04 - 10 February 2017
Volume 1, No. 45
REGIONAL NEWS
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DTI funds P236M to 267 BuB projects
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Search for Pantawid Pamilya ‘Modelong Ama’ officially opens PopCom intensifies campaign for family planning 2016 crime rate in Caraga down by 30%
contents HEALTH NEWS
PROVINCIAL NEWS
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AgSur women leaders train in organizational management
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Why nutrition is important
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Siargao gears for nationwide rabies-free declaration this year Surigao Norte LGUs implement revised standards on BPLS DTI Surigao Norte reminds LGUs to comply with BPLS revised standards
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PEZA keen on building ecozones in Mindanao
COVER
4CMOBn change of command: a challenge, gratitude in uniformed service
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3 Hinatuan entries qualify for National Gawad Kalasag search
DTI trains 15 SurSur LGUs on revised BPLS
NATIONAL NEWS
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Agusan del Norte receives P10M medical health assistance from DOH
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DSWD-Caraga assists stranded passengers at Nasipit port due to TD Auring
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Duterte assures big companies of clean government, urges to pay correct taxes
32 P3.95-billion worth of Senior High School vouchers granted by DepEd
News Briefs MGen Benjamin Madrigal Jr, 4ID commander stressed that one of the many roles of the Civil Military Operations is to strenghthen stakeholder engagements & deliver relevant information effectively to the communities.
Butuan City councilor Cherry May Busa bared that this year’s Balanghai Festival - Mutya Hong Butuan Search (May 2017) will be a competition of beauty & brains from the 86 barangays of the city. A 6.7-magnitude earthquake had hit Surigao City, around 10:03pm, Friday. According to Philvolcs, the epicenter, with a depth of 4 km, was initially determined to be at 9.83 degrees north latitude and 125.37 degrees east longitude. Intensity VI was felt in Surigao City, intensity II in Bislig City & intensity I in Cebu City & Cagayan de Oro.
The best quality of a Civil Military Operations Officer should have good background of intelligence since it deals with different stakeholders and it disseminates relevant information to the community, said MGen Benjamin Madrigal Jr, during Change of Command Ceremony held in Butuan City.
Cover Story
4CMOBn change of co m challenge, gratitude in service By: Venus L. Garcia
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UTUAN CITY – In a recent Turn-Over of Command Ceremony held at the Kalayaan Hall, Camp Bancasi in this city, Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Valdez IV became the 4th Civil-Military Operations (Kasaligan) Battallion’s (4CMOBn’s) newest commanding officer. 4
Cover Story
peace and development particularly in Caraga region where he piloted the capacitation of the IP youth.
mmand: a n uniformed Valdez replaces outgoing battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Rey Pasco who assumed command last March 14, 2015 until February 10, 2017. Upon relinquishing his post, Lt. Col. Pasco highlighted in his privileged speech the indigenous peoples (IP)-centric approach on solving the challenges of
“For the first time, the youth from the different Certificate of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) in Caraga gathered and actively participated in a summit which equipped them to become better leaders and effective communicators. The activity was successfully conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga under the leadership of Dir. Abner Caga wherein the 1st Regional IP Leadership and Communicators Summit held on December 18-21, 2015 at Tiberias Retreat House, Carmen, Agusan del Norte. Consequently, the group was formally registered at the Security of Exchange Commission (SEC) as Caraga Mindanao Cultural Development Incorporated,” recalled Pasco. He added that the unit is also instrumental in the creation of Indigenous People Crises Committee (IPCC), together with Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). This group is composed of IP leaders from different CADT areas in Caraga and was organized last November 14, 2015 to provide a venue for ICC/ IP leaders to meet, discuss and agree amongst themselves the different issues and concerns currently being confronted by the ICCs.
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Cover Story
Meanwhile, in his assumption speech, Lt. Col. Valdez recounted his significant experiences in the military service. He said that he has learned the value of constant learning as a means for personal and professional growth.
“The best quality of a Civil-Military Operations Officer should have good background of intelligence since it deals with different government and non-government sectors and it disseminates relevant information to the community,” said MGen Madrigal.
“I am more inclined in doing my best and to continue what my predecessor have started and accomplished especially that he has able to make a difference during his term in this battalion,” Valdez said.
He also stressed that one of the many roles of the Civil Military Operations is to strengthen stakeholder engagements and deliver information effectively and to the communities. “I have placed my trust and confidence in the leadership of these two officers. So, I am challenging them to bear the mantle of perpetuating the rules and mandates of an excellent serviceman,” emphasized MGen Madrigal.
