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Volume 1, No. 7 14-20 May 2016DOH

commemorates Aids Candlelight

MemorialBarangay BUB: Bringing participative governance to the barangays

OCD Caraga conducts 15-day medical first responder course in AgSur

DOLE inks MOA with SurSur state univ for establishment of PESO academe

Ombudsman-Mindanao warns people circulating bogus documents on 2 graft cases

Smoking and excessive alcoholic drinking a deadly tandem

Children now protected during disasters, calamities

Public urged to help protect PH waters from climate change impacts

DOT Caraga releases accredited tourism-related establishments in Siargao Island

DENR launches “Operation baklas” in SurSur

SurSur Comelec cites good peace and order for feat in May 9 pollsFollow-up drive on FAs with expired licenses yields 48 among cops in SurSur

DTI-Agusan del Norte holds 2-day ‘Diskwento Caravan’

AgNor province transfers lot ownership to RTR homeowners

Negosyo Center Butuan extends labeling assistance to 5 new products developed

Surigao Norte to celebrate 115th founding anniversary

DTI provides SSF to women entrepreneurs in AgSur town

7

12

31

32

CONTENTS

Regional News

Cover

Provincial News

Health News

Mindanao News

National News

The Philippine population hits 100.98 million as of 1 Aug 2016 based on the latest census of the Philippine Statistics Authority (POPCEN2015), this means that the population grew by 8.64 million in five years.

The Regional Peace & Order Council (RPOC) Caraga will be launching the region’s Roadmap for Peace on May 24, 2016 at the Robinsons Place, Butuan City. DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth Famacion said that with the RPOC Caraga’s efforts in upholding peace & order in the region, the Roadmap for Peace was crafted with the active participation & support of the council members & partners.

The 30IB, Philippine Army is now accepting registration for the Army Entrance Exam starting today, May 21 to 22, 2016 at the 30IB Headquarters in Sta. Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte. For those who are interested to take the entrance just bring NSO Birth Certificate, TOR & Diploma, Form 137 & Tesda Certificate, Valid ID and, 2x2 picture. The examination for the Candidate Soldier Course, Officer Candidate Course & Officer Preparatory Course will be on May 25-26, 2016 at the 4ID Headquarters in Cagayan de Oro City.

Pursuant to Proclamation No. 1260, August 2, 2016 is declared a Special Non-Working Day in Butuan City, in celebration of the “Adlaw Hong Butuan.”

The Surigao del Norte Provincial Manpower & Training Center (PMTC) is now accepting enrollees for Electrical Installation and Maintenance (EIM). Class schedule is evening, Monday to Friday from 5pm to 8pm (4 months duration). For 25 slots only and first come first serve. To those who are interested just visit the PMTC Office located at Capitol Road, Surigao City.

News Briefs

4 14-20 MAY 2016

By: Nora C. Lanuza Molde

T he Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday commemorated the Philippine International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (PIACM) in

collaboration with its advocacy partners, The Project Red Ribbon (TRR) and Pilipinas Shell.

Cover Story

DOH commemorates

514-20 MAY 2016

Cover Story

photo: www.maxisciences.com

6 14-20 MAY 2016

In Caraga region, the event was observed at the Guingona Park, this city and attended by employees from different government and non-government offices and the religious groups of the region. The celebration was highlighted with the launching of the Philippine AIDS Hour. Candles were also lighted between six to seven in the evening as a symbol of hope in the quest for solutions to the challenges posted by HIV and AIDS to humanity. The AIDS Hour is a program aims to further raise the awareness of the public about the importance of practicing safe sex and knowing their status through HIV testing. According to the Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry, a total of 31,911 cases were tallied nationally of people living with HIV (PLHIV) from 1984-2016. As of February 2016, there were 751 new Absero-positive individuals confirmed STD/AIDSs Cooperative Central Laboratory (SACCL). Most of the cases were males (96%). Of the 751 HIV positive cases in 2016, 15% were AIDS cases. The latest disease surveillance report (February, 2016) in Caraga region tallied six new Absero-positive individuals confirmed of STD/AIDSs from SACCL with a total of 13 cases from January, 2016. From 1995, however, HIV cases now totals to 253 with 20 reported HIV-AIDS related deaths. Butuan City remains to have the most number of cases (95) in the region. (PIA-Caraga) photos: DOH-Caraga

