by admin | May 5, 2018 | Headlines, Sports
TAGBILARAN CITY, May 4 (PIA)—Boosted by the home crowd and playing the home court advantage to the hilt, Team Region VII (Central Visayas) grabbed a total of 261 medals to carve its fourth straight seniors (18-24 years old) division championship title in the National Games of the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) this year.
During the weeklong sports action held in multiple venues in Tagbilaran City and nearby towns, Central Visayas earlier intended to continue its winning streak after taking three consecutive and three more championship belts since PRISAA organized its national games.
Central Visayas trailed Region VI Western Visayas in team sports medals; Central Visayas only secured 18 gold medals in basketball, beach volleyball, football, 2 silver medals and 6 bronze medals as against 23 gold medals for the Ilonggo delegation.
Western Visayas scored gold medals in beach volleyball, softball and indoor volleyball, plus silver finishes for beach volleyball, sepak takraw, and a bronze in football.
Central Visayas edged past Region XI Davao Region which took 17 gold medals in baseball, basketball, sepak takraw and silver in indoor volleyball.
In the individual racquet sports events however, Central Visayas swept 31 gold medals, 11 silvers and 6 bronzes as against Western Visayas’ 13 gold medals, 10 silvers and 20 bronze medals to reverse the lead in favour of the hosts.
Region 12 SOCSKSARGEN bagged a single gold in tennis to place third in the racquet sports which includes badminton, table tennis and tennis.
In the individual combative sports, Central Visayas bagged 6 gold medals in boxing, 14 golds in karatedo and 2 in taekwondo to extend the lead against closest contender Western Visayas who could only manage 2 gold medals in taekwondo, 6 silvers in taekwondo, a silver in karatedo and 14 bronze medals more in boxing, karatedo and taekwondo.
In the seniors individual men’s athletics, Western Visayas picked 14 gold medals, 4 silver and a bronze as against central Visayas’ 4 golds, 5 silvers and 5 bronze.
In the women’s division, the rivalry continued with Western Visayas slightly edging out with their 8 gold, 4 silvers and 8 bronze as against the hosts’ 7 golds, 8 silvers and 7 bronzes.
In chess, Central Visayas scored 5 golds over Western Visayas’ 4 silver medals for men’s division.
In swimming, Central Visayas earned an aggregate record of 38 gold medals, 21 silver and 11 bronze medals for men and women as against Western Visayas’ 16 gold medals, 27 silver and 9 bronze medals.
In weightlifting, Central Visayas bowed to Western Mindanao as the hosts could only manage 15 gold medals, 6 silver and 4 bronze medals while the Mindanao team picked 23 gold medals, 5 silvers and 3 bronze medals.
In the cultural events and academic contests, Central Visayas picked a gold for Mutya ng PRISAA while Western Visayas had 2 golds for PRISAAwitan and a bronze for oratorical contest.
At the end of the weeklong sports hostilities held in multiple venues in Tagbilaran City and nearby towns, Central Visayas capped the sports meet with 143 gold medals, 65 silver and 53 bronze medals to come out champions.
Western Visayas emerged with a record of 78 gold medals, 57 silver and 68 bronze medals to rank second in the seniors division of the national games.
Davao Region finished the week off with 37 gold, 38 silver and 51 bronze medals to place third.
Western Mindanao (Region IX) went home fourth with 23 gold medals, 5 silver and 5 bronze medals, while Bicol Region (Region V) homed with 18 gold medals, 16 silvers and 51 bronze to be declared fifth.
PRISAA, the biggest sports league with 567 members competing, opened in Tagbilaran April 20 just as hosts Bohol set up a practically a tight security dragnet towards a zero-PRISAA-related incident.
This is also while hoping to top off 4.24 rating which the PRISAA Committee gave for 2017 hosts Zambales.