As the presiding general officer during the change of command, MGen Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., 4th Infantry Division commander, Philippine Army expressed his gratitude to the local media partners and PIA Caraga for the favorable information and communication support which is essential and instrumental in keeping the people abreast about what the Phil. Army is doing for them. He said that it is important to let the public know the army’s programs and projects. Madrigal urged the partnerstakeholders to continue supporting the 4CMOBn in advancing the peace, security and development in the region. Likewise, Madrigal recognized and reiterated its strong partnership with the PIA Caraga wherein several undertakings were carried out successfully.
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Media partners, some heads of government agencies and private stakeholders witnessed the Change of Command Ceremony. Service with gratitude Leading the 4th Civil-Military Operations Battalion for 21 months and ten days was a mix of colorful and challenging experiences that taught Lt. Col. Pasco to learn to regulate his life by wisely making decisions and determine actions in perfect calibration. “Setting a certain standard and boundary enables me to perform my duty without grumble,” said Pasco.
He mentioned that what he really wanted was for the Kasaligan Troopers to relearn the good old ways of doing things and unlearn the bad habits. “We started with the basics to be able to address the necessities of our soldiers. We have done many improvements in our facilities, apart from the good transformation within ourselves. And I could not even expressed in words how thankful I am for the wonderful camaraderie we have shown to one another,” sincerely expressed Pasco.
credited to those who rightfully deserve. “I cannot do all these without the support of my co-soldiers. Above all, I thank the Gaotu for His saving graces and blessings in all my battles and undertakings,” modestly enunciated Pasco. He said that the challenge of leading the Kasaligan Troopers is tremendous toward greater integrity, service and openness. “But as I look at my successor, Lt. Col Valdez, I am very positive and confident that this organization under his leadership will accomplish everything that has been envisioned, and may even surpass what we have achieved,” underlined Pasco.
“By improving our administrative processes and support system of companies, we made them feel that we care for them. Taking the responsibility of looking after their welfare has also motivated and inspired them to perform their duties and responsibilities “To all my friends, I thank you for to the best of their abilities – and that is your support, for your indulgence. I empowerment,” underscored Pasco. thank you for your comradeship, and above all I thank you for your continued Pasco remarked in all sincerity dedication,” concluded Pasco. (VLG/ that there are things that should be PIA-Caraga)
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Photo Gallery 4th Civil Military Operations Battalion Change of Command Ceremony with 4ID Commander MGen Benjamin R Madrigal Jr Bancasi Camp, Butuan City 10 February 2017
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REGIONAL NEWS
DTI funds P236M to 267 BuB projects By: Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga has funded a total of P236 million for the 267 projects in the region under the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BuB). According to DTI Caraga regional director Brielgo Pagaran, in partnership with the local government units, a total of 267 projects were implemented since year 2014. “The projects funded are those under the department’s menu such as the One Town One Product (OTOP) Store, Yaman Pinoy, Shared Service Facility, Rural Micro Enterprise Promotion, Industry Cluster and other business development activities,” disclosed Pagaran. Pagaran further said that in Caraga, projects funded are on processed food, arts and crafts, manufacturing, trading and services.
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“As of December 2016, DTI-BuB in the region has generated 2,650 jobs and developed/assisted 2,300 enterprises,” added Pagaran. The BuB is a national governments initiative that aims to contribute to poverty reduction and inclusive growth by making governance responsive to local needs and public resource allocation more efficient through the participation of grassroots in the budgeting process. DTI is one of the implementing agencies for projects on the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). (JPG/PIACaraga)
Regional News
Search for Pantawid Pamilya ‘Modelong Ama’ officially opens By: Ryan Malbas Tapayan
BUTUAN CITY The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga through the Regional Program Management Office (RPMO) of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program officially started the provincial field validation of the nominees for the Regional Search for Modelong Ama 2017. Official contenders for the regional search are from the following cities and municipalities: Mangagoy, Surigao del Sur; Placer, Surigao del Norte; Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte; Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur; and Libjo, Dinagat Islands. The said search aims to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment pursuant to Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, as it adheres to promoting
women’s rights and eliminating gender discrimination in its systems, structures, policies, programs, and processes. It also observes to the DSWD Gender and Development (GAD) mainstreaming framework as embodied in Administrative Order No. 5 series of 2012, which supports the enhancement of internal processes, systems and strategies for GAD mainstreaming, and of mechanism for gender responsive programs and
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Regional News
services. While the program is considered as having a “woman’s face”, with 89 percent of its cash grantees constituting women, it also recognizes that there is a growing need to partner with men to achieve transformed gender relations among Pantawid Pamilya households. DSWD Caraga OIC Regional Director Mita Chuchi Gupana-Lim said that Pantawid Pamilya should serve as an avenue to achieving gender equality.
