The e-Nutribun is the improved version of the nutribun during the 70s. DOST-FNRI conducted a research to reformulate the bread to help address malnutrition and answer the call of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Memorandum Circular No. 12 Series of 2020, or the Guidelines in the Implementation of the Supplementary Feeding Program During Community Quarantine or Other Similar Emergencies. The enhanced version has more micronutrients like iron and vitamin A and has a softer texture. It weighs 160- 165 grams per piece, which is easier for children to hold and bite. Each serving weighs 160-165 grams per piece, has 504 calories, 17.8 grams protein, 6.08 milligrams iron and 244 micrograms vitamin A.
The two municipalities were identified as project sites upon considering their need for interventions after the Taal Volcano eruption in 2020. CDO Foodsphere Inc. through OFI tied up with DOST CALABARZON under the latter’s program called “Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology for Disaster-Stricken Areas in Batangas Province” which is geared towards helping the two municipalities among others to attain socio-economic recovery through science and technology-based interventions. A memorandum of understanding between DOST CALABARZON, CDO Foodsphere Inc., OFI, and beneficiary LGUs was executed to formalize the partnership.
From the total number, 253 were from the Municipality of Laurel, Batangas (124 from Brgy. Balakilong, 59 from Brgy. Bugaan, 40 from Brgy. Molinete and 30 from Brgy. Dayap. The remaining 220 children beneficiaries were from the Municipality of Talisay, Batangas (80 from Brgy. Banga, 60 from Brgy. Sampaloc, 50 from Brgy. Quiling, and 30 from Brgy. Miranda). The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of each municipality helped DOST CALABARZON, CDO Foodsphere Inc. and OFI in identifying the undernourished children beneficiaries of the program. Daycare Teachers and Barangay Health Workers also served as allies in the distribution of the e-nutribun supplies to the beneficiaries.
Relative increase in the weights of the children beneficiaries were recorded upon completion of the feeding program. Other significant results observed from the children beneficiaries were their increased attentiveness, activeness in daytime activities, and craving and excitement for e-nutribun. Parents of the beneficiaries also shared how e-nutribun helped them ensure that their children receive the required nutrition from the food they eat.
To culminate all the efforts and impacts of the feeding program, a closing ceremony was held on December 10 at the Municipal Hall of Laurel, Batangas. Present during the activity were DOST CALABARZON’s Regional Director, Ms. Emelita P. Bagsit, OFI’s President, Dr. Charmaine D. Ong-Castro, CDO Foodsphere, Inc.’s Vice President for Emerging Business, Mr. Jayson D. Ong, DOST-FNRI’s Director, Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, and Local Government Unit of Laurel’s (LGU-Laurel) Mayor, Hon. Joan L. Amo. Other guests who partook the activity were Engr. Francisco R. Barquilla III (OIC Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations of DOST CALABARZON), Ms. Felina C. Malabanan (Provincial Director of DOST Batangas), Mr. Alexis Ortiz (Supervising Science Research Specialist of DOST-FNRI), Ms. Gelonie T. Yap (Head of Corporate Affairs of CDO Foodsphere, Inc.), Mr. Natalio De Leon Jr. (Senior Manager for Emerging Business), Mr. Samson Noche (MuncipalAdministator of LGU-Laurel), Mr. Rufino Darain (Brgy. Captain of Bugaan West), and Mr. Florencio R. De Leon (Brgy. Captain of Balakilong).
DOST Secretary Fortunato T. dela Peña also took part in the occasion and gave a recorded video message stressing his appreciation of the project with CDO Foodsphere Inc. and OFI. He mentioned his high hopes of seeing a healthier nation for the next generation through similar initiatives aimed at combatting malnutrition. He also shared the other undertakings of DOST through CALABARZON Regional Office in assisting LGU Laurel towards their full recovery after the Taal Volcano eruption.
Mayor Amo likewise expressed her gratitude to DOST CALABARZON, CDO Foodsphere Inc., and OFI. She underscored the magnitude of this intervention to the undernourished children of their municipality which she believes made a significant impact in ensuring nutrition at the height of the pandemic.
Distribution of enhanced nutribun and gifts sponsored by DOST, CDO Foodsphere Inc., and OFI were also pursued during the closing ceremony. As a support, DOST CALABARZON provided the children beneficiaries with other DOST FNRI-developed nutritious products such as rice-mongo crunchies and pancit canton with squash. (John Maico M. Hernandez)
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