714-20 MAY 2016

Barangay BUB: Bringing participative governance to the barangays

BUTUAN CITY -- The implementation of Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) which embodies inclusive growth, participative governance, and people consultation at its very best has been remarkably successful in cities and municipalities all over the country. The gains and benefits of BUB after only three years of implementation have already been felt and so, the national government deemed it appropriate to bring the project down to the barangay level. Communities are the ultimate beneficiaries of the improved delivery of basic services, development in the barangays will translate to progressive and peaceful communities which would eventually be the over-all picture of the country. This is the overarching goal of Barangay Bottom-Up Budgeting (BBUB).

By: Emmylou P. Burias

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Joint Memorandum Circular

(JMC) No. 8 provides the policy guidelines and procedures in the implementation of BBUB. BBUB’s target is to cover all barangays by Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. The pilot phase will cover at least 30 percent of the total number of barangays in 2017 subject

8 14-20 MAY 2016

REGIONAL NEWSto the criteria provided in the JMC. Recipient barangays will be given PhP1 M through direct downloading of funds to the barangays. It shall be utilized for identified priority projects and activities in line with the delivery of basic services and facilities per section 17 (b) of the Local Government Code (LGC). The objectives of BBUB are reducing the effects of poverty by addressing the most basic needs of communities; encouraging active people’s participation in the implementation of projects in their respective barangays; and strengthening the barangays as the primary unit of governance. In BBUB, barangays officials do not decide on the prioritization of projects by themselves, community members are involved in choosing projects fit for their felt needs. This

process was started in March 2016 through the Barangay Assembly. For barangays to qualify, they will be assessed on two areas, Good Governance and Capacity to Implement Projects. Good governance will look into Compliance to Barangay Full Disclosure Policy; Conduct of Barangay Assembly; and Presence of Barangay Development Plan or Annual Investment Plan. Capacity to implement projects assesses leadership; track record; and good financial management. To date, the filled-in assessment forms and results of qualified barangays have been forwarded to the National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO) of DILG central office for consolidation and basis for budgetary allocation once approved by Congress. (DILG-Caraga)

914-20 MAY 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

OCD Caraga conducts 15-day medical first responder course in AgSur

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga is conducting the 15-day Medical First Responder (MFR) Course for 23 selected local responders in the region from May 15–28, 2016 at the Agusan del Sur Provincial Learning Center in Prosperidad, this province. These local responders are from Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) councils and non-government organizations (NGO).

By: April Rose Anne Y. Sanchez

The course which covers 23 lessons aims to capacitate the local responders who will become Accredited Disaster Community Disaster Volunteers (ACDVs) in the region. It is also to provide the participants the exact knowledge and skills needed in rendering aid on site to sick or injured persons. Further, it trains the participants on how to stabilize

patient’s condition and transport the patient to a medical facility. The 15-day course involves lecture presentation, interactive-lecture group discussion and exercises, individual practical exercises and examination. Activities of the course are graded and serve as bases for either failure or completion

10 14-20 MAY 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

DOLE inks MOA with SurSur state univ for establishment of PESO academeTANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Caraga in partnership with the Surigao del Sur State University (SDSSU) has recently established a public employment service office (PESO) academe in the six campuses of SDSSU. DOLE Caraga regional director Atty. Evelyn Ramos and SDSSU officer-in-charge Catherine Solomon representing SDSSU university president Dr. Baceledes R. Estal led the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between DOLE and SDSSU last Apr. 28 at the SDSSU Tandag Campus Board Room, this city. The MOA signing was witnessed by Provincial PESO Manager Marcos

