Today’s issue...
Thursday, March. 1, 2012
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Vol. 1 No. 200
Aquino leads commemoration of Presidential Security Group’s 26th Anniversary Mindanao leaders sign consensus to coordinate efforts on disaster risk reduction Rutchie C. Aguhob, Northern Mindanao
Australia assists in road infra dev’t. in three more provinces Oibone C. Enobio, Northern Mindanao
Women summit to tackle environment issues Carina Cayon, Southern Mindanao
Davao mayor wants gun ban for “Araw” celebration Mai Gevera Macapagat, Southern Mindanao
Tawi-Tawi farmers,fisherfolk receive agri-fishery inputs from DAF-ARMM Perlita Changco, Central Mindanao
Development Plan ng ARMM ini-akma sa repormang ipatutupad ni Hataman
Ac Agad , Central Mindanao
Zambo City’s P27M “dancing” fountain nears completion
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, Western Mindanao
Cover Story
page 4
Kafé Balos is going global
CHED-IX bares national quiz bee regional winners Franklin P. Gumapon, Western Mindanao
Dani Doguiles Central Mindanao
“Panambay sa Barangay” goes to Surigao City barangay Caraga Region
Our body also needs fat Josefina T. Gonzales , Caraga Region
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PIA REGIONAL OFFICES Western Mindanao (Zamboanga Peninsula) P. Urro Street, San Francisco District Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur 7016 Telephone no. (062) 215-1480 / 925-0038 Cellphone no. 0908-8843404 E-mail: ro9_pia@yahoo.com mimibern17@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.piazampen.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA WesMin Info Bliz
EDITORIAL BOARD Executive Editor ……......... EFREN F. ELBANBUENA Cluster Head, Southern, Western and Central Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Region XI Managing Editor …….........
Northern Mindanao Graces’ Building, Antonio Luna Street Cagayan de Oro City 9000 Telefax No. (08822) 72-66-83 Telephone no. (088) 856-8178 / 729-594 Cellphone no. 0928-5204305 0917-3084969 E-mail: pia10_pd@yahoo.com r10_pia@yahoo.com Blogspot: www.pia-10.blogspot.com
ABNER M. CAGA
Cluster Head, Northern and Northeastern Mindanao Regional Director, PIA Caraga Region Officer-in-charge, PIA Region X
Associate Editors ……....... NOEMI B. EDAGA Regional Director, PIA Region IX
Southern Mindanao (Davao Region)
OLIVIA T. SUDARIA Regional Director, PIA Region XII
Regional Desk Editors …...
2/F Kanto Motors Bldg., Quimpo Blvd., New Matina Davao City 8000 Telephone no. (082) 297-0991 / 301-8580 Telefax no. (082) 297-0992 / 304-2044 Cellphone no. 0917-7053606 / 0918-9202950 E-mail: efelbanbuena@yahoo.com
Jocelyn P. Alvarez, PIA Region IX Elaine O. Ratunil, PIA Region X Rudolph Ian G. Alama, PIA Region XI Danny E. Doguiles, PIA Region XII Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region
Central Mindanao (SOCCSKSARGEN)
Copy Editors ……………….. Robert E. Roperos, PIA Caraga Region Nora C. Lanuza Molde, PIA Caraga Region Layout Artists ……………... Victoriano B. Villacruz, Jr., PIA Region IX Zener R. Dumaguing, PIA Region X Senior Layout Artists …..... Gerie Mae G. Coco, PIA Caraga Region Richard D. Atillo, PIA Caraga Region Editorial Advisers :
Provincial Capitol Compound Bautista Bldg., Zulueta St. Koronadal City, South Cotabato 9506 Telephone no. (083) 520-0249 Telefax no. (083) 228-9736 / 228-9739 / 520-0100 Cellphone no. 0921-6873373 / 0928-5204307 E-mail: r12_pia@yahoo.com, pia_xii@yahoo.com
Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga)
ATTY. JOSE A. FABIA Director-General Philippine Information Agency
SEC. HERMINIO “Sonny” B. COLOMA Presidential Communications Operations Office
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Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Bldg., J. Rosales Avenue, Butuan City Telephone no. (085) 341-5285 / 360-1239 Telefax no. (085) 341-2370 Cellphone no. 0917-7188834 Email: piacaraga@gmail.com , pia_caraga@yahoo. com,ph Blogspot: www.piacaraga.blogspot.com Facebook: PIA Caraga Updates, PIA Agusan del Norte, Pia Agusan del Sur, Pia Surigao del Norte, Pia Surigao del Sur
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Cover Story Kafé Balos is going global by Dani Doguiles
K
afé Balos, a roasted coffee product manufactured by locals - mostly indigenous B’laans – in majestic Mt. Matutum is going international.