“The program believes that men should be made partners in pushing for and achieving women’s empowerment and gender equality by concretely contributing to advocacies against genderbased discrimination and genderbased violence within families and communities,” Lim said. The search for Modelong Ama of Pantawid Pamilya is one way to rally support from amongst men to champion GAD and women empowerment. (Social Marketing Unit/ DSWD Field Office Caraga)
PopCom intensifies campaign for family planning By: May Ann O. Escobal
BUTUAN CITY - The Commission on Population (PopCom) has always been positive that through concerted efforts with the local government units (LGUs) and other relevant government agencies, family planning services shall be made available to all women and couples who need such services.
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Regional News In the recently approved Executive Order No. 12 of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, entitled Attaining and Sustaining “Zero Unmet Need for Modern Family Planning” through the Strict Implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act, all LGUs are encouraged to integrate strategies in their Local Development Plans (LDPs) and investment programs to support universal access to Reproductive Health (RH) services through demand generation, service delivery network and mobilization of community volunteers including the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), Barangay Population Volunteers (BPVs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). In close collaboration with all LGUs, house-to-house visit and other intensive community-based demand generation and referral activities shall be conducted to ensure the provision of quality modern family planning information and services, within the principle of informed choice and voluntarism. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and private sector shall also be tapped in implementing these interventions to ensure that all women and couples who wanted to space or limit pregnancies through the use of modern FP shall be referred and served. With the prevailing population issues, the Philippine Population Management Program (PPMP) will be pursued to address the key population
issues in the country towards its overall goal of “Matatag, Maginhawa, at Planadong Pamilyang Pilipino.” This aims to empower every Filipino individual and family to achieve their aspirations and development goals by enabling them to have their desired number and spacing of children with the demands of responsible parenthood and principles of informed choice. The population of Caraga Region will increase by 2,663,610 by end of 2017, based on projections made by the Commission on Population (PopCom) Caraga using data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and this projection includes women of reproductive age and adolescent girls. PopCom further disclosed that adolescent pregnancies are also in the rise. “High unintended and unplanned pregnancies, low contraceptive use and high unmet need for modern family planning, and low involvement of men in Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Family Planning are among the contributing factors of these development issues.” PopCom Caraga Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano reiterated. The PopCom official also stressed the demographic, socio-economic and health implications of these population issues for these are very critical in attaining the sustainable development goals – if the population continue to rise and will not be addressed. (Popcom-Caraga)
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Regional News
2016 crime rate in Caraga down by 30%
BUTUAN CITY - Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 disclosed that the crime rate in Caraga dipped 30 percent from January 1 to December 31, 2016 compared with the same period in 2015. PRO 13 regional director CSupt Rolando Felix said that a total of 10,029 crimes were reported in 2016, lower than the 14,331 crime volume listed in 2015. Citing the record from the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD), 63
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percent of crimes were solved in 2016 compared with only 44 percent solved cases in 2015. Data also showed that crimes related to murder, homicide, rape, robbery and theft posted a significant slide to 50 percent with only 2,594 totaled crimes in 2016 compared with 5,194 crimes in 2015. Crime against person like physical injury with the highest number of cases in 2015 reaching 1,029 declined to 27 percent with 749 in 2016. However, the case on Murder slightly increased from 395 in 2015 to 405 in 2016. The dramatic surged can be attributed to the number of killings implicated to the campaign against illegal drugs. Felix noted that the downtrend of crimes was the result of combined efforts of the PNP, other law enforcement agencies, local government units and the community. “I am calling on the people in Caraga to continue working with the PNP and our partner agencies to sustain these substantial gains in bringing down crime incidents in the region,” Felix added. (PNP PRO 13)
Photo Gallery Regional Development Council Caraga
