CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
Diversification: Encouraging diversification of crops can reduce the country’s heavy reliance on rice. Promoting other staple foods can enhance food security . Is there a need for this approach?
Today, I was feeling a bit feverish perhaps due to the very hot weather on a 70 Kilometer drive. Lunch was a needed respite to recharge and be ready for the task of teaching and even leading hundreds of faculty and employees.
The food that I have is Tinola, a generous Buraw-buraw in Bell Pepper and Chinese Pechay, however, there was no rice in the table. I was about to buy two cups of rice because the one cup of yesteryears is 2 cups nowadays. I ultimately decided against rice, I will consume the fish and the generous accompanying soup and its going to be just fine, I thought.
I was not mistaken, I feel okay and even full, no rice was consumed and I remember it may be a thing that I can be used to, no more rice diet.
Then I recall the news the other night, how rice was being used as a get rich scheme for the profiteers and hoarders . And how an agency is allegedly making millions due to the fact that they allegedly create practice that put the government in a disadvantage and the people, deprived of the staple food.
Here is a quick round up of web results about the Rice Situation on the country :
1. Rice Supply Situation:
o In December 2023 and January 2024, a total of 750,000 metric tons of imported rice arrived in the country 1.
o The country’s rice supply is currently sufficient through the first half of 2024, thanks to recent imports and the upcoming harvest that peaks in March and April 2.
o However, there are concerns about profiteers who may exploit the situation by hoarding rice supply and driving local prices unreasonably high 1.
2. Challenges and Hostage Situation:
o Rice is a staple food in the Philippines, and its importance cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, this overblown significance has allowed the rice sector to hold the rest of the country hostage to its short-term and short-sighted demands.
o The rice sector’s dysfunctional state has hindered progress in agricultural development, food security, and overall economic growth 3.
3. Potential Solutions:
o Transparency and Regulation: Stricter regulations and transparency measures are essential to prevent hoarding and price manipulation. Authorities should closely monitor rice supply chains and take action against profiteers.
o Diversification: Encouraging diversification of crops can reduce the country’s heavy reliance on rice. Promoting other staple foods can enhance food security.
o Investment in Agriculture: Investing in modernizing agriculture, improving irrigation systems, and supporting farmers can boost productivity and stabilize supply.
o Public Awareness: Educating the public about the importance of sustainable rice consumption and the need to avoid panic buying during shortages is crucial.
In all, I will go for alternatives to Rice, as it is even attributed to the high incidence of Diabetes and Hypertension. Perhaps, its time we unlearn the palate, hard but realizable . It can be healthier, too.!
ORMOC CITY– Residents of Sitio Bagacay, Barangay May Igot in Lapinig, Northern Samar were shaken by the discovery of a dead body approximately 30 meters away from the national road around 9:50 am on March 7.
The deceased, an unidentified male, was found wearing a white t-shirt and yellow shorts, adorned with a comic character tattoo on both arms.
Residents in the vicinity speculated that the victim might have been killed elsewhere and then dumped in the area. However, none of the locals could recognize or identify the individual.
Police reports indicated that the body was blindfolded, with evidence of dried blood on the head. The deceased was then transported to Gamay District Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Authorities further revealed that the victim was not a resident of Brgy. May Igot.
The local police urged anyone with information that could lead to the victim’s identification to come forward and assist in the investigation. (ROBERT DEJON)
CATARMAN, N. Samar– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Northern Samar First District Engineering Office (DEO) marked a significant milestone on March 1, 2024, with the inauguration of its newly-built Public Information Office (PIO), canteen, and drivers’ lounge.
The inauguration ceremony was led by District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio, showcasing the office’s commitment to enhancing public service and improving working conditions for its employees.
The newly-built facilities were designed to cater to the needs of both employees and the public.
The Public Information office (PIO) office aims to improve communication and transparency by providing a dedicated space for disseminating information about ongoing projects and initiatives,the canteen provides a comfortable dining area for employees, promoting a healthier work environment. Additionally, the drivers’ lounge offers a safe and convenient space for drivers to rest and wait for their assignments.
District Engineer Alvin Ignacio expressed his gratitude for the completion of these new facilities, emphasizing their importance in improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of DPWH-Northern Samar First DEO’s operations.
He also reiterated the department’s commitment to providing excellent public service and ensuring the welfare of its employees.
The event was marked by a spirit of celebration and optimism for the future as the DPWH – Northern Samar First DEO continues its commitment to serving the public with excellence and dedication.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by DPWH-Northern Samar First DEO key personnel and employees. (ANALIZA A. PABIA, PIO ALTERNATE/PR)
NSSDEO, Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, N. Samar– The Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSSDEO) has completed the construction of the Palapag Flood Control Structure and Drainage System, Palapag River Basin, Palapag, Northern Samar, and now has fortified the riverbank against future inflowing tide.
The DPWH allocated P57.5 million from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2023 for the project covering the construction of 255 lineal meters flood control structure (structural concrete revetment on steel sheet piles): a. Sta. 000+270 – Sta. 000+525. This project is under contract with MCU Construction with direct supervision of Engineer Carlos Paulo G. Perfecto as Project Engineer.
A flood control project is required as a protective measure to ensure that the deterioration and probable disturbances caused by flooding are prevented or minimized. Moreover, this project is designed to protect the lives, abode, and properties of those who reside in the lowlands.
“Sadto san waray pa ine nga project, sa evacuation gud pirme amon dalagan kay puro amon balay gin aapu, wakay, gin aanod, an amon mga pananom nagkakatumba.
