-walk program, Three boys the City Nutrition Council w e a r i n g awarded Dumaguete costumes that City High School and promote eating Silliman University as of healthy foods the biggest contingentduring the kick school category; City off activity of Engineers Office and the Nutrition Barangay Uno Tinago for Month at Amlan, biggest contingent-office Negros Oriental. category. E v e r y J u l y, Awarded for the Provincial biggest contingentNutrition Council organizations were celebrates Silliman University Nutrition Month M e d i c a l Te c h n o l o g y and this year, the Society(School), Kalipi theme is "Gutom ng Pilipinas (Civic), at Malnutrisyon, Federation of the Senior sama-sama Citizens (People's Organization). nating wakasan." Recognition was ( R A L / P I A given also to the biggest NEGOR) contingent-cooperative Army dismantles CPP-NPA rebels mass structure in NegOr category: Noreco 2, the most disciplined/ SIATON, Negros Oriental (PIA) --A total of 28 communist rebels have surrendered recently after o r g a n i z e d g r o u p : an army troops of Bayanihan Team under the 79th Infantry Battalion dismantled the Communist Party of the Silliman University, most Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels’ mass structure in Barangay Mnatiquil in Siaton town. creative group, Kalipi “After realizing the futility of supporting the armed struggle and the hostility of keeping the NPAs to ng Pilipinas-SCWDO, their shelter, 28 Party Branch Members and Peoples Militia were awakened from the deceptive insinuations biggest group donor: on opinionated issues that brought the Solid Mass Organization or MASSO in Brgy Mantiquil Siaton, Negros Dumaguete City Water Oriental,” Ltc Marion Sison, Commander of 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion said. Lt Col. Sison said with this incident Barangay Mantiquil is now cleared from the menace of District (Organization/ Office Category), insurgency. With the number of rebel surrenderees, nine members of Sangay sa Partido sa Localidad (SPL) Silliman University ROTC led by Rosalie Nama alias POPS and nineteen members of Yunit Militia (YM) of Lubos na Asosasyong (School Category) and Masa (LAM)/Solid Mass Association under Diosdado Nama alias DONDI returned to the folds of the law best slogan: Barangay Banilad. by turning themselves in to the troops of 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion under Ltc Marion R Sison. Other highlights “The surrender of 28 persons who were utilized for chores from being underground informants to sometimes, instant and untrained fill up fighters for the NPAs was brought about by the proper information during the month of July include a Nutrition delivered by the Bayanihan Troops from issues previously exploited by the terror groups," said Sison. They admittedly decided to turn their backs after realizing they have been fed with lies by the NPA C a r a v a n o n J u l y Leadership,” said Ltc Sison. 11,16, and 18; a Well “We treated them as victims, Sison stressed. Indeed these mass surrender of the entire community Baby Contest on July previously encapsulated by the broken Communist ideologies is a gateway to a wider opportunity for its 19; Inter-High School constituents, especially the youth,” Sison added. Oratorical Contest on Brigadier General Jonas Sumagaysay, Acting 3ID Commander said, the people of Negros are July 26; Food Fair (Interhappy to welcome their long lost brothers and sisters who have returned to the democratic fold. Barangay Booth Contest, This is a welcome development in the province of Negros Oriental where people have longed for Cooking Contest), Day a lasting peace. Let us help each other in the spirit of Bayanihan to end the menace of insurgency and Care Nutrition Corner move forward towards development in the countryside, Sumagaysay added. Contest and Healthy Sumagaysay went on that the snowball of surrenders can be also attributed to social pressure Blood Pressure forum on generated by the civil society organizations, the local officials and other stakeholders who have been July 25 and a Day Care persistent in calling for peace coupled with sustained combat operations in the region. Meanwhile, in the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division first semester report, a total of 62 regular members School Garden Contest on July 26, among of the NPA have already surrendered and live normally in the mainstream society. This number includes 26 rebels who are members of Komiteng Rehiyonal-Panay (KR-P), 33 from others Mayor Manuel Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros (KR-N) and 3 from Komiteng Rehiyonal Sentral-Bisayas (KR-SB). The numbers S a g a r b arria, in his does not count NPA members who have been monitored to have left the movement for the period. This year’s first semester surrenderees is up by 18 or 40 percent compared to first semester of message, thanked the last year where 44 NPA rebels have laid down their arms and returned to mainstream society and chose participants for joining the yearly nutri-fit walk to live peacefully. Sumaygaysay said “We expect more rebels to surrender in the coming days because we know activity headed by the City that they are already tired of the futile armed struggle and wanted to go down and abandon the armed Nutrition Council, saying violence.” that the city government He added, the CPP-NPA is losing the support of the populace while their ranks continue to go is supportive of the back to the democratic folds and start a lawful and peaceful life. nutrition programs for The continued Bayanihan in Western Visayas is a successful effort of the people who longed for stronger political action to lasting peace in this part of the country, stressed Sumaygaysay. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental) end hunger. (mbcn/JCT/ PIA7-Negros Oriental)