Social Development Committee Special Meeting on the Proposed FY 2018 Budgets 8 February 2017
AGUSAN DEL SUR
AgSur women leaders train in organizational management
SIBAGAT, Agusan del Sur – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Agusan del Sur through its Negosyo Center has trained women leaders belonging to the Sibagat Federation of Women’s Association, Incorporated (SFWAI) during the recently concluded one-day training on how to manage and further develop their respective organizations. The learning session was participated by some 13 SFWAI member-organizations, who are also partners and/or beneficiaries of the DTI’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) and Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) programs. Malinda Quintana, president of
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the women’s group in Barangay Ilihan presented the shared sentiments of participants saying that they were happy because the learnings can also be used not only for their association but also in their respective barangays. (DTI-Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
SURIGAO DEL NORTE
Siargao gears for nationwide rabies-free declaration this year
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The provincial government here spearheaded recently a rabies advocacy in preparation for RabbiesFree Declaration of Siargao Island this year to 2018 held at Denaville Resort, Barangay Alegria, Sta. Monica town in Siargao Island. In his message, Sta. Monica Mayor Fernando Dolar expressed his eagerness to expedite the processing of relevant documents needed for the success of the declaration. On her part, Governor Sol Matugas extended her all-out support to make the endeavor a success. During the advocacy preparation, Provincial Veterinary Office officer-incharge Dr. Life Shiela Laugo gave the
rationale of the activity. Topics discussed during the said advocacy preparation were canine rabies disease, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and vaccination; implementing rules and regulations of R.A. 9482 or the Anti-rabies Act of the Philippines; animal rabies status report in Siargao; and guidelines for the declaration of rabies-free zones. (Provincial Agriculture Office-SDN/PIASurigao del Norte)
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Provincial News
Surigao Norte LGUs implement revised standards on BPLS SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – Some local government units (LGUs) in the province have begun to implement the revised standards on Business Permit and Licensing System (BPLS) as required by the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 series of 2016 issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT). The said memorandum circular directed all city and municipal LGUs to comply with the revised standards in the processing of business permits to only three steps while significantly reducing the processing time to a maximum of two days for new business permit application and just one day for renewals. It has to be noted that the previous standards on processing time was set for five days for new business applications.
thereby improving service efficiency for the benefits of the business sector. The DTI technical personnel conducted monitoring on the implementation of the recently revised BPLS standards for the month of January as most LGUs in the city and in the municipalities are implementing Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) for business permitting system as one of the business permit licensing system streamlining mechanism required in the DILG-DTI Joint Memorandum Circular.
The said directive is done to comply with the instruction of President The municipal local government Rodrigo R. Duterte to further reduce units who already conducted BOSS in the business permits processing time their area form January 3 to January
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Provincial News
20 are Claver, Bacuag, Placer, Sison, Tagana-an, Tubod, Mainit, Alegria, Malimono, San Francisco, Gigaquit, Dapa, Del Carmen, Sta. Monica, Burgos, Pilar, San Isidro, San Benito, Gen. Luna and Socorro.
to process that were not able to start early due to the brown out after the typhoon will have to extend their BOSS until January 25, 2017. LGUs with few business establishments implemented their BOSS in just few days during the first three weeks of January. (DTI-Surigao LGUs with many business permits del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
DTI Surigao Norte reminds LGUs to comply with BPLS revised standards SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminded the local chief executives here regarding the compliance of the revised standards on Business Permit and Licensing System (BPLS). According to DTI Surigao del Norte provincial director Celestino L. Negapatan, all city and municipal local government units (LGUs) should comply with the revised standards on BPLS as required by the Joint Memorandum Circular No.1 series of 2016 issued by DTI, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT). “We already sent formal letter to all municipal mayor in the province to remind them regarding the compliance of the said standards for the benefit of their respective business sector constituents,” Negapatan said.
