Friday, April 19, 2024

DOH-10 stresses need for proper health guidance amid El Niño concerns

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA/March 03, 2024) – “The phenomenon in the environment has an effect on the human body,” said Dr. Tristan Jedidah Labitad, head of the Non-Communicable Diseases Cluster, who shared points and mitigations on El Niño effects on the health of the people during the Kapihan sa PIA: El Niño Series on February 21, 2024, at Limketkai, Cagayan de Oro City

Labitad said El Niño is a phenomenon where certain parts of the surface water in the Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual, and this increased heat has a ripple effect on the overall global climate. He added that waterborne diseases, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue (WILD) are diseases that can arise from such a phenomenon.

 

Labitad stressed the susceptibility of individuals of all ages, highlighting the vulnerability of everyone to these health risks. Despite the preparedness of health facilities to assist, he emphasized the role of consulting primary healthcare providers before heading to hospitals in cases of illness.

 

“Kung unsa’y gibati nimo nga dili maayo nga sakit, you seek medical consultation, diretso. Dili magpataka-taka og inom og any herbal supplements, I am not discounting any herbal supplements. However, conventional medicine would dictate nga dili jud alternative sa imong gibati karon ang mga herbal, good kung naa ka pero dili i-neglect nga based japon siya sa research,” he said.

 

[If you feel that you are sick, you should seek medical consultation directly. Do not drink any herbal supplements; I am not discounting these supplements. However, conventional medicine would dictate that herbals are not an alternative to what you feel now; good if you have them, but don’t neglect those that are based on research]

 

The doctor strongly advised seeking medical consultation and undergoing a health professional’s check-up, especially for individuals with co-morbidities, cautioning against the indiscriminate use of herbal supplements without proper guidance.

 

As for enhancing their preparedness for potential disease surges in their respective areas, Labitad said local government units and healthcare facilities, including rural health units and centers, hold regular meetings to also determine ways to address health issues in communities.

 

To maintain good health, Labitad urged the public to only rely on credible sources of information, such as the Department of Health and other reputable health entities. “Let’s avoid being swayed by various anecdotes. Consult with healthcare professionals for any health concerns,” he said.

 

The Philippine Information Agency-10 holds the Kapihan sa PIA: El Niño Series once a month to address pressing issues related to the El Niño phenomenon in the region. (Patricia Aisabelle C. Rosales/PIA-10)

Konsehal Soria sa Malaybalay, giila sa tribu nga “Datu Makalandag”

Ang Konsehal sa Malaybalay nga si Christopher ‘Tope’ Soria sa Mampaalong Clan sa tribung Bukidnon giila isip “Datu Makalandag”

Base sa taho sa Philippine Information Agency-Bukidnon, pormal nang gidawat sa Konsehal ang katungdanan isip ‘Datu Makalandag’.

Siya gi-bendisyonan sa mga Supreme Datu kon IPMR gikan sa Agusan Del Sur, Agusan Del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Lanao Del Norte, ug Bukidnon.

Kini agi’g pag-suporta sa lumadnong kahilokan aron padayon nga ma-protektahan ang tradisyon ug kultura sa mga IPs.

Ang seremonya gipahigayon sa Casisang, Malaybalay City kaniadtong petsa 8-9 ning bulan sa Setyembre.

Sa maong mga higayon, si Dr. Jade Melendez Mercado Soria giila usab nga si “Bae Nay Makalandag”. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

Grand Opening sa Malaybalay Market Square, nagmalampuson

Malampuson nga napahigayon sa City Economic Enterprise Development and Management Office (CEEDMO) ang grand opening sa Malaybalay Market Square niadtong Sept. 04, 2023

Base sa report sa Philippine Information Agency-Bukidnon, gipahigayon ang aktibidad sa Multi-purpose Building A sa Malaybalay City Public Market.

Ang ribbon cutting gipangulohan ni Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran ug CEEDMO chief Romeo R. Lapeciros, Jr.

Sa tagline nga “Kalimpyo, Kahapsay, ug Kabibo”, ang CEEDMO Malaybalay nagpadayag sa Market Square nga nag-feauture sa 16 ka local cuisines ug delicacies stalls.

Ang Market Square mag-abli sugod alas 9:00 sa buntag ngadto sa alas 11:00 sa gabie, kada Lunes ngadto Miyerkules. (Omar Rashid Z. Abdullah)

Mindanao power supply enough despite El Niño—DOE

DAVAO CITY — The power supply of Mindanao will remain stable even during El Niño, an official of the Department of Energy (DOE)-Mindanao Field Office assured

During the Kapihan sa Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on August 17, Engr. Darwin P. Galang, DOE-Mindanao Field Office senior science research specialist, said that a simulation conducted by the agency showed that the occurrence of El Niño will not adversely impact the grid owing to the other sources of power in Mindanao.