Lately, the regional office of the Department of Science and Technology announced Kafé Balos has been identified as one of only eight special products in the entire
Philippines for promotion in the global market. (Of these eight commodities being developed for international branding by DOST in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency , two are Thursday, March 1, 2012
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unique products of South Cotabato: Kafe Balos and T’nalak, a colourful fabric hand-woven by T’boli women from dyed abaca fiber.) Kafé Balos, a coffee fermented by intestinal juices of civet cats, is known among coffee enthusiasts are one of the most coveted and expensive kind. One shop in Davao City that offers this type of coffee charges P150 per cup. An 85-
gram pack of wholebean coffee retails at P900 while its ground version costs P1,000 per pack. In the US, a cup of brewed civet coffee could cost as much as $50 -- that’s more than P2,000 per cup! Those who have tasted this coffee swear, it has a different aroma and more subdued and sweeter taste. It is worth noting that this gourmet coffee is literally an excrement of an animal, the civet cat (Paradoxurus philippinensis), also known as alamid in Tagalog, milo in Cebuano, and singgarong in Ilonggo. Production of the Kafé Balos begins with collection of civet cat poops by B’laan lumads in more than 500 hectares of coffee plantations
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inside Mt. Matutum Protected Lanscape that straddles the towns of Tupi and Polomolok. Civet cats are reportedly adept in selecting choice cherries, which they eat for their pulp. After less than two days these coffee beans are defecated on the grounds as clumps, with whole beans intact. Enzymes and acids inside the animals gastrointestinal track digest the bean’s covering but not the bean. Instead, it’s digestive secretion seep into the bean, thereby contributing to its flavour characteristics, different aroma and lack of the usual bitterness of regular brewed coffee. Gathered civet cat poops are then washed, cleaned and dried. Once dried, these are roasted into right level of brittleness suitable for grinding and ready for brewing.
What is more notable in this endeavour is the fact that residents around the coffee plantation areas have also learned to protect the environment. They know that cutting the trees would definitely destroy the civet cats’ home and drive away their source of lucrative income. Locals earn about ten times more from coffee beans collected from civet cat excrements compared to earnings from coffee beans harvested directly from coffee trees. A kilo of regular coffee bean sells at P70 to P90 a kilo while coffee that went through a civet cat’s stomach hauls as much as P900 a kilo. DOST-12 Regional Director Zenaida Hadji Raof Laidan said, the development of Kafé Balos for international branding is in line with the program of DOST’s Industrial Technology Development Institute and JICA to enhance the competitive identity of unique Philippine products. “One of our major priorities this year is to enhance the competitiveness of unique Philippine Thursday, March 1, 2012
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products in the global market through attractive packaging design using appropriate packing technology,� she said in a press release. She pointed out that although they are KafÊ Balos and T’nalak have specifically been identified for global promotion, DOST 12 is also focused on helping micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) develop other fresh and semi-processed products. B e s i d e s assistance on label design and product packaging, MSME may also avail of product
development c o n s u l t a n c y, trainings, and analysis of microbial and nutritional contents among others. Last year, DOST-12 assisted the development of 102 label designs for food and non-food products, benefiting at least 47 beneficiaries, Laidan reported. She noted that they collaborated with the stakeholders from the academe, business, nongovernment organizations and other government agencies in pursuing different development initiatives across the region.
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ACROSS THE NATION
Malacañang vows proposed sin tax law to provide competition among players in tobacco industry
M
alacañang assured that the proposed sin tax law is designed to provide competition among all players in the tobacco industry.
P r e s i d e n t i a l Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued the statement during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday, in response to the issue raised by some lawmakers
that the proposed measure will weaken the tobacco industry. Lacierda pointed out that the proposed amendment to the structure o f s i n
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taxes collection will remove the barriers to competition. “The sin tax reform pack is part of the LEDAC (Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council), explained Lacierda. The sin tax
provides competition, right now the tobacco industry is controlled by one major player and it controls over 90 percent of the tobacco industry and it’s Philip Morris.” Lacierda said the present rules have created practically a monopoly where one company has been able to control a market share of more than 90 percent. “The sin tax reform will
provide competition among the other players. In fact, that would increase the productivity or purchasing power of the tobacco industry,” he said. Aside from removing a monopoly in the tobacco industry, the proposed measure aims to rationalize the collection of sin taxes in the country to get more revenues for the government.
“We want to index the sin taxes to inflation. There are a number of reforms that we want to do,” Lacierda said. The government expects to earn P60 billion a year from the rationalization of taxes on alcohol and tobacco products. Without such a bill, the finance department estimates that government will lose P2 billion to P2.4 billion a year by 2013. (JS)
Aquino leads commemoration of Presidential Security Group’s 26th Anniversary
P
resident Benigno S. Aquino III led the commemorative rites marking the 26th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group at the PSG’s headquarters in Malacañang Park, Manila on Thursday.
