MANILA - A study funded by The Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) that aims to help address stunting is expected to be completed by April 2023. The PCHRD has provided PHP12.3 million for the study that will use buffalo white cheese whey by-products as a potential source of high-value food supplement and show its growth-promoting effect. Stunting happens when a child develops a low height for their age, usually due to factors like malnutrition, repeated infections, or poor social stimulation. "Researchers are currently studying the profiles of oligosaccharide composition of various buffalo milk samples. Buffalo milk is rich in sialylated oligosaccharides which are linked to proper growth based on different studies," PCHRD Nutrition and Food Safety Program head Marianne Laya told the Philippine News Agency on Monday. DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Pena said the study will provide preliminary evidence on the
RABIES-FREE. The Department of Agriculture in Caraga declares a city and 12 municipalities in the region as rabies-free areas on Monday (April 4, 2022). Photo shows a vaccination activity in Butuan City, conducted by DA-13 during the culmination of Rabies Month on March 31, 2022. (Photo courtesy of DA-13) BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Agriculture in Caraga (DA-13) has declared 13 local government units (LGUs), including 12 island municipalities, rabies-free. Twelve of the rabies-free LGUs are island municipalities in the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands, and the other one is Bislig City in Surigao del Sur, Dr. Esther Cardeno, DA-13 anti-rabies coordinator, said Monday. Data provided by DA-13 also indicated that of Caraga's 234,239 dog population as of 2020, 96,211 have been inoculated with the anti-rabies vaccine. This translates to a meager 41 percent vaccination rate. "Our target is supposedly 70 percent, but unfortunately we were not able to hit it. This
ENVIRONMENTAL WARRIORS. Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Caraga Director Nonito Tamayo (left) leads the recognition of 17 personnel from Butuan City Police Office Station 2 in a ceremony conducted at the agency's office in Butuan City on Monday, April 4, 2022. The police personnel are recognized for supporting the implementation of environmental laws in the city. (Photo courtesy of DENR-13) BUTUAN CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Caraga (DENR-13) commended Monday 20 personnel of the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) Station 2 here for supporting the agency's anti-illegal logging campaign. DENR-13 Director Nonito Tamayo spearheaded the awarding in time with the opening salvo for the Month of the Planet Earth celebration at the agency's office in Barangay Ambago here. "The BCPO Station 2 was instrumental in the success of the two operations by assisting in the arrest and filing of complaints through inquest proceedings against t