The Iloilo City Government is collaborating with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Western Visayas for the production of enhanced nutribun (e-nutribun) and other nutritious complementary feeding mix.
According to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, the city sought the technical assistance in terms of producing the nutribuns and possible provision of equipment from DOST regional office 6.
“We are very excited about this partnership which will happen next year. Para gid sa kabataan naton,” said Treñas.
To note, the city mayor personally spoke with DOST 6 regional director Rowen Gelonga about the city’s intention during a recent meeting.
“Regional Director Rowen Gelonga said it is possible that they can help us with the formulation and equipment for the nutribuns and the supplemental feeding materials for malnourished and undernourished grade schoolers,” he added.
He added that the city is also eyeing to procure some of the needed equipment that will be stationed at the about-to-be completed City Nutrition Center in General Luna Street, City Proper.
Treñas said the areas in the city with prevalence of malnutrition among children will be prioritized for the provision of nutribuns and supplemental feeding program.
“The first few years of our children are the most important, that’s why we will make sure that they will have sufficient nutrition,” he added.
Gelonga together with City Health Officer Dr. Annabelle Tang recently inspected the said facility.
Part of the plan is to convert a portion of the center into a nutrition production facility and nutrition-related clinic of the CHO.
“We will help in the technical side of the production facility. We will co-share the equipment and then we will transfer the technology to the City Government and they will be the one to produce the products,” said Gelonga.
Aside from e-nutribun, Gelonga said they are initially targeting to produce complementary food with rice, mongo, and sesame mix for malnourished children.
“We even think of having what we call nutri-carts sa mga public schools naton, sort of a rolling store but selling nutritious products,” Gelonga added as he described this as a better alternative compared to junk foods. (Iloilo City PIO)
