The Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) recognized exemplary partners in the fight against malnutrition from government agencies, private sector and the media during its 75th Anniversary Celebration on July 1, 2022 at The Manila Hotel, with the theme: “Shining Like a Diamond”.
As the Philippine government’s lead agency in food and nutrition research and development, the DOST-FNRI provides accurate data, science-based information and innovative technologies for the past 75 years. National and local policymakers use these research and development (R&D) outputs and science and technology (S&T) services as basis for problem-focused policies and programs to help address malnutrition that persistently undermines the optimal productivity of Filipinos.
Malnutrition is a multi-faceted societal problem that particularly confronts and threatens young children. Thus, the DOST-FNRI believes that collective efforts and commitment from intersectoral linkages and partnerships are the best solutions to address this challenge.
Through the years, the DOST-FNRI has cultivated and sustained strong partnerships with various sectors that provide considerable contribution and support to the implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability of the Institute’s R&D programs and S&T activities.
Industry partners are instrumental in the success of various programs and studies that promote and bring nutrition closer to priority stakeholders and the general public as well.
Nestlé Philippines, Inc. is one of the awardees from the private sector recognized by the DOST-FNRI. This is in relation to the success of food and nutrition projects, particularly the NutritionSchool.ph, and Forging Public-Industry Society Alliance (PISO): A Program United for Healthier Kids.
Further, Nestlé Philippines, Inc. and Wyeth Philippines, Inc. are partners of the DOST-FNRI in various studies that explored the diet and micronutrient status of the Filipino population.
The Institute also recognized other industry partners who supported promotion of overall health and nutritional well-being of Filipinos for the past several years.
Among these is Robinsons Supermarket Corporation for the information innovations with the Green Tag in the Health and Wellness Section of Robinsons Supermarket and the annual printing of nutrition-themed desk calendars and planners.
Amway Philippines, L.L.C. was also recognized for bringing nutrition education and advocacy at the grassroots level.
Mercury Drug Corporation, on the other hand, was recognized for showing short DOST-FNRI food and nutrition-themed videos in all its branches nationwide.
Unilever Philippines, Inc. was likewise recognized for their Online Salt Calculator, MOMS (Make your Own Meals) Cooking Challenge, Lutong Nanay Nutrition Program, and “Makulay ang Buhay sa Sinabawang Gulay” advocacy.
Partners from national government agencies were recognized too, including the Department of Health (DOH) for the generation of critical food and nutrition data for the decision-making of the government and the private sectors.
The National Nutrition Council (NNC) of the DOH was also recognized for the successful implementation of nutrition programs, projects, and interventions for the benefit of the Filipinos, such as the Tutok Kainan Supplementation Program, development of the Philippine Nutrient Profile Model, and the promotion and delivery of food and nutrition information, education and communication materials.
Meanwhile, the Institute’s partners in addressing malnutrition in the country by virtue of being food technology licensees, particularly of complementary food technologies, were also lauded for their extensive production and marketing reach that serve institutional clients and their beneficiaries, as well as other customers.
One of these is the Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corporation of Santa Barbara, Pangasinan, which successfully adopted DOST-FNRI technologies such as iron-fortified rice, iron premix, rice-mongo blend, rice-monggo curls, stabilized brown rice, Momsie complementary food, micronutrient growth mix, and brown rice nutty-fruity bar.
The Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation, Inc. of Bacolod, Negros Occidental was recognized for the successful adoption of the complementary baby food technology and the popularization of it through its brand, Mingo Meals, particularly in the Visayas Region that benefit 21 million of children in feeding programs.
The DOST-FNRI’s media partners, who constantly provide exposure to the Institute’s research outputs and services, were also hailed as efficient and dependable multipliers of food and nutrition messages to the general public through their programs.
These include GMA News for Television, DZMM Teleradyo, DZEC Radyo Agila for its EAT CONNECT Na! program, and DZRV Radyo Veritas for its Katok Tahanan program.
Science and Technology shows of DOST agencies were also recognized such as DOSTv’s ExperTalk, Siyensikat, and DOSTv Report, and DOST Region V’s Alas-DOST Na, DOSTKusyon Na! program.
The DOST-FNRI’s strong and sustained partnership and collaborations with key players in various sectors for food and nutrition studies, programs, and promotion is a testament of the Institute’s commitment to realize its vision of optimum nutrition for all Filipinos and its mission to provide accurate data, correct information, and innovative technologies to fight malnutrition.
In the next years to come, the DOST-FNRI will stand firm on its ground and further intensify its efforts in bringing innovative solutions that are responsive to the problems in food and nutrition among the Filipino population.
As in the past decades, the DOST-FNRI is counting on the support and commitment of its present and future partners in this noble endeavor.
