FNRI Digest

Vol. 30 No. 1 January to March 2013 ISSN Number: 0166-2985

FNRI-DOST, Nestle affirm tie-up on nutritionDVAguila, Science Research Specialist I, TDSTSD

Director’s Message ..............................Writers’ Pool Corner ............................News Flash .........................................Human Resources ................................Library Acquisitions ............................

0203061416

What’s Inside

3

Public and private firms worldwide are increasingly embracing the concept of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to deliver basic services to

the people. In a concerted attempt to model strong PPP, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) and the Nestle Philippines, Inc. (NPI) recently affirmed their partnership through a meeting held on January 28, 2013 at the DOST Conference Room.

The tie-up between the two entities was established through the years, particularly in fulfilling the Institute’s mission to provide data and innovative technologies that promote good nutrition to the Filipino people.

Hosted by the Honorable Mario G. Montejo, DOST Secretary, the meeting was attended by dignitaries from Nestle’ Switzerland. The Nestle’ top brass included Mr. John Miller, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of NPI; Mr. Thierry Philardeau, Head of Strategic Business Unit (SBU), Nestlé Switzerland;

and Mr. Jean-Marc Delort, R&D Head, SBU, Nestlé Switzerland. Other officials from NPI were also present. They comprised of Mr. Jojo Dela Cruz, Business Executive Manager, Dairy Health & Nutrition Solutions (DHNS), Ms. Sandra Puno, Communications Director, Ms. Babylyn Cayabyab, Nutritionist, DHNS, and Ms. Ting Mercado, Brand Manager-Bear Brand, DHNS.

Likewise, there were officials from the DOST and the FNRI. These were Dr. Amelia P. Guevarra, Undersecretary for R&D, DOST; Ms. Marilyn M.

FNRI Digest

Director’s Message

Zenaida V. Narciso, Ph.D.Editor-in-Chief

Salvador R. SerranoAssistant Editor

Divorah V. AguilaIssue Editor

FNRI DigestEditorial Board

Erlinda V. IlaoCompositor

Romeo R. ArtuzArtist

Sancho S. LabongCirculation Manager

Charina A. JavierProofreader

Dr. Mario V. CapanzanaDirector

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

and Chief Administrative Officer, FAD

Dr. Zenaida V. NarcisoChief Science Research Specialist, TDSTSD

Consuelo L. OrenseSupervising Science Research Specialist

and OIC, NFRDD

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

MARIO V. CAPANZANA, Ph.D. Director

Dr. Imelda A. AgdeppaDivorah V. AguilaUlpiano A. Florida

Celine Ann Z. JavierCharina A. Javier

Ma. Idelia G. GloriosoMildred O. Guirindola

Sancho S. LabongCzarina Teresita S. Martinez

Regina M. PagaspasContributors

2

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science

and Technology (FNRI-DOST) welcomes the first quarter of 2013 with so much excitement and energy.

The first quarter of 2013 is a demonstration of both the power of ideas and the benefits of collaboration – the idea of forging partnerships from all fields and sectors. As malnutrition is multi-faceted in nature, our approach should also be multi-faceted and multi-dimensional. Thus, we at the FNRI have spread our wings to partner and link with various sectors to address the problem.

In preparation for the 8th National Nutrition Survey, the Institute started collaborating since last year with the different sectors for pulling together resources to augment the financial requirements of the survey. The Institute has

also started its series of trainings and orientations for those who signified interest in working for the upcoming survey. Prior to the training, several screenings were conducted in the last quarter of 2012 to select the qualified applicants to join the said survey.

A number of seminars and workshops were held inside and outside the FNRI-DOST which were geared towards enhancing the capability of the workforce and clients of the Institute. Among these were the Well-being Trainings of the San Miguel Purefoods management and staff; the Seminar-Writeshop on Advocacy Communication among members of the Writers’ Pool; and the Gender and Development Seminar.

In focus also in this first issue of the Digest are our latest research and development works, most recent partnerships, upcoming projects with the private sector and industry.

On behalf of the FNRI management and staff, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of you. Happy Easter!

FNRI Digest

4

Writers’ Pool Corner

Healthy lifestyle on sale!

