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I The eNewsletter of the Philippine Civil Service I

May 2011

Alternative Exercises for the Kawani

L

ast March, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) issued Memorandum Circular No. 8, series of 2011 (MC 8) reiterating its directive to all government agencies to adopt a health and fitness management program for government employees dubbed “The Great Filipino

Workout”. (continue to page 2)

Sound Mind, Sound Body

M

ENS SANA in corpore sano,” as the famous Latin phrase goes. “A sound mind in a sound body” is what each civil servant should aim for.

Praescriptio Chairman Francisco T. Duque III Civil Service Commission

residents, as well as a means of the city’s economic development.

To be able to fully deliver services to the public with utmost efficiency, civil servants need not only be mentally fit but also physically fit as well. That’s why “Cultivating Harmony, Morale and Wellness in the Workplace” is one of the CSC’s strategic priorities. In support of the “Great Filipino Workout”, we give you five alternative exercises for a fit and healthier body (see story on page 1).

For our public servant feature, you may find how working on the research and development project of the “amazing” crop plant sweet sorghum brought about teamwork and excellence that eventually led to an outstanding contribution worthy of recognition.

In this issue, you can also read about a city government’s fitness campaign aimed at promoting the wellness of its

I encourage each civil servant to stay physically and mentally fit in the name of public service.

R.A.C.E. Responsive, Accessible, Courteous and Effective Public Service

May 2011, vol. 5-5

Photo source: http://mizzfit.com/images/photo/cache/Barre3_MizzFIT_Sadie-464x297.jpg

Barre3 was founded by American fitness trainer Sadie Lincoln.

More experienced yogis can try bikram yoga which involves practicing in heated rooms to more than 37.8 degrees Celsius. Bikram yoga is said to detoxify the body and promote weight loss. Belly dancing

(Continued from page 1) The Great Filipino Workout was first mentioned in CSC Memorandum Circular No. 6 issued way back in 1995. It was a physical fitness project in support of the National Fitness and Sports Development Program of the government targeted at reducing the public’s risk of acquiring heart diseases. Realizing that a healthy and alert workforce is a productive workforce, the CSC sees the need for all government employees to stay in shape. Thus, in MC 8, it directed agencies to allot a reasonable time for regular physical fitness exercise and to include physical fitness exercises in seminars, training programs and similar events. Agencies are authorized to allot one hour per week for health awareness programs and 20 minutes daily for fitness programs. While fun runs and cycling events continue to be the trend nowadays, there are a lot of alternative sports and fitness exercises you can choose from. Sticking to a fitness regimen can be

quite a challenge in itself, so it is important that you pick one you truly enjoy and that works for you.

Belly dancing has gone a long way from its Middle Eastern and African roots where it was regarded a religious ritual and early form of entertainment. Today, it’s become an alternative to ballroom dancing and modern dances as a fitness activity. (Continued on next page)

Yoga The term “yoga” comes from a Sanskrit word that means “to yoke” or “to unite”, that is, to unite the mind, body and spirit. While a big part of yoga deals with physical exercise (hatha yoga), it also teaches discipline and self-control, improves concentration, increases flexibility and stamina, reduces cardiovascular risks, and relieves anxiety and depression.

Work out your hips and strengthen abdominal muscles thru belly-dancing.

The three main focuses of yoga are asanas (posture), pranayama (breathing) and savasanas (relaxation/meditation). If you’re new to yoga, ask the instructor on what you should wear and bring to class, as well as what to expect on your lessons. At first, you may feel pain when trying to do the poses so it’s a good idea to consult with your instructor or a therapist to avoid injuries. -2-

Photo source: http://bellydance2010.republika.pl/images2/ BellyDancing6.jpg

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May 2011, vol. 5-5

and bending movements of Pilates, yoga and ballet all in a 60 minute-session. It involves the use of a ballet rail called the “barre” usually seen in ballet studios. Barre3 is great for toning the muscles, increasing flexibility, and improving posture and alignment.

