Potato program changes lives of Davao and Bukidnon farmers

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It is true that to plant a seed is to believe in a better tomorrow. 

Potato farmer Alan Regino of Sitio Gappang in Barangay Alegre, Davao Del Sur recounted that when he first received potato seeds from Universal Robina Corporation’s (URC) Sustainable Potato Program, he made P280,000 from his first harvest in 2019. The following year, he earned P170,000. The consistent stream of income allowed him to save up for his family’s needs.

URC and the Department of Agriculture provided 27 tonnes of potato seedlings

 to farmer beneficiaries in Davao.

“Dati, mababa lang ang produksyon ng patatas namin kaya hindi sya sapat sa amin. Malaki ang naitulong ng URC at DA dahil kumita ako at nakapagpagawa ng bahay (Before, the potato production was very low, so it wasn’t enough for our needs. URC and DA helped me a lot because I was able to earn money and build a house),” Alan said.

Alan is just one of many farmers who have reaped the benefits from URC’s Sustainable Potato Program. First initiated in 2018 to complement the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), the program provides farmers access to quality potato seeds, training, research, and development in order to aid them in enriching their livelihood.

Last March, URC and DA representatives visited various barangays in Davao Del Sur and Bukidnon to distribute 27 metric tons of granola table potatoes to over 200 farmer beneficiaries.

Previously, URC and DA provided assistance to potato farmers in Benguet and Lanao Del Norte.

A Davaoeño farmer happily takes home a sack of potato seedlings from URC’s Sustainable Potato Program to plant in their garden lot.

A bright future for potato farmers

Before the Sustainable Potato Program offered its assistance, the farmers from Davao and Bukidnon struggled to grow good quality potatoes and other crops. A lot of times, they said, the potato seeds were “prone to sickness,” which greatly affected their overall yield and earnings.

Ricky Monterde from the Cawayan Farmers Association in Bukidnon said that high-quality potato seedlings greatly improved their harvests. This sentiment was echoed by Rex Nawasca, a farmer and member of the Gappang Alegre Potato Farmers Association in Davao Del Sur, who said, “Nung dumating ang binhi ng URC, madaming nagbago sa aming buhay (When we received potato seeds from URC, a lot changed in our lives).”

Nawasca added that he was able to buy a motorcycle, and also saw his colleagues purchase their own vehicles from what they earned from potato farming.

Meanwhile, another farmer from the Imbayao Community Participatory Action Research Association (ICPARA) in Bukidnon shared, “Nakabili ako ng lupa, at nakapagawa ng bahay at garden para sa mga tanim namin.” (I was able to buy a lot, and build a house and a garden, where we can plant more crops.)

Members of Bukidnon’s farmers associations receive a truck full of potato seedlings from URC’s Sustainable Potato Program and the Department of Agriculture.

Former office employees like Noel Padrones of the Kapatagan Upland Farmers Association (KUFA) in Digos City also turned to potato farming to make ends meet. Apart from himself, he’s seen firsthand how fellow farmers achieved a better life and financial growth.

“We’re happy with the Sustainable Potato Program because we can really see how it improved the lives of farmers,” said Melani Provido, DA representative of Alegre Vegetables and Arabica Growers Association, Mt. Apo Potato Farmers Association (in Balutakay, Davao Del Sur) and Highlight Farmers Agriculture Cooperation (in Kapatagan, Lanao Del Norte).

“When the pandemic hit, the program gave them jobs and money to feed their families. Now, they have their own vehicles, houses, and school tuition for their children,” she added.

Aside from enabling farmers to harvest quality produce for consumers, URC’s Sustainable Potato Program continuously helps Filipino farmers provide for their families. The program is part of the company’s move towards becoming a global sustainable organization in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

As the Philippines strives to improve the agricultural sector, this program, and others like it, is a step towards making food security and fruitful opportunities in farming more accessible to Filipinos.