Travel packages, home products, restaurants, movie tickets, gadgets and a whole lot of other

items are now being sold at cheaper prices with various promotions and advertisements online and in many business establishments. In fact, many people are going crazy over promos nowadays.

With this hype, have you ever thought of taking advantage of promos to live a healthier and active lifestyle?

Yes, fitness establishments and online stores offer discounted packages on various exercise programs such as unlimited dance lessons, unlimited gym access, yoga, pilates, bowling, ice skating, martials arts, boxing, and many more. These discounted exercise programs are sometimes specific for kids or adults but are often open to all. There are also some that are offered for groups or families.

These exercise programs are sold either in single, multiple or unlimited sessions depending on the establishment that offers the activity. For the adventurous or those who just want to try first, the single session voucher is usually a good choice. For those who are more engaged and want to develop or

CAJavier, Science Research Specialist I, TDSTSD

3

11

maintain an exercise regimen, the multiple or unlimited sessions are better options.

Message No. 10 of the New Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos recommends to “Be physically active, make healthy food choices, manage stress, avoid alcoholic beverages

FNRI-DOST, Nestle affirm tie-up ... from p. 1

Yap, Head Executive Assistant, DOST; Ms. Elenita M. Leus, Unit Head, International Technology Cooperation Unit (ITCU), DOST; Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, FNRI Director; and Ms. Teresa S. Mendoza, FNRI Planning Officer. Dr. Rosario Sagum and Ms. Julieta Dorado, Senior and Supervising Science Research Specialists respectively of the FNRI were also present together with Ms. Divorah V. Aguila and Mr. Victor Franco J. Alfonso, both Science Research Specialists1 of FNRI.

Being the low key, soft-spoken yet successful technopreneur

that he is, Secretary Montejo at his usual strong conviction, underscored his mantra “that local technology works”. Passionately, he mentioned that the whole DOST should be united in bringing out what local technology can do to improve productivity and development in the Philippines.

After a couple of audio-visual presentations from the FNRI and Nestle’, Mr. John Miller said that Nestle takes pride and joy knowing that NPI has touched the lives of thousands of Filipino families in the last 100 years through the

various programs that they have co-implemented.

Mr. Jojo de la Cruz thanked FNRI for the recognition it bestowed on the company. Mr. De la Cruz explained that the FNRI, through its research and studies, has helped Nestle formulate programs that address malnutrition.

Mr. Miller stressed that the NPI is more committed than ever to forge public-private sector alliance as a source of opportunity, ingenuity, and a competitive advantage for the company. He added that

FNRI Digest4

The Expanded Program on Immunization of the Department of Health (DOH) aims to reduce infant deaths and illnesses by addressing

tuberculosis (TB), diphtheria, pertussis or whooping cough, tetanus, polio and measles.

Immunization, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is the process whereby a person is made resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine.

Vaccines are one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions that the government’s health system can provide to the poor and most vulnerable populations.

Related to this, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) conducted a national survey on the expanded program on immunization among Filipino children in 2011.

According to the survey, complete immunization coverage among children four years old and below reached almost 92 percent.

Survey results also revealed that 94.9 percent of infants availed of the BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) and 9 out of 10 infants (or 92.4 percent) received at least one dose of OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine). Also, 9 out of 10 (or 92.5 percent) received DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus toxoid). Nine out of 10 (or 92.9 percent) were immunized with Hepa-B vaccine. Moreover, 8 out of 10 (or 85.3 percent) availed of the measles vaccine.

According to the 2003 national demographic and health survey, information based on health cards and mothers’ reports combined shows that children 12-23 months old were immunized with vaccines against the six preventable childhood diseases – tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio and measles - before one year of age. Seventy percent of children aged 12-23 months actually received the vaccines.

Also, an almost 40 percent increase in participation rate for the measles vaccine was noted from 2008 to 2011 from 45.7 percent to 85.3 percent. A significant 7.6 percent increase was likewise noted in Hepa-B

Expanded immunization program saves more livesIAAgdeppa, Ph.D., Assistant Scientist

5

FNRI-DOST, Nestle affirm tie-up ... from p... 3

12

businesses can do well, if the society where it operates is also doing well. He recognized that the government, private industry or non-government organizations by themselves cannot solve malnutrition. Thus, we need to partner and link to address the problem. “We, at Nestle, are constantly looking for opportunities in the value chain where we can create shared value – from agriculture and sourcing of raw materials, through manufacturing to the distribution of our products, all the way to our communication to our consumers”, Miller further stressed.

