Cebu farmers become licensed seed growers

22 graduate scientists farmer growing seed certification course.

The Provincial Government recently trained 22 local farmers as seed growers to boost local production of corn seeds in Cebu given last December 16 to 18.

Officer-in-Charge Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Saragena Roldan said the training will support the Farmer Scientist Training Program (FSTP) of the Capitol.

" It will also give chance for farmers to earn more , "Saragena said.

The Capitol has been importing corn open-pollinated variety (OPV) seeds from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and in Mindanao for FSTP.

The trainer-speakers were Catalino Higida of the Cebu Technological University (CTU) -Barili Campus, Jun Acabal of the Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC), Department of Agriculture (DA), Nancy Quinapon-, Provincal Agriculturist Office (PAO).

Higida lectured on the balanced nutrients needed by corn plants.

He also stressed the need for seed growers in Cebu. 

Acabal on the other hand, taught the farmers of integrated pest management while Quinapon- presented the measures how to prevent post-harvest losses.

Mirabel Amado, Agriculturist II, said the farmers are assured of a market since it will be the Province will be the one to buy the corn seeds from them.

However, these locally produced OPV seeds must first pass the standard of the National Seed Quality Control Services (NSQCS) of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).

" If it passes the standard, it will be called certified seeds and can be sold to the market and a higher value, "said Armado.

The current market price of certified seeds is P35 per kilo. Those without certification are only priced at P15 per kilo.

With the availability of OPV corn seeds, the farmers will have the option other than utilizing native corn seeds again. (Fcc / PIA-Cebu with reports from Xerxes Alkuino City PIO)

Your govt is concern - Protect your skin!

Have you noticed that the heat is already very hot even if at 6 to 7 in the morning? We can't deny that indeed we are experiencing abnormalities because of this hashtag #climatchange and its not a joke.

In the recent #KapihanPIACebu, health authorities calls on everyone, yes including us Sugboanons, to protect our skin from this abnormal climate conditions.  

"Protecting our skin is no longer vanity, but it is already a necessity," according to Dr. Joanri Riveral of the Department of Health 7.

Dr. Joanri Riveral, DOH7, interviewed by Cebu media

He said although there are no statistics for now on skin cancer as these are in the private doctors, but considering climate change, it is best to apply some ways for skin protection.

The skin is the largest part of the body by the way.

Here are some ways he said that every Juan and Juana must take:

1. Never! (Not avoid) But NEVER stay under the heat of the sun for more than 30 minutes. 

        Riveral said our skin can withstand a maximum of 30-32 degrees but only for a few minutes. 

There may be some truth to what they say, that its so hot outside you can fry an egg!

Traffic enforcers should find a way to have themselves covered or under the shades every once in awhile. 

           

2. Apply sunblocks or sunscreens which are beyond  SPF 15 (sun protector factor). Yep you heard it right! Its  no longer kaartehan girls and boys, but you have to wear sunscreens even if you're not basking in the sun on the beach.

    Riveral said, apply it before going out and not just once...but if possible every after four hours! Wow!

3. Wear large hats...Oh well, this can only be for women.  But who knows, if a guy wants to wear large hats just to protect the skin on the face and neck and even the whole body...why not? 

4. Bring umbrellas..not just for rain but when its so sunny... In this manner, the whole body is protected No sunburn.

5. Wear arm sleeves, specially for bikers and motorcycle riders.  There are cool cotton arm sleeves that does not dehydrate..it does not suck the moisture out from the person who wears it... Lighter colors are okay.

6. WATER. WATER.  This is so important.. drink and drink plenty of liquids...water every day.  Water keeps the skin hydrated and moisturize therefore preventing it from becoming parched like dry land.

7. BATHING twice or plenty of times a day.  Yep, not just once but twice or thrice.  Have to shed off those dry skins, dirt and toxics.

8.  Never ignore those rashes and skin irritations.  As they say, if symptoms persists..consult the doctor.  DOH assured that there are doctors in the municipalities and cities who are already trained to treat skin diseases.

“We should not be neglecting a simple rash or other allergies as these may be symptoms of something more serious internally.”   Kidney and liver problems usually show skin discolorations and abnormalities, Riveral added.

 DOH is currently advocating National Skin Disease Prevention Month this November.

Other updates are posted at the Philippine Information Agency website. 

Just so you know, your Government cares... 

Mandaue City among 3 cities nominated for funding assistance to become Low Carbon Model LGU

The City of Mandaue, Cebu, Philippines is among the three local government units (LGU) considered for funding for environmental sustainability efforts.

This October, there are three LGU's from among the 21 member Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) economies who will be chosen to be given technical assistance for environment efforts.

