by anyajulia | Sep 4, 2009 | Headlines, National News
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today enjoined Filipinos to support the breastfeeding movement, citing the benefits of mothers’ milk to the health and well-being of infants in the country.
The President said mothers’ milk “is the best source of nutrition for infants and the most economical way to nourish Filipino babies.”
Breastfeeding has been cited as one of the two factors that bring down infant mortality rates in the country. The other factor is vaccination coverage.
The Department of Health cited breastfeeding as a strategy to save more than 16,000 children’s lives annually.
Because of her commitment to deliver the most basic health and nutrition services to the most vulnerable sectors of the country, particularly mothers and children, the President extended her support to government agencies, non-government organizations, and private individuals who were staunch supporters of breastfeeding during the celebration of World Breastfeeding Awareness Month at Heroes Hall in Malacañang.
Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, one of the allies of breastfeeding in the Philippines, formally opened the Synchronized Breastfeeding Worldwide during the program, which is now on its third year.
He also encouraged teachers to breastfeed to create a strong message among school children that women can work and breastfeed at the same time. (PIA)
by anyajulia | Sep 4, 2009 | Headlines, National News
A Philippine Council for Agriculture Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCARRD-DOST) Senior Specialist has been elected as the new president of the Australian government-assisted Philippine-Australian Alumni Association Inc. (PA3i) for 2009-2010.
Vivian B. Valdez was elected by her fellow trustees at the culmination of a two-day Strategic Planning Workshop attended by chapter presidents from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. She is also Director for the Philippine Association of Research Managers.
Elected as Vice-President was Atty. Teresita A. Tuazon.
PA3i is the umbrella organization for scholars and graduates of formal degree and non-degree training programs offered by Australian universities and training institutions. As a network organization, it is engaged in policy advocacy, and implementation of development and academic-oriented projects. (PR)
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by anyajulia | Sep 4, 2009 | Headlines, National News
The National Achievement Test (NAT) reports showed a percentage increase of 21.36 percent from 2006 to 2009, indicating a steady improvement in primary education in the country’s public school system.
The 2009 NAT showed a mark improvement in Mean Percentage Score (MPS) of only 66.33 percent from 54.66 percent in 2006 or an improvement of 11.67%.
Percentage gains were also noted in all subject areas from 2006 to 2009 with Mathematics (28.02%) and Science (27.50%) having the biggest improvement.
Lapus will award pupils, schools, divisions, and regions which showed top performance in the examination given by the department in 2009.
NAT is an annual examination administered to public and private school students throughout the country to determine their achievement level, strengths and weaknesses in key subject areas. It covered English, Science, Math, Filipino and HEKASI with 40 test items each for a total of 200 test items. (PIA)
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by anyajulia | Sep 4, 2009 | Headlines, National News
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is set to inaugurate the first Ethanol Distillery and Cogeneration plant in the Southeast Asian region. The plant has the capacity to produce 30- million litres of ethanol per year and approximately 8 Megawatt of power.
Owned and operated by the San Carlos Bioenergy Incorporated (SCBI), the plant was developed by Bronzeoak Philippines which provided the technical expertise in biomass power plant engineering while the Zabaleta and Company provided the sugar-based agricultural experience.
The project is expected to revive the sugar industry by using sugarcane as the primary feedstock to produce ethanol rather than sugar.
President Arroyo’s activities during the visit at the site include ribbon-cutting, unveiling of marker and a short program for the inauguration. (PIA/EAD)
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by anyajulia | Sep 3, 2009 | Headlines, National News
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared September 12 as a National Day for Peace and Sanctification of Spiritual Leaders.
The declaration was made through Proclamation 1869 signed by President Arroyo on September 29, 2009. However, the National Day of Prayer is a regular Working Day.
Through the Proclamation, President Arroyo hopes to promote peace and unity among the Filipino people as a national responsibility. President Arroyo said that with the many challenges being faced by the nation, Filipinos should set aside their differences and join hands to work towards the common good.
In the years 2008 and 2007, September 12 was declared at the National Day of Prayer and Reconciliation. While, in 2006, was declared the National Day of Prayer, Reparation and Consecration of the Nation. And in 2005, was proclaimed at the National Day of Peace, conversion, reparation and consecration of the nation. (PIA)
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