Adlay seed to boost Reg. 10 farmers income Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar expressed his support on giving spotlight to adlay as an alternative staple food on Filipino table, noting that introducing more variants of food will boost the income of farmers and former rebels engaged in farming and food production programs of the government. “This initiative of cultivating adlay will help diversify the source of income of our farmers. We will help promote the adlay because we are planning to have a broadcast auction of agricultural products by January. We are looking forward to exploring the market
for adlay and creating more opportunities for agriculture to grow,” he said. Adlay, one of staple cereal crops of many indigenous peoples (IPs) in the upland areas, is an endemic agricultural crop to the Philippines and is currently one of the focus of research
of the Department of Agriculture as it furthers bid for food security and sufficiency. At present, adlay is being produced in over 500 hectares of land in Region 10, particularly in Bukidnon with major cultivating areas including Lantapan and Malaybalay City.
Gordon lauds SC for allowing community service as penalty for minor offenses
Senator Richard J. Gordon, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, lauded the Supreme Court’s recent approval of the guidelines for the imposition of community service as a penalty for minor offenses as stated in Republic Act 11362 or the Community Service Act. “This will be a game changer. In fact, we should have done this a long time ago. This law can help reduce overcrowding in jails, which will make it easier for prison officers to manage the penitentiaries in a way that will allow the country to meet its basic obligations to the prisoners under their care,” he said. “Through RA 11362, jails in penitentiaries could be decongested as minor violation offenders will no longer be imprisoned. They will also be protected because they will be separated from those convicted of more serious crimes,” said Gordon. The Community Service Act also aims to encourage meaningful engagement and accountability, and to provide an opportunity for healing and reintegration of those convicted of minor violations.
Government launches twin initiatives to combat hunger
Ending hunger in the Philippines within this generation’s lifetimes. This, according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, is the ultimate objective of the National Food Policy (NFP), one of two initiatives launched by the Duterte Administration on 1 PIA Bulletin Online
World Food Day to address hunger in the country. Aside from the NFP, Nograles - Chair of the government’s Task Force Zero Hunger - also led the virtual launch of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Food Security and Nutrition
(FSN) Roadmap. The two initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to address involuntary hunger, food security, undernutrition, child
wasting, stunting and mortality - concerns that President Rodrigo Duterte had prioritized even before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The crafting of the NFP is “the catalyst to consolidate and harmonize efforts of government to end hunger,” Nograles said.
Similarly, the BARMM FSN Roadmap seeks to “achieve a sustainable, competitive, and accessible food supply chain for Bangsamoro; a balance intake of Halal food; and an adaptive capacity of its communities,” he added.
Wear face mask and face shield
LTO extends licenses, vehicle registration validity By Marites B. Paneda - PIA/IDPD
2020. The Land LTO offices are Transportation now entertaining Office (LTO) extended the validity people ages 17 to 21 and 60 to 65 to of student permits transact with the (SL), driver’s agency after the licenses (DL), and conductor’s licenses Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging (CL) of Authorized Personnel Outside and Infectious Diseases (IATFResidence EID) widened the (APORs), which age bracket of expired during the persons allowed restriction period until 31 December to go out of their Editorial Director Benjamin Felipe Editor-In-Chief Marie Angelie Villapando Associate Editors Melinda Quiñones Staff Writers IDPD headed by Joselito Reyes Art Department CPSD headed by Bradley de Leon Layout Artist Gabriel Villanueva Production/ Aggregation DDCU with Team Leader Kate Shiene Agna
residence. Penalties shall not be collected for the renewal of Driver’s License
PhilHealth
has funds to pay
Red Cross
By Melinda Quiñones - PIA/IDPD
Philippine Health Insurance, Corp. (PhilHealth) reiterated that it has funds to pay its obligations to Philippine Red Cross (PRC). This after PhilHealth Chief Dante Gierran requested the
Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue its legal opinion on the Php100M advance payment made by PhilHealth to PRC to provide Filipinos affordable COVID-19 tests. Under the Government
only applies to licenses of the aforementioned restricted individuals. Registration for vehicles with plate numbers ending 6,7, and 8 is extended until October 31, 2020, while and Conductor’s registration for plate License that expired numbers ending in during the restriction 9 and 0 is extended period. The until December 31, validity extension 2020. partnership but on a reimbursement basis. PhilHealth said it “shall wait for DOJ’s opinion on the PhilHealth-PRC MOA for proper legal guidance on Auditing Code of how to proceed the Philippines, with its payment to the government PRC.” is not obliged to Meanwhile, issue advance payment for services PhilHealth assures the public of and supplies uninterrupted not delivered benefits for yet. Bayanihan them especially Law I also states during this crucial that government pandemic period. can enter into
