Vol. 31 No. 2 April - June 2014 ISSN Number: 0166-2985

June 26, 2014 marked another significant event for the nutrition community as prime movers for health and nutrition in the country convened for

the 2nd National Nutrition Summit on the Nutritional Status of Filipinos at Traders Hotel, Manila. The summit’s theme, “Juan Mission for a Well-Nourished Nation” emphasized the collective effort of various organizations in improving the nutritional state of our country. The theme likewise underscored the multi-faceted factors affecting nutrition such as income, family size, culture, illnesses, education, availability of social services, economic and developmental policies among others.

In his welcome message, Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, FNRI Director, narrated the difficulties the survey team had to go through considering the man-made and natural calamities that faced the country in 2013. But with God’s grace, he also said that the team courageously made it back safely to the office

after six months. On their return, they brought with them rich and significant results which the Institute gladly shared with its various stakeholders that day. He likewise thanked the Institute’s partners both from the government and private sectors for their untiring support for the conduct of the National Nutrition Survey (NNS). He added that FNRI developed an electronic data system (EDS) which warranted the faster and easier transfer of data collected from the

MSOEncarnacion, Science Research Specialist I, TDSTSD-

FNRI Successfully Conducts Second National Nutrition Summit

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

0203101516

What’s Inside

F 14

FNRI Digest2

Director’s Message

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

Milflor S. Gonzales, Ph.D.Associate Editor

Salvador R. SerranoManaging Editor

Ma. Idelia G. GloriosoIssue Editor

Erlinda V. IlaoCompositor

Romeo R. ArtuzArtist

Ma. Corazon E. PalompoCirculation 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

Leah A. PerlasSupervising Science Research Specialist

and OIC, NFRDD

Dr. Cecilia Cristina AcuinChief Science Research Specialist, 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

Divorah V. AguilaMa. Susana O. Encarnacion

Celina Ann Z. JavierCharina A. Javier

Ma. Idelia G. GloriosoCzarina Teresita S. Martinez

Abbie L. PadronesChona F. Patalen

Noelle Lyn C. SantosMichael E. Serafico

Contributors

FNRI DigestEditorial Board

I am very happy and proud to present the results of 8th National Nutrition Survey (NNS)

to our various stakeholders. In spite of what happened in the last quarter of 2013 nationwide, the FNRI completed the NNS data collection in the first quarter of 2014.

Now it is time to reveal the results of the 8th NNS. How tall or short are Filipino children? Is there any improvement in anemia prevalence from the previous years? What are the glucose levels of Filipinos?

The FNRI-DOST provided answers to these questions through the 2nd National Nutrition Summit: 8th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) held on June 26, 2014 at Traders Hotel Manila, in Pasay City. The theme of the Summit was “Juan Mission for a Well-Nourished Nation”. The Summit aimed to update key stakeholders in the government and private sectors involved in food, nutrition and health programs on the initial results of the 8th NNS and its implications. It was attended by 144 top leaders of government and non-government organizations,

partner industries as well as media partners.

On April 30, 2014, the Slimmers World International partnered with the FNRI-DOST to conduct a half-day crash-course in nutrition among finalists of the Miss Bikini Philippines 2014. This activity aimed to increase the level of awareness of the candidates’ knowledge in food and nutrition.

An annual activity of the FNRI, the Team Building, cum Summer Outing, was held on April 24-25, 2014 at La Suena Brisa Beach Resort in Lemery, Batangas. This activity is being conducted annually by the Institute to encourage creativity and improve decision-making skills among the employees and to build camaraderie between staff from other divisions.

Other activities during the quarter were the conduct of Nutrition Training-Workshop on DOST Pinoy Modules in Orental Mindoro, Romblon, Batangas and Laguna, the turned over of the equipment for the production of complementary food to DOST-ARMM, the institutional orientation for the Local Government Unit of Aroroy, Masbate, consultative meeting and tour at the facilities of LongLive Pharma in Santa Barbara, Pangasinan, and the re-launching of the FNRI Wellness Program headed by the Food and Nutrition Employees Associaition (FANEA) Officers.

The second quarter is the busiest among the quarters of the year for FNRI in terms of preparing for numerous activities in July like the 40th FNRI Seminar Series and National Science Technology Week.

Mabuhay!