Ebe Dancel to headline first major concert in Cebu City

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The highly anticipated show will feature a career-spanning set from the artist, as well as the big screen debut of ‘Sa Wakas’ documentary

Cebu City, Philippines – Filipino singer-songwriter Ebe Dancel will be staging his first major concert in Cebu on August 5, 2023 (Saturday), from 7pm onwards, at the Pacific Grand Ballroom in the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Presented by GNN Entertainment Productions and Artist Ko Multi-purpose Cooperative, in partnership with Balcony Entertainment, Ebe Dancel Live In Cebu will feature his career-spanning work as a solo artist and as the frontman of the iconic pop-rock band Sugarfree.

“Ebe Dancel's first major concert in Cebu is long overdue,” Artist Ko Multi-purpose Cooperative Vice Chairman Jude Gitamondoc shares in a press statement. “Ebe has a lot of solid fans in the Visayas, and we want them to experience Ebe's artistry closer to home. Cebuanos love Ebe because he is authentic. His songs have grit, intellect, and integrity, the stuff we expect and value in our own artists. We can't wait for Cebuanos to experience all that in the flesh come August 5.”

Best known as the proponent and organizer of Vispop, the songwriting campaign that brought Bisaya music into the mainstream, Artist Ko will be teaming up with concert promoter GNN Entertainment Productions to mark an auspicious start for a meaningful partnership in the live music scene and bring more engaging events to Cebu in the near future.

Gitamondoc adds, “Part of that success was our sensitivity to the Cebuano audience—what they like to hear, what they are drawn to. Cebu is not just a city. It is a community with a strong identity and a lot of shared values. So when GNN Entertainment Productions approached us to partner with them for this event, that signalled to us their commitment to be respectful to the community.”

Aside from Ebe Dancel’s headlining set, the highly anticipated show will also mark the big-screen debut of the Sa Wakas documentary, which was shot and produced early this year to mark the 20th anniversary of the landmark album. Its director, producer, and creator Cyrian Agujo, will be attending and presenting the film for the first time to the Cebu audience.

Guest performances from Manila and Cebu acts will also be revealed in the coming days/weeks, with the latter being specifically handpicked by Ebe Dancel himself.

With critically acclaimed albums, sold-out concerts, and chart-topping songs under his belt, Ebe Dancel has established himself as one of the biggest pop/rock crossovers of the last two decades.

His biggest hits include "Huwag Ka Nang Umiyak," "Hari Ng Sablay," "Mariposa," "Burn Out," "Tulog Na," "Prom," "Telepono," "Cuida," "Bawat Daan," and more!

Tickets to Ebe Dancel Live In Cebu are available for purchase starting June 14, 2023 (Wednesday) at 6pm via bit.ly/ebexcebu.

Save for the rainy day with Mr. Hat Gulaman - Make jelly and earn extra

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Looking for new ways to earn extra, and tucking in some savings for the rainy day? 

Many of us are faced with the challenge of stretching our hard-earned money, as we are faced with rising cost of living and higher prices of goods and services. For teenagers who wish to augment their allowances, part time jobs are usually their first option. But what if they need to babysit younger siblings while parents are at work?  Or what if they need to study for an exam? For senior citizens who wish to find stuff to do to alleviate boredom and still earn on the side, what are the options?

Why not tap Mr. Hat Gulaman and make and sell made-to-order jelly? It is fun and easy to make, Mr. Hat Gulaman jelly powder and other ingredients are inexpensive, it is affordable for most households, and most of all, it is delicious. Jelly is everyone’s comfort food and traditional party food. It could also be an everyday meryenda or sweet ending to lunch, baon or dinner.

Food is always something everyone needs. For busy families, happy food such as a colorful jelly on the table can lift moods and put smiles on their faces. The humble jelly or gulaman is a happy dessert that will always be welcomed on Filipinos’ tables.

Teenagers and their lolos and lolas can bond over this home-based “business.” While earning pocket money and adding to their savings, they also get to make memories that they will treasure for the rest of their lives. Plus, lolos and lolas can pass on their traditional jelly recipes to their teenage apos. Or they can check out meryenda recipes on the Mr. Hat Gulaman website https://seanlucinc.com/recipes/?category=mr-hat-gulaman and make them together.

Bonding and earning over Mr. Hat Gulaman jelly desserts

The first and third generation can learn from each other with their joint made-to-order jelly side business. Teenage apos, for example, can lead the “branding” and “marketing” side of their “business” through social media posts or messages to their target “markets” - relatives, neighbors, classmates, friends, parents’ co-workers.