FNRI Director Dr. Mario V. Capanzana highlighted TEAMWORK as one of the Institute’s core values that have been the driving force of the FNRI. He said that the concept of teamwork is extremely important to the success of any group. Teamwork and unselfishness create the backbone of a great team, and without them, a team cannot realistically compete and succeed.

Mr. Thierry Philardeau, on the other hand, recounted that when the tagline “Good Food, Good Life” was introduced by Nestle’ 15 years ago, it was only a vision. A vision of enhancing lives by offering tastier and healthier food and beverage choices for all stages of life and at any time of the day. He said that true to our values and principles, we also enhance lives by creating shared value through sustainable growth, and our commitment to environmental sustainability and compliance along every step of the value chain.

It will be recalled in July 2012 during the FNRI 65th anniversary, that the Institute recognized Nestle as one of its corporate partners in health and nutrition. The recognition affirmed the importance of nurturing and strengthening public and private partnerships to better serve the public.

FNRI Digest

coverage of children from 2008 at 85.3 percent to 2011 at 92.9 percent.

The WHO further noted that millions of children worldwide die from diseases that can be prevented through vaccines.

Immunization is a proven program for controlling and eliminating life-threatening infectious diseases.

Aside from being one of the most cost-effective health investments, immunization is also a strategy that is accessible to even the most hard-to-reach and vulnerable population groups.

Vaccines can be delivered effectively through outreach activities and do not require any major lifestyle change.

5

However, despite the success of immunization campaigns, many children still remain unprotected and at-risk to life-threatening diseases.

The WHO observed an increase of 14.8 percent in reported cases of vaccine-preventable diseases from 7,985 in 2010 to 9,167 in 2011.

The government, health workers, local government units and private sector, should work hand in hand to encourage parents to have their children immunized.

Strict monitoring of intervention programs like immunization is needed to ensure community participation even in hard to reach areas.

Full benefits of immunization should be ensured as a universal right of all children, regardless of where they live and who they are.

Expanded immunization program from p. 4

Through the years, micronutrient malnutrition like vitamin A deficiency (VAD), anemia and iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) remain significant

nutritional problems of the country.

One of the solutions in fighting micronutrient malnutrition is food fortification.

Food fortification is the addition of micronutrients like vitamin A, iron and iodine to foods widely consumed by the population.

Food fortification aims to increase micronutrient intake to prevent deficiencies in these nutrients.

One of the laws enacted or food fortification is Republic Act 8172, an Act for Salt Iodization nationwide also known as the ASIN law.

Similarly, Republic Act 8976, or the Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000, calls for mandatory food fortification of rice with iron, wheat flour with vitamin A and iron, and cooking oil with vitamin A.

RA 8976 also encourages voluntary food fortification of processed food. Fortified food products that comply with the minimum requirements set by the Department of Health (DOH) are awarded the Sangkap Pinoy Seal (SPS) for display in their packaging.

The triangular SPS is used for the mandatory food fortification of food staples like rice, flour and cooking oil.

The rectangular SPS is for voluntary food fortification of processed food like noodles, biscuits and chips.

According to the results of the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) in 2008 by the FNRI-DOST, only 11.6 percent of households is aware of the SPS, while the remaining 88.4 percent is not aware.

Based on the 2008 NNS, 78.5 percent of households is aware of iodized salt, but only 41.9 percent actually use it.

There was also a decrease in the number of households who were aware and were actual users of iodized salt. Awareness level decreased from 83.4 in 2005 to 78.5% 2005 to 2008. Actual utilization of iodized salt was also down from 49.2 to 41.9 percent in the two reference years.

Based on the data, there is really a need to increase the awareness and utilization of the public on the benefits of fortified foods.

The power of food fortificationCAZJavier, Sc. Research Specialist I, TDSTSD

15

FNRI Digest6

News Flash

10

RMPagaspas, Senior Science Research Specialist, TDSTSD

FNRI, San Miguel Pure Foods Co. (SMPFC) hold well-being trainings and facilitators’ training

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) and the San Miguel Pure

Foods Company, Inc. (SMPFC), the largest Filipino-owned food company is currently undertaking a project which consists of three components: (a) Food product classification (b) Message development and (c) the Training.

