Vol. 29 No. 3 July - September 2012 ISSN Number: 0166-2985

As the government’s principal arm in food and nutrition research and development,

the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) remains to be steadfast in its commitment to promote optimum nutrition for all Filipinos. Now, more than ever, the Institute conducts F&N researches and trainings. It develops nutritious, safe and affordable food products and transfers these to stakeholders for commercial production and marketing. As part of its mandate, the Institute disseminates information through various modes to attain the government’s goal of improving the nutritional health of the Filipino population, and at the same time, provide economic opportunities to stakeholders.

FNRI-DOST celebrates 65th Anniversary

To celebrate this milestone, the workforce of the FNRI-DOST engaged in a series of monthly activities from January to May 2012 to drumbeat the coming of its 65th anniversary.

The FNRI Employees Association (FANEA) partnered with the Institute’s divisions in conducting various activities to commemorate this milestone as well as raise funds for the Adopt-a-Community project which is the pre-climax to the celebration. These included a raffle of small items and appliances, a cake raffle, and sale of ice cream and ice candies. The staff also donated old clothes and items to be distributed during the Adopt-a-Community day.

On July 2, as early as 8:00 in the morning, official and employees of the Institute held a parade with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Band around the DOST complex. A thanksgiving mass was offered at 9:30 AM at the FNRI chapel, followed by the blessing of the new and upgraded facilities and laboratories.

After the mass, a simple ceremony was conducted in honor of retired employees and pillars of the Institute. Certificates and tokens

DVAguila, Science Research Specialist I, TDSTSD

Director’s Message ............Writers’ Pool Corner ...........News Flash ........................Human Resource ...............

02031015

What’s Inside 7

Director’s MessageZenaida V. Narciso, Ph.D.

Editor-in-Chief

Milflor S. GonzalesAssistant Editor

Charina A. JavierIssue Editor

FNRI DigestEditorial Board

Erlinda V. IlaoCompositor

Romeo R. ArtuzArtist

Ma. Corazon E. PalompoCirculation Manager

Divorah V. AguilaProofreader

Dr. Mario V. CapanzanaDirector

Ferdinand B. Oamar, DPAOIC, Office of the Deputy Director

and Chief Administrative Officer, FAD

Consuelo L. OrenseSupervising Science Research Specialist

and OIC, NFRDD

Dr. Zenaida V. NarcisoChief Science Research Specialist, TDSTSD

Dr. Imelda A. AgdeppaAsst. Scientist

and OIC, NAMD

Ms. Joyce R. TobiasSupervising Science Research Specialist

and OIC, FRDG

Advisers

Office Address: FNRI Building, DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telefax: 837-2934/8373164; email: zeny_narciso2003@yahoo.com; website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph

The third quarter of every year has always been the busiest time for us but this year was much special and the activities more exciting!

July marked the 65th anniversary of FNRI’s establishment as an institution. The theme of the anniversary celebration was “FNRI @ 65: EATS all for us” that highlighted the Institute’s core values of excellence, action-orientedness, teamwork and sincerity. The celebration was made festive with a series of activities. This included fund-raising activities by each division where proceeds were used for the FNRI's outreach program and adopted community. A wellness program was conducted for FNRI employees because as movers for nutrition, we also need to be fit and healthy. Current and past employees of FNRI got together in a simple luncheon. The annual FNRI Seminar conducted on July 5&6, 2012. The anniversary celebration was concluded by the “adopt a barangay project” where we provided food and nutrition seminar to chosen households in Brgy. Lower Bicutan to bring nutrition closer to the people.

The FNRI actively participated in the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) that has been a traditional venue to showcase the latest breakthroughs in science and technology in the Philippines, and promote local technologies that are much appropriate and cost-effective

in the country. The technologies for brown rice and complementary foods for young children were staged by FNRI in the exhibit and technology fora.

Also as part of the NSTW, the FNRI spearheaded the science fun run for the second year in a row. Dubbed this year as DOST Run for Wellness 2012, the event not only brought endorphin-high to employees through the fun run and aerobics but gave emphasis on the importance of fitness by assessing their nutrition and health status, giving simple counseling, and putting importance of being ready during disasters.

We come in close contact with the regions through the conduct of the Regional Science and Technology Exhibits, and the Regional Dissemination of the 2011 Nutrition Survey results. These regional activities presented the technologies and data to people who need and use them to call for action and hopefully bring about change in the community.

