Beat the Heat

With the country’s neverending drastic shifts in climate change, heat waves are frequently observed and pose a new threat to human health.

As declared by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the occurrence of the warm and dry season has officially started and is expected to last until May. It has also been reported by the state weather bureau’s Heat Index that a temperature of 33°C to 41°C is classified as “extreme caution.” The excessive rise in temperature, also known as a “heat wave,” is expected to become a menacing concern for the well-being of the people. That being so, here are some tips for battling the heat wave:

AWARENESS. Be wellinformed and keep up with the latest news regarding weather updates.

DISCIPLINE. Avoid staying outdoors for a long time and wear lightweight, lightcolored, loose-fitting clothing.

CONSUMPTION. Limit the intake of caffeinated tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol, as these can lead to dehydration. Instead, opt for water and sports drinks.

ENCOURAGE. Impart what you know with others and urge them to engage in the same preventive measures as you do.

Amid this fight against heat waves, it is important to stay vigilant and united as every single one strides towards a healthy community.

of the World’s population fall ill after eating contaminated food.

Streetfoods are often praised for their affordability and delicious flavors, which appeal to many people. However, there are concerns about the safety and health implications of consuming them, which can be worrying for some.

In Alabel, Sarangani, the famous ‘patok sa masa at bulsa” street foods makes the roadsides inviting to eat among locals and tourists alike. But despite the mouthwatering taste, people often wonder about the hygiene and cleanliness of the food preparation process, which can lead to concerns about potential health risks. Addressing these concerns, street food vendors in Alabel take measures to ensure that their food is prepared and served in a hygienic manner. Sir Junnie Sumbo, one of the night market vendors in Alabel said, “Everyday, ang style ani kay 3 kilos gyud akong ginapalit na mantika pero ang gamiton nako kay isa ra ka kilo. Inig human gamit ani kay waste na na siya, akoa na na siyang ilabay.” As he was asked about the procedures he does before serving or cooking his product, he answered, “Syempre hugasan pag-ayo, tapos among area limpyo before mag work. Ang mga sudlanan, limpyo. Ang mga trabahante mag hugas.” All ventors understand the importance of cleanliness in the food industry and recognize that it is crucial for their customers’ safety and satisfaction. Before starting their food preparation process, the vendors first clean their work area thoroughly to create a clean and safe environment. This includes wiping down surfaces, sweeping the floor, and disposing of any trash or debris. The vendors also make sure that the containers where they store their ingredients and food are clean and free from contamination. In addition, the vendors prioritize hand hygiene to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. They make it a point to wash their hands regularly, especially before handling food, to ensure that their

Jaguar on the Rolling Hills

Brix Salloman Fatiyah Lim

The origin of the most remarkable confection, merged with the controversial fruit of torn.

What seems to be an unusual variety. Cacao on the outside, but durian on the inside. Commonly found in Southern America, suddenly harvested in the home of Sarangani’s rolling hills.

Flabbergasted the mind of the elderly cultivator, publicized, and went viral on social media.

The Jaguar Cacao or Theobroma bicolor, became a sensation on social media after Edmundo Cejar, a 70-year-old farmer harvested the fruit in Malungon, Sarangani. Four years ago, Cejar planted a tree using six cacao seeds, clueless as to what variety or species it was.

“My first time harvesting this kind of fruit. Durian like cacao or cacao like durian?” Cejar said. “Like durian which falls when already ripe, we waited until the durian cacao fell to the ground,” Cejar added. He describes it as a durian in a cacao as it has the flesh, aroma, and taste of durian. Engr. Nenita Barroso of the Department of Trade and Industry in Sarangani, who was there when the durian cacao was opened— nodded in agreement that it is durianlike and confirmed that the pulp does indeed smell like the exotic king of fruits. It said the seeds can be used to make chocolate, fried, or added to soups. It claimed that Theobroma bicolor is a kind of cacao, of which the flesh is mostly consumed. The flesh is thicker around the kernel than in the other species. Cacao is hands are clean and free from harmful microorganisms.

Despite efforts to ensure hygiene in street food preparation, it is difficult to completely eliminate the risk of foodborne illnesses. Filthy foods can cause illnesses such as Typhoid fever, Hepatitis A, and Salmonella, which can have serious health consequences.

During their outbreaks, the potential dangers of improper hygiene in street food preparation becomes saturated. The contamination may occur due to improper storage, delayed serving, or an unsanitary environment. It is important to recognize that poor hygiene can have severe consequences, and efforts should be made to improve the hygiene practices of street food vendors to minimize any food-related risks.

‘Tusok tusok’ or much known as street foods are loved for their accessibility and delicious flavors, but the way it causes harm to others can also raise concerns definition of terms not new to Cejar who plants a variety of crops and trees in Rio Vista Farm and Forest, a roughly 30-hectare property along a stream which he shares with his siblings and kids. He claimed that despite the inferior quality of the cocoa produced, he was still eager to spread the rare tree which could grow up to eight meters tall. “If you can wait, I will germinate and make seedlings out of the 21 seeds in the pod and propagate it,” Cejar jokingly said to the netizens who asked for seedlings.

Food Safety refers to the practices that are observed during the handling, processing, and distribution of food to ensure that contaminants that can cause foodborne illnesses are not present.

Food Security when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.

As the jaguar starts to bloom in Sarangani’s rolling hills, and more uses of it bloom out. To efficiently and properly manage the reproduction of jaguar cacao can be the key to maximizing the benefits it can give.

We should take part in putting food safety as a priority. Everyone, food consumers, vendors, and manufacturers alike should be aware of food handling practices to further uphold food security and food safety for all.