http://www.irinnews.org/Updated everydayen-gbTue, 21 May 2013 12:30:50 GMTTue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>MANILA 21 May 2013 (IRIN) - The oppressive summer heat bore down on this impoverished southern Philippine town on Mindanao Island as thousands gathered to hear a "proxy candidate" of the country's largest Muslim rebel force address the crowd on the eve of recently concluded mid-term elections. http://www.irinnews.org/Report/98072/Filipino-Muslim-rebels-take-tentative-steps-towards-governanceMANILA 21 May 2013 (IRIN) - The oppressive summer heat bore down on this impoverished southern Philippine town on Mindanao Island as thousands gathered to hear a "proxy candidate" of the country's largest Muslim rebel force address the crowd on the eve of recently concluded mid-term elections. ]]>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>COMPOSTELA VALLEY 30 April 2013 (IRIN) - Health authorities in the Philippines were vigilant in keeping out infant formula donations when Typhoon Bopha hit last December, but activists are concerned the infant formula industry will succeed in pushing through legislative changes that will allow formula donations in future emergencies, making it harder to convince women in those crises to continue exclusive breastfeeding.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97943/Pressure-in-Philippines-to-end-ban-on-formula-milk-aidCOMPOSTELA VALLEY 30 April 2013 (IRIN) - Health authorities in the Philippines were vigilant in keeping out infant formula donations when Typhoon Bopha hit last December, but activists are concerned the infant formula industry will succeed in pushing through legislative changes that will allow formula donations in future emergencies, making it harder to convince women in those crises to continue exclusive breastfeeding.]]>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>COTABATO 25 April 2013 (IRIN) - For Chris Rush, of the Swiss-based NGO Geneva Call, nuance is everything when engaging with armed groups. Although the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Maoist-inspired New People's Army (NPA) are both fighting insurrections on the same Philippines island of Mindanao, the choice of terminology is a tender issue when it comes to the use of such phrases as "armed non-state actors (ANSAs)”.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97918/Engaging-with-Philippine-armed-groupsCOTABATO 25 April 2013 (IRIN) - For Chris Rush, of the Swiss-based NGO Geneva Call, nuance is everything when engaging with armed groups. Although the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Maoist-inspired New People's Army (NPA) are both fighting insurrections on the same Philippines island of Mindanao, the choice of terminology is a tender issue when it comes to the use of such phrases as "armed non-state actors (ANSAs)”.]]>Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>MANILA 10 April 2013 (IRIN) - As the storm season approaches, officials in the Philippines are turning to seasoned storm emergency responders to help prepare communities that have historically been spared devastation but that now find themselves in harm’s way.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97816/Philippines-natural-disaster-risks-shift-along-with-expertsMANILA 10 April 2013 (IRIN) - As the storm season approaches, officials in the Philippines are turning to seasoned storm emergency responders to help prepare communities that have historically been spared devastation but that now find themselves in harm’s way.]]>Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>MANILA 20 March 2013 (IRIN) - After a publicly contentious 14-year battle, legislators quietly signed the Philippines’ first reproductive health law in late December. It was expected to take effect by the end of March, but on 21 March the Supreme Court halted its implementation, issuing a 120-day status quo ante to review court challenges.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97683/Philippines-reproductive-health-law-here-now-whatMANILA 20 March 2013 (IRIN) - After a publicly contentious 14-year battle, legislators quietly signed the Philippines’ first reproductive health law in late December. It was expected to take effect by the end of March, but on 21 March the Supreme Court halted its implementation, issuing a 120-day status quo ante to review court challenges.]]>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>MANILA 13 March 2013 (IRIN) - The Philippine government has begun putting in place contingency measures over what it has described as a possible “humanitarian emergency” in its southernmost islands after hundreds of Filipino migrants, caught in the cross-fire of a Malaysian government crackdown against Filipino gunmen asserting land claims in Malaysia, have started returning home.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97634/Briefing-The-Sabah-affair-a-new-humanitarian-challenge-in-southern-PhilippinesMANILA 13 March 2013 (IRIN) - The Philippine government has begun putting in place contingency measures over what it has described as a possible “humanitarian emergency” in its southernmost islands after hundreds of Filipino migrants, caught in the cross-fire of a Malaysian government crackdown against Filipino gunmen asserting land claims in Malaysia, have started returning home.]]>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>DAVAO 06 March 2013 (IRIN) - When asked what resilience means, the head of city planning for the Philippines’ second largest city, Davao, said that for Filipinos it means how high floodwater reaches before they agree to be evacuated. “In our most recent flooding, that level was chest-high,” said Roberto Alabado III, referring to flooding in mid-January that affected thousands of city dwellers, most in slum areas, who refused evacuation until they were chest-deep in floodwater.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97600/Philippine-cities-tackle-climate-changeDAVAO 06 March 2013 (IRIN) - When asked what resilience means, the head of city planning for the Philippines’ second largest city, Davao, said that for Filipinos it means how high floodwater reaches before they agree to be evacuated. “In our most recent flooding, that level was chest-high,” said Roberto Alabado III, referring to flooding in mid-January that affected thousands of city dwellers, most in slum areas, who refused evacuation until they were chest-deep in floodwater.]]