At the end of the 6 days hosting, PRISAA top officials gave Bohol a 4.6 rating for its hosting, according to PRISAA Bohol sports coordinator Achiles Amores. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | May 4, 2018 | Headlines, Local News / Bohol Balita
TAGBILARAN CITY, May 2 (PIA)–A common fare among Boholano fiesta banquets, the carabeef or carabao meat (buffalo meat) in the “sabaw sa kabaw” is a healthy food, unlike what many people believe.
Traditionally pinpointed to as a cause of toothaches and joint pains especially for people recuperating from sprains, carabeef has been wrongly associated with these maladies, maybe because the carabao from where the meat was sourced out may have been too old, sickly or overburdened, assumes Philippine Carabao Center at the Ubay Stock Farm (PCC-USF) Center Director Dr. Caro Salces.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa PIA in time to possibly dispel the myths and wrong beliefs that carabao meat is bad meat, the carabao authority in Bohol in fact stressed: carabeef is considered by many as a health food.
Affleap.com, in one of its articles claimed carabeef is safe to eat even by people with heart problems and those who are allergic to red meat.
In fact, research proves that carabao meat contains less calories, less fat and cholesterol than most meats, including poultry, thus the meat is good dieters and athletes.
In a comparison with cow meat, carabao meat contains 12 percent less fat, 55 percent less calories and 40 percent less cholesterol, 11 to 30 percent more protein and 10 percent more minerals than beef.
As to its caloric value, the relative proportions of its protein, fat minerals and fatty acids makes carabeef nutrient dense or concentrated meat, that is why most people who eat carabeef eat less because carabeef does not sink during cooking.
Although initially considered a farm hand, carabaos in Bohol were primarily used to till the farms, but were slowly slaughtered when farm mechanization became a trend.
These slaughtered carabaos, which have been burdened and possibly aged, tend to become the meat served during fiestas, Dr. Salces shared.
When carabao meat is from a young buffalo much like beef from a young cow, the differences are easily seen.
The good quality of carabeef then makes it a popular ingredient in domestically produced corned beef and other products such as longanisa, hotdog, bologna and chorizo, food experts claimed.
Already acclaimed as flavorful and tender especially when it is from one that is reared and fed properly, slaughtered at a young age like cattle, carabeef is a common Boholano fare because it is naturally tasty, it only needs ginger and demands less condiments to savor its natural flavor, a popular fiesta hired cook revealed.
On the other hand, carabao milk is higher in fat, total solids and proteins than cow’s milk and contains higher butterfat, hence has a higher energy value than cow’s milk, Affleap.com claimed.
Its mineral content is nearly the same as cow’s milk, except that it has twice more phosphorus, its B complex and vitamin C are comparable to cow’s milk although carabao milk has less riboflavin.
Due to its high solid concentration, carabao milk is highly suitable for processing, Dr. Salces said.
By this, from processed milk, the PCC in Bohol is currently making its premium ice cream, specialized cheese varieties, yogurt and pastillas, as its products, all in support of farmers who decided for dairy production.
Carabao dairy, which is now an emerging alternative income source for Bohol farmers is also helping the PCC come up with the 500 liter daily milk harvest for its processed dairy requirements, that they are urging farmers to go into a daily income option from carabao milk.
Dr. Salces also claimed that a native carabao produces over 2 liters of milk a day while a cross bred carabao can produce over 4 liters of milk.
And then, because a carabao has to be calving to give milk, farmers tend to have an additional income when selling the offspring or keeping the females to expand the home dairy industry, he added during the radio forum. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
Carabao meat, also called buffalo meat of carabeef is a healthy meat, asserts Philippine Carabao Center Chief Dr. Caro Salces, during the recent Kapihan sa PIA. Stewed carabeef is a leading fiesta fare in Bohol, while adobong kabaw and cosahos are equally popular. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | May 3, 2018 | National News
Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo and Ministry of Economic Development Deputy Minister Alexey Gruzdev met in Manila on April 19, 2018 for the co-Chairs meeting of the Philippines-Russia Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation (JCTEC). The JCTEC is a mechanism to improve bilateral economic relations between the Philippines and Russia. During the meeting, the following areas for collaboration were discussed: trade and investment promotion, industry development, labor, higher education, agriculture, energy, transport and atomic sphere and space exploration.