He pointed out, however, that “the occurrence of El Niño will affect the hydropower plants because there will be a reduction of their capacities when the rivers and lakes are dried up.”

Galang noted that the Mindanao grid has a diverse mix of power sources, and will not likely suffer from the impact of drought.

Based on the estimate of the DOE-Mindanao Field Office, the power supply would remain sufficient “even with a 50% to 70% reduction in the available capacities of hydropower plants in Mindanao.”

Engr. Nilo J. Geroche, also of the DOE-Mindanao Field Office, said the agency activated in July the Task Force on Energy Resiliency to monitor the power supply situation in the country and mitigate the impact of calamities, including El Niño.

The task force is composed of the DOE, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Energy Regulatory Commission, Inter-Agency Energy Contingency Committee, various groups in the energy sector, and agencies under the security cluster.

Geroche said the hydropower sources comprise 31.73% of the energy mix of Mindanao and contribute an average supply of 1,190 megawatts to the grid.

There is an excess supply of power on the island, with the available average supply estimated at 2,946 MW and an average demand of 2,051 MW as of August 15, according to Galang.

Geroche said that brownouts could have been caused by other factors on the transmission and distribution side, including insufficiency in the contracted power supply of some electric cooperatives and distribution utilities.

He said the problem of lack of contracted power may now be addressed by tapping into the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market where electric cooperatives and distribution utilities can buy power to fill the deficit.

In an advisory released by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) last July 4, El Niño, which is characterized by fewer occurrences of rainfall and typhoons, is already present in the tropical Pacific.

It said that PAGASA’s climate monitoring and analyses indicate that “the unusual warming of sea surface temperatures along the equatorial Pacific that was established in March 2023 has further developed into a weak El Niño, which shows signs of strengthening in the coming months.”

It said that El Niño increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions, which could bring negative impacts such as dry spells and droughts in some areas of the country that may adversely impact the different climate-sensitive sectors, such as water resources, agriculture, energy, health, and public safety.

It added that the enhanced Southwest monsoon season (Habagat) may still be expected, which may result in above-normal rainfall conditions over the western part of the country. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

Malaybalay holds City’s first business forum

The City Government of Malaybalay, in celebration of the 25th Charter Day, spearheaded the First Business Forum with the theme “Grow with Us, Invest in Malaybalay,” on March 31, 2023, at the Peoples Hall, this city

The said activity aimed to foster engagement, collaborations, and direct relationships with businesses, entrepreneurs, and local investors across the region.

City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran joined the forum along with City Vice Mayor Estelito Marabe, City Councilors, department heads, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the Department of Trade and Industries (DTI), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Board of Investments (BOI), and the Malaybalay City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI).

In his welcoming remarks, Hon. Cromwell Kiril D. Dinlayan emphasized we must work together to grow the economy and reduce poverty, adding, “I urge everyone (in the government) to take this opportunity to consolidate and reinforce your commitment towards a brighter future for Malaybalay.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Pabillaran, in his message, stressed, “The aim of the City Government is that integrity will be intact. Mao nana ang atong standard, kay kung walay integrity ang gobyerno, kinsa man ang magsalig sa gobyerno?”

He added, “If gusto ta mulambo ang Malaybalay, tarongon nato ang pagdala gikan sa gobyerno, and that is important in order for our city to prosper.”

Also, Vice Mayor Marabe reiterated the importance of unity. “As business people, we should unite; we should strengthen our group. If you look at Malaybalay, we are the center of government as the capital city of Bukidnon. We are the center of education. We are the center of religious activities. We were the center of tourism before, and we would like to get that again.”

“If things do not come our way, we will look for things to come our way. If there are no opportunities coming our way. We create opportunities,” he added.

Mr. Christian D. Cambaya, DCIP-IASU Head, was the keynote speaker for the event. He gave insights on the immense opportunities for local economic development (LED) and how to address the challenges that are unique to the local context, which is also the advantage of local government units focusing on the approach concerning LED programs and strategies in the city.

During the session, plenary speakers, namely: Ms. Lourdes Ellen Kionisala, BOI Chief Investment Specialist, discussed labor incentives law; Mr. Romeo R. Lapeciros, Jr., LEDIP Officer on Malaybalay City local investment and incentives code; Ms. Ritchie L. Guno, DOST Provincial Director on innovation support to entrepreneurs; and DTI Provincial Director, Ms. Famelah Raquel D. Villanueva, on DTI current programs.

The first-ever Malaybalay City Business Forum organized by the City Government marks the beginning of a new era in promoting business development and opportunities propelled to reaching new heights of innovation and sustainability in the city and the region as well. (PR)