In particular are the strategies leading to the reduction of carbon use.

In a press release, the nominees are Krasnoyarsk City, Russia; Mandaue City, Philippines and Subang Jaya, Malaysia.

According to Department of Energy Undersecretary Loreta Ayson, who is also the Philippines Senior Official on Energy, the Low Carbon Model Town (LCMT) Project of the APEC Energy Working Group (EWG) will be choosing in next month's gathering in Cebu, who will receive the technical assistance.

"We are constantly looking for potential LCMT candidates and it impresses me to find Mandaue City with such a comprehensive plan involving land use, green building and transportation,”  Ayson said.

Mandaue City accordingly has a clear target for reducing its CO₂ emissions and has long been crafting measures to establish a sustainable city to address air pollution and traffic congestion. 

Its proposed project consists of developing green growth areas and interconnecting these areas within Metro Cebu. An ordinance is also proposed promoting disaster-resilient buildings in the city.

The LCMT Project of the APEC EWG has been greatly instrumental in encouraging communities in the region to embark on city planning initiatives promoting low carbon technologies to manage the rapidly increasing energy consumption and consequently, mitigate the adverse effects of greenhouse gas emissions on the environment.    

 Previous winners include the city of Da Nang in Vietnam which implemented an innovative system of electric motorbikes and charging facilities. 

Samui Island in Thailand also got support for its feasibility study to utilize solar, wind and small hydro power; reliance on electric vehicles and reforestation and protection of existing forests. 

They also adapted Green technologies for resort and hotel developments such as solar water heaters, solar panels on rooftops, biomass power generation of kitchen waste and increased ventilation for natural cooling.

Mandaue is located on the central-eastern coastal region of Cebu, and is one of the three highly urbanized cities on the island and forms part of the Cebu Metropolitan area. It is connected by two bridges to the island of Mactan.  Mandaue is also known as the “furniture capital of the Philippines.” 

CEBUANO NEWS: Kalamidad og pag usab usab sa panahon gituki sa APEC tungod sa epekto sa ekonomiya

Tungod kay dako kini og epekto sa ekonomiya, pagpangandam sa mga kalamidad ug pagusab usab sa panahon, lakip sa gimugna nga Cebu Action Plan (CAP) sa mga meimbro sa Asia Pacific EconomicConference (APEC) dinhi sa Sugbo.

Si Dr. Alan Bollard, ang Executive Director sa APEC Secretariat, mibutyag nga lakip sa  CAP ang pagmugna og mga pamaagi sa saktong pagpangandam sa mga kalamidad ug ang pag usab usab sa panahon (climate change).

Kini tungod kay nakita sa mga delegado sa APEC member economies, nga ang kalamidad og pag usab usab sa panahon adunay dakong epekto kabahin sa patigayon og ekonomiya.

Matod ni Bollard, gipangunahan sa Pilipinas ang pag ambit ug mga pamaagi tungod kay kapila na kini gikuso kuso ug mga kalamidad ug mga abnormal nga panghitabo tungod sa pag usab usab sa panahon.

Apil sa mga punto mao ang disaster financing, o diin mahatagan og ayuda pinansyal (utang o grant) ang isa ka rehiyon o local government unit, sa ilang mga tinguha pagpamalit ug  mga ekipo o mga pagbansay bansay, agig pangandam sa kalamidad.

PTV4 Reporter Ria Fernanez throws a question to Dr. Bollard

“Nag una ang Pilipinas tungod sa kasinatian niini sa pagsugakod sa daghang mga natural nga kalamidad sa mga katuigan (Philippines has clearly lead the way, having learned to cope with a number of natural disasters over the years),” matod ni Bollard.

Si Bollard nagkanayon  nga sabotan usab sa mga member economies kun unsaon mas mapadali ang pagpadala og ayuda nga ekipo ug mga hinabang sa panahon sa emergency.

Kini tungod dako ang mabayaran nga buwis sa pagpadala og ekipo o bisan gani ang mga hinabang, abagahon pa sa nasod nga gihatagan ang buwis sa pagpadala.

Nasayran nga ang natural  nga kalamidad og ang pag usa usab sa panahon dali ra nga makapapas sa mga systema sa pagpakunhod sa kalisod ug uban pa mga pagpalambo sa ekonomiya.

Mga sakop sa media sa International Media Center

Daghang mga negosyo og industriya ang apektado lakip napod ang mga trabahante og mamumuo tungod niining mga kalamidad.

Ang mga 21 ka mga member economies sa APEC nagpadala sa ilang mga Finance Ministers og mga disaster planners dinhi sa Sugbo aron sa pagsalmot sa mga tigum.