MARIO V. CAPANZANA, Ph.D. Director

FNRI Digest 3

Writers’ Pool Corner

Safe food and water help prevent diarrhea, related illnesses

Did you know that contaminated food and water are the usual sources

of infection that cause diarrhea?

The Department of Health (DOH) reported that a combination of diarrhea and gastroenteritis of presumed infectious origin is the third leading cause of death among children under five years old.

The revised Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) recommends “consume safe foods and water to prevent diarrhea and other food and water-borne diseases”.

The NGF were developed by nutrition experts led by FNRI-DOST.

The DOH further says diarrhea

can be prevented by drinking

water from safe sources. Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona says clear water is not necessarily safe to drink.

Boiling water kills almost all potential germs.

Food should always be properly prepared and cooked well. For instance, fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly in clean water before eating or cooking.

Also, it is important to always cover food to keep it safe from contaminants, insects and other pests. That is why the public is encouraged to eat home-cooked foods.

Proper hygiene, such as regular washing of hands before

eating and after using the toilet, should also be practiced.

Here are three things to

remember and practice: (1). washing of hands regularly; (2). drinking safe water; and (3). eating clean foods to prevent diarrhea and other gastrointestinal diseases.■

Teens strongly advised to continue drinking milk

Calcium makes bones and teeth dense and strong. lt also plays a role in blood

clotting, muscle contraction and nerve transmission. Ninety-nine percent of the calcium in the body is found in the bones and teeth.

Calcium is not only important to infants but also to adolescents and adults, as well. During adolescence the need for calcium is high because 45% of their bone mass is formed during puberty.

Sources of calcium include green leafy vegetables, small fishes with bones that can be eaten, and milk and milk products.

Milk is the most important source because it contains highly absorbable calcium. lt is usually consumed by infants, toddlers and younger children, but it is not a popular drink among teenagers.

CAZJavier, Sc. Research Specialist I, TDSTSD-

CTSMartinez, Science Research Specialist II, TDSTSD-

* 4

FNRI Digest4

Help prevent birth defects - use iodized salt

Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD), which may start before birth, is the world’s principal cause of

preventable mental development disorders in young children. This may lead to poor school

performance and reduced work capacity.

Implicated in stillbirth, iodine deficiency also causes spontaneous abortion, congenital abnormalities and thyroid dysfunction.

As such, it is crucially important particularly among pregnant and lactating women to get adequate levels of iodine.

Based on the 2008 National Nutrition Survey conducted by FNRI-DOST, the prevalence of IDD was 25.7% among pregnant women and 34.0% among nursing mothers. This was based on urinary iodine excretion of less than 50 micrograms per liter (µg/L).

Iodine deficiency disorder can easily be prevented by consuming foods that naturally contain iodine. This includes fish, seafood, seaweed, some drinking water depending on the iodine content of the source, and vegetables grown in iodine-sufficient soil.

However, the same survey showed that the list of 30 food items commonly consumed by pregnant and lactating women had little contributions to their daily iodine intake.

One of the best and least

expensive methods of preventing iodine deficiency disorder is simply iodizing table salt, which is currently done in many countries.

MESerafico, Sr. Science Research Specialist, NRDGG-

* 11

The 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by FNRI-DOST in 2008 revealed that there was a low consumption of milk among adolescents so that only 15% of males and 29% of females were drinking milk. This low milk consumption was accompanied by a high intake of caffeine rich beverages such as coffee and softdrinks.

The 7th NNS listed the top 30 most commonly consumed food items of adolescents aged 13 to 19 years old. In the list, coffee and softdrinks landed in the 6th and 7th

spots, respectively. Consumption of milk and milk products, however were not even in the list.

Caffeine can lower calcium absorption in the body and as

a result, an adolescent can have lower calcium in the body because of low calcium intake and high caffeine intake.

Based on the 7th NNS, calcium is the least consumed nutrient by adolescents with only 0.33% meeting the 80% of the dietary requirements for calcium.

It is important for adolescents to continue drinking milk because at this stage, the body is continually undergoing bone building until about the age of 30 years.

What are the consequences of not getting enough calcium by this age?

As people age, bone loss exceeds bone-building. Thus,

older people are more at risk toosteoporosis, a condition in which bones become brittle and more prone to fractures.

Milk should be a part of the daily diet from childhood to old age to prevent weak bones and frequent fractures later in life.

