Root crops keep bad cholesterol down, DOST study says

By Framelia V. Anonas, S&T Media Service

If you want to control your cholesterol level, better include camote or its cousins in your daily fare. In a study by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute, it was found that root crops abundant in the country can keep bad cholesterol level down.

 Led by DOST-FNRI’s Dr. Trinidad Trinidad, the study team discovered that daily intake of root crops significantly lowers  bad cholesterol levels in the body.

“Root crops are able to lower bad cholesterol levels because of their dietary fiber content,” said Dr. Trinidad. Dietary fiber or roughage is that part of the vegetable or fruit that is not digested and not absorbed in a human's digestive tract.

“Dietary fibers come from a family of carbohydrates that ferments in the colon, turning into short-chain fatty acids that release energy,” Trinidad explained. “These fatty acids include butyrate, which prevents the risk of colon cancer, and propionate which helps prevent cholesterol synthesis.”

Aside from dietary fiber, root crops also contain vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.

The study involved subjects aged 30-55 years, physically and mentally fit, and with moderately-raised serum cholesterol levels.  The subjects were non-smokers and were not under any medication. They were all fed with test food for two weeks.

The team used various root crops such as camote (sweet potato), gabi (taro), tugi (lesser or Chinese yam), ube (purple yam), and cassava.

At the end of the study, the researchers found that the cholesterol level of the subjects remained stable. Trinidad’s team concluded that root crops, due to their cholesterol-lowering effect, would be important in the proper control and management of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases.

In individual analysis, the team found that all the root crops used in the study decreased the level of bad cholesterol, especially cassava and camote. The team also discovered that tugi, a root crop abundant  in the north, even increased good cholesterol.

In another study, researchers found that corn is good for the heart. It contains

folate that lowers the level of homocysteine, a kind of amino acid that damages the lining of arteries and may make blood clot more easily than it should. High homocysteine levels may lead to heart attack.

Corn also has thiamin and pantothenic acid that help in producing energy for the body and in reducing stress.

Root crops and corn are traditional Filipino foods that, in some parts of the country, serve as staple food. For the average Filipino, root crops and corn are best eaten as snacks—tasty, filling, and inexpensive.

So if you want to keep your cholesterol down, junk the grease and go back to eating boiled corn, camote, and cassava. “These foods used to be labeled as ‘pagkain ng mahirap’ (food for the poor) but now it is also for the rich,” quipped Trinidad.

Even that sweet camote que is good, “as long as there’s not much sugar in it and you eat in moderation,” Trinidad advised.

DOST eyes prospects for abaca industry

Abaca, considered as the strongest natural fiber in the world, s the only one that can match the durability of synthetic fibers. Because of abaca’s strength, it was originally used for ship rigging and other heavy-duty industrial applications.  Up to the present, the Philippines is the world’s leading producer of abaca fiber, which is why abaca is also called Manila hemp.

It is mainly grown in the Eastern Visayas and Bicol regions and remains the backbone of the livelihoods of thousands of families in those parts of the country. 

Because of abaca’s socioeconomic impact on many Filipinos, the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), a research and development agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), continues to encourage activities that strengthen the abaca industry.

 In a DOST- ITDI-sponsored seminar, Dr. Hitoshi Takagi of the University of Tokushima in Japan, discussed the topic “Characterization of Abaca Fiber Reinforced Green Composites,” in which he offered a comparative study between the properties of untreated abaca fiber and abaca fiber treated with green composites.

 According to Dr. Takagi, the said process strengthens every single strand of a fiber by solidifying its lumen, or the strand’s hollow part. The use of green composites, he added, will make abaca fiber stronger and more heat resistant than bamboo fiber.

As such, this process has the clear potential to boost and revive the local abaca sector by posing a challenge to the dominance of synthetic fibers in the global market.

 Meanwhile, Dr. Byung-Sun Kim, a principal researcher at the Korea Institute of Material Science (KIMS), gave a detailed look on the many and varied applications of natural fiber composites in items around us.