He said all concerned LGUs are enjoined to accelerate processing of permit application so that business owners will be able to secure their permits within the prescribed time set by the joint memo circular. Negapatan further said that compliance to set standards will make the impression that concerned LGUs are one with the national government in its effort to enhance competitiveness and create a more business friendly environment that will help accelerate economic development throughout the country. (DTI-SDN/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
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SURIGAO DEL SUR
3 Hinatuan entries qualify for National Gawad Kalasag search
By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – After making it on the top three short list, the Hinatuan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is moving up towards another national award for Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at sakuna LAbanan SAriling Galing ang kaligtasan). Last year, under first to third in the national level for 2016. class municipality, Hinatuan town was adjudged as first place in the entire “Whatever award we can receive country. in the national level, we will accept it gratefully as it is the fruit of our hard Other two entries from Hinatuan work and dedication in disaster risk town both included in the short lists of reduction and management,” Mayor the assessor team are Hinatuan District Garay said. Hospital for Hospital Category, and NAMAHIN for People’s Organizations The Gawad KALASAG award is Category. given to individuals, non-government organizations, private sector, The National Validators Team is and government organizations in currently in Hinatuan town for their field recognition of their initiatives in assessment and validation. helping the government uplift the standard of disaster management Hinatuan Mayor and MDRRMC in the country. (with a report from LGUChairperson Shem Garay is optimistic Hinatuan/PIA-Surigao del Sur) that Hinatuan can snatch a top place
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Provincial News
DTI trains 15 SurSur LGUs on revised BPLS By: Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – About 26 employees from 15 local government units (LGUs) were trained by the Department of Trade and Industry-Surigao del Sur (DTI-SDS) provincial office on Revised Business Permit and Licensing System (BPLS) standards held recently held at the Negosyo Center, this city. According to Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist Sarah Estrada, the discussions were centered on the Department of Interior and Local Government-Department of Trade and Industry-Department of Information and Communication Technology (DILG-DTI-DICT) Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2016 issued on September 9, 2016. On the other hand, Senior Fire Officer Necasio Rocha of the Bureau of Fire Protection shared the Fire Safety Inspection Clearance process and the computation of fees, while Engr. Leo Urbiztondo of the DICT presented the BPLS related programs for LGUs of DICT. The DTI-SDS provided hands-on training using EXCEL to acquaint the participants on the filling-out of revised BPLS unified form, including preparation and
generation of BPLS-related directory that other national agencies require. According to Estrada, the LGUs of Lingig, San Agustin, Marihatag, Cagwait and Cortes were recognized as BPLScompliant with the DILG-DTI JMC No. 1, Series of 2010 as metric. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
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AGUSAN DEL NORTE
Agusan del Norte receives P10M medical health assistance from DOH By: Aimee B. Sienes
BUTUAN CITY - The provincial government of Agusan del Norte recently inked an agreement with the Department of Health (DOH), Regional Office XIII for the availment of the medical health assistance in the amount of P10,000,000.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized Provincial Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante-Matba, through Sanggunian Resolution No.011-2017, authored by Provincial Board Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, to sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by and between the province and the DOH for the said medical health assistance that will cater to the indigent and poor patients seeking medical and health care services in the provincial, district and municipal hospitals managed by the provincial government. Â This program is advantageous to the health and welfare of the underprivileged patients of the province. Â The said MOA is an essential document for an effective and efficient
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system of implementation inclusive of a systematic reimbursement process for LGU managed-hospitals. (LGU-Agusan del Norte)
Provincial News
DSWD-Caraga assists stranded passengers at Nasipit port due to TD Auring By: Eunice G. Montaos
BUTUAN CITY - In response to the request of the municipal local government unit (LGU) of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Caraga provided on Jan. 8, 2017 augmentation support to assist the 363 passengers, bound for Manila and Bohol, who were stranded due to the inclement weather brought about by Tropical Depression Auring. The assistance that were provided are two boxes sardines, two boxes corned beef, two boxes 3-in-1 coffee, and 308 pieces bath soap. The monetary value of the assistance will total P21,536. The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of the said municipality spearheaded the distribution of goods to the passengers. DSWD Caraga OIC regional director Mita Chuchi-Gupana Lim released an official statement assuring the public on the readiness of the DSWDCaraga to provide augmentation support to the LGUs. “We have strengthened our preparedness measures to provide quick and responsive support to the needs of the LGUs, communities, and families in the region who will be
affected by calamities such as TD Auring,” Lim said. “As we feel the discomfort experienced by the stranded passengers in Nasipit, the agency, in partnership with the MLGU and within our mandate and resources, would ensure that their basic needs are provided while they are waiting for their re-scheduled trips,” she added. As of reporting time, the regional warehouse of the Field Office has a stockpile of 14,416 family food packs and re-packing activity is on-going for additional stockpile. Also, the Quick Response Team (QRT) of DSWD-Caraga continues to monitor the situation in the region after TD Auring made landfall on Sunday at Siargao Island. (Social Marketing Unit/ DSWD Field Office Caraga)
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Photo Gallery Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council (PDRRMC) 1st Quarter Full Council Meeting 10 February 2017
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HEALTH NEWS
Why nutrition is important By: Salvador R. Serrano
Is nutrition really important? We need to explain to ordinary people why nutrition is essential because they need to know how this affects health. Nutrition is the food we eat and how the body uses it, while health is a state of complete physical and mental being and not merely the absence of illness or disease. If we are eating right, this contributes to good health because we are able to provide all the nutrients the body needs.