Milk drinking should also be vigorously promoted among teenagers. It is during adolescence that they learn to drink other beverages such as softdrinks and coffee, which often replaces milk in their diet.

lf milk drinking is not practiced, it is equally important to consume calcium-rich foods as advocated by the 2012 Nutrition Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF).

Teens strongly advised .... from p. 3

* 12

FNRI Digest 5

For 120 days, half of the group was fed with snack foods containing 3 grams of MLP while the other group was given non-MLP fortified preparations.

Arroz caldo, ginataan mais, macaroni soup, pancit canton and polvoron were the selected snack foods fed to children under the supervision of the researchers to ensure validity and accuracy of feeding.

All foods were weighed before serving.

Those with additional 3 grams of MLP were individually mixed onsite, while polvoron with MLP was prepared ahead of time.

After 3 months of feeding, children who consumed MLP fortified snack foods recorded an increase in their vitamin A intake, height, weight, hemoglobin levels and serum and red cell folate compared to those who consumed non-MLP fortified snacks.

Malunggay jumpstarts good nutrition for better health

Are you missing those times when your kids are riding their bikes, running around,

dancing and jumping during playtime lately?

It is usual to see children tired after doing vigorous activities. But, what if their energy is always on the slump, the sparkle in their eyes disappears and their boisterous laughter starts to wane?

Should you take it as ordinary mood swings or should you start to worry?

Neglecting these “low-batt” signs can possibly lead to serious nutrition problems.

Weakness, fatigue, poor vision and lack of concentration may indicate that your kids are experiencing hidden hunger.

Hidden Hunger: Modernized Micronutrient Deficiencies

Relatively new to the ears of most, hidden hunger has been a persistent antagonist in the public health sector.

Hidden hunger is the modernized term for micronutrient deficiencies that affects infants and children in the country.

According to the 2008 National Nutrition Survey of FNRI-DOST, micronutrients like iron, vitamin A and iodine were commonly lacking in the diet of Filipino children.

These micronutrients, if not supplemented adequately in your child’s diet, may eventually delay normal growth, mental development and affect overall health.

How will parents protect children from hidden hunger?

The government actively supports programs alleviating hidden hunger through food fortification, supplementation and nutrition education. Practical solutions that can be done at home also need to be developed.

FNRI-DOST’s Plan of ActionRelated to this, researchers

from the FNRI-DOST led by Miss Leah A. Perlas evaluated the consumption of vegetables widely available in the country.

Malunggay: The Wonder GulayMoringa oleifera, locally known

as malunggay, easily grows in the backyard and is economical.

Often added in soupy Filipino favorite dishes like chicken tinola and chicken binakol, malunggay has evolved in form and use. Leaves may be served raw or dry.

Packed with iron, vitamin A, B-vitamins, calcium and other micronutrients, malunggay is recognized as a potent food source that can help ease micronutrient deficiency.

Thus, malunggay is gaining popularity as the “wonder gulay”.

MLP FortificationThe malunggay leaves powder

(MLP), as used in a study by the FNRI, can easily blend with various dishes without affecting overall flavor.

The study included 121 school children 8 to 12 years old who were underweight, anemic or both. The subjects were then divided into two groups. * 7

NCSantos, Science Research Specialist I, NFRDD-

FNRI Digest6

Multi nutrient rice kernels can fill gaps in rice fortification

Since rice millers and traders constitute a formidable sector in the economic and political structure of the country, enforcing the fortification law wavered.

Another hindrance to implementing the law was the high cost of monitoring for compliance throughout the country.

Interest in rice fortification was revived in the early 1980s to help address micronutrient deficiencies. The FNRI-DOST, was at the forefront of fortification technology developments in support to the Philippine Food Fortification Law of 2000 or Republic Act 8976.

The FNRI, for its part, has made significant researches on rice fortification using extrusion technology.

The Institute developed an iron rice premix designed to alleviate the persisting iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in the country.

Efficacy studies and market trials of the FNRI showed that feeding with iron fortified rice was cost effective and efficient in lowering IDA prevalence.

The Institute also developed rice premix enriched with iron and zinc.

The multi-nutrient extruded rice kernels (MNERK) can help reduce iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and the emerging zinc deficiency in the country.

