Latest news with #DOST-FNRI
GMA Network
08-08-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
Nutribun in Cordillera uses locally sourced ingredients
Nutribun uses locally sourced ingredients like wheat flour, squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, and root crops. (Photo by Jiselle Anne Casucian) In the Cordilleras, nutribun, the vitamin-packed bread distributed by the government, is made from locally sourced ingredients purchased directly from Filipino farmers, according to the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI). During a site visit at manufacturer Northland Foods Incorporated, operations manager Donna Aldana explained that they produce nutribuns, nutribunnets, and nutricookies for Cordillera and other nearby areas in partnership with the DOST-FNRI since 2022. Using locally sourced ingredients, they were able to make enhanced nutribuns with fortified wheat flour and healthy ingredients like squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, or root crops. Aldana shared that they can supply as many as 50,000 to 60,000 buns per day, and can extend up to 100,000 packs based on necessity. 'We supply mainly to the Department of Education, and to local government units and the Department of Social Welfare and Development for its feeding programs," she said. "With the disasters that have hit Cordillera, it's also a very good product that can easily reach the people who have been affected by our recent typhoons,' she shared. Each Nutribun is around 80 grams per bun, packed with 250 kilocalories, and lasts around eight to nine days. 'For kids who are the main beneficiaries of nutribun, it can be enough for one meal. So for indigents, for example, and our kids in the schools, it's an important supplement for their learning,' Aldana said. Outside Cordillera, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. noted that the license for the product has been distributed to various manufacturers nationwide. DOST has also signed agreements with San Miguel Food Corporation in 2024 to create pre-mixed ingredients for bakers and manufacturers. DOST-FNRI released its 'new variant' of the enhanced nutribun in 2021, placing a specific focus on aiding feeding programs and increasing demand for vegetables. In its 2021 version, the nutribun contained 500 kilocalories and provided 31% of energy, 59% of protein, 60% of iron, and 90% of vitamin A. —LDF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
20-06-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
PH records 1 million new teen smokers, vapers in 2023
The Philippines recorded 1 million new smokers and vapers aged 10 to 19 years old in 2023, according to national survey — prompting youth advocates to launch a campaign calling out the tobacco industry's targeted marketing tactics. The survey, 2023 National Nutrition Survey, of the Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) noted that there are about over 8 million global tobacco-related death toll annually, and over 15 million adult smokers in the Philippines. This was highlighted by the group, Positive Youth Development Network (PYDN) on Friday as it launched the "TobaccOFF NOW!" campaign, a youth-led national movement aimed at protecting Filipino adolescents from nicotine addiction. The campaign seeks to expose the tobacco industry's use of flavored products, social media marketing, influencer partnerships, and attractive packaging to hook younger consumers — tactics that have contributed to a global tobacco-related death toll. 'Nang makausap natin ang mga kabataan, aware sila sa mga tactics ng industriya tulad ng sa flavors at packaging na appealing daw sa marami sa kanila. At willing silang sumama sa ating movement para protektahan ang kanilang kinabukasan,' said Jeannie Anne Maguad, PYDN Executive Director. (When we spoke with young people, they were aware of the industry's tactics such as using flavors and packaging that appeal to them. And they're willing to join the movement to protect their future.) Held at Park Inn Hotel in Quezon City, the launch event titled 'Taking Back Our Future' gathered young leaders, health advocates, and policy stakeholders to unveil the campaign created by and for the youth. The initiative was developed through co-creation workshops held in Metro Manila, Oriental Mindoro, Iloilo, and Dinagat Islands from March to May 2025, with 126 youth participants. It was supported by an online survey involving 170 respondents nationwide. 'The TobaccOFF NOW! movement is a collective voice of the youth. This is the youth telling the tobacco industry that they are ready to take back their future,' said Vonn Vincent Tanchuan, the campaign's Communications Lead. 'It amplifies the voices of Filipino youth speaking directly to their peers, their parents and guardians, the policymakers, their schools and community, and even to businesses about the world they want to live in. This world strongly rejects the tobacco industry and its products.' The campaign plans to reach 10 million young Filipinos and mobilize 10,000 youth advocates through digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as community-based activities and partnerships. The campaign will run until January 2026. The key policy goals include: Raising the minimum legal age for all nicotine-based products to 21 years old; Restricting distribution channels to prevent youth access; Banning all flavored nicotine products; Enforcing stricter bans on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship; Increasing taxes on nicotine products. 'Bilang tagapagtanggol ng kabataang Pilipino, nais naming ang kampanyang ito ay maging daan tungo sa mas malusog na kinabukasan,' said Maguad. (As advocates for the Filipino youth, we want this campaign to help shape a healthier future.) The organizers urge communities, schools, and local governments to support efforts to combat the growing influence of the tobacco industry on the country's youth. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