M. Quico and 24 other PESO Managers from LGUs and academe. “The role of PESO to DOLE is very significant in terms of accomplishing the programs. They have a direct access in reaching out our constituents - in the public, in our people, and that is a privileged public service. I hope that PESO will continue to engage with us in terms of accomplishing our programs. Rest assured that our provincial field

By: Romelyn Bactol

of participants. “This is a 15-day very stressful course that requires medical and physical fitness clearances of

participants,” stressed Dir. Manuel Luis M. Ochotorena, OCD Caraga Regional Director and RDRRMC Chairperson. (OCD Caraga)

1114-20 MAY 2016

REGIONAL NEWS

office and the regional office would be here to support you,” said Atty. Ramos. Meanwhile, Solomon revealed that they have more than 2,000 graduates in the last academic year 2015-2016. This would mean additional unemployed graduates in Surigao del Sur that need to be addressed. Thus, Atty. Ramos emphasized that both DOLE and PESO should work hand in hand in assisting these graduates. As one of the DOLE’s assistance to SDSSU, a Job Search Kiosk will be assigned to the six campuses to provide labor market information (LMI). This is a stand-alone labor market information system capable of employment facilitation like job search and skills matching facility. Likewise, programs and services of DOLE’s attached agencies and other partner agencies such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Professional Regulations Commission (PRC), Technical Education

and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) can be accessed. The six campuses of SDSSU are located in Tandag City - the main campus, Cantilan, Cagwait, San Miguel, Lianga, and Tagbina. (DOLE)

12 14-20 MAY 2016

DTI provides SSF to women entrepreneurs in AgSur townSAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur -- The Women’s Association of San Francisco Agusan del Sur, Inc. (WASFADSI) launched recently its Shared Service Facility (SSF) for the Upgrading of Catering Services Project.

1314-20 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Ester D. Libo, WASFADSI President thanked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Agusan del Sur for the opportunity to operate the SSF for the federation’s catering business as well as to make available these facilities for use of its members. In response, DTI-Agusan del Sur OIC-Provincial Director Brenda B. Corvera asked the group to take good care of the SSF facilities. She reminded the group that they can impose fees for the facilities’ use to allow them to earn income which they can use for their operations as well as set aside for the maintenance and replacement of equipment in the future. WASFADSI is the mother organization of all the 27 women’s association in the municipality. The launching done last April 26, 2016 at the Women Training Center in Brgy. 3 in San Francisco town was attended by the presidents and representatives from these associations. The SSF for the Upgraded Catering Services included one unit of each of the following: electric rice cooker, stainless preparation table with bottom shelf, chafing dish, food processor, meat grinder, pressure cooker, chest freezer and meat slicer for a total cost of P264, 000.00. This SSF is one of seven SSFs granted in the municipality of San Francisco to several cooperators. The

said facilities amounted to P6.14 Million representing 33 percent of the total amount of SSFs in the province. The federation also manages the training center which was provided the local government unit of San Francisco as a shared facility which accommodates seminars and other functions. As a women’s group it also handles advocacy activities related to violence against women and children (VAWC), assistances directed at women in especially difficult circumstances (WEDC) and the disadvantaged women through skills development training and livelihood opportunities. (DTI-Agusan del Sur)

14 14-20 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

1514-20 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The provincial government here will celebrate its 15th Founding Anniversary on Sunday, May 15, 2016.

Surigao Norte to celebrate 115th founding anniversaryBy: Susil D. Ragas

This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme, “Surigaonon-Mapagarbohon sa Probinsya Na Mauswagon (People of Surigao-Prideful of the Prosperous Province).” The celebration is pursuant to Provincial Ordinance No, 01, an ordinance declaring May 15 of every year as Founding Day Anniversary of the province. Surigao del Norte governor Sol F. Matugas, Dinagat Islands vice governor Benglen B. Ecleo, Surigao del Sur governor Johnny T. Pimentel, 1st District representative Francisco