The training component is composed of 12 series of wellbeing trainings and one facilitators’ training.

The wellbeing trainings aimed to provide the participants with knowledge and skills to promote and disseminate basic nutrition information and healthy lifestyle habits among their families, co-employees and customers. It consisted of lectures on basic nutrition and healthy lifestyle, food safety, food processing and a session on SMPFC product knowledge where all SMPFC products were introduced.

The first six sessions were held from October to December 2012 covering the Metro Manila and South Luzon while the other six were held from January to March 2013 covering North Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila.

Each session was started with the administration of a pre test to determine the participants’ current knowledge about the topics to be discussed. It was followed by an interactive game that served as a climate building activity and introduction to the first

major topic, Basic Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle. An open forum followed after each topic to accommodate and answer participants’ queries.

The SMPFC Vice President and Manager for Corporate Innovations Group (CIG), Mr. Alden Castañeda delivered the Opening and Welcome Remarks for the first two trainings conducted. He was one of the training participants for the group of the SMPFC Operations Committee (OpCom). The SMPFC President, Mr. Francisco S. Alejo, graced the second batch of training which was the group of the Operations Committee.

Present in all the trainings held were the CIG Wellbeing Manager, Ms. Llena T. Arcenas for SMPFC and Dr. Zenaida V. Narciso, head of Technology Diffusion and S&T Services Division-Food and Nutrition Resarch Institute (TDSTSD-FNRI).

A total of 572 participants attended the 12 trainings including the OpCom.

On the other hand, the facilitators’ training was a two-day activity composed of lectures and workshops. This was conducted last February 27 and 28, 2013 at the SMPFC University, Ugong, Pasig City.

This training aimed to provide participants the

knowledge and skills on how to design trainings. The training was specifically conducted in order to prepare some SMPFC employees who were identified as future nutrition trainers or wellbeing warriors in their task of

FNRI Digest 7

The Maternal and Young Child Nutrition Security Initiative in Asia (MYCNSIA) initiative, a four-year program (2011-2014) was launched in five

Asian countries – Bangladesh, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Nepal and the Philippines to improve nutrition security among women and children in Asia. These countries were selected based on the high prevalence of child undernutrition, yet were able to build on existing nutrition programs.

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute-Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) and the European Union-United Nations’ Children’s Fund (EU-UNICEF) forged partnership in 2011 to conduct the baseline survey for the MYCNSIA project in the country. This baseline survey was conducted in Regions 5, 6 and 9 and was dovetailed with the data collection of the 2011 Updating of the Nutritional Status of Filipino Children and Other Population Groups.

The baseline results were presented on 25 January 2013 spearheaded by FNRI-DOST at Tiara Oriental Hotel, Makati City. However, the same data were previously presented during the MYCNSIA National Planning Workshop conducted by EU-UNICEF on November 20, 2012. The forum in 2013 aimed to bring together the MYCNSIA collaborators and discuss the MYCNSIA baseline results and its implication with the implementation of the project in the target regions. The said forum was attended by

FNRI-DOST and UNICEF Hold Dissemination Forum for the MYCNSIA Baseline Results

MOGuirindola, Sr. Science Research Specialist, NAMD

Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director from FNRI-DOST during the presentation of the Baseline Results of MYCNSIA in Regions 5, 6 and 9

Dr. Willibald Zeck from the UNICEF Philippines while picking up the MYCNSIA Baseline results

54 participants from international organizations, and national and local partners.

During the forum, Dr. Willibald Zeck, Chief of UNICEF Philippines Health and Nutrition Section gave his message while Ms. Ma. Lourdes A. Vega, the Chief of Nutrition Policy and Planning Division of National Nutrition Council discussed the overview of the current status of MYCNSIA implementation. The highlight of the forum was the presentation of the MYCNSIA baseline results by Dr. Jocelyn A.

12

FNRI Digest8

FNRI Digest 9

FNRI Digest

Did you know that egg is the most commonly- consumed protein source

among Filipino children from ages six months to five years? This was disclosed by the latest survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).