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Joining the President were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, PSG Commander Colonel Ramon Mateo Dizon and other national and local government officials led by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. Upon his arrival at the PSG Grandstand, President Aquino was accorded full military honors by PSG troops led by Troop Commander Col. Nestor Herico. The President then led the presentation of plaques of recognition to the top PSG personnel for 2011 as well as citations to private individuals “for their unwavering support
and assistance to the PSG. The Best PSG Personnel for 2011 are: Major Alfonso Ileto, Organic Officer of the Year; Maj. Paulo Teodoro, Operational Control Officer of the Year; Technical Sargeant Gerardo Mercado and SPO4 Bernardo Maglaya, Organic Enlisted Personnel of the Year; and Estrella Tabinas, Civilian Employee of the Year. The individuals honored by the PSG are: Social Secretary Susan Reyes for facilitation the conduct of the traditional Dinner Ball of t he
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PSG; Radio and Television Malacañang (RTVM) Executive Director Virgilio Nadal, Jr. for assisting the different media networks during presidential engagements in support of the various Security Task Action Groups; P r e s i d e n t i a l Management Staff – Office for Regional Concerns Assistant Director Henry Abella for leading the overall planning and preparation of all presidential engagements and requirements of the PSG; and, San Miguel CEO Ramon Ang for his generosity in providing relief goods and supplies for the numerous outreach programs of the PSG. To signify their profound thanks to the President, the PSG presented the Chief Executive with a molded resin replica of a PSG Beret which symbolizes the PSG’s commitment to protect the President of the Republic of the Philippines. (RCK)
P7-M grant for building shelters awarded to CdO by Jorie C. Valcorza
P
eace and Equity Foundation (PEF) board of trustees approved last week the release of a P7million grant that will help mobilize acquisition of shelters among typhoon Sendong victims who are willing to acquire their own houses under the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) socialized housing scheme. PEF, Ateneo de Cagayan-Xavier University, and the Social Housing and Finance Corporation (SHFC) were among the three main stakeholders of the rehabilitation effort. Roberto D. Calingo, PEF Executive Director said the planning grants were awarded to the local nongovernment organizations (NGOs),
namely, the Foundation for Growth, Organizational Upliftment of People, Inc. and the Technology Outreach and Community Help Foundation who are both process experts in securing legal tenure for urban poor families. Calingo noted that these NGOs will help relocate at least some 800 families to the resettlement sites in Thursday, March 1, 2012
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Barangay Indahag and Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City. The grants will assist the two NGO originators accredited by SHFC to conduct better screening of beneficiaries and mobilize more staff to serve the growing demand among displaced communities who want to
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avail of the CMP scheme. The third PEF planning grant is likewise awarded to Xavier University to prepare some 500 beneficiaries who will occupy the fivehectare resettlement site in Lumbia, which is envisioned to become a model community. It will aid in planning for the long-term organizational activities that will be conducted among the typhoon victims in the Lumbia resettlement site. Meanwhile, under CMP’s offsite version, the communities must organize themselves in order to obtain a legal personality as it is only through their housing association that they can be granted for a loan from SHFC.
Mindanao leaders sign consensus to coordinate efforts on disaster risk reduction by Rutchie C. Aguhob Mindanao leaders and citizens have committed to collaborate more closely and effectively with each other to coordinate their efforts on capacity building for disaster risk reduction (DRR), preparedness, relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and resettlement.
This was manifested in the Mindanao Declaration on DRR Priorities (MDDRRP) that they signed at the close of the Mindanao Summit on DRR and Geo-Hazard Awareness at Dynasty Court, Cagayan de Oro City. The two-day activity was organized by Senators Aquilino Pimentel III and Teofisto Giongona III, who are both from Northern Mindanao, in the aftermath of the devastation brought about by tropical storm Sendong.
“We declare our unity, commitment, and resolve to reduce the risks of disasters in our island, finding strength in the diversity of our backgrounds as we come from different institutions, such as, the Philippine Senate, the House of Representatives, the national government, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), local governments at all levels, barangays, municipalities, cities, and provinces, the business sector, civil society, academe, media, and grassroots communities,� the MDDRRP reads in part. It also said that they recognize that disasters can be natural and human-induced and, in Mindanao, include earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, landslides, extreme weather events such as droughts, typhoons, and excessive rainfall, sea level rise and storm surges, flooding, flash floods, humanThursday, March 1, 2012
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induced environmental disasters, forest and other fires, and armed conflict. Aware of the threat of climate change and that Mindanao will be severely affected by its impacts unless integrated adaptation-mitigation programs are implemented at the soonest time possible, they acknowledge that geo-hazards naturally exist in the Mindanao ecosystems and environment and human actions or inaction can aggravate, accelerate, or mitigate the risk of disasters arising from these geohazards.