Finally, we continued to make our outputs and instruments better by consulting experts from other institutions, particularly in refining the third revision of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF), and reviewing the questionnaires for the 8th National Nutrition Survey next year. We were able to hold separate workshops on these two important projects and we are grateful to all those who participated for their valuable inputs.

Still, there are much more to tell about this jam-packed quarter but let this issue give you a glimpse.

MARIO V. CAPANZANA, Ph.D. Director

2 FNRI Digest

Dr. Imelda A. AgdeppaDivorah V. Aguila

Mina Grace C.AquinoMa. Idelia G. GloriosoJosefina T. GonzalesCeline Ann Z. Javier

Charina A. JavierEva Abile-GoyenaRachel V. Parcon

Salvador R. SerranoContributors

Cassava is notorious for its flatulence-inducing property. It also suffers from a lowly

reputation as a poor man’s food. Remember the common saying: “Go home and plant kamote?” But did you know that aside from being rich in carbohydrates, cassava may even help lower cholesterol level and may prevent or treat other diseases?

Cassava: more than a gas-inducing food

Writers’ Pool Corner

carbohydrate, 1.8 grams dietary fiber, 30 milligrams calcium, 1.1 milligrams iron and 50 milligrams vitamin C. The cassava tuber contains some soluble carbohydrates, like glucose, which can be turned into inverted sugar, thus, conveying a pleasant sweet taste. Inverted sugar is a mixture of glucose and fructose which is obtained by splitting sucrose. It is sweeter and its products tend to remain more moist and are less prone to crystallization.

However, cassava is not a good source of high biological value protein.

In some parts of Africa and South America, cassava has several uses. The bitter variety of cassava root is used to treat diarrhea and malaria. Cassava leaves are used to treat hypertension, headache and pain. Cubans commonly use cassava to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

Although, caution should be practiced in processing cassava. Raw cassava contains cyanogenic glycoside that when reacted with an enzyme produces hydrocyanic acid (HCN) a toxic substance. This can be eliminated by soaking the cassava in water, rinsing, boiling, baking, peeling or grating.

A study by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) showed that cassava caused a significant decrease in the total cholesterol levels and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels of

volunteer subjects. The study attributed the cholesterol-lowering effect of cassava and other rootcrops to their dietary fiber content.

Dietary fiber comes from the family of carbohydrate plant sources that are not digested by intestinal enzymes and are metabolized in the colon. Low dietary fiber intake has been associated with risk to chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and some forms of cancer.

In the Philippines, cassava is consumed mainly as a snack or dessert item. It can be eaten plainly as boiled cassava or made into popular recipes such as cassava cake, bibingka cassava and lubi-lubi, among others. Cassava may be cooked directly from its raw form or can be processed and made into cassava flour or cassava starch.

Today, with the increased evidence on its nutritional and health benefits and in response to increasing prices of commodities, cassava flour is one of the products recommended to partially substitute wheat in baked and noodle products. Partial substitution can buffer the price of other raw materials, especially wheat flour, and at the same time adding nutritional value to the products.

Use of cassava flour in the formulation of different food products will provide consumers with a variety of healthy food choices and will also benefit the cassava industry, particularly the farmers.

CAJavier, Science Research Specialist I, TDSTSD

3FNRI Digest

Yes, cassava or more commonly known as kamoteng kahoy or balinghoy in the Philippines has other health and nutritional benefits aside from being a starchy food.

The cassava, yuca, manioc, or tapioca (Manihot esculenta) is a woody shrub of the Euphorbiaceae (spurge family). It is native to South America where it is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible starchy tuberous root and a major source of carbohydrates. Now grown throughout the tropics, including the Philippines, cassava is one of the most important starchy rootcrops, serving as energy source because of its high carbohydrate content.

Cassava roots are very rich in starch. Per 100-gram (g) sample, cassava contributes 145 kilocalories (kcal), 35.3 grams

There are a lot of misconceptions about diabetes. One misconception

is that diabetics can eat as much fruits as they have been used to. Learning the truth about diabetes will help manage and control the disease effectively.

We all know that fruits are important sources of other dietary essentials like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These are very nutritious since they contain good amounts of

Is it safe for diabetics to eat as much fruits as they want?

MIGGlorioso, Senior Science Research Specialist, TDSTSD

beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin B complex. These vitamins protect the eyesight, keep the skin smooth and clean, prevent the occurrence of some bleeding gums and easily- bruised skin, and increase body resistance against infection.

