Interactions among Micronutrient Deficiencies and Undernutrition in the Philippines

Data gathered from the 1987 National Nutrition Survey in the Philippines provided the opportunity to study the interactions among micronutrient deficiencies and undernutrition in different age groups as basis for program targeting. A randomly selected set of 50% of the households (3,200) covered by the national survey served as source of subjects. Results showed that there was a greater proportion of anemia among the undernourished (as judged by weight for age in children and weight for height in adults) (66.0%)than among the adequately nourished (54.6%) (P <0.01 ). However, the observed differencesin the proportion of serum vitamin A deficiency and of goiter among the undernourished compared to the adequately nourished were not significant. Also not significant were the observed higher prevalence of anemia among subjects with acceptable serum vitamin A levels for both adequately nourished and undernourished, and the higher prevalence of vitamin A deficiency among the non-anemics. Again there were no significant differences in the prevalence of anemia among goitrous and non-goitrous subjects, as well as the prevalence of goiter among anemic and non-anemic subjects. Neither were there significant differences in the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency among goitrous and non-goitrous subjects, but there were significant differences in the prevalence of goiter among vitamin A deficient and non-vitamin A defjcient subjects among the 7-14 years old and among pregnant and lactating women.The study concludes that at the national level, there is apparently an interaction between anemia and protein-energy undernutrition and possibly also between goiter and vitamin A deficiency in the high-risk age groups, but between anemia on the one hand and goiter and vitamin A deficiency in the other, perhaps because of clustering in the latter conditions not found in anemia and general undernutrition. These findings may be useful in targeting communities with high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies by using prevalence of underweight and goiter as indicators for high prevalence of anemia and vitamin A deficiency, respectively

Any alternatives to rice? Ethnobotanical insights into the dietary use of edible plants by the Higaonon tribe in Bukidnon Province, the Philippines

Though considered an agricultural country,the Philippines is the world’s largest importer of rice.The persistent problem of insufficient rice supply,however,has been exacerbated by economic crises and natural calamities.Yet,for the Higaonon tribe in Bukidnon Province,the Philippines,the rich agrobiodiversity and wild edible plants are vital for food security and resilience since the mountainous terrain in this province presents a challenge for rice cultivation.To gain insight from the indigenous edible plant knowledge of the Higaonon tribe,we conducted an ethnobotanical research to document the diversity,utilization,and biocultural refugia of both cultivated and wild edible plants.A total of 76 edible plant species belonging to 62 genera and 36 botanical families were documented.The most represented botanical families included the Fabaceae,Solanaceae,and Zingiberaceae.In terms of dietary usage,3 species were categorized as cereals;8 species were white roots,tubers,and plantains;3 species were vitamin A-rich vegetables and tubers;16 species were green leafy vegetables;12 species were categorized as other vegetables;2 species were vitamin A-rich fruits;27 species were classified as other fruits;7 species were legumes,nuts,and seeds;and 8 species were used as spices,condiments,and beverages.Using the statistical software R with ethnobotanyR package,we further calculated the ethnobotanical indices(use-report(UR),use-value(UV),number of use(NU),and fidelity level(FL))from 1254 URs in all 9 food use-categories.The species with the highest UV and UR were from a variety of nutrient-rich edible plants such as Ipomoea batatas(L.)Lam.,Musa species,Colocasia esculenta(L.)Schott,Zea mays L.,and Manihot esculenta Crantz.The extensive utilization of root and tuber crops along with corn and plantain that contain a higher amount of energy and protein,carbohydrates,minerals,and vitamins were shown to be an important nutrient-rich alternatives to rice.Whilst males appeared to be more knowledgeable of edible plant species collected from the forests and communal areas,there were no significant differences between males and females in terms of knowledge of edible plants collected from homegardens,riverbanks,and farms.The various food collection sites of the Higaonon tribe may be considered as food biocultural refugia given their socio-ecological function in food security,biodiversity conservation,and preservation of indigenous knowledge.