Recognizing that disasters and calamities inevitably impact on citizens, communities, properties and infrastructure, and as a result, threaten not only Mindanao’s but the entire country’s sustainable development, the MDDRRP also notes that the vulnerability of communities and localities to disasters and calamities can be addressed with proper management of the sources of risk, level of exposure, and buildup of adaptive capacity of the concerned communities.
Australia assists in road infra dev’t. in three more provinces by Oibone C. Enobio CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Three provinces in southern Philippines will soon benefit from improved road conditions through an innovative partnership between the Governments of Australia and the Philippines. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell, and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Feb. 16, launched the Philippines Provincial Road Management Facility in three more provinces – Aklan, Davao del Norte and Lanao del Norte. The five-year, P4.3 billion (A$100 million), Provincial Road Management Facility will help provincial governments upgrade and then maintain their core road network in provinces in Mindanao and the Visayas. The program started in seven partner provinces: Bohol, Guimaras, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental. After showing early results, Australia decided to extend the program to another three provinces. “In partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and provincial governments, Australia is 14
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working to improve the quality of roads across the country. Roads upgraded by the program are cutting transportation costs and increasing access of poor Filipinos to basic services, such as schools and health clinics,” Tweddell said. While a large portion of the program’s funds will be spent on road rehabilitation and maintenance in the provinces, the program is also supporting local governance reforms to improve the quality and efficiency of public service delivery to communities. Provinces compete for extra resources through the program’s incentive mechanism by progressing reforms in the key governance areas of planning and budgeting, procurement, internal audit, human resource development and increasing locally-generated revenues. “Australia’s use of incentives aligns strongly with President Aquino’s performance-based approach to fast-track
local governance reforms. Our partner provinces are building momentum and introducing good governance reforms. They are increasing their revenues to fund essential services to the poor. Their budgets are more transparent and allow for easier expenditure tracking,” Tweddell said. “Good governance practices are critical to sustain service delivery, including quality roads. The program aims to ensure each province can sustain the reforms without ongoing Australian assistance.” The facility has so far completed 14 road rehabilitation projects, benefitting at least 51,000 people and delivering material economic and social benefits to the communities. There have also been improvements on how the partner provinces do their business, including implementing their provincial plans with appropriate resources; rationalising their human resource management and development plans; exercising internal control and audit procedures; contracting
out road service delivery using their own resources and generated higher local revenue; and even increasing community participation in road rehabilitation and maintenance. Also present at the ceremony were the governors of the program’s 10 partner provinces: Adolph Edward Plaza (Agusan del Sur), Carlito Marquez (Aklan), Edgar Chatto (Bohol), Alex Calingasan (Bukidnon), Rodolfo del Rosario (Davao del Norte), Felipe Hilan Nava (Guimaras), Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo (Lanao del Norte), Herminia Ramiro (Misamis Occidental), Oscar Moreno (Misamis Oriental), and Sol Matugas (Surigao del Norte). Australia is a long-standing development partner of the Philippines and the country’s largest bilateral grant aid donor. In the current financial year, Australia will provide over P5 billion in development assistance to the Philippines, focusing on economic growth, basic education, and national stability and human security. (PRMF) Thursday, March 1, 2012
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Positive PH economy key contributor to Singapore tourism by Rudolph Alama
A
positive Philippine economy in recent years has contributed much to Singapore tourism as more and more Filipino tourists are flocking to the island state. During an interview at Marco Polo Davao, Serina Chan, area director for Brunei and Philippine for the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the Philippines is the 3rd fastest growing market for Singapore tourism
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next to China and Taiwan. Last 2011 Filipino tourists to Singapore were recorded at around 678,000 which is 24% higher from the 544,000 Filipino tourists who went to Singapore in 2010. One of the key factors Chan said is a good economy in the Philippines which saw people having more disposable income to travel to other countries particularly to the small progressive island state. The Philippines’ Gross Domestic Product grew by 7.6% in 2010 and 3.7% in 2011. Average disposable income grew by 11.8% and 7.9 % in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
Other factors for the growth of Filipino tourists included the large number of flights especially low-cost carriers. Currently there are 150 flights per week going to and from Singapore. Around eight of these flights are from Davao City. The 160,000 Overseas Filipino Workers residing in Singapore is another factor with friends, family and relatives visiting these OFWs contributing much to tourism statistics. The ever-changing tourism landscape in the island with varied attractions opening up year after year is another major reason why Filipino tourists love Singapore. According to Chan they find something new and fresh in the island during their visits. Among new tourism attractions include the Cruise Terminal, the River
Safari and the Garden by the Bay which is a sprawling nature park. Chan said that the Philippines was the 8th largest tourism market in Singapore in 2010 and jumped to 6th in 2011. In an interview with selected Filipino tourists in Singapore the respondents answered that most go to Singapore for shopping, entertainment, food and attractions. Popular attractions among Filipinos include the Universal Studios and Marina Bay Sands. Meanwhile Singaporean tourists to the Philippines numbered around 200,000, the country is the second most visited nation in Southeast Asia by Singaporean tourists next to Indonesia. Singaporean tourists list the beaches in the Philippines as their main reasons for visiting the country. (PIA/RG Alama)
