Iloilo city: The Iloilo City Nutrition Center has inaugurated a new production facility aimed at providing nutritious food to the community, focusing on promoting healthier eating habits and addressing malnutrition among children.
According to Philippines News Agency, the facility will produce a rice-mongo-sesame blend complementary food, developed by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute. This initiative specifically targets malnourished children aged six months to three years. During the unveiling program, Mayor Raisa Tre±as highlighted the efforts of Barangay Nutrition Scholars who have identified the top 10 barangays with stunted children. These barangays-Calahunan, San Isidro, Baldoza, Bolilao, Navais, Lopes Jaena Norte, Bo. Obrero, O±ate de Leon, Sto Ni±o Sur, and Molo Boulevard-will be prioritized for distribution of the complementary food.
“This center can help our children in the city. At an early age, we can already address malnutrition because the growth and development of children happen during their first 1,000 days,” stated Mayor Tre±as. The new complementary food, branded as “RAIS-SUSTANSYA,” is a ready-to-cook mix of rice, mung beans, and sesame seeds, providing crucial nutrients including four grams of protein and 39kcal of energy per 30-gram pack. This product fulfills 18 percent of the recommended daily energy intake and 28.6 percent of the recommended protein intake for young children.
The facility is set to produce at least 1,000 packs a day, with supplemental feeding for children scheduled to commence on September 18. Mayor Tre±as also mentioned that the city is awaiting technology transfer from DOST to produce enhanced nutribuns for daycare centers throughout Iloilo City. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that children attend school well-nourished to enhance their academic performance.
The establishment of this production facility was made possible with the support of the Department of Science and Technology and Bombo Radyo Philippines Foundation Inc.