BFAR allocates P42M for 15 CFLCs in Davao Region in 2016.

MATI CITY– The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has allocated P42M for the establishment of at least 15 Community Fish Landing Center (CFLCs) in the Davao Region for  2016.

“The CFLCs will be established in strategic areas nationwide particularly in fisherfolk communities with high poverty incidence with the goal of promoting inclusive growth in one of the country’s poorest sector,” BFAR Davao Region Director Fatma Idris said.

The CFLC, which aims to reduce post-harvest losses in the fisheries sector to 18% from the present 25% is part of BFAR’s umbrella program known as Targeted Actions to Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Transformation (TARGET). Among the three programs under TARGET are the fisherfolk registration, Boat Registration and the CFLC.

Fishermen usually bring their abundant fish catch along the shores and make use of what’s available including large stones to cut the fish before selling them to the community.This practice is however far from ideal under Republic Act 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013 which was enacted to strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country to protect consumer health and facilitate market access of local foods and food products.

But with the establishment of the CFLC will allow the fisherfolk to bring their fish harvest in a clean facility where the fish will be kept clean and fresh.

The Center will be equipped with 10 stainless steel tables and two chest freezers to ensure that the fish harvest is properly preserved so the fisherfolk can sell them at a higher price.

The CFLC in Mati City is the first in the Davao Region. It has a construction cost of P2.85 Million. Four more CFLCs in the region are undergoing construction in Lupon, Banaybanay, Boston and Governor Generoso all in Davao Oriental but this one will be a model CFLC for all. Two CFLCs were turned over to two municipalities in Oriental Mindoro last month.

Up to 252 CFLCs all over the country have been included in last year’s budget and majority are in the construction stage. Up to 271 more Centers will be built this year and almost the same number by 2017 to achieve BFAR’s target of putting up CFLCs in strategic areas along the 928 coastal cities and municipalities across the country including the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

877 police officers officially sent off for election duties in Davao Region

A total of 877 police officers from the Philippine National Police Regional Office were officially sent off last October 24 for their election duties in the different provinces of the region.  

“I am convinced you are mentally and physically fit to do your job and keep this barangay election safe, credible and peaceful,”PNP XI Regional Director Police Chief Supt. Wency T. Pascual said.

Out of the total, 102 will be deployed to Davao Oriental, 145 to Compostela Valley, 124 to Davao del Norte, 239 to Davao City, 75 to Davao del Sur and 166 to Regional headquarters.

“You are faced with a big challenge as you are expected to perform your task with utmost competence and dedication,” he said.

Pascual reminded the deployed police officers to “be apolitical, walang kinikilingan na kandidato” so that they can ensure an honest, peaceful and credible election on October 28, 2013

DOH intensifies campaign with rise in Reg.XI dengue cases

The number of dengue cases in the Davao Region has increased from 5,900 in 2012 to 6,937 as of August 3, 2013 prompting the Department of Health (DOH) XI to intensify its campaign versus dengue.

“We may have a higher rate of dengue this year but we have less mortality this year compared to the previous year,” DOH Health Advocacy and Promotion Cluster officer-in-charge Divine Hilario said during Monday’s Kapihan held at SM City Annex.

A total of 63 persons died from dengue last year but this was reduced to only 47 this year, Hilario said.

Dengue is still on top of the Department’s priority list and they are intensifying their campaign again dengue. They have also enhanced the 4 o’clock habit to encourage people to clean their surroundings.

“It should not be taken literally that people should clean only when the clock strike but this is just a reminder to the people keep their surroundings clean,” she said.

Almost 50 percent of this year’s dengue cases were reported in Davao City with 3,822 cases and 23 dead. Like the past years, she said, Buhangin is still a hotspot maybe because it has a larger area of coverage.

Hilario said the following dengue cases were also reported: Davao del Sur with 932 cases and 12 dead, Compostela Valley with 846 cases and 7 dead, Davao Oriental with 736 with 2 dead and in Davao del Norte with 601 cases with 3 dead.

She said that while dengue and chikungunya are both mosquito-borne illnesses, people should watch out for dengue as it is more deadly. Both illnesses have the same vector mosquito and have the same symptoms though, she added.

“The bad thing about chikungunya is that it can last longer for a month or two—some people even suffer from arthritic pain caused by this illness for two years,” she said. However, she added, people can be inflicted with chikungunya only once but dengue can inflict them many times since there are four strains of dengue.(