Women summit to tackle environment issues by Carina Cayon DAVAO CITY - The city government of Davao will hold on Thursday (March 1) its 12th Citywide Women Summit with a focus on the active involvement of women in environmental decision-making at all levels. The Davao City Integrated Gender and Development Division (IGDD) will spearhead the women summit at 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, this
city. Anchoring on environment concerns, the summit bears a theme that states “Panahon sa Pagbag-o sa Pagbag-o sa Panahon: Hagit sa Kusog Kababayen-an (Time to Change in Climate Change: A Challenge to the Women).” IGDD officer-in-charge Lorna B. Mandin said that this year’s summit aims to increase women’s capabilities in the environmental Thursday, March 1, 2012
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field including their knowledge, skills and organization. Mandin said participants to the summit will tackle on strengthening or establishing mechanisms at the local level to assess the impact of development and environmental policies on women. Participants will also identify pressing gender issues in the locality under the critical areas of the Women Development Code especially in “women and the environment,” she stated. The Citywide Women Summit is part of the city’s commemoration of the 102nd International Women’s Month which culminates on March 8
at People’s Park. Mandin said they are expecting around 4,000 women and men gender equality advocates from the local government units, national government agencies, non-government organizations and people’s organizations to join the celebration. The culmination on March 8 will start with a morning march/ walk from Freedom Park to People’s Park where a short program will be held. Mandin urged participants to the summit and culmination activities to wear violet or purple shirts.
Davao mayor wants gun ban for “Araw” celebration by Mai Gevera Macapagat DAVAO CITY – Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte requested through a resolution the Philippine National Police Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome to declare a gun ban in the city for the whole month of March.
The request is aimed to ensure safety and protection of the constituents and visitors who will be joining the 75th Araw ng Dabaw celebration from March 1 to 31. The city mayor sees the need for both PNP and the local government to ensure safety of the public during the events for the celebration. The month-long Araw ng Dabaw
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celebration is one of the city’s two big events along with the Kadayawan Festival held every August. The City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) believed that the gun ban, if declared by the PNP could encourage full community participation not just from local residents and those from neighboring provinces but also foreign tourists who schedule their visit to the city in time for the occasion. This was also seen important to ensure safety of visitors especially that the city experienced consecutive criminal activities like holdups and killings the past few weeks. (PIA/ Frances Mae Gevera-Macapagat)
DA 12 calls for nominees to Gawad Saka 2012 Search by Dani Doguiles KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Soccsksargen Region’s Department of Agriculture (DA-12) today announced it has began accepting nominees to this year’s national Gawad Saka Search.
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DA-12 Regional Director Amalia JayagDatukan, through a press release, explained that Gawad Saka is an annual undertaking that recognizes farmer’s contributions in the development of the agriculture and fisheries sectors. It is a way of recognizing outstanding achievers in agriculture and fisheries that represent the various stakeholders of the community-farmers, fisherfolk, farm communities, scientists, and organizations. Nominees to the awards could be submitted for the following categories: institutions, individual achievers, and commodity-based achievers. For institution category, awards at stake are for outstanding farm family, agriculture and fishery council (PAFC/ MAFC), young farmer/ fisherfolk organization, municipal/ city FARMC, Rural Improvement Club, and barangay 20
food terminal. Awards for individual category are for outstanding young farmer/ fisherfolk, agricultural e n t r e p r e n e u r, agriculture/ fishery scientist, fisherman The agency is also a looking for outstanding farmers for rice (Rice farmer adopting integrated rice-based farming systems and hybrid farmer), corn high value crops, coconut, sugarcane, as well as outstanding raisers for small animals and large animals. There will also be awards for outstanding fisherfolk on two categories: fish culture and fish capture. In the same press release Director JayagDatukan encouraged applicants and to see their municipal, city, or provincial agriculture office. Applicants may also call the Rural-based Organization in-charge at the regional office through telephone number (083) 5200460, 520-0628, 552-
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9331, 552-9332. They may also call the DA’s provincial offices at the following numbers: (083) 503-2171, 5032176 and 503-2242 in Sarangani; (064) 2787019 in North Cotabato; (083) 228-3343, 2282419,and 228-6984 in South Cotabato; and (064) 200-6393 in Sultan Kudarat. A staff of DA-12’s Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division said, deadline for the submission of nominations and application has not been set. He explained, Director Datukan has ordered an earlier announcement of the search so that more farmer, farmergroups and institutions from Soccsksargen Region could apply or be nominated for any of the award categories. Last year’s national awarding for the Gawad Saka Awards was held in December. Gawad Saka awardees receive cash prizes and citations. (DEDoguiles/PIA 12 with report from LM Salvo/DA-12)
Tawi-Tawi farmers,fisherfolk receive agri-fishery inputs from DAF-ARMM by Perlita Changco COTABATO CITY -- The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) turned-over last February 20, farm equipment and various agri-fishery inputs for farmer and fisherfolk beneficiaries in Tawi-Tawi.