The FNRI identified the optimum formula using a statistical tool that revealed acceptable sensory response from trained taste panelists.

Studies are being conducted on the MNERK to estimate its shelf-life. Part of the research also is to determine the retention of the nutrients after cooking and investigate the possibility of incorporating vitamins and other minerals to the kernel.

Results of the MNERK study will be the basis for future efficacy studies, market trials, and scale-up productions. ■

Rice fortification in the Philippines began in the early 1940’s. It was conceptualized by Dr. R.R. Williams, who incidentally also discovered

vitamin B1 or thiamine.

Fortifying rice by adding thiamin, niacin, and iron was implemented in the country to alleviate the problem of beriberi or thiamine deficiency.

For instance, after a larger pilot-scale test of fortified rice in Bataan, mortality from beriberi was significantly reduced in the covered areas.

In the following year after the pilot test, mortality from beri-beri was virtually eliminated in covered areas in Bataan.

The success of the rice enrichment experiment in Bataan led to the enactment of the Rice Enrichment Law in 1952. This required all rice millers and wholesalers to enrich rice. Implementing the law had major setbacks, including non-compliance by rice millers to fortify rice.

ALPadrones, Science Research Specialist I, FRGD-

FNRI Digest 7

Both groups had increased retinol levels while no effect was observed in terms of their riboflavin and calcium parameters. Retinol is pre-formed vitamin A present only in animal foods.

Nonetheless, more than half of the MLP group that were classified as severely thin improved in nutritional status compared to the non-MLP group.

Just Add 3 Grams!The findings of the study support malunggay’s

potential in improving the micronutrient levels in a child’s diet.

Malunggay jumpstarts . from .p. 5

Nowadays, “juicing” has become the trend among the fitness-focused population.

Juicing is a convenient way of infusing one’s diet with much-needed vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables. It is also a great way of detoxifing the body, preventing disease and losing weight. Plus you can brag about your juicing, which makes you look cool and trendy.

However, is juicing daily, okay?

According to the 2008 Food Consumption Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), there was a decrease in the consumption of fruits from 104 gram per day in 1978 to 54 grams per day in 2008. While vegetable consumption of 145 grams per day in 1978 decreased to 110 grams per day in 2008. Filipino households seem to overlook the importance of fruits and vegetables in their diet.

Fruits and vegetables are the most significant sources of essential vitamins and minerals. Fruits and vegetables also provide additional health benefits such as fiber and phytochemicals known to lower the risk of heart disease, cancer and micronutrient deficiencies.

Nutrition experts recommend that an average Filipino adult should consume at least three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits.

A serving of vegetables is equivalent to one-half (½) cup or 40 grams (g) of non-leafy and one (1) cup or 25 g of leafy vegetables. One serving of fruit ranges from 45 to 300 g and is equivalent to 1 medium-sized or 1 slice of a big fruit.

Despite numerous health promotion campaigns to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, reasons like: “takes too long to prepare”, “fruits and vegetables are seasonal”, ”they spoil quickly.”, and “don’t really like eating fruits and vegetables” are still given by many people.

Thus, juicing provides an easier option to consume the daily recommended amounts for fruits and vegetables.

Juicing is an easy way of preparing and consuming fruits and vegetables. It is a practical way of using about-to-spoil produce, which helps reduce food wastage.

Also the water content in fruits and vegetables can help you stay hydrated.

However, having an all-juice diet is not a good idea because you need to have a well-balanced and healthy diet containing protein, carbohydrates and fats. Also, some foods don’t juice properly, like meat and bread.

In addition, juicing destroys fiber in fruits and vegetables. Fiber helps in regulating blood sugar levels, gastrointestinal regulation, lowering cholesterol level and providing satiety value.

Juicing may help one lose weight in the short term, but can seriously harm the body if left unchecked.

So, the bottom line is, juicing in moderation can help you consume essential nutrients, but sole intake of juices is not advisable as a replacement to a regular healthy balanced diet. ■

To juice or not to juice- VFJ Alfonso Jr., Science Research Specialist I, TDSTSD

With malunggay, parents now have a better choice of an additional ingredient in enhancing their child’s health and nutritional well-being.

Just by adding 3 grams of malunggay leaves powder, you can pave the way for a better furture for your children.