Egg is an excellent complementary protein-rich food for babies after six months of age because budget-wise, it is very cheap and easy to prepare.

Fresh egg is an important source of high quality protein since it contains practically all vitamins, except ascorbic acid. Egg yolk in

Egg is good growing-up foodCTMartinez, Science Research Specialist II, TDSTSD

particular, is an excellent source of vitamin A, phosphorous, calcium, iron, retinol, and fat.

Make sure to select only fresh eggs for the baby’s complementary food. The egg shells should be intact with no traces of crack lines, clean and free from fecal matters or any dirt and discoloration. The egg shell is semi-permeable, thus, air and even bacteria may get inside the egg if damaged or is dirty.

As complementary food, It is best to cook eggs before serving.

Soft-cooked egg is achieved by simmering it for five to seven minutes with enough water to cover the egg. Immediately cool

10

cascading the lessons they learned in the wellbeing trainings that they have attended.

There were five topics presented namely: developing a training design, module preparation, unfreezing, effective visual presentation, and oral presentation.

The workshop followed after all the presentations were done. The participants were grouped and asked

to prepare a training design, a module and an ice breaker. All the participants were given the chance to stand in front and act as facilitator and were subjected to critiquing by FNRI facilitators.

The FNRI facilitators was composed of Dr. Zenaida V. Narciso, Ms. Milflor S. Gonzales and Ms Regina M, Pagaspas.

The SMPFC Wellbeing Manager for Corporate innovations Group (CIG), Ms. Llena T. Arcenas was present during the two-day activity.

A total of 28 participants attended the training.

In both type of trainings conducted, the post test was administered after all the activities were done to determine the increase or change in the knowledge scores of the participants.

Based on the results of the pre and post tests, both type of trainings showed an increase in knowledge as revealed by the increase in knowledge scores of the participants.

FNRI San Miguel Purefoods ... from p. 6

soft-cooked egg in running water to stop the cooking process and prevent it to become hard-cooked.

Poaching is also a good way to prepare eggs as complementary food for babies. Poached egg is done by cracking the egg shell and carefully dropping it in simmering water until the egg forms a stable solid mass.

FNRI Digest

FNRI Opens “One-Stop Shop”

11

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), the government’s lead agency

in disseminating information, knowledge in food and nutrition research, is committed to provide F&N products and services with the highest standards of quality and reliability.

With this, organizing and bringing together the process of services is indispensable to attain Quality Management System (QMS) of the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 9001-2008 being implemented in the Institute.

However, results of the FNRI customer satisfaction surveys, and consultations with stakeholders have revealed the need to create a single destination or “One-Stop Shop”.

In response, the Institute issued Administrative Order No. 003, Series of 2012 entitled, “Management of FNRI Publications/Materials: Establishing a One-Stop Shop”.

The shop aims to house and showcase altogether the materials and publications of the Institute and speed up access to FNRI materials and publications.

The management and operation of the FNRI One-Stop Shop is under the Information Resource Team (IRT) or library of the FNRI-DOST.

The One-Stop Shop is open from 8:00 am to 4:00

pm., Monday to Friday, and is located at the Library, Ground Floor of the FNRI Building, DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City.

SSLabong, Science Research Specialist II, TDSTSD

and do not smoke to help prevent lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases like obesity and cardiovascular diseases”. Trying out the discounted exercise packages can help achieve this recommendation.

Personally, I have purchased and tried the multiple sessions for pilates, yoga and dance lessons. These activities are helping me maintain an active lifestyle while staying productive at work and enjoying social activities.

These activities have validity dates though. Anyone who would like to purchase a program should make sure

to make the most of the voucher while it is valid, and watch out for next promos to be offered.

With a lot tempting advertisements, we should remember that there are healthy items or services offered with cheaper prices too. Whether your goal is a more toned body, a stronger cardio-fitness, achieve desirable weight, or simply to have fun, the important thing is to be active and live healthy.

Besides, who doesn’t want discounts and gain more, right? Lose weight, save money, gain health!

Healthy lifestyle ... from p. 3

FNRI Digest

Kudos to the new and vibrant FANEA leadership!

The Food and Nutrition Employees Association (FANEA) of the Food and

Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) elected a new set of Board of Directors on February 18, 2013.