The Necessity of a High-grade Telescope for Education and Future Research Activities in the Philippines

Astronomy has been practiced in the Philippines for the past century. However, the study of celestial objects in the country is confined to its observation and publication of data. There is no course in astrnonmy in the tertiary level while it is briefly covered in the general science curriculum of the elementary and high schools in the country. No serious research activity has been conducted primarily due to lack of necessary research instruments such as a high grade telescope and the required formal education or training of staff in astronomy to perform such an activity. The possible donation of a 45cm high grade telescope with its accessories by the government of Japan, through its Cultural Grant aid Program, to the Philippines will upgrade the capability of the Astronomical Observatory of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to observe and study astronomical objects and phenomena. Likewise, it will improve services in the promotion of the science of astronomy in the country, especially in education and training of science teachers.

WRITTEN INTERVIEW FOR AMBASSADOR JOSE SANTIAGO STA. ROMANA OF REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

Interviewer:Since President Duterte was sworn in on June 30th,2016,he has been very decisive and firm in pro-moting reform measures,and has won acknowledgement and rising support fromthe Philippine people.Could you please brief us on the specific policy measures of President Duterte and their effects?H.E.Romana:President Duterte’s administration has several socio-economic priorities.These priorities are

Problems and Strategies:A Study of Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Chinese Undergraduates in the Philippines

Investigating the intercultural adaptation of Chinese undergraduates in the Philippines provides an effective example of bridging the gap between theories of intercultural adaptation.A questionnaire and interviews were conducted to explore the problems and challenges faced by Chinese undergraduates in the Philippines,thereby providing some first-hand information for subsequent studies on cultural adaptation.Chinese undergraduates in the Philippines faced four main challenges,namely interpersonal communication,living environment,social services,and course study.As coping strategies,four suggestions are presented,including cultural integration,life experience,bridge building,and rational docking.

Close Neighbors Plus Relatives──An unforgettable Trip to the Philippines

At the invitation of the.Asian Center of the Philip-pine University,a five-mem-berCAFIU delegation visited the Philippines.The host high-ly regarded our visit,gave us a W arm and courteous recep-tion.Mr.Estrada.

The Formation of U.S.Policy to Establish Military Bases in the Philippines in the Early Postwar Period and Its Implications

U.S.military bases in the Philippines has always been one of the most intriguing issues in the relationshs between the two countries.In 1934,the U.S.and the Philippines signed the Tydings-McDuffie Act,in which the U.S.promised to resolve the issue of U.S.bases in the Philippines through negotiations.However,after the outbreak of World War II,the U.S.changed its attitude as its strategic thinking changed.The Philippines was also in need for U.S.support after the war,so it wanted the U.S.troops to remain stationed in the Philippines.To this end,the two countries signed the Military Bases Agreement.The Philippines was thus integrated into the U.S.global strategic system,becoming a bridgehead and strategic pivot for the U.S.in the Asian region.To ensure the"special status"of its military bases in the Philippines,the U.S.government spared no effort in securing"privileges"for them and supporting pro-U.S.politicians to hold state power in order to continue"colonizing"the Philippines.This has caused serious damage to the sovereignty and independence as well as national development of the Philippines.

Co-parasitism of intestinal protozoa and Schistosoma japonicum in a rural community in the Philippines