>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>MANILA 26 February 2013 (IRIN) - Historically, as countries have industrialized, the number of small farms has dwindled, with workers opting for city life. But the Philippines government is concerned that this trend could exacerbate food insecurity in an import-dependent country already struggling to meet current food demand.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97550/Filipino-farmers-a-dying-breedMANILA 26 February 2013 (IRIN) - Historically, as countries have industrialized, the number of small farms has dwindled, with workers opting for city life. But the Philippines government is concerned that this trend could exacerbate food insecurity in an import-dependent country already struggling to meet current food demand.]]>Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>BAGANGA/MANILA 22 February 2013 (IRIN) - Caridad Calungsod and her three children have been living in a makeshift shelter along the highway leading into Baganga, a coastal farming municipality in the southern Philippine province of Davao Oriental on Mindanao Island that was among the hardest hit by typhoon Bopha last December.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97529/Allegations-of-aid-politicization-in-Philippines-ahead-of-electionsBAGANGA/MANILA 22 February 2013 (IRIN) - Caridad Calungsod and her three children have been living in a makeshift shelter along the highway leading into Baganga, a coastal farming municipality in the southern Philippine province of Davao Oriental on Mindanao Island that was among the hardest hit by typhoon Bopha last December.]]>Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>COMPOSTELA VALLEY/DAVAO ORIENTAL 08 February 2013 (IRIN) - More than two months after Typhoon Bopha hit the eastern coast of Mindanao Province in the southern Philippines some 198,000 families are still trying to repair their homes, even in the midst of daily monsoon rains.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97435/Building-back-worse-after-Philippines-typhoonCOMPOSTELA VALLEY/DAVAO ORIENTAL 08 February 2013 (IRIN) - More than two months after Typhoon Bopha hit the eastern coast of Mindanao Province in the southern Philippines some 198,000 families are still trying to repair their homes, even in the midst of daily monsoon rains.]]>Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>NEW YORK 25 January 2013 (IRIN) - Yi Lee fell for the hype. “After I saw TV ads claiming infant formula with DHA [docosahexaenoic acid] and ARA [arachidonic acid] can help with eye and brain development, I gave my baby formula,” said the 30-year-old mother in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. “Then I learned from books and doctors that breast milk is actually best.”http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97334/Analysis-Concern-mounts-over-infant-formula-additivesNEW YORK 25 January 2013 (IRIN) - Yi Lee fell for the hype. “After I saw TV ads claiming infant formula with DHA [docosahexaenoic acid] and ARA [arachidonic acid] can help with eye and brain development, I gave my baby formula,” said the 30-year-old mother in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. “Then I learned from books and doctors that breast milk is actually best.”]]>Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>MANILA 18 January 2013 (IRIN) - With many health facilities damaged or destroyed in typhoon-affected Mindanao, experts have expressed concern about the state of maternal health care.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97277/Philippines-typhoon-affecting-maternal-healthMANILA 18 January 2013 (IRIN) - With many health facilities damaged or destroyed in typhoon-affected Mindanao, experts have expressed concern about the state of maternal health care.]]>Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>MANILA 11 January 2013 (IRIN) - Thousands of children across typhoon-hit Mindanao island in the southern Philippines will return to school on 14 January, more than a week later than schools elsewhere in the country, as officials struggle to get education back on its feet.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97227/Typhoon-hit-Filipino-schools-to-reopenMANILA 11 January 2013 (IRIN) - Thousands of children across typhoon-hit Mindanao island in the southern Philippines will return to school on 14 January, more than a week later than schools elsewhere in the country, as officials struggle to get education back on its feet.]]>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT]]>NEW BATAAN 09 January 2013 (IRIN) - More than a month after Typhoon Bopha, locally known as Pablo, hit the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, survivors face another challenge - rebuilding their livelihoods.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97205/Crop-based-livelihoods-hit-by-Typhoon-BophaNEW BATAAN 09 January 2013 (IRIN) - More than a month after Typhoon Bopha, locally known as Pablo, hit the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, survivors face another challenge - rebuilding their livelihoods.]]>Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>BAGANGA 21 December 2012 (IRIN) - Survivors of Typhoon Bopha, which struck the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on 4 December, face a bleak Christmas more than two weeks on.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97101/PHILIPPINES-Typhoon-Bopha-survivors-face-bleak-ChristmasBAGANGA 21 December 2012 (IRIN) - Survivors of Typhoon Bopha, which struck the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on 4 December, face a bleak Christmas more than two weeks on.]]>Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>BANGKOK 11 December 2012 (IRIN) - The good news: fewer people died from natural disasters in Asia in 2012 than in previous years. The bad news: between January and October, natural disasters still claimed more lives here than anywhere else in the world - and experts predict the trend will continue as populations and industries expand in a region that already houses the world’s largest number of urban residents.