BOHOL
INFOBYTES COMMUNITYNEWS
Local tourism stakeholders launch campaign to make Bohol a 'top overnight destination By Rey Anthony Chiu TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) – Bohol Province is on a massive campaign to make it to the list of the top overnight destinations in the global tourism map. Bohol local officials said the province is not in the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) top overnight destinations list in 2012 inspite of its tourist attractions. An updated Tourism Development Plan for 2012 of the DOT reported that the country had 21.82 million guests in 2012. Of the figure, Camarines Sur had a share of 18%, Metro Manila, 17%, Zambales, 9.1%, Boracay, 8.7%, Cebu City, 8.6%, and Davao City, 7.7%. Also among favorite overnight destinations, according to the DOT NTDP is Lapu-lapu City with 6.1%, Puerto Princesa, 4.7%, Baguio City, 4.4%, and Albay, 3.8%. Travel Village tour and travel agent Lourdes Sultan said rooms in Bohol are pricier, compared to Cebu. "We can ask the room and accommodations establishments to join the Bohol MegaSale Promo and we will bundle a package so that a tourist shopper can still get a Bohol package a lot cheaper." The idea came as Nonette Bolo, Bohol Federation of Tour and Travel Operators (BOFETTO) president, presented an invitation for Bohol to a tourism fair in Manila in September this year. Bohol Tourism Officer Josephine Sandugo Agri-Fair 2013. Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto (center) led the ribbon cutting Cabarrus said Bohol will put up booths during during the opening of the Sandugo Agri-Fair 2013 at Plaza Rizal in Tagbilaran the tourism fair, one that it never missed since City this morning. With this year's theme: "Bol-anong Produkto: Tubag sa late 1990s. Malungtarong Negosyo ug Turismo," the agricultural fair will end up on July 31, Bolo added, we can even sell low 2013. on fair dates so that advanced sales can perk up participating tourist service establishments here. By Juju Manubag-Empuerto Aside from a planned mega sale, CEBU CITY(PIA) --- The Sandugo Regional Trade Expo at the Island City BTO is now finalizing a campaign material to Mall, Tagbilaran City on July 24-28 has more than 90 exhibitors from the Visayas and get back tourist travelers attention to Bohol. Mindanao regions that will join the expo with the theme, “Go green. Buy local.” Already in the pipeline is the This year’s trade event features environment friendly products and production of information material collateral prototypes for handicrafts, processed foods, fashion accessories, gifts, decors and housewares in support of Philippine tourism and the Promotion of Green Economic via brochure that sells new interesting Bohol Development (ProGED), a joint project of the DTI and the Deutsche Gesellschaft tourism products packaged in an array of pictures and succinct texts. Fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) , a German Technical Agency. This month also, stakeholders from A Green Forum on July 25, a SME Roving Academy and a National Competitiveness Council Roadshow on July 26 are among the activities during across the region gather here at the Bellevue the trade fair. Hotel for the Tourism Congress Philippines National and international buyers are also expected to be present during Visayas Consultations to craft ways to make the fair, including exporters, buying agents, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers Tourism Philippines globally competitive. and subcontractors. (mbcn/rahc/PIA7-Bohol) Booths will be set up at the Island City Mall to display green initiatives and the wealth of natural wonders in the country that are available for tourists and INFOBYTES is a weekly visitors. electronic newsletter produced by the ProGED is a project that addresses climate change and environmental Philippine Information Agency-Region 7 threats from the perspective of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in with stories submitted by its Provincial the Philippines. Information Centers in Cebu, Bohol, The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recognizes the strong link Negros Oriental and Siquijor. between the green development path and enhancing the competitiveness of enterprises. The Philippine government is currently encouraging MSMEs to adopt energy saving and recycling measures that will contribute to a sustainable environment and reduce waste. We welcome According to DTI, research shows that there is a growing trend for visitors questions, clarifications to seek out tourism businesses that take an ethical approach to the environment, and feedback: and many of these visitors are prepared to pay more for ‘greener’ products and services.(mbcn/JSME/PIA7-Cebu & DTI-7)
Bohol's Sandugo trade expo highlites greens
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INFOBYTES COMMUNITYNEWS
SIQUIJOR
Siquijor's new leaders wants to hasten socio-economic dev't of the island By Rizalie a. calibo
Tourism benefits should be reinvested for ecology protection says DTI provincial director Nimfa Virtucio in a TourismSummit at Coco Grove, San Juan,Siquijor.