Trade regulators have an obligation to consumers
Recently, the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) called the attention of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to the case of “Union V Super Strength” 40-kg bags of cement sold in several outlets. The bags indicate the product is made in the Philippines. The company that sells the brand, however, imports much of its cement from Vietnam. The cement brand in question has no Philippine Standard (PS) mark on the bag. Neither does the product clearly indicate the Batch Identification Number and manufacturing date. These are requirements of the DTI to ensure the accountability of manufacturers for quality of products they sell to the local market. But DTI regulations also allow bagging facilities that have secured a PS license to label their products
Regularly wash hands with soap and water
as made in the Philippines. This apparent loophole in regulations is not a small matter for local cement manufacturers. The local cement industry directly employs 42,000 workers and creates 125,000 more jobs through the value chain. The industry has sales of about P155 billion annually. This is about 1 percent of the country’s GDP. Our cement manufacturing industry is on a path of growth. By 2030, it is estimated the local cement industry will directly or indirectly employ 400,000 workers. CeMAP estimates the sector pays about P24 billion in corporate and individual income taxes. Our trade regulators have an obligation to properly inform our consumers of the true origins and content of the products sold in the domestic market. PIA Bulletin Online 2
DOH urges public INTERPOL to undergo polio, Manila lauds measles vaccine cyber safety checklist
By Josephine L. Babaran - PIA/IDPD
By Adora Rodriguez - PIA/IDPD
The Department of Health (DOH) urges the public to participate in the upcoming nationwide immunization campaign for Measles, Rubella and Oral Poliomyelitis Vaccine (MR-OPV) scheduled from October 26 to November 25. The nationwide MROPV Supplemental Immunization will be rolled out in two phases. Phase 1 will be conducted from 26 October to 25 November 2020 in Mindanao Regions, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, 3 PIA Bulletin Online
Cagayan Valley Region, MIMAROPA Region, and Bicol Region. Phase 2 will be conducted in February 2021 in Visayas Regions, National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON. Children 9-59 months old will be given Measles - Rubella vaccine while 0-59 months old will be provided with oral Polio vaccine. “We should be vigilant about other diseases that can affect some of our most vulnerable like infants and children, even during the
COVID-19 pandemic. The child’s first five years are very formative to his or her health. The illnesses we are vaccinating them against can be very damaging and will have repercussions on their growth and maturity. That is why we are urging parents not to take these conditions lightly, but must vaccinate their children as soon as possible,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said. Duque also assured the public, especially parents, that the DOH is aware of and will address their concerns about safety.
With the noted increase of cybercrime, the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Manila lauded the release of Cyber Safety Checklist by the Cyber Crime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) during the inter-agency meeting on October 21. The Cyber Safety Checklist aims to protect the public from cyber crime issues proliferating in the country. The CICC Cyber Safety Checklist aims to arm oneself and be protected from cybercrime. Here are some tips: ●Do not open suspicious emails or attachments. Delete them right away. ●Backup files regularly and securely online and offline ●Strengthen your home network ●Use strong passwords ●Keep your software updated ●Use two-factor authentication on your social media accounts ●Check privacy and security settings The public is encouraged to visit the CICC website at www.cicc.gov.ph for reporting mechanics. Top cyber offenses include online libel, online scam, anti-photo and video voyeurism, computer-related identity theft, threat, system interference or hacking, unjust vexation, illegal access, ATM or credit card fraud and robbery with intimidation.
Sanitize often using 70% alcohol
Learning challenges and opportunities in Lake Sebu By Melinda Quiñones- PIA/IDPD T’boli Women of Lake Sebu, South Cotabato thanked the Department of Education (DepEd) for implementing distance and blended learning modalities during the webinar hosted by the E-Net Philippines on October 23. E-Net Philippines, a network of civil society organizations engaged in policy advocacy and partnerships for education reforms, created a platform for discussion of the challenges and opportunities experienced by the Indigenous Peoples in adapting to the new normal learning. Chita Sulan, one of the T’Boli women leaders, was grateful for the introduction of Alternative Learning System (ALS) in their community as more adult women are
encouraged to learn. “Kadalasan po kami po ay nakakaranas ng diskriminasyon dahil sa kakulangan sa kaalaman... sa pagkabuo ng samahan ng mga kababaihan, natuklasan namin ang aming kakayahan,” Sulan explained. The ALS has also prepared them to engage in livelihood skills development geared toward promoting their culture and tradition such as weaving. “Nagpapasalamat din kami sa DepEd sapagkat mas natutukan naming mga magulang ang paggamit ng mother tongue sa pagtuturo sa aming mga anak,” Sulan said while mentioning the significant contribution of local educators and education volunteers in guiding parents.