They are also good sources of fiber. Fibers can be water-insoluble or water-soluble. Generally, water-insoluble fibers help the colon by speeding up elimination of waste, sugar, and fat from the body. These are found in wheat, rice bran, whole wheat bread, fruits and vegetables. Water-insoluble fiber includes the plant cell wall structural component and the woody structure in plants.

The general belief is that fruits contain natural and complex sugars perceived to be beneficial to the

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Water is the most abundant component in the body since it makes up 70-75

percent of our total body weight. It aids in digestion, absorption, transport and utilization of electrolytes and other nutrients. It also helps maintain body temperature and excretes waste products from the lungs, skin and kidneys. Furthermore, it is considered as the most essential of all nutrients.

Our body needs to be sufficiently supplied with water to replace the loss of water in urine, sweat, perspiration, feces, as well as through other body processes that cannot be seen. Not supplying enough water in the body can affect

Drink water and be healthy

bodily function and can lead to dehydration and also even to death. With this, it is just right to say that “water gives life” or without water there could be no life.”

Drinking only when thirsty is not a good idea! Don’t wait until you are thirsty to decide to drink because by the time you are thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. Fluid replacement should be a daily plan.

The daily fluid requirements will vary with the environmental conditions, clothing, intensity and duration of exercise, and other activities. Based on the 2000 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by a technical working

group led by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), water or fluid requirement ranges from 10 milliliters per kilogram (ml/kg) of body weight for infants to 25 milliliters per kilogram body weight for adults which is about 3 glasses of fluids for infants and 6-8 glasses for adults.

You can also get fluids from fruits, vegetables, and other

IAngeles-Agdeppa, Ph.D., Assistant Scientist

body. The sugar in fruits, however, is different from the pure simple sugars. Some fruits contain more fructose than glucose and may contain fructo-oligosaccharides or other complex carbohydrates Fruits may cause an increase in blood sugar when taken in excess.

A diabetic person should include at least one exchange of fruits rich in vitamin C daily in the diet and take more often fruits rich in dietary fiber.

Remember, it is important to take fruits in combination with main meals and consumption of these should be spread out during the day. A diabetic person may also consult a dietitian about the frequency, amount and types of fruits to be eaten. The dietitian can recommend

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5FNRI Digest

More Pinoys at greater risk to heart attackEAGoyena, Science Research Specialist II, NAMD

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is considered as one of the deadliest illnesses in the Philippines.So deadly because blood flow to the heart

is restricted due to hardened or narrowed arteries.Narrowing of the arteries may be due to plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol and other substances found in the blood. When the plaque builds-up, the process is called atherosclerosis. The narrowed arteries constrict the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart and if left untreated, CAD may lead to angina or worse, heart attack. Symptoms of angina include chest pain or discomfort and feeling of tightness or heaviness in the chest. Pain may also occur in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back, and may even feel like indigestion.

Heart attack occurs when the heart muscles are deprived of oxygen and become damaged, which can lead to serious problems and even death.

The National Nutrition and Health Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the

Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in cooperation with 14 medical societies and the Department of Health reported that 22.5 percent or two in ten Filipino adults 20 years old and over showed a higher risk of CAD based on the anginal symptoms of chest pain, heaviness and tightness.

The results further revealed that angina based on symptoms was common among females and among those living in rural areas.

On the other hand, the prevalence of CAD based on history of previous diagnosis by a doctor or nurse was 1.3 percent, indicating that only a small proportion of adults were diagnosed with CAD.

This alarming problem which affects about 11,000 Filipino adults needs to be urgently addressed by government and planning bodies to prevent and control fatal heart disease among Filipino adults, according to Ms. Charmaine A. Duante, Senior Science Research Specialist of the FNRI-DOST.

Another type of atherosclerotic-related disease which was included in the said survey was the peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and stroke.

The cause of PAD is also atherosclerosis where a person may have a higher risk to heart attack, stroke and ischemic heart disease.

PAD was determined based on symptoms of calf pain with a prevalence of 4.2 percent, while stroke was based on previous history with a prevalence of 1.2 percent.

The proportions of adults aged 20 years old and over who had angina based on symptoms have almost doubled from 12.5 percent in 2003 to 22.5 percent in 2008.

This alarming trend is a wake-up call, given the widely-recognized body of evidence on the prevalence of these diseases, Ms. Duante further added.

Preparing meals for school children needs careful planning especially if you are

a working mom.

Planning ahead will save time and effort and will enable you to come up with a healthy and nutritious kiddie meal.

