AGRICULTURE TO ENHANCE RESILIENCY TO CLIMATE CHANGE

SORSOGON CITY — The Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) here is mulling to craft measures to ensure and fast track agricultural development in the province, through diversification of farm income and market development programs, to enhance resiliency to climate change.

PAFC Chair Godofredo Ditan said the council has consolidated and considered at least six resolutions approved and submitted by different farmers and fisherfolks’ organizations that can address issues related to cushioning the impacts and adapting to the challenges of climate change.

During the 3rd Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) Congress held last May 28-29, agriculture officials and stakeholders from all over the province already discussed existing and prospective local agricultural and fishery products of Sorsogon with higher marketability potential in the local and foreign market.

“If given priority and interventions by the national and local governments, along with the stakeholders themselves, these prospects on Sorsogon agriculture and fishery sectors can weather the effects of climate change, furthermore, ensure agricultural productivity and food security,” Ditan explained.

In the same gathering, PAFC also presented to the participants new agri-fishery technologies and other interventions the sectoral committees wants the stakeholders to adapt in the wake of challenges of climate change.

Other highlights of the congress were the presentations of locally-produced Lola Conching Organic Coco Nectar Specialty Vinegars and other coco sap-based products prepared by Erlina Corsiga,.

Corsiga, owner of the Sorsogon Foods Enterprises here which produces the coco-based products, is the 2009 Regional Gawad Saka Outstanding Agri-Entrepreneur in the Bicol region.

Dr. Leny Berdin, owner of the Magallanes Food Products, showcased her locally processed Sardines in Oil and now marketed in different parts of the country and abroad.

Provincial Director Leah Pagao of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here, meanwhile, expounded on the bright prospects of the One Town, One Product (OTOP) program for the province.

At least 40 participants participated in the said agriculture and fishery congress. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)


DA HOLDS FORUM ON AGRI. DEVT. PROGRAMS

DAET, CAMARINES NORTE - The Department of Agriculture (DA) Bicol regional office spearheaded a Forum on Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA) and Fertilizer, Irrigation, Education and Training, Loans, Dryers and other Postharvest Facilities, and Seeds (FIELDS) programs for farmers in the province held last May 28 at the Agro-Sports Center here.

The GMA and FIELDS programs form part of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s priority concerns to address poverty in the countryside through agricultural development and productivity.

DA Regional Executive Director Dr. Jose V. Dayao said that the forum provided a venue for the stakeholders to discuss with agriculture managers the government programs and interventions to cushion the effects of the global economic crisis in the agriculture sector, particularly on the increasing price of rice in the world market wherein the country gets 10 percent of its rice consumption.

He noted that because of the economic meltdown, many workers lost their jobs and one of the prospects in the country is to bolster agriculture through dialogue, seminars and trainings, technology demonstrations and technology transfer for the farmers.

Other topics discussed during the forum were credit assistance program, extension/education program, palay procurement and other programs, education programs, GMA corn program, livestock program, fisheries program and other related programs.

Personnel from Provincial Agriculture Office, Municipal Agriculture Offices of the different LGUs, other concerned national government line agencies, farmers and fisherfolks’ cooperatives, irrigators association participated to the one-day activity.

Also present were Mayor Winefredo Oco of Labo town and Board Member Jonah Pimentel, who also represented and delivered the message of Governor Jesus O. Typoco Jr.. (RBManlangit/PIA Camarines Norte)


TMAP LAUNCHES 2009 SEARCH FOR EXEMPLARY REVENUE EMPLOYEE IN BICOL

LEGAZPI CITY – The Tax Management Association of the Philippines, Inc. (TMAP) launched on Friday the 2009 Search for Exemplary Revenue Employees from Luzon during a short program at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regional office here.

Atty. Criselda B. Guhit, TMAP president, said that the search aims to recognize BIR employees from the six revenue regions of Luzon who have displayed outstanding work performance and dedication to duty, thereby epitomizing the true public servant.

She added that only those below Division Chief and Revenue District Officer levels are qualified under the program.

She added that the search will cover the six Revenue Regions namely: Revenue Regions Nos. 1 (Calasiao, Pangasinan), 2 (Cordillera Administrative Region),
3 (Tuguegarao, Cagayan), 4 (San Fernando, Pampanga), 9 (San Pablo City),
10 (Legazpi City).

Atty. Raymund S. Gallardo, project co-chairman, explained that the nominee must be an employee of the Bureau for at least seven years at the time of nomination and must have been rated Very Satisfactory for the immediate preceding 2 consecutive semi-annual performance rating periods prior to their nomination.

He said each region is entitled to nominate at least four nominees and the deadline for submission of nomination by the regional directors is on July 15, 2009.

He added that the selection of the winners by the final board of judges will be on November 10, 2009 and awarding will be made on November 12.