Photo source: http://zumbalove.wikispaces.com/

Zumba, a dance for fitness

Belly dance focuses mainly on hip movements such as rolling the belly and swaying the torso, but as it gained influence from Western dance forms such as ballet, flamenco and jazz, much of belly dancing also involves arm, hand, foot, chest and neck movements. Belly dance is a good form of exercise that not only strengthens the abdominal muscles but can also aid in digestion, improve posture and help shed off unwanted pounds. Zumba

Trampoline exercise Trampoline exercise, also known as rebounding, is now a popular fitness activity. As one bounces on a minitrampoline or rebounder, the body achieves a weightless state at the top of each jump and lands with twice the force of gravity. This repetitive shift in gravitational force is said to work wonders for the body. Bouncing on a rebounder burns more calories than jogging. It improves the flow of lymph fluid, or in other words, does a good job of cleaning the cells of unwanted junk. It also improves heart performance, thus reducing blood pressure and slowing down aging.

Zumba is a fitness dance developed by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto Perez in the 90s. It borrows movements from various Latin dance styles such as merengue, salsa and reggaeton. A huge component in Zumba is the music that provides the infectious, high-energy beats and tempo. This dance is not only fun and easy to learn; it’s a high intensity workout too. It can burn a lot of calories, tone the body, improve strength and enhance coordination.

If you want to try rebounding, don’t settle for toy trampolines. Instead, buy one that’s sturdy enough for adults from a fitness equipment store. Yoga, belly-dancing, zumba, barre3 and trampoline exercises are alternative fitness programs you may choose from. Try a program that best suits your interests. Remember that staying fit and healthy should be fun and enjoyable too.•

Resources: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/wellness/wellness/ view/20100413-263878/Why-even-Madonna-isdoing-Barre-3 http://www.zumba.com/about/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belly_dance http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga http://www.philstar.com/Article. aspx?articleid=478561 http://munfitnessblog.com/8-practical-tips-foryoga-beginners/ http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/exercise/yoga.html http://www.barre3.com/class_details.html http://www.energiseforlife.com/rebounding_ benefits.php http://www.healingdaily.com/exercise/healthbenefits-of-rebounding.htm

Yoga, a relaxing fitness program

Barre3 This is the secret to Madonna’s perfectly toned body even at her early 50s. Barre3 combines the stretching

-3-

Photo source: http://www.travelvivi.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/yoga-egypt.jpg

R.A.C.E. Responsive, Accessible, Courteous and Effective Public Service

May 2011, vol. 5-5

A City’s Fitness Campaign: Marikina City’s Health and Wellness Advocacy

F

rom shoe park to sports park? That’s the question probed by a recent Philippine Daily Inquirer article on Marikina and its plan to become a leading sports hub in the country.

Well-known for its craftsmanship of leather shoe products, Marikina is also fast becoming a famous go-to spot for sports enthusiasts. The City is home to the Marikina Sports Park, a park featuring an Olympic size swimming pool, an array of courts for various indoor and outdoor sports, and a 400-meter tartan oval track for running which jogging enthusiasts flock to every day. Built in 1996 by the Provincial Government of Rizal under then Governor Isidro R. Rodriguez, the 3-hectare park, initially named Rodriguez Sports Park, was formally turned over to the City of Marikina in the late 90s. It was renovated during the term of Mayor Ma. Lourdes C. Fernando. According to the Marikina Sports Park Marketing Office, the park now has 2 basketball courts, 2 volleyball courts, 3 badminton courts, 2 sepak takraw courts, 4 table tennis courts, a covered gym, a tennis court, and a soccer field. Although the complex suffered greatly from Typhoon Ondoy in September 2009, the City

Regular joggers at the Marikina Sports Park Government did not waver in rehabilitating and rebuilding the facilities. In fact, the City has recently converted the Park’s parking lot into an 8-storey building for indoor sports. The new building houses gyms for different mar-

tial arts such as taekwondo. The Marikina City Government’s focal point is people, and therefore all their programs are geared towards human upliftment. To achieve this, the city government has launched the 7K program, which translates their philosophy, “Tunay na Kaunlaran, Tao Naman” into concrete action and results areas. First in line is Kalusugan (Health), followed by Ka-