DAF-ARMM regional information division chief Dhigs Abdulla said, the farm equipment and inputs included 30 bags of palay seeds, 30 bags OPV corn seeds, 19 bags organic fertilizers, 1,050 packets of assorted vegetable seedlings, 7 units shallow tube well (STW)-NS 100, 8 units power sprayer complemented wtih 8
units 6.5 hp machine, 14 pcs. 4” GI pipes, 7 rolls 4” hose as well as fishery inputs such as 100 sets seaweed implements, 25 sets gill net and 50 sets hook and line accessories. Tawi-Tawi Provincial Agricultural Officer Dr. Sahajim Hassan and Provincial governor Sadikul Sahali received the government’s livelihood assistance
for and in behalf of farmer-fishfolk beneficiaries in the province’s 11-island municipalities, Abdullah reported. Abdullah said, Gov. Sahali expressed appreciation to the continuous support of the national government to enhance socio-economic development in the area as he noted ongoing positive reforms in the governance of the ARMM. The governor, Abdullah said, has likewise lauded the efforts of ARMM OICgov. Mujiv Hataman and regional secretary Sangkula Tindick in intensifying implementation of programs and projects geared to uplift the
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quality of life of farm families and spur economic activities in the province. Abdullah added that Tindick said this is an initial phase of the
support and assistance to be provided as more livelihood projects are in the pipeline for farmers and fishermen in the province of TawiTawi. Tindick also
urged the beneficiaries to appreciate and utilize the farm and fishery inputs to increase family income. (pbchangco/PIA Cotabato City)
Development Plan ng ARMM ini-akma sa repormang ipatutupad ni Hataman KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Sumailalim sa dalawang araw na workshop ang mga opisyal at mga planning officers ng iba’t-ibang departamento ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) noong nakaraang linggo. Ayon kay ARMM Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) executive director Diamadel Dumagay, ito ay upang ayusin ang planong pangkaunlaran ng rehiyon na aakma sa mga mahahalagang reporma na isinusulong ni ARMM caretaker governor Mujiv Hataman. T a t l o n g mahahalagang reporma, ayon kay Dumagay ang nais ipatupad ni governor Hataman. 22
Ito ay kinabibilangan ng repormang pampamahalaan, kapayapaan at seguridad at repormang pang-ekonomiya. Dahil mayroon na lamang nalalabing mahigit labingapat na buwan ang liderato ni Hataman, tiwala ang ilang mga opisyal ng rehiyon na maipapatupad ang mga repormang hangad ng mga mamamayan ng rehiyon na nakabatay din sa mandato ng Pangulong Benigno Aquino III.
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Matatandaang itinalaga ng Pangulong Benigno Aquino III si Hataman upang mamuno sa pagsulong ng reporma sa autonomous region. Magsisilbing gabay ng kasalukuyang pamunuan ng autonomous region ang mga targets na napagkasunduan sa workshop at naging bahagi na rin ng ARMM Strategic Action Plan for Governance and Reform. (Ac Agad PIA12)
Zambo Sibugay launches 15 hectares rubber nursery propagation center By Claro A. Lanipa
Z
amboanga Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos on Tuesday, led in the ceremonial launching of the 15 hectares rubber nursery propagation center under the so called Rommel A. Jalosjos Tripartite Rubber Expansion and Enhancement (RAJTREE) for its 16 municipalities intervention at barangay Culasian, Titay, this province.
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To signify the official launching of RAJTREE, a simple ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the said nursery site led by Gov. Jalosjos and was assisted by Titay Mayor Mecmec Rillera. The ceremony was witnessed by some municipal mayors, provincial board members, PNP officials and other provincial employees and officials. In his welcome address, Gov. Jalosjos said RAJTREE is a different program for Zamboanga Sibugay. As some people are thinking that RAJTREE is head control in the industry, “NO” basically, it’s purpose is to help and strengthen the industry. This is the catalyst of our future, this is now the catalyst of what is Sibugay supposed to be for all our decisions, “that is what public service is all about giving back to the people,” Jalosjos emphasized. “Let’s empower our people by giving them the opportunity to have choice in life for their children and the generation to come.” 24
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Jalosjos added. The governor was optimistic that all the guests and visitors who witnessed the event will help Zamboanga Sibugay achieve its goal, dream and its reality. He also urged the guests to support the program not only for the benefits of Sibugaynons, but for the entire Mindanao as well.