T. Matugas, and Surigao City Mayor Ernesto T. Matugas are expected to grace the event. According to Provincial Tourism and Culture Officer-in-Charge Arturo M. Cruje, the activity will start at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday with a Diana around downtown of the city to be followed by a holy mass and program at the Provincial Convention Center, here. The celebration will be highlighted with the awarding of Tourism and Culture Awards, Service Excellence Awards, and HEALS Awards. (PIA-Surigao del Norte)

16 14-20 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

DOT Caraga releases accredited tourism-related establishments in Siargao Island

Most of these establishments are located in Siargao Island which include Dedon Island Siargao Resort; Isla Cabana Resort; Nermit Surf Resort Siargao; Siargao Blue Resort and Spa; Cherinicole Beach Resort; Esther’s Kitchen at Coffee Shop Restaurant; and Island Vacation Travel and Tours. Establishments wherein the accreditation is still on process are Jafe Resort; Romantic Beach Villas Resort; Eddie’s Beach Resort; Reef Beach Houses Resort; Point 303 Beach Resort; and Ocean 101 Beach Resort.

Governor Sol F. Matugas has encouraged tourism – related establishments to apply for accreditation with the DOT. She is glad that the number of accredited establishments has increased which means that there are now more establishments compliant to tourism standard. “This will make province more competitive as a tourist destination in this part of the region,” Matugas said. (Provincial Tourism and Culture Office-Surigao del Norte)

SIARGAO ISLAND, Surigao del Norte

-- The office of the Department

of Tourism (DOT) Caraga region

has released the list of accredited

tourism–related establishments

(TREs) in the province as of April

2016.

1714-20 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

18 14-20 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Surigao del Sur initiates an “Operation Baklas to Save Trees” from illegal posting of election campaign materials nailed and plastered to trees along the national highway on May 11, 2016.

DENR launches “Operation baklas” in SurSurBy: Johny S. Natad

OIC PENR Officer Raul A. Rosales himself led the team for the said operation which started from Barangay Balibadon of Cortes town to Barangay Dayo-an of Tago town. The election posters taken from the trees during the “Operation Baklas” were turned over to Tandag City Environmental

Solid Waste and Management office for recycling and proper disposal as mandated by Republic Act (R.A.) 9003. “We initiated the tearing down of election campaign posters and commercial advertisements installed on trees along public roads as part of

1914-20 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

our mandate to protect and save the trees,” Rosales said. “Nailing or stapling advertisements and posters to tree branches or trunks can damage the growth of the trees, and in fact it makes trees become harmful and stressful. The openings caused by the nails hammered or staplers fastened to trees could damage the tissues of trees and make them susceptible from fungi and other pathogenic organisms which might kill the trees. It is therefore our task to immediately teardown all advertisements nailed and posted on trees to rescue and save them from such destruction,” Rosales explained. The “Operation Baklas to Save Trees” was based on the Presidential Decree No. 953 issued on July 1976 and R.A. 3571. Under this law, it is unlawful to damage or destroy “trees of any kind” in public roads, parks, plazas or other public areas.

Rosales also disclosed that “Operation Baklas to Save Trees” is

part of DENR’s task in accordance with the Joint DENR-DILG-COMELEC Memo Circular 2013-01 which ensures a “Basura-Free Election.” Meanwhile, PENRO Surigao del Sur Technical Services Division Chief Federico A. Senoc, Jr. bared that nailing or stapling of whatever materials on trees is a clear violation of Comelec Resolution No. 6616 and Republic Act 9006, or the Fair Elections Act, which prohibits the posting of campaign materials in public places outside the assigned common poster areas. “Comelec Resolution No. 6616 upheld the Presidential Decree No. 853 and R.A. 3571 which created a task force to monitor violators and tear down materials found violating the law during pre and post-election periods,” Senoc revealed. “It is for this reason that the DENR is now implementing this activity and help ensure a clean and green election,” Senoc added. (PENRO-Surigao del Sur)

20 14-20 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- Atty. Raquel Limbaco, provincial election supervisor (PES) here, attributed to good peace and order situation of the province of Surigao del Sur the success of the just concluded May 9, 2016 elections.