There are potential dangers when kiddie meals are not well-planned. The kid’s regular breakfast fare can consist of a lot of processed foods. These foods are usually high in sodium and preservatives. A possible effect of preservatives on kids is hyperactivity.

Children are eating away from home so many parents just give money for lunch. Left to decide on what to eat, kids are less likely to get the nourishment they need.

Healthy tips for kiddie meals during school daysJTGonzales, Sc. Research Specialist II, TDSTSD

Although processed foods, fast foods, and other low-nutrient foods can be offered once in a while so children won’t feel “deprived”, they should not have these foods as part of their daily meals.

Here are some tips to ensure that kids get healthy meals during school days:

1. Provide alternatives, such as lean meat, sandwiches with low-fat cheese and some veggies or fruits as snacks.

2. Encourage them to eat more fruits and vegetables, as well as complex carbohydrates, like boiled corn, banana cue, kamote cue, biko, suman and other native delicacies.

3. Native foods or kakanin are cheaper and healthier than

refined carbohydrates like chips, fries, burgers, cakes and pastries. These food items are usually high in fat, sugar and sodium which are not good for growing children.

4. As a parent, be a role model for healthy eating. Make an effort to eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables when you’re hungry. Chances are, your children will eventually follow.

5. Involve your children in planning meals.

6. Take them to the grocery to help select items for your weekly menu. They are more likely to eat something they have chosen. Include easy, healthy choices like fruit juices and milk in their diet

The outcome of pregnancy is highly dependent on the health status of the mother.

According to the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2008, 26.3 percent of pregnant women are nutritionally-at-risk for delivering low birthweight infants.

Moreover, the prevalence rate of anemia among pregnant women is 42.5 percent and 9.5 percent for vitamin A deficiency, the survey also disclosed.

This high rate of undernourished pregnant women translates into high rate of undernourished babies.

Multiple micronutrient supplement for pregnant women more beneficial

One of the effective strategies in uplifting the nutritional status of pregnant women is micronutrient supplementation.

Presently, pregnant women benefit from the iron, vitamin A and iodine supplementation programs of the government.

Based on the results of the 7th NNS, 34.3 percent of pregnant women received iron supplementation. Only 6.6 percent got vitamin A supplementation and only 2.9 percent benefited from iodine supplementation.

Interventions are always focused on these single nutrient supplementations but multiple nutrient supplementations can also be given to pregnant women

due to their additional nutrient requirements.

At present, there are no local studies showing the effects of multiple micronutrient supplementations on the health status of pregnant women.

CAZJavier, Sc. Research Specialist I, TDSTSD

136 FNRI Digest

Estimates from the 2008 National Demographic and Health Statistics (NDHS) of

the National Statistics Office (NSO) revealed that about one in every four or 26 percent of women 15-24 years old have started childbearing.

Nineteen percent (19%) of the births delivered by these young mothers have multiple medical risks due to a combination of the mother’s age, birth interval and birth order, the NDHS further revealed.

A related survey conducted in 2011 by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) among 1,650 Filipino pregnant women showed that about 40 percent of pregnant teenagers below 15 years old and 36 percent of pregnant teenagers 15-19 years old were nutritionally-at-risk in relation to gestational age.

Teen Pregnancy Endangers Young Mom, Baby EAGoyena, Sc. Research Specialist II, NAMD

Undernutrition among pregnant teens is a significant problem because 43.4 percent of them had low weight gain during pregnancy and more likely to have babies with low birthweight and experience short lactation, the FNRI survey also disclosed.

Percentage of nutritionally-at-risk pregnant women was twice higher among those who are less than 20 years old at 36.0 percent than among the 20 years old and up at 23.0 percent, the survey added.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stillbirths and death in the first week of life are 50.0 percent higher among babies born to mothers younger than 20 years old than among babies born to mothers 20–29 years old.

In addition, rates of premature birth, low birth weight and asphyxia

were given to employees who have rendered at least 10 years of continued service in the Institute. A special production number was delivered by FNRI employees for the pleasure of everyone. The FNRI staff, alumni and guests treated

FNRI celebrates 65th anniversary .... from p. 1

7FNRI Digest

low glycemic index (GI) fruits such as mango, banana and calculate the glycemic load of particular meal. GI is the measure of the glucose response of an individual to food. Knowledge on GI of particular foods will help in the proper control and management of diabetes mellitus.

Fruits that are prepared or canned in syrup should not be given to diabetics even if the syrup is rinsed off. Choose canned fruits and juices that state "no sugar added" or "unsweetened".