Among the many uses he presented was the use of abaca fiber as roofing material for public utility jeepneys. Dr. Kim said that unlike steel, abaca has lower heat conductivity that can keep temperatures cooler inside the jeep, a major benefit considering the country’s tropical warmth and humidity.

Likewise, he urged Filipinos to patronize locally handcrafted bags made from natural fibers as a substitute for plastic bags when shopping. He noted that the use of “bayong” was common but has since fallen out of favor among shoppers. However, Dr. Kim said that plastic bags contribute significantly to the growing problem of waste disposal, and that these are often the reason for the clogging of sewers and waterways especially in Metro Manila.

 Dr. Kim is also looking forward to collaborating with ITDI in abaca fiber R&D, a proposal met with support in the gathering because of its potential impact to abaca producers as well as related industries such as ropemaking, handicraft, and garments.

 The  Seminar on Natural Fiber Composites was participated in by representatives from other government agencies, entrepreneurs, and university students. (Ceajay N. Valerio, S&T Media Service)

Local experts eye sponges, snails to discover new drugs

By Luisa S. Lumioan, S&T Media Service

Researchers from University of the Philippines are studying marine microorganisms in sponges that may lead to the discovery of new drugs for tuberculosis, pneumonia and other infectious diseases, and snails that could provide anti-pain agents.

Led by UP’s Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gisela P. Concepcion, researchers from the UP Marine Science Institute (MSI) have isolated microorganisms associated with sponges and are currently confirming their anti-infective  properties or ability to combat infections. This is part of the program called Pharmaseas Marine Drug Development Program which was funded by Department of Science and Technology--Philippine Council for Marine and Aquatic Resources Research and Development (PCMARRD) which is now Philippine Council for Agriculture Aquatic Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD).

Also part of the Pharmaseas program is the discovery of anti-pain drugs from the venom of turrid snails. Anti-pain drugs are important in the management of cancer and other debilitating illnesses.

Sponges, the oldest multi cellular animals, are regarded as the “most successful organisms.” They are physically defenseless, soft-bodied and sedentary making them easy prey, yet they have survived millions of years. According to experts, their survival rests on their ability to produce different kinds of bioactive compounds to protect themselves.  Scientists recently have discovered that microorganisms in the tissues of sponges produce some of these compounds. 

The emergence of drug-resistant pathogens or microorganisms that cause diseases has propelled the need to produce new drugs.  The researchers from MSI have isolated compounds that could be used to produce new drugs to combine with existing antibiotics. Combination therapy is the thrust nowadays to combat drug-resistant pathogens, according to Dr. Concepcion.

The researchers have isolated and characterized several peptides, in which molecules are formed by joining two or more amino acids or building blocks of proteins, from the venoms of turrid snails that were collected from the rich marine diversity of the Philippines.

Aside from the two main projects of Pharmaseas which entail isolating, purifying and characterizing compounds from marine microorganisms and venoms of turrid snails for drug discovery, there are three other support projects under the program.

The first support project, MMO’s and Turrids: Collection, Ecology, Biology, and Bioinformatics, successfully gathered data for the program and this database website can now be accessed through the UP local network.

The researchers were also able to do optimization studies for the culture of bioactive compounds through another support project “Marine Microorganisms: Characterization and Culture Optimization.”  Culture optimization will let the researchers culture the microorganisms in the laboratory so that they do not have to keep collecting the sponges thereby preserving marine biodiversity.

The researchers of the last support project, Marine Microorganisms and Turrids: Genetics, Molecular Phylogeny and Gene Expression, are classifying the organisms and the turrids according to their genetic markers or specific genes that produce a recognizable trait and can be used in family or population studies.  The group is leading the classification of turrids which are at least 12,000 species worldwide 5,000 of which can be found in the Philippines.

The Pharmaseas program has so far achieved its objectives, but Dr. Gisela admits that the roll out of drugs based on their research will come in later.

