Various nutritious food technologies are set to be adopted after the Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) signed a partnership with the DOST Regional III, DOST Bulacan, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the local government units (LGUs) of Bulacan.
The said event was conducted during the “Bringing in Resources for Everyone’s Agenda on Kalusugan, Kabuhayan, Kaalaman at Kaunlaran sa Bulacan for the Malnutrition Reduction Program” (BREAK 4 MRP) at the Malolos Club Royale, in Malolos, Bulacan on Sept. 22.
According to DOST-FNRI, one highlight of the BREAK 4 MRP was the ceremonial signing of the Technology Licensing Agreements (TLAs) of seven MSMEs in Bulacan as new DOST-FNRI technology licensees. Certifications as Licensees were awarded as well to 10 existing licensed technology adoptors in the province.
DOST-FNRI mentioned that the said partnership prioritizes the inclusion of DOST-FNRI food technologies in the National Feeding Program of cities and municipalities in Bulacan.
Recognizing its role in helping address malnutrition in the country, the DOST-FNRI supports the National Feeding Program by developing nutritious food technologies for children. There are 30 DOST-FNRI food technologies that can be adopted by entrepreneurs who want to support and be part of the National Feeding Program.
Among these technologies are the Rice-Mongo and Rice-Mongo-Sesame complementary food blends and snacks, Enhanced Nutribun in squash, carrot, and sweet potato variants, Iron-Fortified Rice, Iodine-Rich Drinking Water, and Enhanced Micronutrient Growth Mix (MGM).
Currently located in Bulacan are eight of 14 existing licensed adoptors of Enhanced Nutribun and the only two Complementary Food Processing Facilities in Central Luzon.
DOST-FNRI stated that these adoptors have been supplying the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other LGUs outside the region with their nutritious food products.
"However, some schools and LGUs that are not aware of DOST-FNRI food technologies are prioritizing other suppliers, who oftentimes do not produce fortified foods, as indicated in the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act or RA 11037. This leads to the non-inclusion of these nutritious and fortified food products in their feeding programs," it added.
The recent program, DOST-FNRI said, serves as an avenue to solve this barrier by promoting these DOST-FNRI food technologies among local chief executives and stakeholders, and including them in their National Feeding Program. The event also strengthened awareness among existing licensed technology adoptors of DOST-FNRI who can supply these nutritious food products in their localities.
Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Resolutions in support of the DOST-FNRI’s Malnutrition Reduction Program and its technology licensees in Bulacan signed by LGU Malolos City and LGU Guiguinto was presented during the event to promote and encourage other LGUs to pass similar SB Resolutions.
A Manifesto of Support for the DOST-FNRI food technologies was also signed by the local chief executives and stakeholders’ representatives during the event.
In his Inspirational Message, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. emphasized the value of the use of science-based technologies and interventions and intersectoral collaborations among key relevant sectors in the continuous fight against malnutrition.
Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando reiterated the province's heed to the call for continuous and more intensified collaborations for programs addressing various nutritional problems at the local level.