SurSur Comelec cites good peace and order for feat in May 9 polls

The Comelec provincial chief told media that the conduct of the said polls was generally peaceful and orderly. However, she admitted that the Election Day was not at all that glitch-free owing to technical problems that surfaced, citing that some 79 vote counting machines (VCMs) failed to work well, also adding that these were addressed anyway by contingency measures put in place. Meanwhile, Atty. Limbaco had given due credit to both the PNP and AFP here for their show of gallantry and dedicated service to ensure that everything would be alright as far as peace and order was concerned. It could be recalled that Comelec had always made it a point to maintain close coordination with P/SSupt. Romaldo Bayting, acting PNP provincial director, and Col. Isidro Purisima, commander, 402nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA). With the just concluded national and local elections, the Provincial Board of Canvassers (PBOC) here, was

already able to proclaim all winners at the provincial level after a day or two. The proclaimed winners were Prospero Pichay, Jr., 1st District and Johnny T. Pimentel, 2nd District at the congressional level. Likewise, the provincial officials who emerged victors during the electoral contest were Vicente Pimentel, Jr. as Governor and Manuel Alameda, Sr. as Vice-Governor. With five each in both Districts I and II, the following board members were all the same duly proclaimed winners: Eleanor Momo, Glenn Plaza, Mariano Atacador, Teresita Donasco, and Henrich Pimentel for District I; Donell Polizon, Mary Grace Lim, Rening Nazareno, Pol Suan, and Raul Millan for District II. Surigao del Sur, which is comprised of two cities and 17 municipalities, has a reported total of 367,528 number of voters, 310,397 of which have had actually voted or voters’ turnout was posted at 84.45 percent. (Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag)

Surigao del Sur

By: Greg Tataro Jr.

2114-20 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

Follow-up drive on FAs with expired licenses yields 48 among cops in SurSur

According to the provincial PNP chief, this was in connection with the conduct of second round drive against FAs with expired licenses. It could be recalled that on April 14-15, 2016, the PPO had launched a two-day activity dubbed as “License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) Caravan” as reminder to expired firearms license holders to renew the same by availing of the LTOPF caravan. P/SSupt. Bayting stressed then that “Owners of firearms with un-renewed licenses cannot avail of the ‘Final General Amnesty’ without first going through the LTOPF caravan.”

Concerned owners who availed of the caravan “were issued with acknowledgment receipt of equipment indicating the features and caliber of the turned in FAs stored at the PPO Supply Storage Room with individual tagging pending the renewal of license,” he noted. Also, during that two-day launch, the PPO was able to collect a total of 151 assorted unlicensed firearms with the following breakdown at 85, 64, and two coming from civilians, PNP, and other law enforcement agency (LEA), respectively. (Greg Tataro Jr., Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag)

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- A total of 48 assorted firearms (FAs), mostly .45 caliber pistols—the rest were 9mm caliber pistol, caliber .38, and a shotgun—were “turned-in” by members of the police force themselves to the Police Provincial Office (PPO) here under Provincial Director P/SSupt. Romaldo Bayting on Friday, May 13.

22 14-20 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

2314-20 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY -- The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is set to transfer the ownership of parcels of land it owns located at Barangay Poblacion 2, Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR) town, to the fully paid vendees of said land

under the local housing program.

AgNor province transfers lot ownership to RTR homeowners

It can be recalled that in 2002, a Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement executed by and among the province, the National Housing Authority (NHA), the Office of the 2nd District of Agusan del Norte represented by the late Honorable Congressman Edelmiro A. Amante and the provincial government of Agusan del Norte represented by Governor Angel, identified a certain property in Barangay Poblacion 2, RTR, with an area of more or less 18,004 square meters as site for the socialized housing project intended for the RTR Homeowners Association that will benefit 96 bonafide members. Then an agreement was signed

by the NHA, the Office of the 2nd Congressional District of Agusan del Norte and the province of Agusan del Norte that defined the roles and responsibilities of the parties concerned for the acquisition of said property with P3,125,000.00 worth of funding from NHA, the payment of amortization by the beneficiaries to the province including the replenishment of said funding by the province to NHA. As agreed, the province, as the legitimate owner of the parcels of land under the Local Housing Program, shall convey and transfer ownership of said land to the RTR Homeowners Association individually purchased by

