The “Enhanced Nutribun” is literally “in the oven” of 76 technology adoptors registered by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST–FNRI) as a result of the agency’s aggressive information drive and technology transfer training, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles reported early this week.
Nutribun is a bread product used in elementary school feeding programs during the 70s to combat child malnutrition.
“The “E-Nutribun” is a showcase of new technology as well as proof that the Duterte administration is concretely doing its job at hunger and poverty elimination.”
Nograles, who heads the government’s Task Force on Zero Hunger, expressed confidence that the DOST-FNRI would continue to push for greater adoption and production of the modern and scientifically updated version of the product during the opening of the third leg of the “Kasapatan at Ugnayan ng Mamamayan sa Akmang Pagkain At Nutrisyon” o KUMAIN webinar series.
The Palace official relayed that the Task Force has received 76 letters of intent, nine adoptors have attended the virtual training, and 12 more have signed technology licensing agreements.
According to the Zero Hunger Czar, “The KUMAIN initiative, from the name itself, is geared towards the goal of eliminating hunger and poverty in the entire country. It’s a lofty goal but we need to start somewhere. Our webinars are small steps in the implementation of a general plan.”
The Malacañang official added that their job through the KUMAIN series was to immediately add to the government’s promotional activities to inform sectors on new food production technologies that can be used for science and technology-based food fortification.
At the inception of the webinar, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and members of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Business Network formed the core of the initial online batches, and they were furnished trainings on the use of new food technologies.
“We strongly encourage everyone, especially entrepreneurs and business owners, to get involved in this project. Those who will adopt the technology will have immediate returns on their investment while performing an important public service in supporting the government’s anti-hunger initiative.”
Since the technology licensing is free, the only capital needed is in the setting up of facilities based on the scale of production. Pilot plant engineers from DOST–FNRI will assist technology adoptors in setting up systems to effectively operate.
Based on projections by FNRI engineers, a 30% return on investment (ROI) on E-Nutribun production will be felt in as quick as two to two-and-a-half years.
Nograles stressed that the DepEd and DSWD are among the targeted institutional markets of E-Nutribun because of their school-based feeding programs and supplementary feeding programs. Funds have already been allocated to these agencies for the distribution of food packs prepared by DOST–FNRI in their respective nutrition projects.
The initial list of technology adoptors includes the following: Aretei Foods Corporation (NCR); Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corporation (Region I); AJ’s Bread and Pastries, J.A. Fruits and Vegetable Processing, Quirino Livelihood for Everyone (Q-life), J’s Bakeshop & Delicacies, and Susan’s Bakeshop (Region II); Gem See’s Cakeshop, Swisspharma Research Laboratories Inc.’ San Jose Workers MPC, MRG Food Products/Malou’s Bakery, Magifrance Bakeshop and Café, Doughpro Manufacturing & Trading Corp., LGU-Mauban, Quezon Province, Panaderia Pantoja, Inc., Golden Wheat Bakery, El Richard Bakery, Anica’s Home Bread Store, Momilo Mio, Congw. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, MD, and Amira’s Buco Tart Haus (CALABARZON); Lea’s Special Uraro Cookies, and Rejano’s Bakery (MIMAROPA); AAV Food Corp (Region V); Saints Baked Delights (Region VII); and Delta Business Ventures (Region X).
“We strongly encourage everyone, especially entrepreneurs and business owners, to get involved in this project. Those who will adopt the technology will have immediate returns on their investment while performing an important public service in supporting the government’s anti-hunger initiative.”
The “E-Nutribun” is a showcase of new technology as well as proof that the Duterte administration is concretely doing its job at hunger and poverty elimination,” Nograles explained.