“It is unrealistic to say that we can roll it out in five years. But if nobody is going to start now with the biodiversity that is right beside us, who is going to provide this 15 years from now?”  Dr. Concepcion said.

The average time for research and development for new drugs is around 15 years.

Dr. Concepcion and her team are now preparing the terminal report for the Pharmaseas program.  They have submitted a phase two proposal to continue its initial achievements.

Greening science and technology to fight poverty

By George Robert Valencia III, S&T Media Service

The Department of Science and Technology goes green as it gathers scientists, researchers, and experts to talk about fighting poverty during the 79^th General Membership Conference of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) today, March 6, 2012, at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza. The Council is the major policy-advising and planning body in the country on science and technology matters.

The event has the theme “Poverty Alleviation Through Green Technology Research and Innovation.” Atty. Christian Monsod, co-chair of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) Committee of the Climate Change Congress of the Philippines (CCCP), will lead a plenary discussion on the role of green technologies in sustainability and poverty alleviation. Several workshops will also simultaneously run, with discussions on general topics of climate change, green technologies, and environmental remediation and safety.

Under the workshop on Climate Change and Ecorestoration, the topics to be discussed will be extreme weather events, hazard mapping, sea level rise, and Philippine forest and marine ecorestoration. Meanwhile, the Food and Health Security workshop will delve on green farming technologies, nutrition and food security, emerging diseases related to climate change, and the social dimensions of food and health security. A third workshop on Green Technologies will mainly focus on topics about pollution and “green” products, technologies, and processes.

DOST-NRCP will formulate recommendations out of the workshop outcomes that will be formally presented to country’s policy-makers to enhance guidelines and policies concerning the environment.

The conference and general assembly also showcased DOST-NRCP’s latest outstanding researches on poster exhibits, which will also give opportunity for guests to meet the scientists behind the researches.

Events on the following day, March 7, 2012, will include the announcement of winners of the poster competition, election of the council’s new set of officers, oath-taking of new associate and regular members, and the conferment of 2011 NRCP Achievement Awards.

DOST council honors outstanding Filipino researchers

By JoselitoAlonte-Carteciano, S&T Media Service, NRCP

The Department of Science and Technology’s scientific advisory body, the National Research Council of the Philippines, will confer achievement award to nineop Filipino researchers in its 79^th General Membership Assembly to be held at the Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza on March 7, 2012.
The nine awardees include Dr. VicentitaMacuja-Cervera, Dr. Macrina Tamayo-Zafaralla, Dr. Ernesto M. Pernia, Dr. Roland V. Sarmago, Dr. Alicia M. Aguinaldo, Dr. ErlindaKintanar-Alburo, Dr. Edanjarlo J. Marquez, Dr. Remigio M. Olveda, and Dr. Joseph S. Masangkay.

DOST-NRCP recognized Dr. Macuja-Cerverafor her significant research contributions in psychology, guidance and counseling, and other fields.  A prolific author and editor of books and several official journals of professional organizations, Dr. Cervera also developed psychological tests that are widely used in the country today.  She is a member of the Philippine Team of the 2006 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). 

 Dr. Tamayo-Zafarallawas citedfor her quality scientific and technological outputs that significantly contributed to the abundantfish supply, leading to food security and poverty alleviation. Her efforts also contributed to reducing health risks in river bank communities. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Pernia’slandmark studies on population and development in the Philippines and Asia earned him the lofty award. Some of his studies had significant policy implications on urban poverty as well as on the economic impact on population change; migration and economic development; urbanization pattern of migration in India; population, nutrition, health, and economic costs of children. He also developed an empirical model of individual and household migration, and economic and social impact analysis of small industry promotion.

Dr. Sarmago’s research efforts in the field of superconductivity were likewise recognized by the Council, as well as the international scientific communitywherein his original contributions have been well cited. His works are extended to future applications.

Fromthe field of Chemistry of Natural Products; the Council acknowledged Dr. Aguinaldo’sinvaluable contribution to the structure elucidation of anti-mycotic substances from medicinal plants. She was also exemplary as a mentor, school administrator, and officer/member of professional organizations.