By: Aimee B. Sienes

24 14-20 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

installment by the members of said association after full payment of said purchase. Considering that a number of the homeowners have already paid in full the parcels of land and pursuant to RA 7279 also known as the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992, mandating the local government units to take principal role in providing

housing services to its constituents, Governor Angel was authorized recently by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Agusan del Norte to sign the Deed of Absolute Sale by and among the province and the fully paid vendees through Sanggunian Resolution No. 090-2016, authored by Provincial Board Member Danny M. Moran. (LGU-Agusan del Norte)

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Office, Agusan del Norte opened their “Diskwento Caravan” on Tuesday which will run until Wednesday.

DTI-Agusan del Norte holds 2-day ‘Diskwento Caravan’

The caravan dubbed as “Balik Eskwela Diskwento Caravan,” is currently held at Guingona Park spearheaded by the Provincial DTI, the Local Government Unit of Butuan and the City Tourism Office. The caravan offers to sell at very reasonable and affordable price basic home need products and school

supplies. DTI Provincial Director Gay Tidalgo encouraged parents, students and the general public to avail of the products and school supplies offered at affordable and reasonable price in this two-day “Diskwento Caravan.” (PNA)

By: Noel B. Najarro

2514-20 MAY 2016

PROVINCIAL NEWS

BUTUAN CITY -- Five newly developed products of Sapyaw Fisherfolks Association (SFA) were recently provided label designs with starters kits by Negosyo Center (NC)-Butuan.

Negosyo Center Butuan extends labeling assistance to 5 new products developed

Several skills trainings on food processing for SFA members under the Bottom Up Budgeting Program led to the development of five novel foodstuffs utilizing home-grown ingredients. These are polvoron, cookies and tarts made of “Unaw” or sago flour as well as “kayam” chips and “laksoy” (nipa wine). And to improve and increase marketability, enhancement through product labeling assistance was deemed necessary.

During the lecture and workshop, participants learned the basic features of a product label, its significance and some tips on designing labels. Jason C. Balacuit, the resource person from JCB Express Solutions, stressed on the importance of a product label in marketing and in conveying the company’s image, values and perceived worth of the product. (DTI-Agusan del Norte)

Caraga Regional Development CouncilSocial Development Committee Meeting

NEDA Conference Room, Butuan City17 May 2016

Photo Gallery

26 14-20 MAY 2016

2714-20 MAY 2016

Photo Gallery

28 14-20 MAY 2016

Smoking and excessive alcoholic drinking a deadly tandem

HealthNews

It is quite impossible to imagine a party without a generous amount of booze on the table especially on occasions such as birthdays or weddings.

Within the Filipino culture, alcoholic beverage consumption among peers and family, locally referred as inuman or toma, is a social norm almost visible in every corner of the streets in the barangay. It signifies the Filipino custom of pakikisama or being one through social events. And more often than not, a full blown party is completed with a shot of alcohol in the right hand and a stick of cigarette in the other. Not to mention the sounds of the videoke blasting like there’s no tomorrow, but that’s a totally different story. The combination of smoking and drinking alcoholic beverage maybe enjoyable but this pleasure comes with a price to pay or a life to risk.

By: Jund Rian A. Doringo

2914-20 MAY 2016

Excessive alcoholic beverage consumption may lead to being overweight or obese, having nutrient deficiencies, hypertension, erratic blood glucose control and in severe cases, liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.