A cash award of P100,000 awaits the winner for this year’s search.
(EAdeLeon/PIA)


NAVFORSOL OFFERS JOB OPENINGS FOR DISPLACED WORKERS

LEGAZPI CITY — The Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL) announces job openings in its headquarters here under the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) of the government.

Commodore Joel Babas, NAVFORSOL commander, said the job hiring program is part of the Navy’s commitment to help displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and local workers who were affected by global financial crisis.

He disclosed a total of eight hundred twenty nine (829) identified positions will be offered consistent to the navy’s nationwide hiring program.

In NAVFORSOL alone, job openings for immediate hiring are the following:

1 Computer Maintenance Technologist (Degree Holder) P 16,093.00/MO
2 Bookkeeper (2nd year College) 10,538.00/MO
4 Utility Foreman 9,204.00/MO
4 Electrician II 9,204.00/MO
4 Mechanic II 9,204.00/MO
4 Mason II 8,522.00/MO
4 Carpenter II 8,522.00/MO
4 Plumber II 8,522.00/MO

Interested applicants should bring their Resume, with 2x2 colored pictures, white background, transcript of records and other pertinent documents to the Naval Station in barangay Rawis, Legazpi City, from 8 a.m. to 5p.m. starting today and may contact Mrs. Elisa P Alvarez. (Lt. DFNieva, NAVFORSOL/PIA)


JUNE 12 MEGA JOBS FAIR SA ASTRODOME NA !

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-V) Bicol, in cooperation with all regional offices of the national government agencies, slated a Mega Jobs Fair on June 12, highlighting the celebration of the 111th Philippine Independence Day, at the Albay Astrodome here.

The jobs fair will be open to jobseekers from 8 a.m. up to 5 p.m.

DOLE Bicol Regional Director Ernesto Bihis reiterated that applicants should pre-register at the nearest Public Employment Services Offices (PESO) in their area to avoid the rush and congestion at the jobs fair site.

“PESO has since been accepting application on May 19. Applicants should bring all necessary and pertinent documents upon pre-registration,” stressed.

As of press time, government agencies with confirmed vacancies or job openings as per EO 782 (Emergency Employment of Government Utilizing 1.5% of MOOE) include: DENR (13), DA (16), DTI (30), TESDA (11), DSWD (274), DPWH (103), DepEd (4), SSS (85), NEDA (6), DOST (20), PNP (500), and DOLE (11).

Agencies who confirmed participation but have yet to submit the list of vacancies are as follows: DBM, DOH, PAGIBIG, NFA, DAR, CHED, CSC, DBP and DOT.

Meanwhile, 31 overseas recruiters and 12 local companies will also join the jobs fair.

Thousands of overseas job vacancies in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Hongkong, and Europe will be posted as well as the hundred local vacancies here. (RPEscalante, DOLE/PIA)


POLICE INTENSIFIES DRIVE VS. MOTORBIKE THEFT

MASBATE CITY—Motorcycle owners suspect that motorbike thieves operating here have accomplices in other areas, including Cawayan town, about 100 kilometers from here.

Responding in a random survey in the city’s streets, the motorbike owners call for official effort to gather and consolidate information on vehicle thieves in the province.

This came up in the wake of the recent recovery of three motorcycles by operatives of Masbate City Police Station.

Team leader SPO4 Nathaniel Guadayo said the motorcycles, which were stolen from the city, were about to be brought to barangay Tuburan in Cawayan, where stolen motorcycles are being “remodeled” and their serial numbers tampered with.

Guadayo’s team arrested two young men while they were reportedly preparing to dispatch the motorcycles to Tuburan.

One of the suspects was identified in a police report as Reman D. Adrin, 18, of sitio Cagba, barangay Tugbo, this city. The other suspect was a 15-year-old resident of Tara St. in barangay F. Magallanes here.

Two of the motorcycles—a black Honda Wave (chassis number 11-04Z-041331, engine number HZ08E-6041331, without plate number) and a blue Honda Bravo (chassis number KFM 10014-022640, with plate number EG-8225)—were recovered in follow-up operations in barangay Pinamarbuhan, Mobo town shortly after the recovery of a red Motorstar MSX 125-3 motorcycle of a certain Gerald C. Gotis at Barangay Tugbo. (EADelgado, PIA Masbate)


IMPROVE VISION WITH PROPER NUTRITION

Eyes need sustenance to stay healthy in the same way that bones need calcium. Proper nutrition and regular examinations are vital to eye health, particularly as people age.

Macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness and severe vision loss for people 50 years old and over. It consists of injury to the macula and leads to severe loss in vision. “Macular degeneration gradually destroys the sharp, central vision needed for reading, driving, identifying the face of a loved one, watching television and performing daily tasks. In some cases, macular degeneration advances slowly that people will see little effect on their vision as they age,” said Dr. Michael Cooney, a New York City ophthalmologist who has done extensive search in eye health and macular degeneration.