As well, Dr. Kintanar-Alburo’s significant contributions to the field of cultural research, specifically on Philippine literature and language, folklore, and history, were specially noted by the Council, Her researches on Cebuano studies inspired other researchers to undertake similar studies. The books she edited, including literary anthologies with translations and dictionaries of indigenous arts, have provided teachers with instructional materials.

From the field of earth science in the Philippines, the Council recognized Dr. Marquez for his outstanding work in the area of micropaleontology (radiolaria and benthic foraminifera).  His researches, published in local and international peer-reviewed journals, have contributed to the understanding of the geologic history of the Philippines. His mentorship to his students upheld the need for environmental awareness in the Philippines.

The Council ctedDr. Olvedafor being the principal investigator of two prestigious research grants from the World Health Organization/TDR-Rockefeller Foundation North-South for schistosomiasis; and the Tropical Medicine Research Center grant from the US National Institute of Health (NIH) for schistosomiasis, malaria, and leprosy.  Under his leadership,  the first Good Manufacturing Practices Certified Vaccine Production Plant at RITM  was established. The plant can produce locally-affordable and high quality vaccines.

Dr. Masangkay. meanwhile, had significant contributions in the field of veterinary medicine, specifically on laboratory animal genetics and wildlife animal pathology in the Philippines. His researches on these groups have provided valuable information on the protection, conservation and proper use of animals as laboratory models in biochemical research.

The NRCP, which was established in 1933, is now considered as theoldest scientific collegial body in the country and in the Asia Pacific.  From the 144 pioneering scientists, NRCP how has 2,809 member researchers, scientists, and technologists spread over the 13 NRCP Scientific Divisions, based in the official and latest tally on membership here and abroad.

Tablea manufacturer gets help for expansion from DOST SETUP

By Luisa S. Lumioan, S&T Media Service

METRO MANILA—Life proved to be sweeter for chocolate manufacturer Lulu Panopio when she acquired a manufacturing equipment for her business through the assistance of the  Department of Science and Technology (DOST)  Science and Technology’s Small Enterprise Technology and Upgrading Program (SETUP).

Panopio's company named JAMLA produces the local cacao chocolate brand, Alfonso's hot chocolate tablea, named after the family patriarch. The tablea is cooked to make the Spanish-inspired drink tsokolate-a and Filipino merienda champorado.

The popularity of Alfonso's chocolate tablets has earned it a reputation from being one of the best tablea products in Cavite and is often part of the “One Town One Product” (OTOP) exhibits of the Department of Trade and Industry.

According to her, the company was able to lease a rotary tablet press, a twin screw mixer and a seal and ribbon coder from DOST SETUP three years ago.

The rotary tablet press can mold the chocolate tablets in a uniform size and weight than better and faster manual molding, said Panopio.

Meanwhile, the twin screw mixer improved the consistency of the chocolate powder mixture before this is filled up into the tablet press.

The acquisition of the vertical form fill seal and ribbon coder helped improve the company's production efficiency than when it was doing contract packaging.

The efficiency came in terms of better quality control and lesser overhead and time expenses on transportation of the product from the packaging company and back to JAMLA, explained Panopio.

Under the SETUP lease agreement, the company has the option to buy the machine as the contract ends this year.

Panopio expressed interest to buy the equipment after seeing improvements in production time. Prior to the acquisition of the machine, tablea makers traditionally peel the skin of the cacao fruit  by hand and mold the chocolate mixture, a tedious process that produce inconsistent size of the tableas.

“The machine allowed the company to increase production at a lower the cost.  More importantly, the program gave us the courage to invest on the factory,” said Panopio.

SETUP is an agency under DOST that aims to encourage and assist micro-, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt technology innovations for the improvement of their operations. The program provides assistance through technology transfer and interventions.

NCR regional director Dr. Teresita Fortuna said that the priority sectors that SETUP plans to assist include: food processing, furniture; gifts decors and handicrafts, marine and aquatic resources, horticulture and agriculture, and metals and engineering.