Background:Co-parasitism is a frequent occurrence in impoverished communities in the tropics resulting in a considerable disease burden.While there are extensive reports of intestinal helminthiases,including schistosomiasis japonica,the occurrence and extent of diseases caused by intestinal protozoa(IP)have yet to be investigated in depth in the Philippines.We present a detailed analysis of polyparasitism in a rural community of Northern Samar,focusing on co-infections of IP with Schistosoma japonicum.Methods:A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in 2015 across 18 barangays(villages)endemic for S.japonicum in Northern Samar,the Philippines to assess the burden of human schistosomiasis and IP infections.Faecal samples collected from 412 participants from the 18 barangays were included in the final molecular analysis.A multiplex quantitative PCR assay was developed and used for the detection of Blastocystis spp.,Entamoeba histolytica,Cryptosporidium spp.and Giardia duodenalis in stool samples.The findings were combined with previous results of droplet digital PCR diagnosis of individuals from the same 18 barangays infected with S.japonicum determined using the same stool samples for analysis.Results:Mean age of the study participants was 40.3 years(95%CI:38.8-41.8)with 53%(n=218)being males.Prevalence of S.japonicum(74.5%)and Blastocystis spp.(58.7%)was significantly higher compared to other infections,with E.histolytica having the lowest prevalence(12.1%).A majority of individuals were infected with more than one parasite with two infections being most common(n=175,42.5%).The prevalence of individuals with two parasites was significantly higher than all others with 27.9%(n=115)subjects harbouring a single parasite species.Of individuals with two infections,S.japonicum and Blastocystis spp.were the most common combination(n=110,62.9%).Examining age within the population,58.5%(n=38)of school-aged children and 60.1%(n=14)of women of child bearing age harboured at least two parasite species.Conclusions:The study revealed that polyparasitism with IP infections and schistosomiasis japonica is highly prevalent in individuals in Northern Samar which likely contributes to the significant public health and socio-economic burden suffered by this population.More generally,the findings are of relevance when considering implementation of integrated control strategies for intestinal parasites.

The control of soil-transmitted helminthiases in the Philippines: the story continues

Background:Soil-transmitted helminth(STH)infections have long been an important public health concern in the Philippines.In this review,we describe the current status of STH infections there and highlight the control efforts undertaken to reduce STH burden.Main text:A nationwide STH mass drug administration(MDA)programme was started in 2006 but the overall STH prevalence remains stubbornly high across the Philippines,rangi ng from 24.9%to 97.4%.

Yaws in the Philippines:first reported cases since the 1970s

Background:Yaws is a chronic,highly contagious skin and bone infection affecting children living in impoverished,remote communities and caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue.The Philippines was thought to be free of yaws following the 1950s eradication campaign but it has been reported in the Liguasan Marsh area,Central Mindanao.This is the first documentation of yaws cases in the Philippines since the 1970s.We describe active and latent yaws recently detected in the Southern Philippines.Case presentation:Cross-sectional surveys and screening of skin diseases were conducted in one randomly selected public elementary school per selected municipality in Liguasan Marsh,covering three municipalities per province.Yaws suspects underwent screening and confirmatory serologic tests for Treponema pallidum using Dual Path Platform Syphilis Screen and Confirm Assay(DPP)and Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination(TPPA).Children with yaws skin lesions and reactive confirmatory tests for T.pallidum and non-treponemal antibodies were considered confirmed yaws cases.Four children aged 5–10 years old had confirmed secondary yaws in Tulunan Municipality,Cotabato Province and in Lambayong Municipality,Sultan Kudarat Province.All had secondary yaws lesions such as moist,cauliflower-like papillomas,thick yellow crusts on pink papules and nodules,whitish,papulosquamous papules and plaques,or hypopigmented patches with small papules on the periphery.Yaws papillomas and erosions were also found on the soles of the feet of one child.The index case had a skin punch biopsy of a partially treated papilloma on his axilla.Histopathological findings showed lichenoid psoriasiform dermatitis with plasma cells,consistent with yaws.Conclusions:The clinical,serological,and histopathological confirmation of four yaws cases among children has made the Philippines the 14th country endemic for yaws.This report can help health personnel recognize hidden cases of yaws based on skin signs and serological tests.Yaws remained unrecognized and unreported in the Philippines and in countries previously endemic for yaws probably due to the unsustained integration of the yaws program in the general health services and complacency after the 1950s eradication campaign.Our findings have provided the necessary evidence and stimulus to develop a yaws control and eradication program as one of the country’s neglected tropical diseases.