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97021/DISASTERS-Asia-s-2012-figures-and-trendsBANGKOK 11 December 2012 (IRIN) - The good news: fewer people died from natural disasters in Asia in 2012 than in previous years. The bad news: between January and October, natural disasters still claimed more lives here than anywhere else in the world - and experts predict the trend will continue as populations and industries expand in a region that already houses the world’s largest number of urban residents.]]>Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>NEW BATAAN 10 December 2012 (IRIN) - Search teams in the southern Philippines continue to retrieve decaying bodies days after Typhoon Bopha tore through Mindanao's agricultural areas. Hundreds of thousands “desperately” need aid in the storm’s aftermath, according to relief workers on the ground.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/97010/PHILIPPINES-Still-struggling-to-reach-Typhoon-Bopha-survivorsNEW BATAAN 10 December 2012 (IRIN) - Search teams in the southern Philippines continue to retrieve decaying bodies days after Typhoon Bopha tore through Mindanao's agricultural areas. Hundreds of thousands “desperately” need aid in the storm’s aftermath, according to relief workers on the ground.]]>Thu, 06 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>JAKARTA 06 December 2012 (IRIN) - Governments and aid groups in Southeast Asia, the most natural-disaster prone region in the world, say more coordination is needed to prepare for and respond to emergencies.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96983/Analysis-Assessing-Southeast-Asia-s-aid-coordination-during-crisesJAKARTA 06 December 2012 (IRIN) - Governments and aid groups in Southeast Asia, the most natural-disaster prone region in the world, say more coordination is needed to prepare for and respond to emergencies.]]>Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>MANILA 28 November 2012 (IRIN) - The Philippines is making headway in integrating disaster preparedness into primary and high school curricula, say officials.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96909/PHILIPPINES-Teaching-disaster-preparedness-in-schoolsMANILA 28 November 2012 (IRIN) - The Philippines is making headway in integrating disaster preparedness into primary and high school curricula, say officials.]]>Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>MANILA 21 November 2012 (IRIN) - Social media, coupled with prevailing unsafe sexual practices, is driving up levels of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM), health experts warn.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96836/PHILIPPINES-Social-media-link-to-rising-HIV-among-MSMMANILA 21 November 2012 (IRIN) - Social media, coupled with prevailing unsafe sexual practices, is driving up levels of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM), health experts warn.]]>Wed, 24 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>COTABATO CITY 24 October 2012 (IRIN) - The recent signing of an interim peace agreement between the Philippine government and the country’s largest Muslim insurgent group is fraught with uncertainty, say analysts.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96627/Analysis-Mindanao-s-uncertain-road-to-peaceCOTABATO CITY 24 October 2012 (IRIN) - The recent signing of an interim peace agreement between the Philippine government and the country’s largest Muslim insurgent group is fraught with uncertainty, say analysts.]]>Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>MANILA 19 October 2012 (IRIN) - The Philippine government has launched a mobile phone application which can provide real-time information on rainfall and flooding to the general public.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96588/PHILIPPINES-Mobile-phone-app-could-help-disaster-preparednessMANILA 19 October 2012 (IRIN) - The Philippine government has launched a mobile phone application which can provide real-time information on rainfall and flooding to the general public.]]>Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>BANGKOK 09 October 2012 (IRIN) - Food losses in Asia due to disasters or poor storage, packing and delivery are set to worsen, and governments are ill-prepared to stem the wastage, according experts recently convened by the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies in Singapore.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96485/In-Brief-Southeast-Asia-wasting-too-much-foodBANGKOK 09 October 2012 (IRIN) - Food losses in Asia due to disasters or poor storage, packing and delivery are set to worsen, and governments are ill-prepared to stem the wastage, according experts recently convened by the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies in Singapore.]]>Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>MANILA 08 October 2012 (IRIN) - A recently announced agreement between the Philippine government and Muslim rebels waging a decades-old insurgency in the southern island of Mindanao paves the way for the establishment of a new autonomous region, more access for humanitarians to conflict-affected areas and an end to the cycle of failed peace deals and displacements.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96475/PHILIPPINES-Peace-pact-brings-hope-for-MindanaoMANILA 08 October 2012 (IRIN) - A recently announced agreement between the Philippine government and Muslim rebels waging a decades-old insurgency in the southern island of Mindanao paves the way for the establishment of a new autonomous region, more access for humanitarians to conflict-affected areas and an end to the cycle of failed peace deals and displacements.]]>Wed, 19 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT]]>BANGKOK 19 September 2012 (IRIN) - Disease and climate-resilient vegetables can be cultivated by grafting parts of one vegetable to another, producing a hardy plant that withstands soil-borne diseases and harsh weather, and which can improve nutrient-anaemic diets, experts say.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/96344/FOOD-Grafting-hardier-more-nutritious-vegetablesBANGKOK 19 September 2012 (IRIN) - Disease and climate-resilient vegetables can be cultivated by grafting parts of one vegetable to another, producing a hardy plant that withstands soil-borne diseases and harsh weather, and which can improve nutrient-anaemic diets, experts say.]]>