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 | 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 | Headlines
TAGBILARAN CITY, April 28 (PIA)—Construction at the New Bohol Airport for Sustainable Environment Project (Panglao Airport) may be suffering some 8.40 % variance from its planned accomplishment as of March 31, 2018, but Department of Transportation (DOTr) authorities said they can still make it in time for the August 2018 opening.
A report furnished by the DOTr to Bohol authorities showed that by March 31, DOTr should have seen an 88.61% accomplishment, but the contractors Chiyoda Mitsubishi Joint Ventures accomplished 81.21%, resulting to the slight variance.
But DOTr Panglao Airport Project manager Engr. Edgardo Mangalili said has seen worse.
At the beginning of the 2012 proposed P7, 440, 290, 000.00 project, there was so much negative slippage that contractors had to get their workers on overtime shifts to be able to beat the monthly timelines, Mangalili said.
The new airport project manager told Manila-based media during a recent updating and project presentation inside the project management office conference hall, new Panglao airport complex that the catch-up and crashed program of the project to keep up with the revised implementation schedule significantly cut the slippage and kept it up to date.
He added that the contractors are still willing to speed up the project despite an extended deadline for completion.
From the 2012 proposed plan, a change in scope of the initial project has significantly moved schedules.
From the initial runway length of two kilometres, a revised plan now included an additional 500 meters of runway, and an expanded Passenger Terminal Building that would now be a two-story building almost doubling up the floor space.
The plan revision, which the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) approved in September of 2016, now entails a bigger budget of P7, 773,000.
The project also stretches from 50.50 man-months starting from May 5, 2014 to 62.90 months, according to DOTr and its consultants: Japan Airport Consultants.
Originally set for completion by December 21, 2017, the revision moves the completion to June 2, 2018.
By March 31, 2018, Engr. Mangalili, in fact said that the contractors accomplished ahead in its civil works timeline, 2.9% more as its planned accomplishment for the period was pegged at 32.74.
To date, contractors have completed the 2.5 kilometer runway, two taxiways and the airport apron, Engr. Mangalili showed photos to prove his point.
From its building works, contractors have accomplished 28.50% even as they have accomplished the putting up of the 2nd layer of roofing for the Passenger Terminal Building as of now, the project engineer said.
The administration building and the control tower are on scheduled timelines and its Fire Rescue and Maintenance Building is also up.
For its utility works, the airport contractors have completed 5.35%, with a 1.5% setback from its planned accomplishment for the period.
The contractors have put up the power house, sewage treatment plant and its related structure as well as its material recovery facility.
And as the new airport would be a huge upgrade from the sunrise to sunset operations in Tagbilaran, Panglao airport would have air navigation and aeronautical ground lighting facilities, which are now installed and awaiting final testing, according to the project manager.
Up in place are the Very High Frequency Omni Directional Range Detection, Distance Measuring Equipment and counterpoise structures as well as its aeronautical ground lighting facilities.
Overall, DOTr thinks if the airport starts its operations by August 2018, the June 2 completion timetable affords them more than ample time to embellish the airport to make the grand inaugural flight on schedule. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
by admin | Apr 25, 2018 | Headlines
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will assist affected workers and displaced micro, small and medium entrepreneurs to lessen the impact of the the six-month closure order of Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.
DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said that the agency has identified initiatives to cushion the impact to workers and entrepreneurs of the island’s shutdown on April 26.
“We recognize the importance of Boracay Island to our local entrepreneurs there. However, we would also like to ensure that the island maintain its pristine condition, which is why we have identified programs that will help local entrepreneurs,” Maglaya said.
DTI, a member of the Working Group on employment and livelihood and the lead agency in the establishment of the Operations Center/ One-Stop Shop in Boracay Island, has identified activities that may provide workers alternative income and other alternative markets for the MSMEs.
While the island is closed to tourists, MSMEs selling to Boracay will be given the chance to continue their businesses as DTI identifies alternative market outlets in nearby resorts and Pasalubong Centers.
Aside from these, the DTI will launch the Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay and come up with trainings, coaching and mentoring on business opportunities, online marketing seminar, and micro loans through the Pondo para sa Pagbagago at Pag-asenso (P3), among others.
by admin | Apr 24, 2018 | DTI Updates, Headlines
MARIKINA – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez led the inauguration of the expanded Shared Service Facility (SSF) on high value custom-made footwear which features advanced technology and newly acquired state-of-the-art machineries in preparing customized footwear molds that would increase productivity of shoemakers.
“We need to equip our micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs with modern machineries that would increase productivity with lesser cost in order to revive the footwear industry. Marikina has always been known for their shoes. And if we come together, government, private sector, and Filipino shoemakers with their unique craftsmanship, we can easily sell our products here and abroad,” said Sec. Lopez.
The trade chief also encouraged government personnel to support and choose local footwear. Likewise, DTI will push for policies and programs to have government agencies purchase locally-made shoes as well as bags, example for public school children.
Meanwhile, Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro announced the city’s project to build a mall-type facility to feature all Filipino MSME products, specifically Marikina-made footwear.
DTI welcomed the proposed project and pledged its support to the local government through the Go Lokal! concept store.
“Having this kind of project will bring our efforts in marketing the products of our MSMEs to a higher level. From a pop up store to a mall of all-local and quality products will definitely help us strengthen the sector,” the trade chief said.
According to Sec. Lopez, the government will continue to support the footwear industry in a holistic manner through its 7Ms (Mindset change, Mastery, Mentoring, Market, Money, Machine, and Models) strategy.
“With our collective effort, we can make Marikina-made footwear known not just here in the Philippines. We will make our footwear compete globally,” said Sec. Lopez.
Aside from the expanded SSF, DTI also inaugurated the newly renovated and improved Philippine Footwear Academy building, which serves as a shoemaking skills training facility in Marikina.
Also present during the inauguration were Philippine Footwear Federation Inc (PFFI) President Lolito Lopez, PFFI Secretary General Roger Py, Philippine Chamber of Commerce Marikina President Jeanelle Lee, and DTI Assistant Secretaries Blesila Lantayona, Ameenah Fajardo, and Demphna Du-Naga
by admin | Apr 23, 2018 | Headlines, Photo Story
P3 LOANS TO BE ACCESSED THROUGH DIGITAL PLATFORM. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is partnering with FINTQnologies Corp. (FINTQ) through Lendr to provide a digital lending platform where micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can avail of the Pondo para sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) program. “President Rodrigo Duterte always seeks for ways to provide service and assistance to our micro entrepreneurs in the easiest and most accessible way as possible. That’s why DTI tied up with FINTQ to allow MSMEs to access P3 funds through the online platform Lendr,” said DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez. The government, through DTI’s attached agency Small Business Corporation (SBCorp), allocated Php 1 billion per year to fund the P3 program, which aims to assist MSMEs to grow their businesses through low-interest loans. Meanwhile, FINTQ will be conducting a financial literacy caravans in three pilot areas of P3 program, namely: Tacloban, Occidental Mindoro, and Sarangani. The caravan will also offer onsite loan application assistance for MSMEs. In the photo are (L to R) SBCorp President Ma. Luna Cacanando, DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya, Sec. Lopez, P3 loan beneficiaries Edgardo Waniwan, Angelyn Avila, and Judith Waniwan, Voyager Innovation President and CEO Orlando Vea, FINTQ Managing Director Lito Villanueva