The co-chairs expressed that with the highest level of support from President Rodrigo Duterte and President Vladimir Putin, both sides are geared towards enhancing trade and investment relations. This is achieved through the following initiatives: trade promotion, accreditation of products for export, utilization on the the Eurasian Economic Union Generalized System of Preferences (EAEU GSP), proposal for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and updating of the 1992 Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.
On trade promotion, the Philippines solicited the support of Russia for increased participation in their trade fairs and promotional activities. In this regard, the Philippines expressed its interest to participate in World Food Moscow on September and MEBEL Furniture Fair on November to showcase its food and furniture products to Russia.
To enhance trade, both sides agreed to exchange the final results of the mutual veterinary missions for the audit of Philippine seafood and seafood products and Russian meat products, once finalized. The audit was undertaken to ensure the safety of consumers against diseases and contamination from these export products. Updates on established business arrangements related to import and export of products, supply of engineering and design for steel structure, supply of automobile and trucks, and pipeline transport and construction that were initiated during the official visit to Russia of President Duterte last year were reported during the meeting.
The Philippines sought the assistance of Russia on fully utilizing the EAEU GSP. The EAEU GSP is a unified system of tariff preferences granted by the Customs Union between Belarus, Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. Selected products covered by this scheme that are imported from developing country beneficiaries, such as the Philippines, are eligible for a 25% discount on customs duties.
To enhance market access, the Philippines proposed to engage in dialogue the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), which is the regulating body responsible for the integration of the EAEU, through a proposed Memorandum on Understanding to understand the market, operations, and regulation of the EAEU.
Both sides also agreed to commence discussions to update the 1992 Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) as a means to attract and enhance investment relations.
The co-chairs meeting was preceded by a business round table attended by fifty-three local and Russian representatives from the following sectors: aerospace, automotive, chemicals, construction, infrastructure, food, mining, energy, oil and gas and consultancy.
Following the co-chairs meeting, the Russian delegation made a courtesy call to DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez. Deputy Minister Gruzdev shared the interest of the Russian side to further enhance trade and investment relations through the JCTEC. Secretary Lopez positively remarked that “coupled with the highest level of support from President Rodrigo Duterte and the thrust of the administration towards re-balancing our economic relations by pursuing non-traditional markets in the Asia Pacific region, the engagement of the Philippines with Russia will steadily increase.”
Undersecretary Rodolfo expressed his satisfaction on the outcomes of the meeting. He stated, “We hope to explore further the cooperation in other areas and take advantage of the complementarities between our economies in time for the 2nd JCTEC in Moscow in the second half of 2018.”
Russia is the Philippines’ 29th trading partner, 37th export market, and 24th import supplier in 2017.
by admin | Apr 30, 2018 | Headlines
SINGAPORE – The Philippines (PH) continues to be an investment destination for Singaporean companies as USD 185.7 million-worth of investment pledges providing 1,920 job opportunities were signed at the sidelines of the 32nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit on 28 April 2018.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that the investment pledges will cover collaborative works on aviation, solutions for sustainable urbanization, as well as development of marine renewable energy, packaging, film manufacturing, information, communications technology, financial technology, water solutions, prefabricated projects, food, and blockchain technology.
“With our robust bilateral trade and investments ties, we are confident that these new business agreements will even deepen our relationship further. These will push Philippine-Singapore trade engagement to even greater heights,” said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
“With these investments coming in, I am fulfilling a personal commitment to my countrymen to bring them more job opportunities. That’s why I am appreciative of your investment in the Philippines. I promise you that when you invest in the Philippines, we will ensure that your investments will be protected,” the President added.