The first generation - lolos and lolas - meanwhile, can supervise the “production” side. This include choosing ingredients such as Mr. Hat Gulaman’s various flavors, making gulaman following traditional recipes everyone grew up with or following Mr. Hat Gulaman’s recipes, and making sure every dessert is made with love, care and proper hygiene.

Both can come up with the initial capital, work on the packaging, pricing, and delivery.

Taste test using Mr. Hat Gulaman

Now it’s time to let people know of your side business! Make gulaman and bring some to your target market and have them taste your products. Take nice photos of the yummy meryenda and eye-popping, colorful desserts and post them online as well! Post photos and videos of lolos, lolas and apos making the gulaman, too.

What are the favorite gulaman meryenda and desserts we all love? Some love plain, wiggly jelly in different flavors and colors. Some love cathedral window jelly or gulaman made with milk and colorful jellies. Some love gulaman made with fruits in season. Some like gulaman with coffee flavor. Crema de fruta and jelly pudding are also all-time favorites.

Mr. Hat Gulaman jelly powder flavors include buko pandan, mango, orange, lychee, strawberry, grape and coffee. Mr. Hat Gulaman’s unflavored gulaman comes in black, orange, yellow, white, red and green colors.

Bring some gummies in different shapes, themes, colors and flavors for everyone to try. These are perfect office snacks to nibble on, fun baon for kids, and even party favors.

Go with Mr. Hat Gulaman

To ensure quality, pick Mr. Hat Gulaman as your primary ingredient for your made-to-order jellies, flans, puddings and gummies.

Mr. Hat Gulaman is a product of Philippine-based food and beverage company Seanluc, Inc. Its jelly powder is made from the finest natural seaweed extract and a unique blend of carrageenan, sugar, flavorings and colorings. Carrageenan is a type of seaweed-derived ingredient that is commonly used as a gelling agent in food products.

Purchase Mr. Hat Gulaman at Lazada, Shopee and other retail stores nationwide.

For more updates and details, visit the Mr. Hat Gulaman Website. Follow Mr. Hat Gulaman on TikTok and Facebook.

PAL: NAIA T1 for International, NAIA T2 for Domestic Flights starting June 16

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Starting June 16, 2023, all Philippine Airlines international flights will operate at Manila Airport's NAIA Terminal 1 while all Philippine Airlines domestic flights will remain at NAIA Terminal 2.

Passengers are encouraged to arrive at least four (4) hours before their international flight and three (3) hours for their domestic flights. Doing so will give travelers enough time for immigration and security checks.

PAL allows early check in for international passengers in NAIA Terminal 1 and domestic passengers in NAIA Terminal 2.

Travelers to and from the Philippines are required to register through the E-Travel portal (https://etravel.gov.ph) within seventy-two (72) hours prior to their scheduled time of arrival in or departure from the Philippines.

For arrivals in the Philippines, Filipinos and foreign nationals are required to register on the E-Travel portal. For departures from the Philippines, only Filipino nationals are required to register.

For travel reminders, please visit https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/before-you-fly/at-the-airport/pal-airport-terminal-international.

OMRON’s Latest Data Review Shows the Efficacy of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring for Reducing Risk of Stroke

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A new data review, conducted by OMRON Healthcare Singapore, has revealed that monitoring blood pressure at home can help in reducing risk of brain stroke. According to the review, people who monitor their blood pressure at home are more likely to detect and manage hypertension - one of the leading causes of stroke.

Constant home blood pressure monitoring is vital for preventing the risks of hypertension and stroke.

The review is based on an active user base of around 340 people, and more than 43,000 blood pressure readings across Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam over the period from November 2021 to October 2022.This base consists of users who are regularly using OMRON Bluetooth-connected digital BP monitoring device and tracking their blood pressure with the OMRON connect app, as well as OMRON’s Health Gift program within the app.

The monitoring and analysis of their readings over the pre- and post-registration period (3 months before, and the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th month) reveals average Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) improvement of 10mmHg among hypertensive people with a baseline SBP of 135mmHg and above, within 12 months. The study also shows that 80% of this group of users were able to control their blood pressure, with 55% achieving normal SBP by the 12th month of tracking.