Remember that alcohol becomes fat once digested and broken down in the body, thus taking too much of alcohol will lead to certain types of lifestyle or non-communicable diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the harmful use of alcohol results in 3.3 million deaths each year. On the average, every person in the world 15 years old or older drinks 6.2 liters of pure alcohol per year. Smoking or tobacco use, on the other hand, has been associated with different kinds of cancer such as cancer of the mouth, tongue, throat and lungs as well as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and other diseases. What is more alarming is that even those who do not smoke but are exposed to cigarette smoke can also have the diseases of the smoker due to second-hand smoke. The WHO revealed that tobacco kills up to half of its users or around 6 million people each year where more than 5 million are the result of direct tobacco use, while more than 600,000

are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. In the Philippines, the National Nutrition Survey (NNS) by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2013 found that one in every four Filipinos are current smokers and smokers are as young as 10 years old. The presence of harmful substances in tobacco or cigarettes alters the normal functions of the body in supplying enough oxygen in the blood to other body organs.

30 14-20 MAY 2016

For that reason, it is best not to ever try smoking or if the habit is formed, quit smoking. Here are some helpful tips on how to quit:

It is never wrong to go out and bond with friends or unwind sometimes. But then, it also not right to compromise health with these fun activities. So quit smoking and drink moderately if you can’t avoid it.

• Decide when to quit and stick to it. It is advisable to have a time frame of when to quit.

• If withdrawal symptoms occur, consult a doctor on how to cope with them. Withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, cold perspiration, trembling and restlessness.

• Drink plenty of water. • Be physically

active

• Avoid going to places that would entice smoking. Throw all cigarettes and cigarette paraphernalia.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/ Fax Nos: 837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071-82 local 2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or follow our Twitter account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service)

3114-20 MAY 2016

DAVAO CITY -- The Office of the Ombudsman in Mindanao warned the public against the circulation of falsified documents showing that the agency has issued a decision on the cases of two public officials. Lawyer Ma. Faith Presbetero, Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer II, said the Ombudsman has yet to decide on the graft cases of Valencia, Bukidnon Mayor Azucena Huervas and Matanao, Davao del Sur Sanggunian Board Member Alfredo Panerio. “The office recently discovered the existence of a Decision and Order purportedly emanating from the office of the Ombudsman, which, upon verification, turned out to be spurious and non-existent,” she said. According to the bogus document, Panerio was found guilty for abuse of authority, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and grave misconduct while Huervas was also guilty for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and grave misconduct, when in fact the cases of the two officials

are still pending in the Ombudsman. As this developed, the Ombudsman is now conducting an investigation to uncover the identity of the person who left the bogus documents at their front desk. Evaluation and Investigation Bureau Director lawyer Marco Buena said this was not the first time that falsified documents came out. “In the history, this has had happened before. However (that) case was just a draft document, while this one is complete with signatures and seals of our office,” he said. Buena said if the arbitrator was involved in the falsification of documents and if he was part of the public office he could be charged for falsification and face administrative cases. (PNA)

Ombudsman-Mindanao warns people circulating bogus documents on 2 graft cases

32 14-20 MAY 2016

In a simple ceremony in Malacanang Tuesday, President Aquino signed Republic Act 10821, or the “Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act. “We welcome the enactment of this measure into law. This is timely especially with the La Nina phenomenon expected to hit the country in the coming months,” said

Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Youth and a co-author of the measure in the Senate.

The law provides utmost priority to children during and after every disaster as they are the most vulnerable and are worst affected during disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and flash floods.

MANILA -- The measure that will provide utmost protection to Filipino children during disasters, calamities and armed conflicts is now a law, according to Sen. Bam Aquino.

Children now protected during disasters, calamities

photo: www.southcotabato.org

3314-20 MAY 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

It will also establish child-centered training to disaster first responders, teachers, psychologists and other volunteers in disaster recovery, relief and rehabilitation, with special modules for different stages of children and youth development.

It mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to formulate a Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children and local government units to integrate the said program in their development and Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (LDRRM) plans and budget.

“While we have already made big improvements in the field of disaster risk reduction on a national and local level, now we have the opportunity to target our Filipino children, one of the most vulnerable sectors during times of calamity,” said Sen. Bam.