Malnutrition, on the other hand, is a disorder which you get from eating too little, too much, or not eating the right combinations of food.
So what does “good” nutrition mean? Good nutrition is achieved when the body gets all the nutrients it needs in the right kind and amount. This is realized when the body is able to process all the foods and the nutrients are well-utilized by the body’s system.
Energy, like the one produced from fuel to power cars, comes from carbohydrates, fats and protein which provide heat that the body needs to perform basic functions of work and play. Proteins are the building blocks of tissues for growth and development
We often hear, read about or often talk about nutrients, but what are they? Nutrients are what we get from food that the body needs to grow and repair our cells, provide heat to move, work and play; and regulate body processes.
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Health News
and repair of worn-out cells. Fats or lipids also give energy and help in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamins and minerals solely come from food and are responsible for regulating various body processes. Other essential substances in the diet are water and dietary fiber which are vital in digestion, absorption and elimination of waste from the body.
nutrition. We call this malnutrition. When one eats too much food or the wrong kinds of foods, or too much of one kind of food, there is excess of nutrients. This is overnutrition. When we eat very little, a deficiency develops. This is equally a problem and we call this undernutrition. Too much or too little of anything including food is bad for the body.
Malnutrition still persists in the Malnutrition: Philippines. Many people are not eating enough of what they need so they are There is also such a thing as “bad� often sick. Others eat too much and
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Health News
they also get sick. For the entire country, there are many factors that contribute to malnutrition. These include faulty food intake, poor distribution of the food supply, inequitable food distribution among the family members, large family size, and low food expenditure as affected by high prices of food and poor income. There is malnutrition also because of poverty, low education level, urbanization as well as infectious diseases and parasitism due to poor sanitation. Among Filipino children, the other factors are inadequacy of the diet in terms of quality and quantity, declining breastfeeding practice, improper complementary feeding, and lack of immunization. If mothers are not careful when they are not pregnant and when they do not submit themselves for regular pre-natal check-ups when pregnant, this, too, affects the health of their children. Malnutrition exists in three forms. One is undernutrition which results from inadequate amount of food for a long period of time. Second is overnutrition which results from a excessive intake of nutrients. An imbalance results from a disproportion of the essential nutrients that one needs. When we eat too many foods with the same nutrients and neglect others that our body needs, an imbalance occurs. For example, too much carbohydrate, too much protein,
but too little or inadequate amounts of vitamins from fruits and vegetables is bad for the body. The kinds of malnutrition are acute and chronic malnutrition. Acute malnutrition refers to one’s present state of nutrition as indicated by weight loss, while chronic malnutrition is related to past state of nutrition as indicated by stunting and underweight. There is also what we call primary and secondary malnutrition. Primary malnutrition happens when a person does not eat enough. Secondary malnutrition is when a person eats enough food but factors like illness and environmental factors affect one’s nutritional status. In the Philippines, the major nutrition problems are chronic energy deficiency, vitamin A deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, and iodine deficiency disorders. All population groups are affected by malnutrition but most vulnerable are infants, pre-schoolers, and the pregnant and lactating mothers. They are most vulnerable because of changes in their bodies which are related to food intake. Infants and pre-schoolers grow very fast, both physically and mentally; pregnant women experience, body changes due to fetal development
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Health News
in their wombs; and lactating mothers Malnutrition is food-related, but there produce milk for their babies. are also other environmental factors aggravating it. One’s culture, one’s Malnutrition affects one’s physical economic state and ecological events and mental development. When a like natural and man-made disasters person is malnourished, infections are - all directly or indirectly affect the easily contracted. The body becomes family’s nutrition. Fighting malnutrition weak, appetite deteriorates and has been the traditional concern nutrients needed by the body are not of mothers who are responsible for absorbed and used efficiently. A sick preparing the family meals everyday. and malnourished person experiences However, women themselves are more difficulty in thinking and learning. The affected by malnutrition than men child’s IQ or intelligence, for instance, because they give birth year after relies heavily on the kind and amount year and take care of babies one of food eaten plus the health condition. after another, thus becoming more So, if a child is slow in learning, moody vulnerable to malnutrition. They also or inattentive, there is a probability that produce breastmilk that infants need. he or she is malnourished. Women, too, in developing countries like the Philippines, have multiple Because of malnutrition, we have domestic or household responsibilities weak students who do not perform and hardly have enough time to take well mentally, while others drop out care of themselves as the husband of classes. Malnutrition also leads to and children are often their priority physical weakness, absenteeism, concerns. sickness, and death in severe cases. Workers in offices and factories who are Achieving proper nutrition: malnourished are not as efficient and easily get tired on the job. This leads to By instinct and through nutrition low work performance stemming from program involvement, mothers will absenteeism and shortened working know that no single food contains all the hours. Therefore, a weak work force nutrients in the amounts that our body equals weak economy and weak needs except breastmilk for infants economy equals slow progress of the below six months. Therefore, to be sure country. that the family gets the nutrients the members need for growth and repair All of us should be concerned of tissues, for energy and to maintain about malnutrition. Malnutrition is a body processes, the mother should multi-faceted problem so that every ensure that everyone eats a variety of sector should contribute to its reduction. food in every meal everyday.