Of course, it is still best to feed them with a variety of nutritious foods with lots of tender loving care as they grow up to become healthy adults. ■

FNRI Digest8

FNRI Digest 9

FNRI Digest10

FNRI News Flash

Bikini beauties undergo nutrition crash course at FNRIDVAguila, Sr. Science Research Specialist, OD-

The FNRI-DOST’s tradition of disseminating research outputs was again realized through the partnership with the Slimmers World International.

FNRI provided a holistic nutrition training among the 30 candidates vying for the 2014 Miss Bikini Philippines title.

On April 30, 2014, a half-day crash-course in nutrition was held at the grounds of the Institute. This was customized for the finalists of the Miss Bikini Philippines 2014. Esteemed as the biggest bikini pageant in the country, the event aimed to promote the healthy, fit and beautiful lifestyle among Filipinos, especially among the young generation.

In his Welcome Remarks, Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, FNRI Director, said that a lot of people are now conscious about the foods they eat due to the increasing cases of lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Health buffs are now meticulously choosing the kind and amount of food they consume and the type of physical activity they engage in. Thus, the fit and fun activity was beneficial and timely for the candidates.

Dubbed as “Fit and Fun under the Sun: A Nutrition-Crash Course Project”, the half-day activity was customized to deepen the candidates’ knowledge in nutrition. It focused on the benefits of being fit and healthy even under the sun. Practical tips in

assessing body mass index (BMI) were shared and simulated.

As a special treat, the candidates together with the Slimmers’ World staff, were invited to taste and experience some of the food technologies developed and commercialized by the Institute. These included veggie noodles (canton noodles with squash and saluyot), healthy juices (carrot-mango and carrot-pineapple), and nutritious curls (rice-mongo curls), among others. Just before lunchtime, the candidates, together with the FNRI employees, participated in an aerobics session at the FNRI arena.

Slimmers World International, the leader in slimming, health, fitness and beauty is now on its 36th year of promoting great bodies and great skin. With over thirty centers strategically located all over Asia and the Pacific, it continuously finds better and innovative ways of answering its clients’ needs for greater health and fitness.

From hundreds of aspirants, the candidate list was rigorously screened to 30. Representing the best of the best, the candidates vie for over 2 million worth of cash and prizes. In addition, the winner will get the title, the chance to serve the country as the Philippine ambassador for slimming, health, fitness, and beauty, and represent the country in international pageants.

* 12

FNRI Digest 11

FNRI joins Robinsons Supermarket’s Wellness Festival 2014

The FNRI-DOST joined the 7th Robinsons Supermarket Wellness Festival launch on June 19, 2014 at the Robinsons Magnolia in Quezon City. The event

aimed to encourage families to lead a healthy lifestyle and make more educated nutrition decisions.

This year, their campaign “I love wellness” launched the new tagging system in their products. Though this system, consumers can choose smartly so that they can eat well and spend less. Likewise, Robinsons Supermarket can promote their Health and Wellness Section. The FNRI partnered with Robinsons Supermarket in categorizing the products to be included in the Health and Wellness Section which are marked with green tags. The products with green tag met the criteria of at least three nutrition

claims based on the Codex Alimentarius for Nutrition Claims.

The Institute also provided Robinsons Supermarket with simple information about some selected products such as fruits and vegetables to educate consumers in all their branches nationwide.

The first leg of the Wellness Festival was slated for June 19-20, 2014 where selected staff from the FNRI served as resource persons during the celebration. The next legs were booked at the Robinsons Ermita on July 18-20 and Robinsons Imus on July 25-27.

The Fit and Fun Buddy Run 2014, which is also part of the Wellness Festival was scheduled on July 6, 2014 where FNRI staff will also be participating■

CAJavier, Science Research Specialist I, TDSTSD-

Salt iodization represents one of the easiest and most cost-effective interventions for social and economic development.

Yet, data also showed that only 15% of Filipino households surveyed used iodized salt despite the promulgation of the ASIN Law (or An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide) in 1995.

The revised 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) includes the use of iodized salt to prevent IDD as one of its recommendations. The NGF is a compilation of simple statements that give advice on

the consumption of foods and food components for which there are public health concerns.

Establishment of an effective monitoring system to ensure the quality of iodized salt at the production and retail sites can help attain optimal iodine nutrition especially among pregnant and lactating mothers.