Brgy. Tulapos launches Market Day, Halad sa Katawhan SIQUIJOR, (PIA) --The Barangay Development Council (BDC) of barangay Tulapos in Enrique Villanueva Siquijor launched on July 12 the Farmers and Fishermen’s Friday Market Day and Halad sa katawhan dubbed “Tabo sa Tulapos.” The activity is in response to the government’s call through the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the local government units (LGUs) to create market day in a barangay to promote community participation, and economic activities. The event also gives opportunities for farmers and fisherfolks to showcase and sell their local products. This is part of the celebration of the town fiesta in honor of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel on June 16, Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinator Bernadith Bunado, one of the organizers who herself is a resident of the barangay said. In the “Tabo sa Tulapos”, each of the four Puroks in the barangay have two display booths where agri and non-agri products in barangay Tulapos and some neighboring barangays are displayed. Among these local products are, fish kinilaw, ornamentals, organic veggies and rootcrops, eggs, bingka (rice cake), bukayo (coco bread), pan bisaya (Native bread), banana chips, fiesta needs, bodbod (suman), putong kamoteng kahoy (cassava cake), and marine products such as salwaki and tuyom (sea urchins), lato, ambalang or guso (seaweeds). Held on July 12 to 14 at the Tulapos Basketball Court, the Tabo also highlighted local skills talents through various presentations, games and skills contests such as Fish Descaling, Maria Went to Town, coconut Grating/ Nilupak Preparation Contest and more dances and parlor games. Opening program is at 8 a.m with a Thanksgiving Mass followed by a ribbon cutting and opening of the market stalls. A Halad sa katawhan/Technoklinik was also done that started in the afternoon of July 12 to bring services of the different government agencies to the barangfay. Services include distribution of planting materials, registration of rural organizations, free clinic, sugar testing and other services from the Department of Social welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health and other agencies. (mbcn/RACalibo/PIA7-Siquijor).
SIQUIJOR (PIA) --The new leaders of Siquijor outlined their programs and legislative agenda to hasten the process of transformation and fast-tracking socioeconomic development in the island province. Siquijor vice-governor Fernando “Dingdong” Avanzado presented to the Liberal party’s legislative agenda for Siquijor during its oath-taking ceremony at the Capital Square, Siquijor, Siquijor. “Today we officially begin the task of transforming our beloved Siquijor into a vibrant , progressive and sustainable province," he said while admitting that “the role ahead is not easy and there are many challenges along the way.” He believes that if all work together and set aside personal politics and focus on doing the job required, Siquijodnons can get to where they want to go and achieve great success in no time. “We have made campaign promises to you our constituents, let me tell you now. We intend to fulfill these promises,” he said. A priority legislation, he said, is to commission the development of a master plan by local, national or international master planners and approve the same so as to have an orderly and sustainable development of the island province and to make sure that the meager funds are spent wisely for the benefit and welfare of the people. Another legislation is the conversion of the provincial roads into national highways to remove the burden from the provincial government in its construction and maintenance thereby creating much needed savings for the local government and at the same time hastening socio-economic development. “As we all know we are a beautiful island, we just need to let the world know that there exist a paradise known as Siquijor,” the singer-actor vice-governor said. He said Siquijor officials should pay special attention to the multi-trillion dollar wellness medical tourism industry to promote Siquijor as the healing island in Asia and adapt a progressive health care program. "We must modernize and computerize the hospitals because the hospital is one very important factor that tourist take special notice and consideration in deciding whether to visit, stay or invest in Siquijor," Avanzado noted. Finally, he said they will pass ordinances or resolutions that shall strengthen the provincial health board, the provincial tourism councils and put more teeth into the tourism and development services including the public information services and the civil defense administration because these are vital tourism concern including peace and order. “From now on, you expect a 101% total commitment on our part to ensure that we will deliver these and other campaign promises that would lead to the betterment of the lives of each and every Siquijodnon,” Avanzado concluded. (mbcn/RACalibo/PIA7-Siquijor)