KENYA FARMERS SET TO BENEFIT FROM USE OF HERMETIC STORAGE BAGS

Hellen Irungu, Farm Concern International (FCI) staff giving a Super Grain Bag (GrainPro Hermetic Bag) to Mr. Willy Bett, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.

NAIROBI, KENYA – Farmers were urged to use hermetic storage bags during the National Campaign on Hermetic Storage Technology Road Show. The event, a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, USAID’s Kenya Agricultural Value Chain Enterprises (KAVES), and the Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research Organization (KALRO), promoted hermetic technology use on November 16, 2016. The GrainPro® SuperGrainbag® (SGB) was one of the five hermetic innovations featured at the event.

“Reduction of post-harvest loss is an important strategy to ensure food and nutritional security and improve farmers’ incomes in a sustainable manner,” said Willy Bett, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture. 

The SGB is an Ultra Hermetic™ bag liner with extremely low permeability to air and moisture to stop infestation and inhibit the growth of aflatoxin-producing molds. It can safely preserve the quality of grains and seeds for more than a year without using harmful chemicals. The partners claimed that around three million bags could be saved from going to waste once farmers adopt the technology.

In 2014, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimated that about 30 percent of all food produced in Kenya goes to waste due to poor post harvest handling. “Reduction of post-harvest loss is an important strategy to ensure food and nutritional security and improve farmers’ incomes in a sustainable manner,” said Willy Bett, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture.

Besides preservation, hermetic bags can also help inhibit the growth of aflatoxins which can lead to debilitating diseases when consumed in large quantities, thus benefiting both farmers and consumers. To encourage its wide use, the partners are asking the Kenyan government to remove the 16 percent VAT charged on hermetic bags.

FOOD SECURITY REMAINS A PRIORITY IN WAR-TORN SOMALIA

 GALMUDUG, SOMALIA – Two Ultra Hermetic™ GrainPro® Self-Verifying Cocoons™ are preserving a blend of corn and soya flour in Somalia. The Cocoons are part of a development program that aims to alleviate the growing food problem in the war-torn country.

GrainPro’s Priscilla Mosigisi, Sales Manager, and Alinaitwe Justus, Customer Support Engineer, carried out a training of local staff on December 2, 2016. The training program included the installation of the 100MT and 150MT Cocoons. Logistical issues and exchanges of gunfire between government and rebel troops near the compound caused delays.

The ongoing civil war has an adverse effect on local food production. Despite efforts to improve food security in the country, the situation forces many to rely on food donations from international relief organizations. To preserve the quality of foreign aid, Cocoons are a cost-effective solution that prevents the exchange of air and moisture to safely control pests and inhibit the growth of aflatoxin-producing molds without using any harmful chemicals.

GrainPro is working actively with international organizations and the local community in Somalia to help reduce food losses and prevent aflatoxin poisoning. Its Cocoon™ is well-known among development organizations in the country as a viable solution to storage-related problems. Last year, GrainPro visited the capital city of Mogadishu where the team trained local officials and food producers how to use the SuperGrainbag® and GrainSafe Bag in the framework of a FAO funded project.

INDONESIA CONTINUES TO STEP UP RICE STORAGE WITH HERMETIC COCOONS™ JAKARTA, INDONESIA

The Indonesian Bureau of Logistics (BULOG) increased its hermetic storage capacity with the installation of six 150MT GrainPro Cocoons™ on December 2016 in the province of Lampung, and the cities of Yogyarta and Jakarta.

The installation is part of a nationwide initiative by BULOG -- a government-owned company that deals in food distribution and price control – designed to increase its rice storage capabilities and further enhance an already efficient warehousing practice. Despite the agency’s stern sanitary procedures and effective handling of rice in its facilities, pests and fungal growth continue to be a problem. 

Training also plays a crucial role in the success of this project. Engr. Alnor Limbo, GrainPro Customer Support Engineer, delivered technical seminars to BULOG managers, technical staff and high-ranking officials. The seminar included instructions on correct operation procedures, proper maintenance and addressed the concerns of the technical staff about hermetic storage.