Four of the incumbent Board Members, Ms. Marilou R. Galang, Ms. Aida C. Mallillin, Ms. Myrna F. Moe, and Ms. Chona F. Patalen opted to be among the 28 FNRI staff who ran for the election. They vowed to uphold the Association’s belief on the dignity of employees who deserve respect of their fundamental rights, welfare and professional advancement. This, they said, is while fostering harmonious and progressive relations with the FNRI management in supporting its mission and mandate.

Most notable of the platforms laid down during the campaign meeting was the provision of financial benefits in case of death

of a family of a FANEA member. Another notable platform common among the candidates was the upholding on the policy on transparency. All candidates vowed to uphold the legacy of the previous FANEA leadership and fully achieve what it had started.

The new Board Members, in alphabetical order, are; Mr. Romeo R. Artuz, Ms. Nelisa P. Cortez, Ms. May Ann R. Devanadera, Ms. Rosemarie J. Dumag, Ms. Marilou R. Galang, Ms. Josefina T. Gonzales, Ms. Milflor S. Gonzales, Ms. Maria Cris G. Lagbas, Ms. Aida C. Mallillin, Ms. Maria Fe R. Mandapat, Ms. Myrna F. Moe, Ms. Chona F. Patalen, Ms. Mylene D. Pua, Ms. Joselita A. Salamera, and Mr. Michael E. Serafico.

During a meeting with Ms. Cythia A. Nones, outgoing FANEA President, the Board Members discussed the turn-over of leadership and responsibilities. Evident in the vivacious faces of

UAFlorida, Sc. Research Specialist I, TDSTSD

12

the new Board Members was the eagerness to serve for the good of fellow employees, as well work with the FNRI management. They suggested several fund-raising and wellness activities that would uphold employees’ welfare. They also vouched to organize different committees to address concerns during their first Board meeting for the election of the new President, Vice-Presidents, other officials and committee chairs.

During the first Board meeting on February 26, 2013 elected as President was Ms. Galang; First Vice-President, Ms. Mallillin; and Second Vice-President, Mr. Serafico. Ms. Patalen retained her incumbent position as Secretary. Ms. Devanadera was voted Assistant Secretary and Ms. Pua as Treasurer. The rest of the Board Members were elected to chair the different committees.

Mabuhay tayong lahat!

Juguan, then Supervising Science Research Specialist of FNRI-DOST. The presentation was followed by an open forum and discussion was focused on how the baseline results will be turned into action. The need to further analyze the data to see the factors contributing to malnutrition was also raised.

After the open forum, FNRI-DOST presented a plaque of recognition to UNICEF for being one of the Institute’s valuable partners. This was followed by

FNRI-DOST and UNICEF held dissemination forum .. from... p. 7

the viewing of a short audio-visual presentation showing the projects of FNRI-DOST implemented in collaboration with UNICEF. The copyrighted handbook and CD format of the Baseline Report was also turned over by Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, FNRI Director to Dr. Zeck as UNICEF representative. The closing remarks was delivered by Dr. Anthony P. Calibo, Medical Specialist IV of NCDPC-DOH where he challenged everyone to innovate and develop intervention activities for maternal and young child nutrition.

FNRI-DOST, Nestle from.. p...4

Among the FNRI and Nestle’s joint projects since 2007 are the following: (a) FNRI NutritionSchool.ph; (b) Nutritional Status and Cognition of School Children given Fortified Milk; (c) Changes in Biochemical Markers of Vitamins and Minerals after Milk Consumption; (d) Toward Pinoy Healthy Kids: An Evaluation of the Nestle’ Healthy Kids Program; and (e) Analysis on Children’s Nutritional Status by Socio-Economic Groups.

FNRI Digest 13

FNRI-DOST partners with publishing house and food company for the Nutrition Big Book

MIGGlorioso, Senior Science Research Specialist, TDSTSD

On August 1,2012 a memorandum of agreement with Adarna House, Inc. was signed for the development and printing of the first nutrition big book on water and beverages.

The first big book on nutrition on water and beverages, “Walong Baso ni Kuya Paquito”, will be launched during the 39th FNRI Seminar Series on July 4-5, 2013. It will be available for sale during the seminar and in National Bookstores nationwide.