Is it safe for diabetic to eat as much fruits... from p. 4

beverages like fruit juices, fortified drinks and flavored sports drink, which provide additional vitamins, especially vitamin C.

To be healthy, get yourself a glass of water and start hydrating your body. Drink plenty of water!

Drink water ... from p. 4

or difficulty of breathing are higher among babies of adolescents, all of which increase the chance of early death and future health problems, the WHO also noted.

The Population Commission (POPCOM) likewise documented in 2001 that poor nutrition aggravated by multiple pregnancies and closely-spaced births make younger moms more susceptible to infectious diseases as well as health complications that may result to maternal or infant deaths and low birthweight babies.

This is known as maternal depletion or deficiency which has adverse effects on the nutrient composition of breastmilk, particularly on vitamin A, iodine, and B complex, thereby increasing the risk of early undernutrition among infants, the POPCOM underscored.

to a sumptuous meal at the FNRI Meeting Room.

By Tuesday, July 3, cocktails and dinner were held at the Grand Ballrooms of the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City. The Cocktails Program at 6:00 PM served as a treat to the

partners of the Institute. The Dinner Program at 8:30 PM highlighted the awarding of recognition to partners of FNRI from the industry, media and international organizations. The program concluded by way of dance party among FNRI staff and partners.

News Flash

The FNRI-DOST believes that through public and private partnership, food and nutrition

information can be disseminated to a larger number of beneficiaries nationwide.

On July 13, 2012, FNRI and San Miguel Pure Foods Corporation (SMPF) engaged in a partnership that intends to empower and educate employees and customers on healthy living through effective nutrition communication.

The project included the following: the development and classification of SMPFC products; development of messages about SMPFC products; nutrition seminars/trainings for SMPFC’s staff. The trainings will focus on

FNRI, Adarna House and San Miguel Corporation partners for nutrition information and trainings

MIGGlorioso, Sr. Science Research Specialist, TDSTSD

knowledge and skills on basic nutrition, food safety, food processing and other relevant information in the promotion and dissemination of basic nutrition information and healthy lifestyle habits among their customers. The trainings also aim to develop communication skills enhancement in teaching the modules and advocacy program for SMPFC fortified products. The project will be implemented from July 2012 to June 2013.

Another partnership materialized on August 1, 2012 when FNRI-DOST signed memorandum of agreement with Adarna House to develop and print a nutrition big book on water and beverages. This is the first big book on nutrition that will be available in National

Bookstores nationwide by 2013.

The Nutrition Big Book can be helpful in facilitating nutrition education among Filipino children, particularly on drinking eight glasses of water and beverages everyday through storytelling.

Adarna House is the first

and largest publisher of Filipino children’s books that help nurture values such as love of country, and promote multilingual literacy of the Filipino child in every home and school.

These public-private partnerships can help change the mindset of Filipinos on food and nutrition.

10 FNRI Digest

Six researches of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute – Department of Science and Technology were presented orally and through poster at the

International Congress of Dietetics in Sydney, Australia from September 5-8, 2012 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Center.

With the theme LEAP: Leadership, Evidence and Advancing Practice, delegates gained greater understanding of how the profession is being practiced in all corners of the world. The congress aimed to explore the theme in an exciting manner so that the congress is both informative and attractive.

FNRI-DOST researches presented in Sydney, AustraliaDVAguila, Science Research Specialist I, TDSTSD

Trade exhibition and poster viewing were simultaneously incorporated at the morning and afternoon breaks, and during lunchtime.

On day 1 under Community-based interventions, Ms. Charina A. Javier, FNRI Science Research Specialist I, presented orally the paper, Development and Evaluation of a Desk Calendar for Nutrition Promotion: A Public-Private Partnership.

On the same day, Dr. Zenaida V. Narciso, FNRI Chief Science Research Specialist, presented through poster the paper, The Use of Puppet Videos in Nutrition Education in the Philippines.

On day 2, under School Nutrition Education Program, three Philippine delegates from the Institute made oral presentations, (a) Innovative Iron Rice Fortification Strategy Coupled with Social Marketing Decreased Anemia Rate Among Schoolchildren by Dr. Imelda A. Agdeppa; (b) Establishment, Implementation and Evaluation of the Philippine Nutrition School on Line by Dr. Zenaida V. Narciso; and (c) Nutrition School on Camera (NSC): An Innovative Nutrition Education Approach in Promoting Food and Nutrition Messages by Ms. Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso.