According to Sen. Bam, existing policies will also be reviewed to give

better support to Filipino children, especially during disasters, calamities or in armed conflict to help lessen trauma, restore normalcy quickly and build their resilience better.

“We will continue to work in protecting our Filipino children during disasters, calamities, or armed conflict, but also to reduce trauma and build their resistance to these threats,” he added.

During the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda, Aquino said an estimated six million children were affected, according to data from Save the Children.

“A national program is crucial in the most vulnerable areas of the country, where the experience of prolonged displacement would have a profound impact on the children’s sense of security, physical and emotional well-being,” Sen. Bam said.

This is Aquino’s 13th law in less than three years as senator. (SENATE)

34 14-20 MAY 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

Public urged to help protect PH waters from climate change impacts

MANILA -- Amid the growing threats and likely impacts of climate change to oceans, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has called on the public to do their part in protecting the country’s waters through active participation in coastal and marine conservation.

The DENR made the appeal as the country marks the 17th year of the Month of the Ocean this May with the theme “Biodiversity for Food and SeaCUREity,” which is a timely reminder how climate change has wreaked havoc on the world’s marine life.

Temperature increase has warmed the ocean floor and caused the death of corals that are vital to marine life and food security.

Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said the DENR, for its part, has increased efforts to scale up “green” infrastructure, conduct scientific assessment and capacitate communities which are at the forefront of biodiversity conservation.

He said the agency will also embark on a nationwide coral restoration program and improve its reforestation projects, notably the

photo: www.mb.com.ph

3514-20 MAY 2016

NATIONAL NEWS

National Greening Program.

“Aside from this, the country has already received considerable foreign assistance in the last five years to scale up protected area management effectiveness,” Paje said.

“This supports the capacity development needs for protected area management, as well as augment the financing of priority activities,” he added.

Just recently, the DENR established the Sustainable Coral Reef Ecosystem Management Program (SCREMP) in Albay province to help combat the alarming effects of climate change to Philippine waters.

The program aims to raise public awareness and social environmental consciousness on the value of coral reefs and associated coastal and marine ecosystems to mitigate the impact of climate change.

SCREMP will promote sustainable management of coastal and marine resources, including biodiversity, through habitat protection, conservation and rehabilitation.

International Day for Biological Diversity

This month, the Philippines joins the world in celebrating the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, with the

theme “Mainstreaming Biodiversity: Sustaining People and their Livelihoods.”

The event aims to inform the public on the relevance of biological diversity in sustaining people and livelihoods within biodiversity-rich areas. Women’s groups will showcase their biodiversity-friendly enterprises and livelihood and products and services.

The Philippines is one of the world’s 17 megabiodiverse countries and is home to 70 to 80 percent of the entire planet’s biodiversity. The more than 7,100 islands in the country harbor some of the richest ecosystems and species in the world.

Scientists have noted that there is a higher concentration of species per unit area in the Philippines than anywhere else in the world.

It has over 6,000 plant species, over 530 bird species, at least 165 mammal species, 235 reptile species, nearly 90 amphibian species, and

36 14-20 MAY 2016

NATIONAL NEWSmore than 280 freshwater species of fish. It also has a high percentage of flora and fauna endemism.

Underscoring the importance of national parks and protected areas in the conservation of the country’s rich biodiversity, the DENR pushed for the passage of the Enhanced National Integrated Protected Areas System or ENIPAS in Congress during the past three years.

The ENIPAS will set the boundaries of protected areas and their classification as national parks consistent with the concept of ecosystem-based adaptation, one of the ways the Philippines could comply with the Paris climate accord and achieve the country’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions.

Pending approval of ENIPAS, Paje said the DENR, through the BMB, has already prioritized site-scale conservation and management, and delineated all protected areas under the existing NIPAS law.

As a party to the Paris Agreement, Paje said the Philippines not only committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 2030, but also pledged to adopt measures to empower communities, enhance systems to reduce disaster risks and improve natural ecosystems resilience.

The Month of the Ocean is celebrated by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 57 series of 1999 and the International Day for Biological Diversity was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 2000. (DENR)

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