The Universal Salt Iodization (USI) program and other measures like health education should be highlighted and enforced to sustain elimination of IDD.■

Help prevent birth defects ... from .p. 4

FNRI Digest12

Preparations for the Seminar Series are usually as early as the first quarter of the year. For this year’s 40th FNRI Seminar Series, the FNRI-

DOST partnered again with the Food and Nutrition Employees Association, Inc. (FANEA).

The 40th FNRI Seminar Series will feature food and nutrition researches and S&T activities of the FNRI for the past year. It will be held on July 3 & 4, 2014 at the FNRI Auditorium, DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City.

The theme “Kalamidad Paghandaan: Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan!” is very appropriate, given the many disasters that hit us in the previous year. Among these, most unusual was that from Typhoon Yolanda.

The Seminar Series will feature both oral and poster presentations of the food and nutrition R&D and S&T activities by the Institute in 2013. These researches may not be directly addressing nutrition in emergencies, but these may be used as strategies for intervention during or after a calamity. Such may also be a way of preventing malnutrition and hunger before or during disasters.

One of the main events of this Seminar Series is the presentation of the results of the 8th National Nutrition Survey focusing on anthropometry among children, adults and pregnant and lactating women. To be presented also are results on anemia, hypertension and diabetes, as well as data on smoking and government program participation.

FNRI prepares for milestone 40th Seminar Series

The latest research outputs of the FNRI are of keen interest to nutritionists, dietitians, public health professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders, as these will be used as references in their respective programs.

As expected, this annual activity will be attended by top government and non-government officials and will be participated in by nutritionists, dietitians, nutrition workers, public health practitioners, members of the academe and research organizations, nutrition allies in the medical fields, and media practitioners. ■

MIGGlorioso, Sr. Science Research Specialist, TDSTSD-

In the following weeks, the 30 candidates will undergo a rigorous regimen, housed together and strictly supervised by certified physical therapists, licensed nutritionist dietitians of Slimmers World. From their fitness routines on to their meal plans and skin regimens, Slimmers World will make sure the

Bikini beauties .... from p. 10

Teens strongly advised .... from p. 4

Teens are encourage to follow message number five of the NGF which states: “Consume milk, milk

candidates will take to the stage their peak and best bikini body.

Coronation Night will be on May 13, 2014 at the Resorts World Manila. The competition will be hosted by Paolo Bediones and DJ Sheryll Crystal.■

products and other calcium-rich foods, such as small fish and shellfish, everyday for healthy bones and teeth.”■

FNRI Digest 13

The FNRI-DOST implemented a model corporate wellness program in 2009 to reduce the risk factors to lifestyle diseases among its employees.

This is in support to the World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization (WHO/FAO) global strategy on healthy diet and increased physical activity.

The Health and Wellness Committee of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute Employees Association, headed by Ms. Myrna F. Moe, together with the FNRI Management, continued with physical fitness component of the program through regular aerobics activity.

The aerobics activity resumed on April 2014 where ninety FNRI employees registered. Before the start of the aerobics session, weight measurements were collected. Weights will be measured at baseline, midline and at endline. The midline weight measurement was conducted on June 6, 2014 and the endline measurement is targeted this September 2014.

The FNRI-DOST invited a professional aerobics instructor to lead the activity every Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 am. One FNRI division is assigned each week to organize and assist the instructor and to encourage more participation among the employees.

FNRI employees keep healthy and active

After the culmination of the aerobics activity, incentives will be awarded to the biggest loser (in terms of weight) and to the division or section with the highest number of participants.

The wellness activity is one way of the FNRI management and the FANEA to give back to the employees. Also, it is in allegiance to the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) Memorandum Circular Number (MC 8), which reiterates the importance of a physical fitness program for developing a healthy and alert workforce. MC 8 provides the allotment of a reasonable time for regular physical fitness exercise and the inclusion of physical fitness exercises, seminars, training programs and similar activities. It authorizes one hour each week for the conduct of a health awareness program and twenty minutes daily for the conduct of wellness or fitness program.

The FNRI-DOST also has a designated physical fitness room, with sports equipment, which is open for use after office hours or during the aerobics hour every Friday.