Interested parties may submit a letter of interest to DOST SETUP in the region where the business is located, contact hotline (02) 837-3162 or email ncr@dost.gov.ph.

Nutrition experts say rootcrops, corn help prevent various diseases

Ever wonder what rootcrops and corn can do to our body?

Rootcrops and corn are good sources of carbohydrates which can be included in the
diet to meet the energy and nutrient requirements of the body.

Rootcrops also contain dietary fiber, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus and iron.
Examples of rootcrops locally available are sweet potatoes, purple yam, taro,
cassava and potatoes.

Corn, on the other hand, is also a good source of of corn are white and yellow.
A study conducted by the Food and Nutrition dietary fiber, B-vitamins, ascorbic
acid, folate and phosphorus. Popular varieties Research Institute of the Department
of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) determined the effects of local root crops
in lowering cholesterol levels among humans with moderately-raised cholesterol
levels.

The study showed that eating kamote and cassava significantly decreased the total
cholesterol levels of adults. Specifically, cassava was shown to have significantly
decreased LDL-cholesterol levels.

The study concluded that rootcrops, due to their dietary fiber content, could have a
significant role in the reduction of lipid biomarkers.

Another study by the FNRI-DOST explained that dietary fiber that is fermented in
the large intestine (or colon) binds with toxins and is excreted in the feces. Toxins
in the colon contribute to the formation of tumors and cancer.

Folate present in corn is good for the heart because it lowers the level of
homocysteine, an amino acid responsible for damaging the blood vessels and
increasing the blood clotting, which may lead to heart attack.

Corn also contains carotenoid beta-cryptoxanthin, which aids in lowering the
chances of lung cancer.

Other health benefits from corn include the increase in memory levels due to
thiamin which is important in brain cell functions., and together with panthothenic
acid, helps in energy production and stress reduction.

Glycemic index is the individual’s glucose response to a food as compared to a
reference food and tells whether and how a food will raise blood sugar levels.

Rootcrops and the white variety of corn have low glycemic index at less than 60,
which means that they are beneficial in the proper control and management of
diabetes mellitus and in maintaining normal weight.

Message 5 of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF), developed by a technical
working group (TWG) headed by the FNRI-DOST, states that one should eat more
vegetables, fruits, and root crops. In the Daily Nutritional Guide for lactating
women, it is suggested that they consume 6-7 servings of rice, corn, rootcrops, and
their substitutes.

Root crops and corn have a lot of nutritional and health benefits, so why not include
them in your daily diet?

Recipes with root crops and corn are featured in the 2011 FNRI Menu Guide
Calendar.

The calendar includes 12 monthly-7 day cycle menu, estimated energy and nutrient
contribution per recipe, information about root crops and corn, and nutrition and
food tips for keeping a healthy body.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana,
Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and
Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934
and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST
website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/MRD/PIA 3
Bulacan)

FNRI whips up rootcrops and corn recipes to boast energy of the Pinoy family

The Seventh National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the Food and Nutrition
Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST)
revealed that 7 out of 10 households were energy deficient.

In terms of food consumption, results also indicated that there was a decrease in
the average food intake among households from 886 grams in 2003 to 861 grams
in 2008.

The composition of the Filipino diet weighing 861 grams was found as the typical
rice-fish-vegetable combination. The bulk of the household diet is mainly cereals
and cereal products, weighing 361 grams. Moreover, there was a decreasing trend
in the consumption of starchy roots and tubers from 19 grams in 2003 to 17 grams
in 2008, the survey further revealed.
To address the problem revealed by the survey, the FNRI-DOST developed
nutritious and acceptable recipes utilizing rootcrops and corn. These are aimed
toward meeting the energy needs of the Filipino family and to promote their
consumption.

Rootcrops are grown in the Philippines chiefly for human food and these are good
sources of carbohydrates. Kamote, taro, yam, potatoes, cassava, among others are
examples of rootcrops that are available and abundant thoughout the year.