After the short program, the whole entourage proceeded to Veteran’s Village, Ipil for a tour at the first phase nursery project site, where some 600,000 rubber wildlings and seedlings are being propagated. The conference proper followed at Sibugay Grand Plaza Hotel, Sanito, Ipil. (JPA/CAL/PIA9-Zambo del Sur)
Zambo City’s P27M “dancing” fountain nears completion by Jocelyn P. Alvarez ZAMBOANGA CITY - The most awaited “dancing fountain” is nearing completion and is set to be inaugurated early part of April this year, revealed City Engineer Luis Vicente Despalo. The P27 million dancing fountain is 75 percent complete and workers are rushing for its completion said Despalo. This one-of-a kind dancing
fountain is situated inside the grounds of the Paseo Del Mar, a favorite “tambayan” area of the young and old populace. Despalo said people will surely Thursday, March 1, 2012
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skyscrapercity.com find the fountain show spectacular as it will “dance� its water into ranged of more than 20 feet high with colorful spot lights. Spectators who would like to view the fountain at close range or inside the fountain fence where they will be seated comfortably, will have to pay P10.00 (only) viewing/ entrance fee to cover electricity and water that will be used in the operation of the dancing fountain. Despalo said, the city government will be spending an estimated of P1,000 per night for the electricity and water, enough reason for city council to approve the collection of entrance fee. The dancing fountain will feature three shows nightly. Despalo explained the P27 million budget for the dancing 26
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fountain include the construction of amenities such as concrete seats/ benches, enclosure fences and similar amenities. Those who opt to view the dancing fountain from afar or outside the enclosure fence may do so as the fountain is within eye view since the fence is only 1.2 meters high, Despalo explained. This dancing fountain is the third fountain project of the city. The first fountain which costs the city some P1million was constructed at the Jardin Maria Clara in Pasonanca; the second fountain worth P3million was constructed in the heart if the city, Plaza Pershing. All two fountains were inaugurated September and December 2011 respectively. (JPA/PIA- ZBST)
CHED-IX bares national quiz bee regional winners by Franklin P. Gumapon
DIPOLOG CITY - An education student from the HMIJPhilippine Islamic College, Inc. in Zamboanga City has emerged as champion in the recently concluded regional elimination of the 32nd National Quiz Bee held at the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College, Zamboanga City. Reycard B. Cabanlit of HMIJPhilippine Islamic College, Inc. bested other contestants coming from 14 public and private colleges throughout the region. He was followed by Kevin James E. Limbaga, a political science student from the Andres Bonifacio College (ABC) in Dipolog City. The National Quiz Bee, which is conducted yearly by the Quiz Bee Foundation in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Sun Cellular and other sponsoring agencies, aims to test the extent of knowledge among students on general information and international affairs. Cabanlit will represent the region in the national competition in March this year. His coach is Ms. Nuriza P. Jalani.
The schools joining the regional elimination were Andres Bonifacio College in Dipolog City, Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga City, HIMJ-Philippine Islamic College, Inc., Basilan State College, STI College Zamboanga, Brent Hospital and Colleges, Inc., Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Institute of Technology, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, J.H. Cerilles State College-Dumingag Campus, Universidad de Zamboanga, Computer Technologies Institute, St. columban College, Jose Rizal Memorial State University and Claret College of Isabela. CHED-IX Regional Director Emmylou B. Yanga together with Regional Supervisor Arnold Jalem of Sun Cellular welcomed the participants in said competition. (FPG/PIA-ZDN) Thursday, March 1, 2012
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SJIT stude wins Caraga Reg’l Quiz Bee, qualifies for 32nd Nat’l Quiz Bee by Engr. Ramil Sanchez
S
aint Joseph Institute of Technology (SJIT) won the Regional Quiz Bee and Caraga Regional Elimination for the 32nd National Quiz Bee held on February 23, 2012 at the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office Caraga.
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piacaraga@gmail.com pia_caraga@yahoo.com.ph
SJIT was represented by Jayrold T. Villarta, a junior BS Architecture student. Villarta received a Gold Medal and Certificate from the Quiz Bee Foundation. He will represent Caraga Region during the National Grand Finals on March 24, 2012 in Tagaytay City. The Teacher - Coach of Villarta, Marilou H. Mella received a certificate from the Quiz Bee Foundation. She will accompany Villarta during the Summit of the Super Quiz Bee on March 23-25, 2012 where the National Grand Finals
will be conducted. Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT) finished Regional Runner-up with Jay Mark V. Fulgarinas and Teacher - Coach, Engr. Rossane E. Andaluz. Fulgarinas received a Silver Medal from the Quiz Bee Foundation. Fulgarinas and Andaluz also received certificates from the foundation. The Regional Development Council endorsed the said activity as part of the 17th Caraga Regional Foundation Celebration. The Chair of
the Board of Judges was NEDA-Caraga Assistant Regional Director, Mylah Faye Aurora B. Cariño and the members were Dr. Anastacio P. Martinez of CHED Caraga and Jodel A. Tabada of DA-RFU Caraga. NEDA - Caraga and DA - RFU Caraga gave surprise questions on Caraga Region and agriculture where the lucky audience received various goods from NEDA and certified seed - packs from DA. NEDA also gave tokens to the winners.