The Cocoon uses an environment-friendly technology to safely preserve a wide variety of dry agricultural commodities for human and animal consumption. It’s an airtight and watertight solution that stops infestation and inhibits fungal contamination without using harmful chemicals.

Since the first Cocoons were tested in 2014, the agency has steadily increased its units to meet the rising demands for quality preservation that reflect their high standards. In total, 10 units are currently installed in BULOG facilities throughout Indonesia. They are also planning to add more in coming years for the storage of other food commodities.

The Troops Need Our Support

My father once told me that ‘the military is the noblest of all professions’. I still believe it so.


Recently, I had the rare opportunity to board the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar docked here in SBMA. Having been involved in the past with the Canadian Navy, this is one prospect I was very excited to be part of.


The tour gave me an opportunity to speak to our brave mariners. Over coffee served hospitably by the ship’s mess crew, stories of bravery and heroism poured out.


The ‘Goryo’ and his courageous crew did saw action last year against China in a standoff at the disputed Scarborough Shoal. Goryo scared away several Chinese fishing vessels in the island knowing that a fleet of Chinese Navy ships are close by for an encounter.


While that effort may have been nothing to some, it must have been a precarious position for a crew still learning to operate and navigate a relatively modern ship. With very little experience and limited training, the crew could have been easily overwhelmed given the fact that they are up against a formidable force just waiting for them to make the slightest mistake.


A ranking naval officer I interviewed told me that the crew was ‘the real heroes of the Philippine seas’. Their bravery and valor shall not go unappreciated. Thank you, guys.


The BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and his twin, the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, which was personally welcomed by President Aquino recently, were part of the Excess Defense Article program that we share with the United States. The vessels are free but the cost of transferring them, the upgrades, and other extras such as armaments are paid for by our government in its armed forces modernization initiative. Both are decommissioned U.S. Coast Guard cutter-class ships known for their ability to handle rough seas and remain on patrol for up to 30 days.


The Goryo looks good. Its slender frame makes it perfect for speed. The ship is equipped with both Diesel engines and gas turbine (jet) engines, which aligns with our ‘anti-nuclear’ energy policies. It has enough weapons and surveillance systems to matter. While there are still much needed improvements and upgrades, it is a good looking ship that will get us eventually to our ultimate goals.


Comparing them to Canadian ships I boarded like the HMCS Ville du Quebec and the HMCS Toronto, I can tell that the Goryo has a longer shape, it is quite roomy and moving around inside is not as hazardous (I’ve knocked my knees a few times on Canadian day tours climbing those stiff hatches). Its massive size shows American standards unlike the British-designed Canadian warships that are more compact.


As I was talking to the crew, I can tell the dedication and willingness of these brave men and women. They are, after all, the crème de la crème of our navy and their commitment to defend our nation is simply inspiring to say the least. However, the unfortunate realization that our navy lacked necessary tools, machineries and experience makes their noble mission a challenge.


Our navy never had equipment like these before. Aside from a few small patrol boats, the navy is in dire need of modernization. The arrival of these ships marks an exciting yet turbulent era when we are engaged in building a fleet to protect our borders – a fleet that we can all be proud of.

A ranking naval officer I interviewed told me that the crew was ‘the real heroes of the Philippine seas’. Their bravery and valor shall not go unappreciated. Thank you, guys.

As the crew hurriedly learns the ins and outs of these twin vessels, more upgrades are on the way. Six riverine patrol boats capable of shallow and open water deployment arrived recently for the Philippine

Marines to further buff up our maritime lineup. We are also expecting our first frigates by 2019. After that perhaps our first destroyer-class ships will arrive shortly.


It takes time to modernize the armed forces especially for a country going through major socio-economic changes such as ours. It takes funds and know-how and both of which are in limited supply. Funds are also needed to recruit the manpower for this undertaking. Knowing well these challenges, I feel that the acquisition of these cutters for the first phase of our naval modernization is ‘tactically’ and ‘strategically’ advantageous to us.


Based on the discussions, I concluded that there is a real need for schools, more outreach programs, and heightened recruitment. We need to strengthen our tactical, operations, and engineering schools that teach our naval recruits the specific courses they require for their respective naval trades.