Various international trials on blood pressure lowering and stroke prevention state that for every 5 mm Hg decrease in SBP, the expected risk reduction of stroke and heart attack incidence and mortality was 18% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12-24%) in individuals younger than 55 years, 9% (5-12%) in those aged 55-74 years, 9% (4-13%) in those aged 75-84 years, and 1% (-13; +12) in those aged 85 years and older.

Thus, the data review reiterates that home blood pressure monitoring and tracking with the help of an app help in identifying abnormal changes in blood pressure. If the changes are addressed and managed with the help of physicians, before they become severe, it can be an effective support for stroke prevention, especially among people who have a family history of hypertension or stroke.

“I believe that monitoring of blood pressure at home is an essential aspect of controlling hypertension and managing co-morbidities like stroke, heart attack, and dementia. Regular monitoring aided by accurate digital devices allows for early detection of potential health issues and empowers patients to take control of their own health by making informed decisions under the guidance of their physicians. It's important to incorporate monitoring in your daily regime to achieve optimal health and prevent potential complications in the long run," said Valery Feigin, Professor of Neurology & Epidemiology and Director of NISAN.

OMRON Healthcare, one of the leading players in home healthcare monitoring, has been at the forefront of promoting the importance of home blood pressure monitoring. The company has been developing innovative, connected, and affordable digital blood pressure monitoring devices that are being used by people across Asia Pacific to monitor their blood pressure at home. This year, the company celebrated the 50th anniversary of the launch of blood pressure monitors, and will continue to work towards its vision of contributing towards “zero cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease (zero events)” around the world.

"Digital home blood pressure monitoring is a game-changer in the fight against stroke. It starts with managing hypertension — stroke’s biggest risk factor," says Yusuke Kato, General Manager, OMRON Healthcare Philippines. "Our devices are connected, accurate, and user-friendly, making it easy for people to monitor their blood pressure regularly and also keep their physicians and caregivers easily informed with the help of the OMRON connect app. This enables them to take more effective and timely decisions, rendering better management of their health and leading to fewer unexpected health events. Thus, helping us to drive our vision of “Going for Zero” events,” he added.

The added rewards to users via OMRON Health Gift program are recognized by the company as an effective tool to motivate users in building and keeping up a healthy habit of regular blood pressure monitoring.

Reports highlight that hypertension is the most powerful modifiable risk factors for stroke, heart attack, and dementia; lowering blood pressure substantially reduces the risk of morbidity and mortality. However, it continues to pose a significant burden in Asia, with poor awareness and undertreatment reported in many Asian countries and regions. It is estimated to cause nearly 3.7 million deaths each year in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania. Considering the asymptomatic nature of hypertension and the significant disease burden, it is essential to measure blood pressure regularly. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is recognized as a valuable tool to monitor blood pressure and facilitate effective detection of hypertension. Combined with the right drugs treatment, it can play a significant role in preventing stroke, heart attacks, and dementia.

To this end, OMRON has joined the mission to promote blood pressure screening through device donations via the May Measurement Month program. Since 2017, OMRON has donated approximately 23,000 units of blood pressure monitors to various medical associations of hypertension globally, to support screening and diagnosis.

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About OMRON Healthcare

Committed to helping people live more active and fulfilling lives, OMRON Healthcare is a global leader in the field of clinically proven, innovative medical equipment for health monitoring and therapy. Throughout its history, OMRON Healthcare has been striving to improve lives and contribute to a better society by developing innovations that help people prevent, treat and manage their medical conditions, both at home and in clinical practice in over 110 countries.

The OMRON Healthcare Group, headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, provides World’s No.1 blood pressure monitors (Global Home Appliance Market Comprehensive Survey 2023 by Fuji Keizai Co., Ltd.(2019)). The company’s additional core product categories are respiratory care, pain management devices, and wellness products. It also develops and activates remote patient monitoring service in the field of cardiovascular condition management.

Website: https://www.omronhealthcare-ap.com/sg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omronhealthcare.sg/