Corn is the second staple food of Filipinos. Depending on the variety, corn is loaded
with vitamins and minerals. It is also associated with many health benefits aside
from being nutritious. White corn is considered as a low glycemic index (GI) food.
Low GI food is good for the proper control and management of diabetes mellitus
because it delays hunger pangs and promotes weight loss in overweight people.

Breastfeeding – pinakamainam kay baby at mommy!

Walang makatatalo sa gatas ng ina para sa kalusugan ng mga sanggol.

Ayon sa mga dalubhasa, ang gatas ng ina ang pinakamasustansiyang pagkain para
kay baby.

Kayang ibigay ng gatas ng ina ang lahat ng sustansiyang kailangan ng sanggol sa
unang anim na buwan ng kanyang buhay, ayon pa rin sa mga eksperto.

Taglay ng breastmilk ang mga sustansiyang kailangan ni baby sa tamang
proporsyon at dami ng sustansiyang kinakailangan ng sanggol sa unang anim na
buwan ng kanyang buhay.

Ito ay madaling matunaw at ma-absorb ng sanggol at hindi din ito nagdudulot ng
allergy.

Ang gatas ng ina ay malinis at laging available sa tamang temperatura, kaya ang
sanggol ay hindi makakaranas ng pagtatae o diarrhea.

Ang pagpapasuso o breastfeeding ay masasabing magandang karanasan ng isang
babae.

Sa pagpapasuso ay lalong napapalapit ang anak sa ina dahil damang-dama ng
sanggol ang init ng pagmamahal na nagmumula sa dibdib ng ina.

Ang pagpapasuso ay napakahalaga dahil ito ay maalwan o magaan para sa ina at
sanggol, walang gastos, hindi na kailangang maghugas at mag-sterilize ng mga
bote at tsupon at hindi na paghihintayin nang matagal si baby para makasuso.
Hindi na rin kailangang bumangon sa gabi para ipagtimpla ng gatas ang anak dahil
ang gatas ng ina ay instant at laging available kahit anong oras.

Para sa ina, nakatutulong ang pagpapasuso upang maibalik sa normal na laki ang
kanyang matris.

Ang tuloy-tuloy na pagpapasuso o iyong madalas at walang patlang na pagpasuso
sa loob ng unang anim na buwan at mahigit pa dito ay makakatutulong rin sa pag-
iwas sa agarang pagbubuntis ng ina.

Ang pagpapasuso ay nakapagpapababa din ng posibilidad na magkaroon ng breast
cancer ang isang ina.

Kaya’t halina, ating hikayatin ang lahat ng kababaihang buntis at balak magbuntis
na piliing ibigay ang gatas ng ina sa kanilang mga sanggol.

Tandaan, ang pagpapasuso ang isa sa pinakamahalagang
mapangalagaan ang mga bata laban sa malnutrisyon.

Ayon sa pangalawang mensahe ng Gabay sa Wastong Nutrisyon o Nutritional
Guidelines for Filipinos na binalangkas sa pamumuno ng Food and Nutrition
Research Institute ng Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-
DOST), “Pasusuhin ang sanggol ng gatas ng ina laman mula pagkasilang hanggang
anim na buwan at saka bigyan ng mga angkop na pagkain habang pinapasuso pa.”

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa pagkain at nutrisyon, lumiham
o tumawag kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research
Institute-DOST, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila, Tel. No. 837 2934 or 837 2071 loc.
2287, email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-
DOST S & T Media Service/DVA/PIA 3 Bulacan)

What's in your calendar?

MALOLOS (July 20)--If you are looking at the 2011 Menu Guide Calendar of the Food and Nutrition
Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST),
there's a lot to refer to other than dates.

The FNRI Menu Guide Calendar is a simple yet timely and evidence-based nutrition
tool for the whole family.

The FNRI Menu Guide Calendar features a compilation of 12 monthly seven-day
cycle menus to help plan meals on a daily basis and for special occasions.