The highlight of the 2012 ICD is the scientific program. The ICD Scientific Program Committee invested considerable time and effort in developing a program. The Committee explored new directions in nutrition and dietetics and debate topics with high profile experts from across the world. With over 800 submitted papers accepted into the program, stimulating lead sessions, invited plenary talks, interactive workshops, symposia and sponsored sessions, the Congress reflected the diversity, innovation and commitment of each country’s achievements in the dietetics world.

The conference began with an opening session followed by a welcome address and keynote lecture. The congress was continued by concurrent sessions in the morning and in the afternoon with special lectures concluding each day.

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Consultative workshop on review and revision of Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos

The workshop on Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) was successfully held for one day at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ortigas Avenue,

Corner Asian Development Bank Avenue, Quezon City on September 25, 2012. The workshop was attended by a dynamic group of experts from community nutrition, hospital dietetics, academe, health research agencies and other government and non-government institutions. The consultative workshop aimed to solicit comments and suggestions on for review and revision of Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos.

Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director of Food and Nutrition Research Institute delivered his welcome remarks for the opening of the workshop. An overview of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos was presented by Dr. Celeste C. Tanchoco, current President of the Nutritionist-Dietitians Association of the Philippines. The mechanics of the workshop was discussed by Dr. Corazon VC. Barba, Professor Emeritus at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. The workshop

MGCAquino, Science Research Specialist II, MND

focused on the discussion of the new set of ten Nutritional Messages revised by the Technical Working Group (TWG) and the Secretariat in August 16, 2012. The technical working group that acted as consultant for the review and revision of NGF is composed of Dr. Mario V. Capanzana (FNRI-DOST), Dr. Celeste C. Tanchoco (NDAP), Dr. Corazon VC Barba (UPLB), Dr. Rodolfo F. Florentino (NFP), Dr. Florentino S. Solon (NCP), Dr. Alejandro V. Pineda Jr (PAFP), ASEC Maria-Bernardita T. Flores (NNC); Ms. Luz C. See (NCDPC-DOH), Ms. Liberty Importa (NCDPC-DOH) and Ms. Luz Tagunicar (NCHP-DOH). The secretariat who drafted the explanatory text of NGF Messages for the Review and Revision of NGF were Ms. Arsenia Cruz, Ms. Mina Grace C. Aquino and Mr. Robby Carlo Tan of FNRI-DOST.

The participants of the workshop were given ample time to study each of the messages and to restate the message deemed necessary by the participants.

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The FNRI-DOST looked into the benefits of multiple micronutrient supplementation composed of iron, vitamin A, vitamin B2, folate and zinc to anemic pregnant women instead of just giving a single nutrient.

In the study, three groups of anemic pregnant women received three different nutrient supplementations namely the multi-micronutrients, iron-folic acid or iron alone per group.

Based on the results of the study, anemia prevalence among anemic pregnant women who received the multi-micronutrient supplementation significantly dropped to 12.8 percent compared with those who received iron only. This is very much lower than the drop to 27.3 percent of those who received iron-folic acid.

Even though the amount of iron in the multi-

micronutrient supplementation is lower than those of iron-folic acid only and iron alone, there is still a significant improvement in the iron status of pregnant women.

Improvement in vitamin B2 and folate status were also noted for pregnant women who took the multi-micronutrient supplementation.

Furthermore, pregnant women who received the

multi-micronutrient and iron-folic acid supplementation reduced incidence of low birthweight babies, premature deliveries and low occurrence of neonatal deaths compared to those who received iron alone.

Based on the positive results of this study, the government should consider giving multiple micronutrient supplementation to pregnant women instead of iron alone.

Multiple micronutrient supplement .... from p. 6

The high-impact technology solutions or HITS of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-

DOST) are the main feature of the FNRI exhibit system during the 2012 National Science and Technology Week last July 10-14 at the SMX Convention Center of the Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Stabilized brown rice, iron-fortified rice and complementary food blends comprised the FNRI HITS. Highlights of the 2011 Nutrition Survey Update, upgraded S&T services and facilities as well as innovative information packages were also featured in the FNRI exhibit.

Stabilized brown rice is ordinary brown rice treated to extend its shelf-life, preserve its nutritional benefits and improve its market value.

Iron-fortified rice or IFR is ordinary white rice fortified with the micronutrient iron to help fight iron deficiency anemia.

Complementary food blends and snacks are made from rice and mongo ideal for feeding programs to combat malnutrition.