According to Dr. Daniel Garrett, a senior vice president of Prevent Blindness America, “There is no cure for macular degeneration and a person must consider how this disease can affect daily life and take preventive steps before it is too late.”

There are several risk factors for macular degeneration including family history, aging, smoking and inadequate nutrition. Also, the sun may cause damage to the sensitive tissue in the eye. Research has proven that lutein and omega-3 fats are two nutrients critical to eye health.

Lutein is the main pigment or coloring chemical in the center of the retina, the region of maximum visual sensitivity known as the macula. It appears to act as a natural eyeshade, protecting the retina against too much light. It is also an antioxidant, meaning that it fights dangerous, naturally-occurring substances called free radicals. Free radicals may play a role in macular degeneration.

Lutein, although not an essential nutrient, is still useful for optimal health. It plays an important role in protecting our eyes and eyesight. Lutein works by acting directly as a kind of natural sunblock and neutralizing free radicals that damage the eye. Dark, leafy, green vegetables are the best source of lutein, especially spinach, kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce, leeks, peas and water cress. Although it is a member of a family of substances known as carotenoids of which beta-carotene is the famous nutrient in this class, lutein is not found in high concentrations in yellow and orange vegetables such as carrots.

According to the Journal of American Medical Association in a Seddon study conducted at Harvard University, the highest correlation of macular degeneration prevention was associated with an intake of 6 milligrams or 0.0067 grams per day of lutein or more or less the size of one grain, which led to 43 per cent lower prevalence of the disease.

Eating fish and omega-3 fish oils may likewise protect people against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A specific fish fat, called decosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long-chain omega-3, may help protect and promote healthy retinal function. DHA is also concentrated in the retina of the eye. Its presence enhances the development of photoreceptors, specialized cells in the retina necessary for vision.

DHA is found almost exclusively in fish and shellfish or fish oils, particularly fatty fish such as salmon, rainbow trout, tuna, mackerel, herring, sardines and pilchards. All seafoods have some DHA too. Eggyolks from hens fed flaxseed have alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and some DHA. Newly-developed yogurt, margarines, spreads and other foods may have omega-3 added to them.

Check the food product’s label to see what fatty acids it contains. If specific fatty acids are not mentioned, assume the omega-3 is ALA. There are actually three main omega-3s in foods: ALA, EPA (or eicosapentaenoic acid), and DHA. Only ALA is found in plants. EPA and DHA are found almost exclusively in fish and shellfish or fish oils.

Eating a diet high in Vitamins C and E also lowers the chances of developing macular degeneration. Food sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits or citrus juices, berries, green and red peppers, tomatoes, broccoli and spinach. Food sources of vitamin E are whole grains, such as wheat and oats, wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, sardines, egg yolks and nuts.

For more information on food and nutrition, write or call: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguid City; Tel/Fax Nos.: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (GPYuchingtat, FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA)


RH BILL PROTECTS YOUNG PEOPLE FROM INTERNET PORNOGRAPHY, SAYS RH SUPPORTER

MANILA — Amid sex video scandal involving celebrities, a non-government organization supporting the highly controversial “Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2009” that proposes age-appropriate responsible sexuality education, found an ally in no less than the Malacanang’s Executive Secretary himself.

Ramon San Pascual, Executive Director of the Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD) lauds Sec. Eduardo Ermita for admitting to media that he is pushing for sex education. In news reports, Sec. Ermita said that sex education help prevents unwanted pregnancies. Further, Sec. Ermita said that Pres. Arroyo is endorsing sex education for the benefit of our younger people.

“Reproductive health advocates welcome this statement of support on sexuality education,” San Pascual said. “Mandatory age-appropriate responsible education is one of the main features of the reproductive health bill,” added San Pascual. Unfortunately, some officials of the Catholic church are contesting this provision laments San Pascual.

Some officials of the Catholic church does not want adequately trained teachers discussing responsible sex education to young people as they want to leave this responsibility to the parents alone. In the RH bill, parents as much as the school system will have a joint responsibility in molding children to become responsible in their behaviors and help prepare them into adulthood.

“The youth of today are easily influenced by their peers and the media in matters of sex,” said San Pascual. “They are internet savvy and much more technologically advanced. A parent who is less equipped with moral sense and without much familiarity with computer technology, and at the same time busy raising income for the family, would most likely not able to protect their child from being exposed to pornographic materials proliferating in the net,” warns San Pascual.

Contrary to what the oppositionists claim, the proposed adolescent reproductive health education does not only provide information to prevent unwanted pregnancies but also includes formation of attitudes, beliefs and values on sexual development, sexual behavior and sexual health.

“Empowering the youth with proper information and values is important to help them make responsible decisions on sex. We urge lawmakers to heed the call of not only the officials of this country, but more so, of the majority of Filipino people who demands the access to comprehensive reproductive health services,” San Pascual concluded. (VBLlorin, PLCPD/PIA)