Sulan said they have developed their own curriculum and learning materials based on their local history and culture but the new normal modalities have also brought new challenges to her community. “Ang mga kabataan po na nasa kolehiyo na ay kailangang tumawid ng ilog para makahanap ng malakas na signal,” she said while she was
looking for a perfect spot in the field to do her presentation. Sulan also mentioned the costly commute of parents to get the modules from the highlands but they are determined to make their children learn. “Napakahirap po ang magturo lalo’t Grade 6 lang ang natapusan pero sinasabi ko po sa kanila, pagtyagaan lang dahil wala naman
tayong choice,” aniya. There are parents, Sulan said, who returned to school and wished to continue their studies using the DepEd modules. “Merong mabuti, merong hindi mabuting nangyari depende na din po sa sitwasyon ng isang bata. Pero lagi kong ipinapaalala sa mga bata na kailangang mag-aral,” Sulan said encouraging the T’Boli youth and women.
SB Corp. roll outs Bayanihan CARES on October 26 By Marie Angelie Villapando - PIA/DDCU
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for a loan under the Small Business Corporation (SBCorp) COVID-19 assistance to Restart Enterprises (CARES) Program starting October 26 for their recovery and to ensure that their workers are able to keep their jobs. SBCorp said that under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Republic Act 11494 signed into law, a P10 billion fund has been allotted for the expanded CARES program. P6B out of this fund is available for the CARES for Tourism Rehabilitation and Vitalization of Enterprises and Livelihood (CARES for TRAVEL) Program. The loan term can be up to four years and with a grace period of up to six months. Certain industries such as tourism can be granted a longer grace period of up to 12 months. The loan amount to be granted will be based on the MSME applicant’s asset size and annual sales. However, additional limits to the loan size will be observed to ensure more MSMEs will benefit from the program. Bayanihan CARES applications may be submitted through
Observe physical distancing
the SB Corp’s online loan application system at https://brs.sbgfc.org.ph starting Monday, 26 October 2020. For more information please visit the SBCorp Website at www.sbgfc.org.ph or call 8651-333. PIA Bulletin Online 4
PH Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Marine World Heritage Exhibit in Paris By Janine Alexa Tinsay - PIA/IDPD The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) presents the great marine diversity of the Philippine Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in its photo exhibition entitled “Protecting UNESCO’s Marine World Heritage through scientific research” at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. The exhibition, which will run from October 7 - 30, was
organized to focus attention on the protection of corals, new exploration technologies, and development of marine protected areas. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site located in the center of the Sulu Sea and covers the Tubbataha and Jessie Beazley Reefs. Its reef ecosystems support over 360 species of corals and almost 700 species of fish and other marine
life such as whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles, and Napoleon wrasse. The reserve also protects one of the few remaining colonies of breeding seabirds in the region. The Philippine reef is being showcased
alongside other UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary in Columbia, and Pala Rock Islands Southern Lagoon in Palau, and Lagoons of New Caledonia.
DILG sa LGUs: Suportahan ang mga pangisdaan By Josephine L. Babaran - PIA/IDPD
Nananawagan ang Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) sa Local Government Units (LGUs) na manguna sa pamamahala ng kanilang mga baybayin at karagatan, lalo na ang mga nasa 12 fisheries management areas (FMA) sa buong bansa at hindi sila dapat na huminto lahit may krisis sa COVID-19. Ang 12 FMA ay kinabibilangan ng mga rehiyong ito: Region 2, 3, 4A, at 5 sa FMA 1; Region 8, 13 at 11 sa FMA 2; Region 12, 9 at BARMM sa FMA 3; Region 6, 7, 9, at BARMM sa FMA 4; Region 4B at 6 sa FMA 5; Region 1, 3, 4A, 4B at NCR sa FMA 6; Region 4A, 5, at 8 sa FMA 7; Region 8 at 13 sa FMA 8; Region 7, 8, 9, 10, at 13 sa FMA 9; Region 7, at 8 sa FMA 10; Region 5, 6, 7, at 8 sa FMA 11; at Region 4A, 4B, 5, at 6 sa FMA 12. “Ang pagtatatag ng mga FMA ay naaayon sa batas at ang mga LGU ay matagal nang naatasang protektahan at patagalin ang buhay ng mga likas na yaman, kabilang na ang mga baybaying dagat,” ani DILG Secretary Eduardo M Año. Hinikayat ni Sec. Año ang mga LGU na lumahok sa pagpaplano ng FMA Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) Plan o EAFM Framework na 5 PIA Bulletin Online
maglalatag ng mga polisiya at pagkilos ng mga FMA na ipapatupad ng mga LGU at BFAR field office sa loob ng FMA. “Ang EAFM Plans ay ang pagsasalin sa mga layunin at direksiyon ng FMA sa panlokal na aksiyon, kaya hinihiling natin ang masiglang pakikiisa ng mga pamahalaang lokal para ito ay mabuo,” dagdag pa ni Año.