Related to this, another partnership was forged on February 23, 2013, when the FNRI-DOST, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines, Inc. (RMHC), and Adarna House, Inc. The three partners met to finalize another agreement for the Nutrition Big Book Project.

In the second partnership, the Nutrition Big Book Project will be part of the Bright Minds Read (BMR) Program of the RHMC.

The BMR Program of the RHMC is in partnership with the Department of Education-National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR) which supports the “Every-Child-A-Reader” Program.

This reading program aims to help develop genuine love for reading among children from Grade 1 onwards by developing comprehension and critical thinking skills, correct grammatical structures, decoding know-how and inculcating Filipino values.

First in a series, the BMR Nutrition Big Book is entitled “Go” which will promote eating go foods and being physically active by walking, running and playing sports.

The BMR Nutrition Big Book developed and printed by the Adarna House, Inc. will be part of the BMR Kit that will be distributed in selected public schools across the country.

The BMR Nutrition Big Book launching will be held during the World’s Children Day Celebration in November 2013.

With this project, Filipino children will be encouraged to practice good nutrition at an early while nurturing genuine love for reading.

FNRI Digest

While the whole family stays

in San Carlos, her father used to travel back and forth to Manila and Pangasinan because of the job he maintains at the Malacañang Palace as one of the legal advisers of the former President Ferdinand E. Marcos. After the Marcos regime, he worked with the Chinese community as a corporate lawyer.

After finishing elementary in 1967 at San Carlos Elementary School, Malou joined his father in Manila and enrolled at the Far Eastern University where she obtained her high school diploma in 1972.

She spent her college years at the University of the Philippines Diliman where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Community Nutrition degree in 1977.

In June of the same year, she was hired as a contractual employee at the Food and Nutrition Research Institute at the then Community Nutrition Research Section (CNRS) under Dr. Ofelia Valdecañas. After more than a year in the position, she assumed a regular position in December 1978 as Science Research Associate I.

While struggling as a new worker, she fell in love and married Danilo Galang in 1979, with whom she had four children. Her first born child, Mary Ann Cristina was born on April 30, 1980, Erik Joseph in November 1, 1982, Katrina Lynn on May 24, 1986 and the youngest, Darwin John, whom she had in September 14, 1992.

Human Resource

14

15

Small but terrible! These are just three words that some people use to describe

MARILOU RAMOS-GALANG. As she may be small in size she can make people move when she gives instructions. She can be tough or “mataray” at times, but she can also be a shoulder to cry on to some who have had a few bouts of difficult times. She is a quiet worker but definitely an organized one.

Marilou or Malou to family, friends and officemates, is the eldest among the seven children of Attorney Manuel C. Ramos to retired elementary school teacher Shirley V. Gutierrez. She was born on July 22, 1955 in Sta. Cruz, Manila where she spent most of her childhood days until she was six years old when the family moved to Pangasinan, the home province of her mother. Being the eldest in the brood, she is not only “Ate” to younger brothers and sisters, but also a teacher to them occasionally. As Malou fondly recalls, her mother used to send her to the school where her mom was a teacher to help watch over the siblings.

With the coming of the first two kids In succession and the absence of a full-time caregiver for the children, the young couple decided that Danny should give up his job, leaving Malou, the fulltime breadwinner of the family.

At present, three of the kids have married, with kids of their own and are now raising their own families. The youngest child, Darwin, graduated in college this April 2013.

Her 35 years so far at the FNRI was not at all a bed of roses for she earned her current position through hard work as a researcher and as a nutrition educator. She was awarded a DOST scholarship in 1984 and finished her coursework for MS in Rural Sociology at UP Los Baños.

She has served as resource person and lecturer in media interviews, various symposia, conferences and trainings locally.

She has also co-authored several researches which were published in local and international journals. For having served the FNRI for more than 35 years, she was granted loyalty awards for meritorious service by the FNRI and the DOST.

Some of her important achievements include her participation in significant projects like the NUTRICOMNET from 2005-present.