R.A.C.E. Responsive, Accessible, Courteous and Effective Public Service

runungan (Education), Kabuhayan (Livelihood), Kapayapaan at Kaayusan (Peace and Order), Katiyakan sa Pabahay (Housing), Kalikasan (Environment), Katapatan at Makataong Paglilingkod (Good Governance). Health is directly related to the condition of each individual, which is why the City Government is putting premium on this aspect. “The City’s health programs opens awareness among vulnerable groups and their families regarding the practice of good health and nutrition,” says Dr. Alberto Herrera, Head of the Marikina City Health Office. “Health programs are also our way to reach communities and to establish good relationship among the local government, health officials, constituents and target clientele.” The Marikina Sports Park serves as a cornerstone for Marikina’s health advocacy. “As a result of our strong advocacy on health lifestyle, people always look for a place where they can exercise or practice sports to attain good health,” explains Dr. Herrera. “The Marikina Sports Park contributes a lot to this purpose. In return, it helps the city widen the reach of its services be-

May 2011, vol. 5-5

cause it does not only cater to Marikeños but to other cities’ residents as well.” Dr. Herrera also added that since the Sports Park has become a popular venue for health enthusiasts, it has also become a contributor to the growth and development of the City thru the revenues generated from the use of its sports facilities. The Marikina Sports Park opens as early as 6:00 a.m. and closes at 12:00 midnight everyday to accommodate early and late joggers, as well as games and matches. It also has special promos during the summer when people seek more fitness activities. In the blog www.marikinalife.com, a Marikina City resident wrote how impressed she was by the tartan track and field facility of the Sports Park during the summer. “My husband and I usually go to the track oval between 9 to 10pm. But a few days ago, we had to rush a number of client requests and projects before the Holy Week break, so we were only able to go to the Sports Center later than usual. I was afraid it would be closed, but lo and behold, the Sports Center staff said they're open 24 hours!”

The same goes with the Alabaster Box, a group of women who do aerobics every Saturday morning at the Sports Park. “We are not from Marikina but we definitely feel very welcome at the Park,” says Jen Fe Andres, the group’s representative. “It has become an easy thing to organize a group exercise activity because the Sports Park already has it all – they have aerobics instructors, plus other facilities which we could choose to use should we get bored with plain aerobics.” Mostly mothers, Andres says the group appreciates the reasonable entrance fees at the Park. “Since fees are minimal, we could easily pool our money together and pay for the expenses without hurting our personal or home budget.” For their health program, the Marikina City Government has received various citations and awards, including Healthy Cities Regional Directors Award given by the World Health Organization in 2008, and Most Outstanding Health Lifestyle Advocate given by the Department of Health in 2009.

-5-

Not only has the City garnered

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awards, they have also proven that health is indeed gold. The Park brings in an average of a million pesos monthly in revenue. According to the Marikina Sports Park Office, the income of the park for April 2011 alone reached P1.3 million. The Marikina City Government has shown how an exceptional health advocacy program nurtures the wellness of its constituents, as well as how it conributes to the economic development of the City.•

May 2011, vol. 5-5

MARIKINA SPORTS PARK RATES With minimal rates, any person can do his or her fitness activities at the Marikina Sports Park: Entrance Fee

P10.00 Regular Rate/Hour (Daytime) 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Regular Rate/Hour (Nighttime/with regular lights) 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 m.n.

Basketball Gym

250.00

400.00

Basketball Court (Open)

100.00

150.00

Badminton Court

100.00

150.00

Table Tennis

100.00

150.00

Volleyball Court

100.00

150.00

Lawn Tennis

100.00

150.00

Sepak Takraw

100.00

150.00

Running Track

500.00

1,000.00

References: Calleja, Niña. “Marikina wants to be sports capital.” Philippine Daily Inquirer. January 14, 2011.