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Health News
Good nutrition means satisfying the needs of each family member. Every member of the family has need for the same nutrients but in varying amounts. From the time a child is born, he or she needs all the nutrients increasingly up to old age. For instance, women need more of iron because of their menstrual periods and because they deliver babies, while men especially teenage boys need more energy for sports and other vigorous activities. Food means a lot to people aside from nourishment. Food is not only something which we eat to make our bodies full and satisfy hunger. Food also means much more to other people. It carries social and cultural meanings. For example, food can be a sign of wealth and power, a form of celebration, a symbol of love, a status symbol, a reward or punishment, or a religious sacrifice. Thus, we have celebration foods, prestige foods, cultural superfoods like staples, and even sex-linked foods.
dislikes of each member of the family every time a homemaker prepares the meals. Let us remember that proper nutrition is important because it translates to better health and wellbeing as well as improved productivity which is vital to economic progress. For more information on food and nutrition, contact:Â Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/ Fax Num:Â 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@ yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http:// www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
Proper food preparation is important in relation to nutrition. The way food is handled, cooked and prepared affects its nutrients, and in the long run, what the body eats and absorbs. There are different ways of preparing food for each family member to make sure they enjoy food and eating. It is also important to consider the likes and
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MINDANAO NEWS
PEZA keen on building ecozones in Mindanao
DAVAO CITY - The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is eyeing Mindanao as the future site of economic zones in the country. PEZA director general, Charito Plaza, disclosed at the recent opening of the Mindanao Ecozone Summit held at the Grand Regal Hotel here, that PEZA is keen on building economic zones in the provinces and cities of Mindanao, and will soon craft a roadmap to identify areas in the island where ecozones could be established. Plaza said individual agreements with PEZA are with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), ARMM-Regional Economic Zone Authority (REA), the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), National Water Resources Board (NWRB), Department of Information and Communication Technology
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(DICT), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Zamboanga Economic Zone Authority (ZEZA). She said creating more economic zones, especially in the countryside, would generate more employment and stimulate other economic activities for sustainable and inclusive development. Part of the plan is to invite investors to see Mindanao as an alternative site for ecozones, she said, adding that they are looking at the Middle East market for investors. “Among the countries with businesses in the Philippine ecozones, the Middle East has not been tapped,� Plaza said, noting that PEZA will
Mindanao News
conduct investors’ forums this year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Doha, Qatar; Bahrain; Oman; and Kuwait, as a number of big businesses in the Middle East are already excited to invest in the Mindanao Economic Zone.
He said MinDA and PEZA are looking at a holistic approach in ecozone development in which Mindanao’s agriculture and its component sectors, such as fisheries and aquaculture, will play key roles in Mindanao’s overall development.
According to her, there are several types of ecozones -- agro-industrial, agro-forestry, mineral processing, tourism, defense industrial complex, renewable energy eco-industrial park, retirement haven, halal hub and production zone, free trade zone in international air/sea ports, and logistic parks.
“If I am to envision the island region’s development in the next 10 to 20 years, I see agriculture cooperatives and agri-based industries as the most prominent drivers of Mindanao’s economy,” Alonto said.
Plaza further said that they will also develop island city ecozones, where investors from Japan or Dubai for instance could build the same landmarks in their place. “These island cities could become tourist destinations,” she said.