The FNRI also participated in the Northern Luzon Cluster S&T Fair at the Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte on July 30-August 03, the Visayas Cluster S&T Fair at the Tacloban Convention Center in Tacloban City on September 24-28. Likewise, the

Institute will also participate in the Mindanao Cluster S&T Fair at the KCC Mall in General Santos City on October 10-14 and the Southern Luzon Cluster at the Waltermart in San Fernando City, Pampanga on November 22-24.

Engr. Rosemarie G. Garcia, Senior Science Research Specialist and Ms. Alfee B. Capule, Science Research Specialist I of the FNRI were the resource persons for stabilized brown rice and complementary food blends, respectively, at the Northern Luzon Cluster S&T Fair technology fora.

Ms. Joyce R. Tobias, Supervising Science Research Specialist, on the other hand, was the speaker for both brown rice and complementary food blends at the Visayas Cluster S&T Fair technology fora.

FNRI HITS featured in NSTW and regional cluster S&T fairsSRSerrano, Science Research Specialist II, TDSTSD

13FNRI Digest

The Regional Dissemination Fora for the Updating of Nutritional Status of Filipinos

kicked off in four northern Luzon regions in the country namely Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Ilocos, Cordillera Administrative Region, Caraga and Mindanao on September 18, 19, 20, 21, 26 and 28, 2012, held in Tuguegarao City, San Fernando, Pampanga, Vigan City, Baguio City, Butuan City, Cotabato City, Zamboanga City and Cagayan de Oro City, respectively.

The series of regional dissemination fora was organized by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) in cooperation with the Department of Science and Technology Regional Offices

2011 Nutrition Survey Regional Dissemination kicks off

(DOST-RO), and National Nutrition Council (NNC).

The fora aim to deliver information to stakeholders who are more involved in food, nutrition and health program planning and implementation at the local level. It also aims to advocate the integration of interventions in the regional development plan, and present possible solutions to current nutrition problems.

Representatives from different sectors particularly nutrition, agriculture, health, information office, local government units, and other related sectors attended the event.

Teams from the FNRI presented the most recent nutrition situation based on the 2011 Updating of Nutritional Status of Filipinos. The High Impact Technology Solutions (HITS) projects were also presented. The HITS addresses the malnutrition problem of infants and young children through the promotion of locally-developed nutritious complementary foods.

Action points for application of the 2011 Nutrition Survey Data and Regional Action Plans were also discussed in the forum.

The series of regional dissemination fora covers all regions in the country which is scheduled until October 2012.

CAJavier, Science Research Specialist I, TDSTSD

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Butuan City, September 26, 2012 Zamboanga City, September 28, 2012Tuguegarao City, September 18, 2012

Human Resource

The Colorful Journey of TRP(A tribute to Teresita Rosaria Portugal)

RVParcon, Science Research Specialist I, FRDG-FQSS

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Scarf, dangling earrings, purple shoes, pink camera, plane ticket…trademarks one cannot simply ignore of Tess. Tita Tess, Tessie, Teresita, (or TRP to some) is a born traveler, a fashionista, and a true-blooded chemist who dedicated 42 splendid years of service to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).

15FNRI Digest

Tess was born on October 3, 1947 to Doroteo P. Portugal and Maria Z. Rosaria in Ibaan, Batangas. She is a graduate of BS Chemistry from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila in 1969. She earned her MS Chemistry degree from the Adamson University, Manila in 1983 and Diploma in Nutrition in 1982 from the University of Bergen, Norway. Immediately after graduating from college, Tess joined the world of professionals in 1970. She worked at the Food and Nutrition Research Center (FNRC), the predecessor of the FNRI, of the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), National Science Development Board (NSDB). The NIST is now the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) and the NSDB is the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

She literally rose from the ranks, starting as a contractual Technician III in 1970, later becoming a contractual Science Research Associate I in 1974. Subsequently, she was promoted to a permanent Science Research Associate I position, assigned to proximate and amino acid analysis of food samples. She climbed the ladder: becoming a Science Research Specialist II in 1980, a Senior Science Research Specialist in 1984, and finally a Supervising Science Research Specialist in 1999. She held this position until her retirement in

October 2012, as the Officer-in-Charge of both the Food Quality and Safety Section (FQSS) and the Food Analytical Service Laboratory (FASL).