According to Ms. Moe, in order to sustain the physical activities of the Institute, “We need the support from the management and supervisors to encourage participation from the employees.”■

CFPatalen, Sr. Science Research Specialist, NAMD-

FNRI Digest14

field. This facilitated the timely release of NNS results. The new system also reduced the expenses for printing and shipment of questionnaires and lessened the manpower requirements for proofreaders and encoders.

FNRI successful conducts... from p. 1

saying that ”I would like to invite all of you, whether from the line agency, private sector, international organization, or academe, to join the movement to zero malnutrition. We have to act now before it’s too late”.

The much awaited highlight of the summit came as senior staff from the Nutritional Assessment and Monitoring Division (NAMD) of FNRI presented the highlights of the initial results of the 2013 Nutritional Status of Filipinos. They discussed the methodology employed and the anthropometric survey results (for children, adults and pregnant and lactating). Some of the clinical survey results like anemia, hypertension, diabetes and smoking were also presented. The government program participation of every respondents was also reported.

To link the current nutrition situation with efforts toward Juan Mission, a panel discussion “Implications of 8th NNS Results Among Stakeholders” with distinguised guests ensued. Among the panel discussants were: Mr. Valerie Gilbert Ulep, Supervising Research Specialist, Philippine Institute for Development Studies, Ms. Ma. Lourdes Vega, Chief, Planning Division, National Nutrition Council, Dr. Dante Morales, Chair, Multi-Task Force, National Nutrition and Health Survey (MTF-NNHes), Ms. Concepcion Benosa, President, Federation of Barangay Nutrition Scholars of NCR, Ms. Giogia Paiella, Consultant/Nutrition Specialist, World Health Organization and Ms. Cecil dela Paz, Vice-President, Philippine Chamber of Food Manufacturers served as discussants.

The panel discussants were all one in congratulating FNRI for reporting an improvement in the NNS figures, particularly, the reduction in the incidence of anemia, hypertension, and smoking.

Recognizing that malnutrition is a multi-faceted problem, Dr. Capanzana mentioned that a great challenge lies ahead. But in joining hands with concerned partners from both the government and private sectors, he believes that the Philippines’ dream of zero malnutrition is not far-fetched. The summit is an important venue to put nutrition development issues in the spotlight once more, and transform data into solutions that work. Our Juan Mission for a well- nourished nation continues, and a healthier citizenry is not far behind. ■

After Dr. Capanzana’s message, the keynote message of DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo was read by no less than Undersecretary Fortunato T. dela Peña. In his message, Secretary Montejo expressed how he enthusiastically accepted the invitation to attend the summit because of the great opportunity to draw on national issues and sectoral expertise in the country on the most recent food and nutrition issues. He said that the DOST puts adequate food, nutrition and health among its top priorities. The Department also believes that local technology works. Thus, it engages in different types of local innovation to develop new products and processes that include new approaches to allow a product to be more effectively rolled-out and used. He likewise mentioned the DOST’s High Impact Technology Solutions (HITS) which seek answers to address the common problems faced by most Filipinos such as hunger and malnutrition. Among those he mentioned which are included in the DOST-HITS are: the extended shelf-life of brown rice, the DOST PINOY, multi-nutrient growth mix (MGM), iron-fortified rice and the alternative solution to address lifestyle-related diseases by applying nutrigenomics.

He stressed that the NNS is among the DOST’s key services to the nation. It provides data and information for policies, program and practice, in both the public and private sectors. He also thanked the different partners and contributors, both local and international who have made the conduct of the NNS possible and a success. He ended by

FNRI Digest 15

Human Resources

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) is very proud to welcome Dr. Cecilia S.

Acuin as the new division chief of the Nutritional Assessment and Monitoring Division (NAMD). The NAMD is the technical division of the Institute in-charge of running the national nutrition surveys and other special studies in nutrition assessment.

Doc Ces, as she is fondly called, officially joined the Institute on May 2, 2014, armed with passion for research and a noble goal of helping reduce malnutrition in the country in her own little way. Under her laurel is an intensive education that more than prepared her to qualify to hold a key position in a research organization as the FNRI. She is a consistent honor student during her elementary and high school days and graduated cum laude in a Pre medical BS Zoology course at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman.