Bone and Joint Awareness Week
By: Dr. Dean Hernando Zenarosa
Under Proclamation No. 658, s. 2004 signed by President Arroyo, every third week of October is Bone and Joint ( Musculo-skeletal ) Awareness Week. This is to raise awareness on disorders affecting bones and joints like arthritis, back pain, trauma, those in pediatric conditions, and osteoporosis and includes prevention, disease management and treatment. Fact is, one in three (33%) people over the age of 18 required medical care for a musculoskeletal condition in each of the years 2009 to 2011, a 19% increase over the last decade.(1) Bone and joint conditions are the most common cause of severe long-term pain and physical disability worldwide affecting hundreds of millions of people.(2) Here are some general steps in helping keep your bones and joints healthy:
Keep Your Weight in Check to Maintain the Function of Your Joints Obesity can result in many health problems. That’s why medical professionals always recommend following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. Many of your joints are responsible for supporting your body weight. Thus, the function of joints can be compromised if you become overweight. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best strategies when considering how to keep joints healthy. Doing so will reduce the overall wear and tear on your joints.
Exercise Smart for Joint Strengthening Building muscle and getting regular exercise can protect your joints from damage. That said, you shouldn’t push yourself harder than necessary. If your joints continue to hurt for two or more days after working out, you may need to give them some rest before jumping back into your fitness routine. You should also consult with a physical therapist about joint strengthening exercises you can do in addition to your regular workout so as to reduce the risk of injury or strain.
Quit Smoking You already know smoking is harmful to your health. If you need another reason to quit, consider the fact that using tobacco products often results in loss of bone mineral density. When you’re thinking about how to improve joint health, smoking will cause the opposite result. The loss of bone density puts your bones at a greater risk of fractures or breaks, and jeopardizes the function of your joints.
Stand (and Sit) Up Straight for Daily Joint Care Your posture plays a major role in how to keep joints healthy. Slouching can put a lot of stress on your joints. Thus, it’s important to monitor your posture throughout the day. You may initially have to consciously force yourself to stand or sit up straight. But over time, this will become much more natural to you and contribute to overall joint care.
For women, understanding How to Keep Joints Healthy Means Avoiding High Heels? Understandably, some women often feel they must wear high heels, even in situations when they would prefer not to. However, you should try to avoid wearing them when possible as it poses a risk to joint care. In other instances, you may consider a lower heel than you normally would. It’s an unfortunate fact that wearing high heels often leads to joint pain. It’s also extremely important to wear proper shoes for any athletic activity. Improper footwear won’t offer sufficient protection and can cause pain or even injury.
Move Around as a Joint Strengthening Exercise Many people work jobs that involve sitting in front of a computer for hours. Unfortunately, a sedentary lifestyle can put you at a greater risk of joint pain and impede your ability to keep joints healthy. Even if it isn’t Bone and Joint Health Action Week, make sure you find time to move around throughout the day. Ask your
physical therapist about joint strengthening exercises you can do in the office or on breaks.
Get Enough of the Most Important Joint Health Vitamin: Calcium Calcium protects and strengthens your bones. That’s why you need to make sure you’re getting enough of this joint health vitamin from your diet. Although milk, cheese, and yogurt are great sources of calcium, you may have a problem with dairy. If that’s the case, you can still get calcium from foods like seeds, canned salmon, and almonds. There are also joint health vitamins your physician can recommend that can act as supplements to your diet. Understanding how to improve joint health while protecting your bones and joints doesn’t need to be difficult at all. Although it’s Bone and Joint Health Awareness Week now, you should strive to keep these points on joint care in mind throughout the year. Doing so will boost your odds of staying healthy and comfortable for a very long time. But of course, you should always consult with your physician and physical therapist if you want to thoroughly understand the functions of joints and the best joint strengthening exercises. Stay Safe! Stay Healthy! References: (1) United States Bone and Joint Initiative: The Burden of Musculoskeletal Diseases in the United States. Rosemont, IL; 2014. http://www. boneandjointburden.org/2014-report/if0/health-careutilization-and-economic-cost. Accessed July 9, 2015. (2) Woolf AD, Pfleger B. Burden of major musculoskeletal conditions. Bulletin of the World Health Organization 2003;81:646-656. (3)www.betterpt.com%2fpost%2f7-joint-healthstrategies-for-bone-joint-health-action-week PIA Bulletin Online 6