Tess is an achiever, honed by the mentorship of her predecessors in the Section: Ms. Mercedes Soriano, Ms. Isabel Abdon, Ms. Aurea Lontoc, and Dr. Aida Aguinaldo former FNRI Deputy Director. She lives and breathes functional chemistry, with words like food composition data (FCD), laboratory quality assurance (LQA), reference materials (RMs), and proficiency testing (PT), among her everyday workplace jargon. She shepherded the first international harmonization of the food composition tables (FCTs) recommended for use in the Philippines. As such, she acted as Country Coordinator for the ASEAN Food Data Systems or ASEANFOODS, a Regional Node of the INFOODS of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO/UN). Her efficient leadership earned for the FASL the title of being the first government food testing laboratory to be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, demonstrating competence of the FNRI’s chemical and microbiological testing services. She is also responsible for the sustained development of the FNRI’s Proficiency Testing Laboratory (PTL) Services. Through her initiative, the

PTL is currently working towards ISO/IEC 17043 accreditation, which once realized would make the FNRI the first proficiency testing (PT) provider in the Philippines, a vital requirement for continuing accreditation of local food testing laboratories. With her pioneering efforts, these PT rounds enabled local government food testing service laboratories, especially the DOST Regional Standards and Testing Laboratories (RSTLs), and their private counterparts to institutionalize other LQA measures. Her legacy of quality laboratory services combined with her day-to-day motto, “Ginagawa natin ‘to para sa bayan”, promises to help ensure global competitiveness of the Philippine food products.

As a boss, Tess is aggressive in defending resource allocation for projects she believed in. She is a hands-on supervisor who never failed to see to it that small details are taken care of, to ensure that everything was in order. She regularly met with her staff to discuss the activities in the laboratory, its projects, and its targets. She gave instructions, repeated several times, for maximum retention by the staff. She checked documents for the nth time, making sure that nothing was missed out. For her, everything and everyone are critical to the work at hand. But Tess is not an I-know-

The colorful journey of TRP from ... p. 15

Day 3 commenced with a plenary address from Dr Sylvia Escott Stump (USA) on Nutritional Genetics – Discovering New Practice Horizons and Ms. Pauline Mulholland (UK) on Making a difference with Dietetics.

Under the session Childhood Obesity, Ms. Divorah V. Aguila, SRS I presented orally the paper: Determinants of Obesity among Selected Filipino Children.

The Congress was concluded with an official Closing Ceremony that included Awards, Congress Summary, Flag handover and a presentation from Spain, the next host of ICD in 2014.

The congress created opportunities for participants to

present and share experiences, explore new directions and debate topics with experts from across the globe.

The congress became a conduit also to meet international colleagues and expand linkages and partnerships around the globe.

FNRI-DOST presented in Sydney ... from p. 11

16 FNRI Digest

everything machine. She allowed her staff to express thoughts and feelings, always encouraging, especially the young ones, to share and come up with fresh ideas. When heated arguments ensued, she managed to remain calm and soft-spoken. After everything had been said and done, she and her staff stayed friends; laughter cracking up --- to return the situation to its original mode, as if nothing happened. And just like any ordinary family, there were highs and lows in every tussle in the staff room with Tess; but overall, there were more happy times than poignant moments.

Outside of work, Tess is family-oriented, religious, and charitable. She remembers friends and always makes sure she attends reunion parties, even with high school classmates, and car pool-mates. She is “malakas kay Lord”, certainly

because she readily shares --- her resources (including financial) to any family or staff member or friend in dire straits (some of her staff can testify to that). Despite the difficulties and storms she had been through, she remains readily sharing --- her strong spirit, sharp mind, and sincere heart --- with all the lives she had touched and will continue to touch.

Now that she is 65 and leaving the portals of the Institute that she had served for more than four decades, we know that she will be missing a lot of workplace requisites: waking up early morning to rush to work, passing through the familiar route everyday; and staying late in the evening, rendering overtime work. But the retirement perks are plentiful: travelling often to Batangas, re-visiting her roots; flying to foreign countries collecting

some more memorabilia; preparing business proposals for financial institutions to support; and probably “building her mansion” --- “only a bahay-kubo”, she claims. Now, she will have time on her hands becoming more “techie”, exploring new apps with her new mobile phone (with internet access), her pink laptop, and new pink tablet.

Not until after April 2013 will we be missing Tess, physically, as she will still drop by the laboratory as a consultant in her baby project: the accreditation of the FNRI as a PT provider. Beyond this project, we trust that communications with Tess will continue to be kept hot and alive, with telephone lines, and email. After all, memories with Tess, past and future, will always be cherished, as there are no dull moments when you are with TRP.