Dr. Acuin’s Medical Degree specializes in Family Medicine acquired from the College of Medicine at UP Manila. For her post graduate education, she completed academic units leading to MS in Public Health Epidemiology at UP Manila and Master of Arts in Medical Anthropology as a Fulbright scholar at the University of Connecticut, Storrs in the USA. With grants from the UP System and from Cornell University, she obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Nutrition major in Nutritional Epidemiology and Risk Communication at Cornell University in Ithaca New York.

Passion for research started with her first job with the Infant Feeding Intervention Study (IFIS). There she worked on the development and implementation of a breastfeeding and complementary feeding project. Since then, she worked in different government and private agencies in various capacities, but the common denominator on all her various work is research and passion for teaching.

Dr. Acuin was with the Institute of Health Policy and Development Studies under the National Institutes of Health as Research and Faculty/Assistant Professor for about 13 years. She also served as Executive Director of the Center for Indigenous Medicine and Assistant Professor at the Department of Family and

Community Medicine at De La Salle University Medical

Research Center. In the early years of her career, Doc Ces was with the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in various positions as Research Staff, Head of Department of Epidemiology and

Biostatistics, and as Officer-In-Charge of the

Research and Training Division.

She was involved in various international and national research projects either as technical or senior consultant, principal investigator and Project leader or coordinator. Doc Ces has published articles in the prestigious journal The Lancet, other international and local peer-reviewed journals, and chapters in Health and Nutrition in Family Medicine textbook, to name a few.

On a concurrent capacity, she is a member of various local and international professional organizations such as the American Society of Nutrition, Asia-Pacific Network of the International Forum for Social Sciences in Health, American Public Health Association, American Anthropology Association, Philippine Association of Nutrition, Philippine Academy of Family Physicians, among others.

On a personal note, Doc Ces is a certified Manileña, born and raised in the City of Manila and the eldest of six children of Enrique M. Santos and Paulina D. Caluag. She is happily married to an equally successful Medical Doctor, Jose M. Acuin, and is blessed with five children Lara, Joel, Benjie, Mico and Sinta. She loves trying out new recipes and eating out with the family. Doc Ces is also a bookworm and enjoys reading biographies, histories and nutritional anthropology books.■

MOGuirindola, Sr. Science Research Specialist, NAMD-

FNRI Digest16

Library Acquisitions

TitleEditorPublisherCall NumberDescription

: The Road to Good Nutrition: A Global Perspective : Eggersdorfer, Manfred [et al.] : Basel, Switzerland : Karger, c2013 : RA 645 Eg22 2013 :

Malnutrition is a phenomenon with many aspects, not all of them apparent. This book brings together the experience and insights of globally recognized experts in the field of nutrition to create an in-depth introduction to the subject for the non-expert.

TitleAuthorPublisherCall NumberDescription

: Scaling Up Nutrition: What Will it Cost? : Horton, Susan [et al.] : Washington, D.C. : The World Bank, : RA 645 H789 2010 :

This book notes that investment in nutrition will yield high returns through thriving children, healthier families, and more productive workers. This book will be of interest to policy makers, public health officials, nutritionists, government officials, and all those interested in improving child nutrition and health outcomes.

Title

EditorPublisherCall NumberDescription

: Communication Challenges and Convergence in Crop Biotechnology

: Navarro Mariechel J., Hautea Randy A. : New York : ISAA and SEARCA, c2011 : Fil S 494.5 N228 2011 :

This book presents case studies of Asia and Australia that offer unique and rich examples of how countries have been able to glide through the ‘drama’ of crop biotechnology as they sheperds innovation from the laboratory, greenhouse trials, multi-location trials, and hopefully to farmers’ fields.

TitleAuthorPublisherCall NumberDescription

: The 2006-2011 World Outlook for Brown Rice : Profesor Parker, Philip M. : California : ICON Group International, c2011 : HD 9016 P227 2011 :

This study covers the world’s outlook for brown rice across more than 200 countries. For each year reported, estimates are given for the latent demand, or potential industry earnings, for the country in question.

TitleAuthorPublisherCall Number

: Rice Chemistry and Quality : Juliano, Bienvenido O. : Nueva Ecija : PhilRice, c2007 : Fil SB 191 J942 2007 :

This book explores the rice grain and its intricacies as food and food derivatives , proving that rice is indeed life. The book delves into its other uses when processed. The author also explores the nutritive value of rice. Simply, the book concretizes the usefulness of rice in our lives.

Note: Descriptions were taken from the book