The President witnessed the presentation of six Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and four Letters of Intent (LOI) signed between the PH business delegation—composed of Filinvest Development Corporation, Everhydro Corporation, Cebu Air, Inc., ICS ICT Support Service Corporation, Ascent Solutions Philippines Inc., and Jollibee Foods Corporation—and Singaporean companies, including Keppel Corporation, OceanPixel, SIA Engineering Company Limited, Hitachi Asia Ltd., Robin Village International Pte. Ltd., Ascent Solutions Pte. Ltd., and Golden Beeworks Pte. Ltd.
Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez also signed an LOI with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Chairman Robert Yap, which involves a feasibility study on a suitable site for the implementation of a free online marketplace, SGConnect™ legacy project.
Sec. Lopez also signed an LOI with Lepack Packaging Pte. Ltd. Director Lim Seong Nam, which will explore opportunities to help and assist micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by developing innovative packaging.
In 2017, Singapore (SG) was PH’s 6th trading partner, 5th export market, and 7th import supplier with total bilateral trade valued at USD 9.34 billion. Exports of semiconductor devices manufactured on consignment basis also boosted PH export to SG by 1.16% in 2017.
Likewise, a significant growth of 378% (or Php 2.13 billion in 2017 from Php 444 million in 2016) approved investments from SG was noted in electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply industry.
Meanwhile, Secretary Lopez encouraged SG’s business community to join PH’s growth story by locating and expanding their businesses in the country.
“There are enormous opportunities for companies partnering with Philippines as the country is on its economic breakout,” said Sec. Lopez.
“The 6.7% GDP growth, increasing consumer base, and highly-skilled and young workforce complement the various reforms and infrastructure programs of the government, as well as new policies in enhancing business environment and competitiveness,” Sec. Lopez added.
The trade chief also highlighted PH’s preferential agreements and market access to Europe, the European Union and United States.
“We are a strategic partner as the Philippines is located at the crossroads of international shipping and airlines, and a natural gateway to the East Asian economies. With our preferential agreements to big economies, we can also provide access to the large US and EU markets,” Sec. Lopez concluded.
by admin | Apr 28, 2018 | Tech Talk
Dalareich Polot and Joy Angeli Uy, two young Boholana entrepreneurs launched their personal advocacy called FACADE (Food, Agriculture, Culture and Arts, Development, Education) with a tagline “Opening an open space of possibilities”. FACADE aims to change the face of culture in the province of Bohol through community development and education.
Two social entrepreneur speakers from Manila, JOSH MAHINAY, founder of BEAGIVER and DR. ANTON MARI LIM, Co-Founder and President of Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation also inspired the guests with the stories of the respective communities they are helping.
During the launching, they introduced FAÇADE Talk Series 1 that was held in Tagbilaran City Grounds for 3 consecutive nights from April 24-26, a side event of Tagbilaran Fusion Nights 2018. The first topic was handled by two young Boholano coffee farmers, Duke Minoza of Buenaventura Farm and Paolo Rigotti of Rigotti Coffee with the topic: Cacao Seed to Cup Appreciation Night”. On the second night, April 25, the topic was “Bean to Bar Chocolate Journey and Chocolate Appreciation Night” handled by our two Bohol chocolate makers , Ms Vina Antopina and Dalareich Polot itself. On the 3rd night, April 26, the topic was “Organic Food and Farming, Sustainable Planet, Produce and People” handled by Efrenia Holt and Cyrus Lobrigas of KABOOM Organic Farming Group of Bohol. The talks were attended by several people who pre-registered and walk-in people during the Fusion Nights.
“This is just a personal advocacy for the both of us, purely borne out of our numerous frustrations with how underappreciated certain aspects of our culture are. Our only equities are our network, sweat, and ultimately, just our passion. The only gain is to see Bohol as a creative hub for food, culture, and the arts.” Polot and Uy said during the launching.
“We want to see Bohol in the future as a creative hub for food, agriculture, culture and the arts and development. We want Boholanos to talk, collaborate, open a conversation and inspire each other. Shobe Joy and I personally thank all our sponsors who were at our back when we planned for this. “ – Dalareich said in her facebook post.
Polot and Uy will be preparing their next series soon and hopefully during the Sandugo Festival.
