The Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) conducted the first ever online soft launching of “Ang Pagbabalik ng Nutribun” on July 29, 2020 via Zoom.
The virtual launching of Enhanced Nutribun was attended by 399 participants from different regions and offices.
These included DOST Regional Offices and Provincial Science and Technology Centers, DOST Research and Development Institutes and Councils, Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Nutrition Council Field Offices, academe, hospitals, other government agencies like Philippine Navy and PhilRice, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), like bakeries and other food manufacturers. Just recently, the DOST-FNRI conducted a research to reformulate the bread of the 70s, the Nutribun. The reformulated version is called the Enhanced Nutribun.
Why is it called the Enhanced Nutribun?
The Enhanced Nutribun has more micronutrients like iron and vitamin A. The texture is softer and weighs 160- 165 grams per piece, which is easier for children to hold and bite. Each serving of Enhanced Nutribun weighing 160-165 grams per piece, has 504 calories, 17.8 grams protein, 6.08 milligrams iron and 244 micrograms vitamin A.
The Enhanced Nutribun is one of the DOST-FNRI’s answers to the call of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Memorandum Circular No. 12 Series of 2020, or the Guidelines in the Implementation of the Supplementary Feeding Program During Community Quarantine or Other Similar Emergencies.
Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, DOST-FNRI Director, warmly welcomed the participants of the soft launching and gave a short background on how the Institute innovatively reformulated the bread.
Dr. Capanzana encouraged existing and prospective partners to once again support this noble initiative to help ease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis on the nutritional well-being of our future generation.
DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Pena and DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Rowena Cristina L. Guevara delivered messages of support for the launching of Enhanced Nutribun.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Brenda Nazareth-Manzano joined in the virtual launching and gave her support on behalf of the DOST Regional Operations.
“Malnutrition is still prevalent in the country these days, Usec. Manzano said in her message…
“So, I am happy that DOST-FNRI took the initiative to revive and even enhance this vitamin-packed bread”, she added...
DOST Usec. Manzano further stated that “With the enhanced version of the Nutribun, I am positive that we will be able to somehow reduce the problem on malnutrition in the country”.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles took time from a hectic schedule to attend the virtual launching.
In his message of support, he underscored that: “According to the 2018 Fill the Nutrient Gap – Philippine Summary Report of the World Food Programme, 1/3 of Philippine households are not able to afford a diet that meets the nutritional needs.”
Cab. Sec. Nograles also said that “With the COVID-19 pandemic, it has made things even more complicated. And with all these challenges brought about by COVID-19, the government must do all that we can by stretching our limited resources. With these challenges, we need to turn to maximizing science and technology to fill these nutrient gaps and better provide Filipino children with a healthy food that they need to survive and to thrive.
“The Nutribun is an example of a sciencedriven solution that government is pursuing to address hunger and malnutrition. The Enhanced Nutribun developed by DOSTFNRI is more delicious, more nutritious, has better texture, made mainly from squash for better taste, and enriched with protein, iron and vitamin A among others,” Nograles further declared.
After the message of Cabinet Secretary Nograles, the Department of Education Chief, School Health Division, Health and Nutrition Center, Dr. Maria Corazon Dumlao and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, DSWD Assistant Secretary Glenda D. Relova gave responses to the call of action.
This was followed by the soft launching of Enhanced Nutribun through time travel.
DOST-FNRI Supervising Science Research Specialist, Mr. Alexis M. Ortiz discussed the Technology Transfer Mechanism of Enhanced Nutribun.
Three potential adoptors of Enhanced Nutritibun, including Ms. Daisy Engle, R&D Director, Century Pacific Corporation; Mr. Racky D. Doctor, Owner/Proprietor, Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corporation (NFMC) and Ms. Tricia Castrodes, Owner, Aretei Foods Corporation gave short messages of support in adopting Enhanced Nutribun. Enhanced Nutribun.
Their messages are filled with excitement and anticipation of making Enhanced Nutribun more available and affordable to the public.
Dr. Anthony Calibo, the new DOST-FNRI Deputy Director, thanked the participants, potential adoptors of Enhanced Nutribun and organizers of the soft launching.
In the afternoon of July 29, there were three separate sessions intended only for potential licensees of Enhanced Nutribun.
The Tech NegoShow was facilitated by the technology transfer officer and technology generator, where a total of 18 potential licensees joined.
Interested technology adoptors of Enhanced Nutribun may contact DOST FNRI using the contact details below.
“Enhanced Nutribun: Nutrition in a Bun”
For more information on Enhanced Nutribun, contact: Mr. Alexis M. Ortiz, DOST-FNRI Supervising Science Research Specialist, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/Fax nos: 8837-2934; Direct Line: 8839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 8837-2071 local 2296 or 2284; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at; DOST-FNRI Website: http://www.fnri. dost.gov.ph. Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/DOST-FNRI and follow our Twitter and Instagram accounts at twitter. com/DOST_FNRI and Instagram.com/fnri. dost.