To do this, I believe that we need to start outreach programs to get the support of our local politicians and leaders who will lobby for investing in these schools. Outreach programs could also expose our youths to potential careers in our navy.


Manning the seas and protecting our borders from potential foreign threats take courage. The brave men and women of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar are few in number, but proud. To me, they are real-life heroes who put their lives on the line as a sign that our nation will not be bullied; that we will fight for the integrity of our borders.


This experience to me was an eye opener. There are certain realities exposed in our talks about the sort of cold war we have with China. There are certain realities and limitations articulated about the current relations of our country with our allies. Some of these realities are good but for the bad ones, it’s just heartbreaking.


In the end, it is still down to us Filipinos to defend our nation. If that time comes, are we ready?



A Great Time at Tropical Bay

My kid recently celebrated his sixth birthday at the newly-opened Tropical Bay Restaurant along Magsaysay Rd. I’d like to say hi and thanks to Ms. Lailani V. Strickland, her kids and her friendly staff for taking care of us that night.


We had a marvelous time. I tried their U.S. porterhouse steak, my wife had the tilapia, and the kid feasted on chicken wings. The food was simply amazing!


The acoustic set they had playing perfectly complements the light atmosphere and the overall dining experience. Finally, I appreciate the thoughtful birthday cards the kids prepared for our son.


You guys are simply awesome and I look forward to coming back someday soon.


For those looking for a wholesome family venue, you can contact Tropical Bay Restaurant at (047) 223 7777.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a marketing and public relations executive for a multinational company.

Should We De-Filipinize Or Start Caring?

For years, we Filipinos have been viewed negatively by foreign eyes. We’ve suffered ethnic slurs, racial profiling and more.

During the different periods of our history, colonizers, in an effort to demoralize us, called us “indios,” “monkeys,” and “baka.” Translated, these slurs mean just about the same thing --- “idiots”.

Some still continue to call us names in recent years such as the time when someone relegated us as a nation of nannies. Accusations of ignorance, incivility and opportunism have somewhat turned Filipinos into cheap artists offering cheap labor.

We swallowed our pride and allowed ourselves to be the so-called “bitches” of other countries because of poverty. And yet, we are also to blame for our own misfortunes.

Political minds at play met undignified words with their brand of verbal retaliation and nothing more. While we hurrah their efforts, not much has changed. After two EDSA revolutions, we are still the same old country basking in our perennial triumph of being the next tiger economy of Asia that couldn’t seem to shrug off the word “next.”

But how can this country jump to the next level when it’s in such a mess?

Dan Brown’s recent novel, Inferno, was quick to point out that Manila is “the gates of hell.” While he did not lambast the Philippines entirely, Manila, for all practicalities sake, is the Philippines. It is our nation’s capital and the city that represents everything that is our country to the rest of world. To describe it as filthy and evil says an awful lot about us Filipinos.

Criticism should be a catalyst for change. It’s funny that we’ve been so negatively criticized and branded before but remain numb and unwilling to change our selfish ways.

I don’t like Manila or my country being branded the gates of hell no more than the next guy. And yet, urbanization anywhere here leaves a trail of garbage and corruption unimaginable. And so, I would be a hypocrite not to agree that somewhere in this country, hell has an office.

Am I angry at Dan Brown? No. Am I angry with my fellow Filipinos? Not really. I’m just disappointed and amazed that despite years of negative branding, we’ve continued to tolerate the same. We haven’t grown, we got stunted.

But why would Mr. Brown call us that? For the uninitiated foreigner who enjoys a higher standard and quality of life, our country might as well be the gateway to hell.

The stench of rot, defecation and piss that greets you in Manila is probably as putrid as hell itself. Sadly, that’s just the first thing one has to face if they wish to acclimate themselves to our country.

I’ve had the opportunity to live in Canada for over a decade as a federal government public servant. I travelled to the U.S., visited Australia, and crossed the pond to Europe. Unfortunately, the Philippines is a far cry from the places I’ve seen.

I always had high hopes that there’ll be changes in our beloved country. But not much really happened. We are still a desperate nation ruled by selfish people who only want to enrich themselves. There’s poverty, corruption and kids who are undisciplined. Our nation’s future is secured. We will dejectedly endure more of the same.

