By Ma. Cristina Arayata | Philippine News Agency
MANILA – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has sent ceramic water filters and enhanced nutribun (e-nutribun) to victims of Typhoon Odette in Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Mimaropa, and Caraga region.
In a taped report aired on Friday (Jan. 21), Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said 50 boxes of ceramic water filters were sent to Caraga and Cebu.
“Ceramic water filters will also be deployed to Regions 6 (Western Visayas), 8 (Eastern Visayas), and Mimaropa as soon as flights for these areas are finalized,” he said.
Over 73,000 pieces of DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) -developed e-nutribun vitamin-fortified bread were also distributed in Caraga, Surigao City, Dinagat Islands, and Siargao Islands.
DOST-Cordillera Administrative Region likewise provided over 8,000 pieces of e-nutribun to areas hard hit by “Odette” in December last year.
FNRI’s e-nutribun has an improved texture compared to the nutribun in the 1970s, while still carrying the requirement of more or less 500 kilocalories.
Other micronutrients such as Vitamin A, iron, and iodine, were added by putting in natural ingredients.
Meanwhile, DOST-Mimaropa organized a relief operation in Sitio Cabugawan, a remote island in Barangay Poblacion in Dumaran, Palawan.
At least 100 relief packs that included food and hygiene kits were given to residents and those in nearby areas. (PNA) -ag