Regina M. Pagaspas, Senior Science Research Specialist, TDSTSD

FNRI Digest 15

39th FNRI Seminar Series

Theme: S&T-Based Solutions: Tugon sa Gutom at Malnutrisyon

July 4&5, 2013

FNRI Auditorium, Training Room

and Meeting Room

DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue

Bicutan, Taguig City

Registration Fee: P1,500.00 (covers kit, 2 snacks and lunch for 2 days)

beyond the boundaries of a simple employee. She has accepted work for the benefit of co-employees as she became an officer of the then Socio-Cultural and Moral Activities Club (SCMAC), the precursor of the current FNRI Employees Association during the early 80s. She was active also with the FNRI-DOST Catholic Ministry and has also acted as a trustee of the Science and Savings Loan Association Inc. Presently, she is the newly-elected President of the FANEA.

As part of her continuous effort to learn and grow more professionally, she has attended numerous trainings and seminars from the time she was employed up to this time.

Currently, Malou is a Senior Science Research

Specialist of the Technology Diffusion and Science and Technology Division (TDSTSD) and head of the Food and Nutrition Promotion and Information Resource Unit.

Human resource... from p. 14

The NUTRICOMNET is a network of information officers of government line agencies and local media personnel engaged in nutrition promotion in the regions and provinces throughout the country. Another project is the Establishment and Pilot Testing of a Mother and Baby Friendly Workplace in the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) from 1994-1995. This project aimed to establish and model a system to encourage government mother workers to breastfeed even after maternity leave by putting in place five steps to establish an environment friendly to breastfeeding mothers. After the success of the pilot testing, the project was continued by RITM until 2002 when the facility had to be given up in view of the SARS breakdown in 2002.

Her experiences as a worker and the relationships she built with other people may have given her the courage to accept responsibilities

The power of food fortification ..... from p. 5

In a study led by Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, DOST Assistant Scientist detailed at the FNRI, 1009 schoolchildren 6 to 12 years old from two randomly-selected schools in Tacloban City, Leyte were fed with ready-to-drink juice fortified with iron, zinc, lysine, vitamin A and C for 120 days.

Before and after the feeding, data on hemoglobin level, weight and height were collected.

Based on the results, the prevalence of anemia

significantly decreased after 120 days of feeding, while the average change in weight and height significantly increased.

This provides evidence that food fortification is an effective strategy in fighting malnutrition.

Let us not underestimate the power of food fortification because it contributes largely to the eradication of micronutrient deficiencies.

FNRI Digest

Library Acquisitions

Journal of Cereal Science (2010)The Journal of Cereal Science was established in 1983 to provide an international forum for the publication of original research papers of high standing covering all aspects of cereal science related to the functional and nutritional quality of cereal grains and their products.

The journal also publishes concise and critical review articles appraising the status and future directions of specific areas of cereal science and short rapid communications that present news of important advances in research. The journal aims at topicality and at providing comprehensive coverage of progress in the field.

This is the only fully peer-reviewed scientific journal explicitly devoted to issues of food quality. With food quality being of paramount concern to consumers, quality control personnel within food-producing companies need up-to-date and high-quality information to keep abreast of key issues in the area. This important, international journal provides such cutting-edge information, much of it of potential commercial importance. Readers will discover articles on the handling of food from a quality and sensory perspective. Every issue is teeming with research papers, and “research notes”, a section which provides readers with a new perspective or application on existing methodology.

Journal of Food Quality (2010)

Journal of Nutrition Education & Behavior (2010)The Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior (JNEB), the official journal of the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior , is a refereed, scientific periodical that serves as a resource for all professionals with an interest in nutrition education and dietary/physical activity behaviors. The purpose of JNEB is to document and disseminate original research, emerging issues and practices relevant to nutrition education and behavior worldwide.

Nutrition & Food Science (2010)Nutrition & Food Science offers accessible coverage of this complex and dynamic field. The journal, currently in its 42nd volume, covers current thinking on food and nutrition emphasizing the practical and social application of ideas. Special editions focusing on topics including micronutrients, special diets for management of health problems and cost sector catering provide readable content that is an invaluable resource for practitioners and academics wishing to inform themselves, their colleagues, or the public on modern thinking, research, and attitudes to food and nutrition.

16

SSLabong, Science Research Specialist II, TDSTSD

The FNRI Library acquires literature materials that are highly related to food, nutrition, and related subjects, irregardless of types and formats. In this issue, we present the following scientific journals acquired by the library through open sources and on-line subscription courtesy of the Philippine eLib Project.