Rich countries are prosperous for a reason. There are probably a hundred reasons why they’ve become powerful. I won’t elaborate on that. All I can say is that their leaders and their citizens are truly concerned and genuinely care in protecting their nation’s best interests. Unhindered by religious dogmas, they change constantly…for the better.

One example I observed is that they don’t mind the mess inside their homes but they freak out when someone throws garbage on the street when it’s not collection day. We Filipinos work the other way around. We are clean inside our homes but we are apathetic to anything outside of it.

We are a nation who is more interested in the cultures of other. Some foreigners even questioned our identity and authenticity citing our ability to embrace foreign cultures better than we do with our own. Thanks to our fascination to foreign media, we became culturally-savvy. And yet, we fail pick-up the very virtues that made them so great.

Nothing is wrong with taking inspiration from others or from going abroad to work. I did it and I think it was one of the greatest learning experiences of my life. And like most expatriates, I’d rather be here. But you can’t buy in completely to that notion when you see how our country is being panhandled.

We are a paradox. Despite our better points, we prefer to put the bad ones out on display. If that’s the case, then why are we so offended of being viewed so negatively? How do we expect foreigners to love our country when we ourselves can’t even stand it?

In my experience, Filipinos who go to these beautiful countries tend to adjust and abide by their rules. It stupefies me that we can’t muster any effort to do that here.

Truth hurts. It always does. But we’ve only resorted to countering with words. Too much talk, not much work. If we wish to be competitive, we have to take action.

Negative reactions will not change how the world sees us. We have to change how we think and start really caring if we want to gain the respects of outsiders. We can’t ride the coat tails of other Filipinos who became successful internationally. We have to do it collectively or risk sharing the downfall.

As for Mr. Brown, I think we should be thankful he pointed out our faults. He should even be commended. I haven’t read the book but I’m interested. I want to know how others view us as a people. And maybe everyone should have the same opinion on the matter.

Criticism should be a catalyst for change. It’s funny that we’ve been so negatively criticized and branded before but remain numb and unwilling to change our selfish ways.

Just my two cents…

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

Taxpayers Fund Inadequate Care

The care for our seniors is an equally important concern faced by many each year. Cases of neglect towards society are oldest and most vulnerable citizens are taken seriously by the law. Nursing home neglect cases often go unreported because most elders are less likely to complain. Many of these unreported cases only become known when the problem escalates to the patient’s death.

 

Despite the government’s efforts to crack down on unreliable and abusive service providers, cases are still rampant. Unfortunately for us taxpayers, it is our money that funds these almost sinister operations of abuse and neglect.

 

A nationwide study conducted in 2009 and released recently by the Department of Health and Human Services found that $5.1 billion in taxpayers’ monies was paid by Medicare to inadequate nursing homes that were not meeting the most basic of the national standards in caring for senior patients. The study also reported that one out of every three patients wound up in these shady nursing homes.

 

While Medicare is not purely to blame for the figures, it does raise questions about who it hands money to and how the system actually implements existing laws on the matter. Elderly patients in need of daily supervision from nurses and therapists are typically sent to caregiver facilities. These facilities are later reimbursed for services provided through Medicare.

 

Law requires nursing homes to draft specific care plans for each of their patients. Such will make staff and concerned medical professionals to be on the same page in providing the most accurate and highest level of medical care for each patient.

 

Although most cases reported were regarding poor services, other homes are criticized for over-servicing because it can get reimbursed more from the government. The report recommends that any payments should be tied up to the quality of services provided and that concerned agencies strengthen regulations.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

 

Tags: Nursing home care abuse and negligence, misdiagnoses and medical malpractice, taxpayers fund inadequacy in nursing homes, medicare paid billions

Sabah: Failures of the "Straight Path"

Sultan of Sulu Jamalul Kiram III

The Sabah incident couldn't have happened at a better time. Smack dab in the middle of an election campaign, the Sulu Sultanate decided to address their claim of the Northern Borneo territory with the belief that discussions can be achieved. Unfortunately, against a stubborn foe, force of arms is necessary. Thus, we have a dilemma, a paradox in international diplomatic affairs that should test the nation's resolve through our leaders.