This feature saves you from repeatedly serving dishes that family members
eventually grow tired of.
Would you be excited with new recipes featuring carbohydrate-rich foods like
rootcrops and tubers and corn for energetic kids?

Aside from being nutritious, you also get a peek at how the dishes look when
you cook them. We have colorful and appetizing pictures to set the tone for a
pleasurable eating.

Imagine the twelve new additions to your repertoire of dishes and the many “oohs”
and “aahs” when you serve them to your loved ones…Wow!

Try our soups: Gabi gisado con mais and Shrimp veggie, as well as entrées and
appetizers: Kamote-potato combo and Sunshine salad. Sample our snacks and
desserts: Fruity oatmeal, Golden kamote roll, Kamote buchi surprise, Gabi-pinipig
mold, Mais-kamote espesyal, Creamy potato flan and Ubelicious.

Don’t know how to cook? Worry no more! Our recipes employ procedures that are
simple and easy to follow, use locally available ingredients, and tell you the number
of servings and the nutritive value.

This way, you need not guess if you have enough food for all. Just double or triple
the recipes when catering to a number of people. Moreover, they are affordable.

For the calorie-conscious, the estimated energy and nutrient content of each
serving of the dish will guide you how much you need to eat. Eat more, if you
are catching up on your weight and take less, if you are trying to lose some.
The theme of this year’s calendar is “Meeting the energy needs of the family
through the consumption of rootcrops and corn".

If you are still hungry for more nutrition information, read through the calendar
articles to savor the nutritional and health benefits of rootcrops and corn, and be
guided on their selection and preparation.

So, what’s in your calendar?

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana,
Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and
Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/Fax Num:8372934
and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST
website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/MMB/PIA 3
Bulacan)

Rice consumption of Pinoys on the rise

MALOLOS (July  20, '11) Rice is the primary staple food of Filipinos, and it constitutes the highest amount
of calories for energy in the typical daily diet. Its production and marketing are
important sources of income and employment for millions of Filipinos.

In relation to the importance of rice in the diet, the Food and Nutrition Research
Institute of the Department Of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) conducts food
consumption surveys (FCS) every five years to generate data on consumption of
rice and other foods eaten by Filipinos.

The results of said surveys showed that the average rice intake per person in 1993
was 272 grams per day, while in 2008, it was 307 grams with an increment of 35
grams.

The per capita intake of milled corn, a secondary Filipino staple food, was 34 grams
in 1993 and 18 grams in 2008, which implies that rice is more preferred than corn.

By region, consumption data showed that Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao,
Southern Mindanao and Western Mindanao consume a mixture of rice and corn.
With increasing rice intake, programs and policies should gear towards increasing
rice production such as brown rice, to minimize, if not totally avoid costly rice
importation.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana,
Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and
Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/Fax Num:8372934
and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST
website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/IAA/PIA 3
Bulacan)

Patibong laban sa lamok na may dengue, ikinalat na sa Bulacan

MALOLOS (Aug 31)—Umaasa ang mga opisyal na tuluyan ng mapupuksa ng naimbentong patibong angmga lamok na naghahatid ng kinatatakutang sakit na dengue sa lalawigan.

Ito ay matapos maglagay ng 100 patibong na tinatawag na orvicidal/lavicidal trap (OL trap) sa Barasoain Memorial Elementary School sa lungsod na ito noong Bkiyernes, Agosto 26,

Ang mga nasabing OL trap ay ipinagkaloob sa lalawigan ni Dr. Victor Mariano, ang direktor ng Department of Science and Technology (DOST) sa Gitnang Luzon kaugnay ng inilunsad na malawakang kampanya sa pagpuksa sa lamok noong araw na iyon.

Bukod sa nasabing mga patibong, sinabi ni Gob. Wilhelmino Alvarado na humiling pa sila ng mga katulad na patibong mula sa Department of Health (DOH), na ayon naman sa opisyal ng Provincial Public Health Office ay ilalagay sa ibat-ibang paaralan sa lalawigan.

