TADIAN, Mountain Province – The Department of Science and Technology successfully rolled-out the enhanced nutribun (e-nutribun) squash variant for the supplemental feeding program of the government for children through technology adoptor Tadian Marie June Bakeshop, a beneficiary of the DOST-Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (Setup).
With the help of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, the third e-nutribun adoptor in the region is expected to start its production this month, having recently undergone the required assessment and training as well as completion of requirements on the standards and protocol to produce the e-nutribun.
E-nutribun is made specially to help growing Filipino children get the nutrients they need. The squash variant is rich in fiber, energy, protein, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, and vitamin A and also has no trans-fat, cholesterol, artificial flavor, or food coloring.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development is using the bread in its feeding programs.
Based on the FNRI’s Rapid Nutrition Assessment Survey conducted between November and December 2020, only 11.9 percent of children aged 12 and below have participated in supplemental feeding programs, which is lower than the 21.6 percent participation of target beneficiaries based on FNRI’s Expanded National Nutrition Survey.
DOST-Cordillera, through its Technology Transfer and Commercialization Program, aims to enhance the productivity of micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises from various sectors such as food processing and ensure the application of science-based processes and technological innovations through technical assistance.
DOST-Cordillera called on entrepreneurs to continue working together in view not only of the economic opportunities for technology adoptors but also to spur livelihood opportunities for local vegetable farmers in the production and marketing of the e-nutribun.
There are 80 licensed adoptors of e-nutribun across the country since it was launched in July last year.
Mila’s Bakeshop and Canteen and VFM Food Products, Setup-assisted firms in Ifugao and Apayao, respectively, also adopted the production of e-nutribun. – Press release