I join the millions of Filipinos here and abroad who are upset with President Benigno Aquino III over his arrogant stance on the disputed territory and his threathening reaction viewed on national television against the Sultan of Sulu and Sabah whose loyal followers are in Malaysia staking their claims on what they believe was theirs in the first place.

I am upset that other than President Ferdinand Marcos, no president have ever addressed our claims in Sabah and now that the Sultan himself took matters onto his own hands, the leadership of this poor country has the nerve to demonisize these people's noble and heroic efforts, politicizing the situation rather than taking real measures that will protect not just these patriots but also our national pride and dignity on international matters.Our President should have addressed the situation directly with the Malaysians and the U.N. instead of lambasting our compatriots.

The fact is Sabah was forgotten. It resurfaced amidst Chinese bullying over the Spratlys and the Kalayaan Islands. Despite letters from the sultanate that, according to our great president, was not received, this administration continued to arrogantly undermine popular opinion on the matter and turned a blind eye on the situation altogether. It is sad that in our puny efforts to drive the Chinese away from our disputed territories, we kissed Malaysian behind to gain favor. And for what? So that more Filipinos can illegally migrate to Malaysia to be abused in squalor. Why are we so eager to please them when they became massively richer in part because of us in the first place.

Douche?

I resent all of this. I really do. And I am disappointed with this administration. I realized that as a Filipino, I am easily expendable in international matters. Afterall, if a group of Filipinos with a valid plea is being threatened by this government, than what of me then? That I, a simple person, does not have my government's backing; that my government is not willing to encourage me, support me, and defend me, from both our nation's enemys and allies. I resent that I am, by law, virtually an isolated island in a nation that is home to millions who are like me, an island, much like this God-forsaken island country.

I will not talk on details about what's going on in Sabah, nor the background behind it. there are too many news and scholarly articles on the subject on the internet. All I can say is that I am ridiculously annoyed and unamused of this situation. To think that the administration's senatorial candidates speak of the "matuwid na daan" or the straight path to governance when obviously, this administration flubbed its one chance of greatness by being a stubborn and arrogant kitten in a game of lions and bears. Matuwid na daan? Let that road be all yours Mr. President, by all means. If that straight path is mired by hypocrisy then we don't need it. This country has seen bullshit far too many times already and that path is a lonely route to doom.

We as Filipinos now have no claims over the disputed land. I wish the Sultanate actually succeeds in their struggle, that they manage, by some miracle, drive away the Malaysians, and claim Sabah as an independent nation under their Sultanate.  I wish them well. They'll be better off on their own than with us.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

Tags: Sultanate of Sulu and Sabah, President Benigno Aquino III, matuwid na daan

Fired Over Obama

A person’s political affiliation shouldn’t be a ground for termination. Yet, there are still cases wherein employers will coerce employees to vote for a candidate they believe is good for their business. The act of impairing an employee’s career over political disagreements is considered wrong and inappropriate.

Two hours from Columbia, in Dayton, a defense contractor and its president is being named in a wrongful termination lawsuit. A woman was fired for voting for President Barack Obama in the recently concluded presidential elections. The President favors policies that discourage or lowers government spending on defense.

The lawsuit claims that the company’s president threatened to terminate employees if Obama gets re-elected and that supporters would be fired first. It also claims that the woman is paid $12 an hour with no overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a week and is not exempt from overtime pay requirements under the Fair Labor Standards.

The plaintiff’s voting preference came up in a conversation after the election. She was fired not soon after. Company spokesperson is claiming that her termination was in the company’s best interest citing uncertainties in defense spending. The current administration is looking to make huge cuts in the federal budget as part of its efforts to save the economy from deficits.

Experts argue that the case is pitting at-will termination employment against the Ohio Revised Code 3599 which protects employees from employer intimidation and retaliation, especially those that involve elections. If won, the case may incite lawmakers to consider new employment law legislation. The employee still has to prove that she was not fired due to economic reasons.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Honours Diploma from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

Tags: wrongful termination lawsuit, President Barack Obama, Ohio Revised Code 3599, Fair Labor Standards