Ito ay dahil na rin sa mas malaking bahagi ng kabuuang 3,561 kaso ng dengue na naitala sa lalawigan mula Enero hanggang Agosto 19 ay mga kabataang nasa pagitan ng isa hanggang 17 taong gulang na tinatawag na “school age.”

“Umaasa kami na mababawasan na ang kaso ng dengue sa Bulacan, ngunit hindi pa rin natin ititigil ang kampanya sa kalinisan,” ani Gob. Alvarado.

Binigyang diin niya na hindi pa sapat ang mga OL traps na ipinagkaloob ng DOST sa Bulacan, kaya’t humiling pa sila ng higit na marami mula sa DOH.

Ayon kay Mariano, kasalukyan pa ang mass production ng mga OL traps, at sa kalagitanaan pa ng Setyembre ito ilalabas.

“Hindi pa available commercially ang OL traps, by second week of Septembre pwede na. For the mean time, kakaunti pa lang maiibigay ng gobyerno,” ani Mariano na nagmula sa bayan ng Pulilan.

Ayon kay Dr. Joycelyn Gomez, hepe ng PPHO, kapag dumating ang mga hiniling na OL trap mula sa DOH ay ipamamahagi nila ito sa ibat-ibang paaralan sa lalawigan.

Ito ay dahil na rin pagbabalik eskwela ng dengue kung saan ay maraming kabataang mag-aaral ang naitalang nagkasakit mula ng magbukas ng klase nitong Hunyo.

Bilang isang imbensyon ng DOST, ipinaliwanag ni Mariano na ang OL Trap ay isa lamang sa maraming paraan upang mapuksa ang mga lamok.

Binigyan diin niya na mabisang paraan pa rin ang paglilinis ng kapaligiran partikular na ang mga lugar na maaaring pangitlugan ng lamok.

“OL Traps are good, but we must not forget to maintain cleanliness to prevent mosquitoes from breeding again,” aniya.

Ang OL trap ay naimbento at dinisenyo ng DOST ngunit ang nagsasagawa ng produksyon nito ay ang Heritage Veterinary Corporation, na nakabase sa Brgy. San Gabriel, Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

Ayon kay Mariano, ang mga OL Trap ay epektibong panlaban sa lamok ngunit sa ikalawang linggo pa ito ng Setyembre maibebenta sa mga tindahan.

Ang OL Trap kit ay binubuo ng isang basong plastic na kulay itim, isang patpat na yari sa lawanit na nakakatulad ng malaking stick ng ice drop, at tubig na may gamot na pamuksa sa itlog ng lamok.

Ayon kay Mariano ang lawanit strip ay may pabango na umaakit sa lamok upang doon dumapo at mangitlog.

Kapag dumapo sa lawanit strip ang lamok, gugulong pababa sa tubig ang itlog nito.

Hindi na mabubuo ang itlog ng lamok dahil ang tubog sa loob ng basong itim ay may OL pellets o gamot na pamatay sa itlog ng lamok.

Sa ganitong paraan, mapipigil ang pagdami  ng lamok at tuluyang mapupuksa ang dengue.

Ipinaliwanag din ni Mariano na makalipas ang limang araw ay dapat palitan ang tubig sa basong itim dahil nawawalan iyon ng bisa.

Kailangan lamang palitan ng tubig sa baso at lagyan muli ng OL pellet na ang isang sachet ay mabibili lamang ng P1.50. bawat isa.

Binanggit pa niya na ang mga OL traps at kailangang ilagay sa madidilim na bahagi ng bahay katulad ng ilalim ng banggera o kaya ay sa ilalim ng mesa at maging sa mga halaman sa loob at labas ng bahay.  Ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit kulay itim ang basong kasama sa OL Trap kit.

Samantala, patuloy ang pagtaas ng benta ng mga kagamitan at gamot na panlaban sa lamok sa lalawigan.

Isang halimbawa ay ang benta ng mga kulambo at mga Off-lotion sa mga pangunahing botika sa SM Baliuag. (Dino Balabo)