“Agriculture cooperatives, after all, are the pillars of development and food security.” With the influx of agri-based ecozones, Alonto expressed hope that this will strike a “balance between large plantation and smallholder farming”, wherein farmers could fully reap the long-term benefits of such initiatives.
Plaza reported that PEZA has earmarked some PHP17.65 billion worth of investments from 1995 to 2016, with some PHP1.30 billion allocated for last year alone.
There are 81 identified economic zones in the region, covering various sectors such as agro-industry, manufacturing, tourism, and Information Technology.
Meanwhile, Secretary Datu Hj. Abul Khayr Alonto of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said they see ecozone development as an imperative measure that will bolster inclusive socioeconomic growth in the region.
The summit, held on Feb.2-3, was attended by more than 200 key representatives of the government, private sector and other institutions. (PNA) CVL/LCM/DIGNA D. BANZON/ LDP
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NATIONAL NEWS
Duterte assures big companies of clean government, urges to pay correct taxes
MANILA-President Rodrigo Duterte assured large corporations on Monday of a clean government as he encouraged them to pay the right taxes to fund government projects. “Basta kung ‘yung ibinayad ninyo accurate and correct, on time collection, the spending will be there for you to see,” Duterte said during the launch of Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) 2017 Tax Campaign.
“I think that we have a responsible taxpayers base. Kayo ‘yung malalaki... No more, no less ako. I will not tax you to death if I think it’s unrealistic. Hindi masyado ako sa taxation,” he said. He stressed that there will be no He said the government will not corruption during his administration have problems with large corporate as he vouched for the integrity and taxpayers for as long as they pay the efficiency of his Cabinet officials. right taxes.
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National News
“This I can promise you: There will be no corruption. It behooves upon you to stop it,” he said. He added that he would implement strict rules on government corporations promising to stop giving exorbitant and excessive allowances to them. The President cited Davao City as an example of corruption free government noting that the city recorded high economic growth rate. He encouraged the public to be assertive to effectively fight graft and corruption. He also warned companies joining government biddings to follow regulations and told those in government to do away with red tape. The Large Taxpayers Service (LTS) of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officially launched its 2017 Tax Campaign at the Philippine International Convention Center.
collection goal of around P1.1 trillion. Last year, LTS collected P963 billion, surpassing its 2015 revenue collection of P881 billion with a collection growth rate of 12.1 percent. “Ako, Kaisa sa Pagbabago” is LTS’ theme for its tax campaign this year. The BIR has a collection goal of P1.8 trillion for 2017 as compared to P1.6 trillion in 2016. (PND)
The year’s tax campaign kickoff program unveiled LTS’ thrust to attain its collection target as well as improve taxpayer service in keeping with the President’s call for change. Handling the country’s 2,320 large corporate taxpayers and contributing at least 62.4 percent of the BIR’s revenue collection, LTS wants to boost its collection for this year with an assigned
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national News
P3.95-billion worth of Senior High School vouchers granted by DepEd
PASIG CITY – As of December 31, 2016, the Department of Education (DepEd) has already processed a total of P5.23 billion for the Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS VP), with actual payments amounting to P3.95 billion or 75 percent of billing statements received at the DepEd Central Office (CO). This amount corresponds to 607,208 Voucher Program Beneficiaries (VPBs) or Grade 11 students enrolled in non-DepEd schools who are entitled to receive financial assistance through a voucher subsidy. Per DepEd Order No. 46, series of 2015, and DepEd Order No. 38, series of 2016, the indicative timeline for processing of SHS VP payments is two months upon the school’s submission of billing statements, provided the documents are complete and in order. Billings are processed at three levels: Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) Regional Secretariat, PEAC National Secretariat, and DepEd CO. Schools may check the status of their submissions through their accounts in the Voucher Management
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System (VMS), an online information system for SHS VP participating schools. Although schools were allowed to create their billing statements for the first semester as early as July 2016, the DepEd CO received bulk of the submissions in the fourth quarter of the year (October-November) due to some technical difficulties encountered by the schools in the generation of billing statements. The DepEd CO continues to receive billing statements, which are processed immediately upon receipt on a ‘first-come, first-served basis.’ Rest assured that the Department is doing its best to facilitate the payments in a more timely and efficient manner. (DepEd)
Photo Gallery Agusan del Norte Provincial Peace & Order Council (PPOC) Meeting 8 February 2017
Agusan del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council Gawad Kalasag PSC 7 February 2017
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