Swimming Pool

With special thanks to: Office of Mayor Del R. de Guzman MSP Administrator Dr. Angelito A. Llabres and the Marikina City Sports Park Office Marikina City Health Office

25-lighted

2,000.00/hr

50-lighted

3,000.00/hr

70-lighted

4,000.00/hr

100-lighted

5,000.00/hr

The grandstand and oval at the Marikina Sports Park

Boxing ring set (including 2 boxer’s equipment set)

40.00 per person for 31/2 hours 500.00

Soccer Field with special lights:

600.00

R.A.C.E. Responsive, Accessible, Courteous and Effective Public Service

May 2011, vol. 5-5

Excellence Through Teamwork “To come up with a relevant research was our primary concern... This reward is an absolute bonus.” Technical experts of the Amazing Sweet Sorghum Team inspects the sweet sorghum plantation.

“TEAMWORK divides the task and multiplies the success.” Such is the experience of the Amazing Sweet Sorghum Team of the Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC) in its commercialization of sweet sorghum as a viable crop product. Sweet sorghum, a variety of the crop plant sorghum, is known to be a “smart crop” for its versatility – it has a wider range of adaptability, more rapid growth and higher sugar accumulation and biomass production potential than sugarcane. It can withstand

hotter and drier temperatures, making it resilient to climate change

– Amazing Sweet Sorghum Team Leader Norman G. De Jesus

use this generated knowledge and utilize this crop in addressing the food, fuel and animal feed problems of this country,” Realizing this potential, a says team leader Dr. Norman team composed of specialists G. De Jesus. and support staff began exten sive research and development The food technologists, activities for the use of sweet the chemists and the engineer sorghum as an alternative to of the team also developed human food, animal feed and various food and non-products bio-fuel source way back in from sweet sorghum. Among 2005. the many different kinds of food that can be produced “Food and fuel are major from sorghum are burger soreconomic issues today, and our ghum, pastilles de sorghum, project has provided sufficient pop sorghum (sorghum verinformation so that in the near sion of pop corn), sorghum future, the government could porridge and sorghum yams. -7-

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Non-food products developed may be used as health care products like body hair remover, soap, spa salt, body scrub and liniment oil. They also developed a low-cost cooking stove using ethanol made from sweet sorghum as fuel. Sweet sorghum has shown to have a more beneficial energy balance than corn which makes the crop a raw material resource for alternative fuel. With the commercial viability of the amazing crop, the team established partnerships to promote sweet sorghum production and utilization. They developed information, education and communication materials for the publicity and marketing of sweet sorghum. The team was able to obtain P2 million funding support from the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Agricultural Research, Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and The Amazing Sweet Sorghum Team

May 2011, vol. 5-5

The team showcases the products and technology developed for the utilization of the sweet sorghum crop.

Because of the initiatives of the Amazing Sweet Sorghum Team, they were awarded the Civil Service Commission Pagasa Award in the 2010 Search for Outstanding Public Servants.

evant research was our primary concern, plus it was part of our job to do things well. This reward is an absolute bonus,” De Jesus said. “Each team member had worked with joy, energy, enthusiasm and excitement to contribute in the development of technologies and products that would greatly benefit the Filipinos and the country in general,” he proudly shared.•

“We just did our best in this project and really never expected this kind of award. To come up with a rel-

The Civil Service Commission Pagasa Award is one of the three honor awards conferred to individuals or groups in the annual Search for Outstanding Public Servants.

Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) and International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).

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May 2011, vol. 5-5

Editorial Team WRITERS/CONTRIBUTORS Gen Renella F. Leaño Erika Jean C. Cabanawan Anne Giselle P. Guevarra Ethel T. Montemayor

PHOTOGRAPHER Jessie N. Panlilio

LAYOUT ARTIST Melendriz Jane P. Teves

ADVISERS Chairman Francisco T. Duque III Director IV Maria Luisa Salonga-Agamata Director III Ma. Theresa C. Fernandez

CIRCULATION Eriberto B. Dionisio

For your comments, questions and/or story suggestions, contact the R.A.C.E. Editorial at: Public Assistance and Information Office Civil Service Commission IBP Road, Constitution Hills, Diliman, 1126 Quezon City Tel: (02) 931-4180, (02) 932-0111 TextCSC: 0917-8398272 Email: [email protected]