Walay hisgutanang political ang tukion sa APEC kun dili mga isyu sa pagpasayon og paglambo sa patigayon, industriya og serbisyo. 

Dugang kasayoran mahimo muadto sa 

CEBUANOS expectation on PNoy's last SONA

Here are some of the expectations of Cebuanos interviewed on the sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) to be delivered by President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. 

Atty. Mae Elaine Bathan - Governor, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Eastern Visays - Unify, no more blaming

"I expect SONA to be an honest and truthful presentation of the accomplishments of the administration in the last five years and for the president to humbly point projects yet to be realized. I hope there will be no more blaming or pointing of fingers. I expect the president to own up to the failure of the admin to achieve some targeted goals and the lapses of the past. I hope his final SONA will unify the country and bring us to a clearer direction for 2016."

Mayor Luciano Rama Jr. - Municipality of Poro - Yolanda Accomplishments, climate change

1. accomplishment after Yolanda
2. Improvements of airports, expansion of NAIA 3 3. Poverty Alleviation programs 4. employment- BDO, Manufacturing and other industries 5. Caboatge Law and Competitiveness Law 6.Peace in Mindanao- Bangsa Moro 7. Climate Change

Ahmed Cuizon - MCIAA Assistant Manager -Empower LGU's , strict CESO implementation
\
"He will recap his term with a string of accomplishments, the greatest of which, I think, is his having been able to cut down corruption (ex. prosecuting officials and removing undesirables), uphold national sovereignty (standing up to territorial threats and rallying neighboring countries to do the same), strengthen merit and fitness system in the civil service (ex., strict observance of CESO eligibility and merit/fitness system), bolster good government practices and empower LGUs (ex., seal of good governance), maximize revenue generation (ex., strengthening of BIR collections and optimization of GOCC income stream), rationalize the national budget (ex., increased spending for education and other basic social services), bolster infrastructure (ex., the massive scale of public road and building projects including airport development) and bring back national pride (ex., by winning back respect for the country and our people before the family of nations).

Dr. Eddie Llamedo, information officer, Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Identified as urgent bill increasing salary of all government workers.

"The President will articulate the completion of the cadastral survey throughtout the country, the cadastral survey is important to advance economic growth by intensifying the issuance of titles and prevent possible conflict between neighboring towns; Indicate the completed geohazards mapping and assessment in more than 1,600 cities and towns; Articulate the contribution of the national greening program by improving our forest cover from 6 million to 7 million hectares; Certify as urgent on the proposed bill increasing the salary of all govt workers;"

Police Inspector Arieza Otida- chief Family, Gender and Development Services, Cebu City Police Office - Children in Conflict with Law , Psycho-social help

"I.hope he would gve priorities sa mga shelters for abused women children and cicl..a haven nga 1 stop shop..naa psycho social svcs nga klaro and livelihood programs"


Engracia Birondo- Argao Information Officer - Accomplishments


"For sure he will tell us of he had achieved but i don't know if he will accept where he failed."

Romel de los Santos-Alcoy Information Officer - BBL
"As usual, he will expect a lot of applause from his captive audience and i expect them to applaud him even more. Thanks to BBL He is a good person perhaps but in a way not that good in leadership."

Greg Jumao-as - Cordova, Information Officer, Anti-corruption updates

I expect heart warming, inspiring address if he will enumerate the positives including how many generals now are n prisons, arroyo, corona, napoles, corrupt senators, ecomic gains and many more. Let d critics do d opposite. I rate him wd high passing grade,

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) reiterated that a permit to cut is needed over the cutting of trees within private lands.

According to DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo, this is in line with Executive Order No. 23 or the moratorium on the tree cutting throughout the country.

“We are preserving a good balance of forest for perpetuity by shifting timber harvesting in tree plantations only,” said Montejo in a press statement.

In a memorandum dated February 13 signed by Montejo, provincial and community environment and natural resources officers in the four provinces are instructed to implement the order requiring a ‘permit to cut’ on requests on the cutting of trees within a private land.

Requirements for the issuance of clearance for a permit to cut are the following: letter request, local government unit clearance, inventory of tree requested to be cut with global positioning system (GPS) reading per tree, stand stock table, copy of land title or tax declaration, geotagged pictures, sketch plan, and tree chart.

“We will not issue a clearance unless these requirements are complied with and attached to the application for a permit to cut,” Montejo said.

He pointed out: “You cannot harvest what you did not plant.”

Natural and residual forests are forests composed of indigenous trees, not planted by man.

Montejo added that under a new regime in forest resource development, the country’s shift to tree plantation development has been given the needed push in recognizing the sustainability of tree plantations as a viable source of timber. (rmn/PIA7-Cebu with reports from DENR-7)

- See more at: PIA website