“Panambay sa Barangay” goes to Surigao City barangay SURIGAO DEL NORTE – Another round of “Panambay sa Barangay” (medical mission) of the provincial government was successfully held yesterday February 28 at Barangay Lipata, Surigao City.
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During the said event, Gov. Sol Matugas led the ceremonial turn-over of educational materials to preschoolchildren and to the day care center worth P400,000 which will be constructed in Sitio Panubigon and two classrooms worth P1,247,000 in Lipata National High School
Annex. At the same time, Matugas encouraged all women to organize their own barangay livelihood cooperative that would help increase their income. The governor also encouraged everyone, especially the barangay officials to help and
actively participate in the development of their barangay. Barangay Balibayon Captain Lucrisio Mesias thanked Gov. Matugas for the free medical check up, dental, Pap smear, circumcision, and free medicine and vitamins.
Our body also needs fat by Josefina T. Gonzales
F
at is a necessary nutrient for optimal health and well-being.
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Our bodies need fat to function properly such that without sufficient intake, many body processes would fail to function. Fat not only serves as an energy source, but is also responsible for the construction of every cell in our body and the regulation of most bodily processes The health of cells and our entire body depends on lipid molecules or cholesterol fats that form the bulk of the cells surface membrane area. Further, good fats, specifically omega - 3 fatty acids, help regulate bodily processes such as heart rate, blood vessel constriction, blood pressure, blood clotting, and nervous system activity. In addition, the fatsoluble vitamins A, D, E, and K rely on dietary fats to transport them to the body tissues. Fat also protects vital organs, keeps the body insulated, maintains healthy hair and skin
and provides a degree of fullness following meals. As you can see, fat is not the villain it is often thought to be, but rather, an essential health component. Although it has been medically proven that excess dietary fat can have a deleterious impact on health and body composition, what is not often distinguished is the role certain fats can play in fighting disease, promoting good health, and establishing ideal body composition. Based on the results of the National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition
Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), the use of oil and fats among households nationwide decreased significantly from 18 grams in 2003 to 15 grams in 2008. The recommended intake of fat based on the Daily Nutritional Guide Pyramid for Filipinos is six to eight teaspoons per day. Here are some facts about the good and bad fats, their effects on the body and some issues in choosing healthier spreads for bread or cooking.
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Butter or margarine? Butter is a dairy product made by churning fresh or fermented cream or milk. It consists of butterfat, water, and milk proteins. It is generally used as spread and condiment, in baking, making sauce, and frying. Butter is an emulsion which remains solid when refrigerated but softens to a spreadable consistency 32
at room temperature and melts to a thin consistency at 32-35 degrees Centigrade. Generally, it has a pale yellow color but varies from deep yellow to nearly white. Its color is dependent on the animal’s feed and is commonly manipulated with food colorings like annatto or carotene. Butter as an animal product is high in both artery-clogging saturated fat and dietary cholesterol,
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increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke among avid consumers. It contains saturated fats which can raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and LDL cholesterol is also known as “bad” cholesterol. M a r g a r i n e however, is made from vegetable oil, is low in saturated fat and has no dietary cholesterol. But because the liquid vegetable oil in margarine is hardened through a process called hydrogenation, it is high in trans-fatty acids. When margarine was first introduced to the market, it was loaded with trans-fats. Transfatty acids are thought not only to raise levels of bad cholesterol but also to lower levels of “good” cholesterol. The “good” cholesterol or HDL-cholesterol offers a defense against arteryclogging fats. This
makes trans-fats worse than saturated fats. F o o d manufacturers and the general public began to realize the negative health effects of trans-fats such that non-hydrogenated margarine was developed and is now widely available. Non-hydrogenated margarine has no trans fat and is softer than the original margarine. Instead of hydrogenating liquid vegetable oil, manufacturers now add a tiny amount of modified palm kernel oil to enhance the spreadability of margarine, creating a soft margarine that’s trans fatty acid free, according to Whitney in “Understanding Nutrition.” Now that you already know the difference between bad and good fats, the choice is yours! The bottom line is, use fat in moderation!
Knowing what you eat is essential to good nutrition. Read labels to determine the healthiest food options. Nutrition labels offer a wealth of information to help you make good choices. In order to enjoy good health, we need the best nutrients for our body coupled with a healthy and active lifestyle. For longer and happier life, follow the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by FNRI-DOST.
For more information about the NNS and food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; Trunkline: 837-2071 local 2296; Telephone/ Fax No.: 837-3164; e-mail:mvc@fnri.dost. gov.ph or mar_v_c@ yahoo.com; Website: http://www.fnri.dost. gov.ph
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