Pagkahuman sa baha, pag-uuli namo saam balay, masighot, apu, wakay. Nagpapasalamat kami sine nga project sa Gobyerno tumikang san DPWH nga maupay na didi amon kamutangan nga dire na urog sin pagbaha”, said Antonio Bello, a resident near the project.
Through the collaboration of the people behind this project, it was completed ahead of its schedule. NSSDEO aims for flood control projects to help communities along the river become more resilient, and to create more flood-free municipalities in the future.
CATARMAN,Northern Samar-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Northern Samar First District Engineering Office recently held a Lenten Recollection on March 1, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the district office. The event aimed to provide a meaningful spiritual experience for its employees as the Lenten season approaches.
The Lenten Recollection was led by Bro. Ed Villacorte, a book author and head of the Center for Christ Leadership. Bro. Villacorte’s topic centered on the importance of faith, prayer, and reflection during Lent, encouraging employees to deepen their spiritual lives and embrace the values of compassion, forgiveness, and service to others.
The spiritual exercise provided employees with an opportunity to pause and reflect on their personal and professional lives, reminding them of the importance of balance and self-care. It also served as a time of fellowship, strengthening bonds among colleagues and promoting a sense of unity within the workplace.
DPWH Northern Samar 1st DEO recognizes the importance of supporting its employees’ spiritual well-being, acknowledging that a strong sense of faith and purpose can positively impact their work performance and overall quality of life.
District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio emphasized the significance of the Lenten Recollection, stating, “The Lenten Recollection reflects the organization’s commitment to holistic development of its members. It ensures that employees are not only equipped with the necessary skills for their jobs but are also nurtured spiritually and emotionally.”
The Recollection concluded with a meaningful and reflective experience for all participants, fostering a sense of spiritual renewal and unity among employees. (ANALIZA A.PABIA, PIO ALTERNATE/PR)
ORMOC CITY– A helper/mechanic from a local motorcycle shop is currently fighting for his life at the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Tacloban City after being shot by an unidentified gunman while on duty inside the shop at approximately 1:20 pm on March 6, in Poblacion District 2, La Paz, Leyte.
Based on the report of the local police, the victim, identified as Darryl Molon, 30, was working at Marticio Motorshop when the assailant, riding in a single motorcycle arrived at the scene.
The suspect, wearing a jacket, a closed helmet, and a baseball cap, lingered in front of the shop for some time.
Surveillance footage from the shop indicated that the suspect, positioned on his motorcycle, seemed to await the opportune moment to attack.
Subsequently, when the timing was deemed appropriate, the suspect ignited the motorcycle’s engine, brandished an unidentified caliber firearm, and fired two shots at the victim, striking him in the abdomen.
Fellow workers rushed the victim to the Rural Health Unit, but due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to the EVMC for urgent medical attention. Medical personnel attending to Molon have classified his condition as critical.
Despite the efforts of local authorities to pursue the suspect, they have yet to apprehend the perpetrator. (ROBERT DEJON)
Other than Rice; the need for us to unlearn that palate
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
Diversification: Encouraging diversification of crops can reduce the country’s heavy reliance on rice. Promoting other staple foods can enhance food security . Is there a need for this approach?
Today, I was feeling a bit feverish perhaps due to the very hot weather on a 70 Kilometer drive. Lunch was a needed respite to recharge and be ready for the task of teaching and even leading hundreds of faculty and employees.
The food that I have is Tinola, a generous Buraw-buraw in Bell Pepper and Chinese Pechay, however, there was no rice in the table. I was about to buy two cups of rice because the one cup of yesteryears is 2 cups nowadays. I ultimately decided against rice, I will consume the fish and the generous accompanying soup and its going to be just fine, I thought.
I was not mistaken, I feel okay and even full, no rice was consumed and I remember it may be a thing that I can be used to, no more rice diet.
Then I recall the news the other night, how rice was being used as a get rich scheme for the profiteers and hoarders . And how an agency is allegedly making millions due to the fact that they allegedly create practice that put the government in a disadvantage and the people, deprived of the staple food.
Here is a quick round up of web results about the Rice Situation on the country :
1. Rice Supply Situation:
o In December 2023 and January 2024, a total of 750,000 metric tons of imported rice arrived in the country 1.
o The country’s rice supply is currently sufficient through the first half of 2024, thanks to recent imports and the upcoming harvest that peaks in March and April 2.
o However, there are concerns about profiteers who may exploit the situation by hoarding rice supply and driving local prices unreasonably high 1.
2. Challenges and Hostage Situation:
o Rice is a staple food in the Philippines, and its importance cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, this overblown significance has allowed the rice sector to hold the rest of the country hostage to its short-term and short-sighted demands.
o The rice sector’s dysfunctional state has hindered progress in agricultural development, food security, and overall economic growth 3.
3. Potential Solutions:
o Transparency and Regulation: Stricter regulations and transparency measures are essential to prevent hoarding and price manipulation. Authorities should closely monitor rice supply chains and take action against profiteers.
o Diversification: Encouraging diversification of crops can reduce the country’s heavy reliance on rice. Promoting other staple foods can enhance food security.
o Investment in Agriculture: Investing in modernizing agriculture, improving irrigation systems, and supporting farmers can boost productivity and stabilize supply.
o Public Awareness: Educating the public about the importance of sustainable rice consumption and the need to avoid panic buying during shortages is crucial.
In all, I will go for alternatives to Rice, as it is even attributed to the high incidence of Diabetes and Hypertension. Perhaps, its time we unlearn the palate, hard but realizable . It can be healthier, too.!