e-Nutribun tech prompts call for squash suppliers

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Western Visayas encourages squash suppliers to contribute for the adopters of the developed Enhanced Nutribun or e-Nutribun.  Currently, there is a shortage of supplies amid the production and distribution of the project.

There are now six e-Nutribun technology adopters in Western Visayas, namely Waffle Time Incorporated in Iloilo City, in Guimaras the Western Visayas Food Innovation (WVFIC) Guimaras State College-Mosqueda Campus, University of Antique Sibalom Technohub in Antique, Aklan State University Bakeshop and Bread and Butter of Filbake Food Corporation in Aklan, and in Negros Occidential, the AJJJ Bakshop and Quino Café.

The e-Nutribun is reformulated by the DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) from the original nutribun in the 1970s in response to address the call of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Memorandum Circular No. 12 Series of 2020 which aimed to identify and recommend healthful and nutritious food packs and sustainable food sources to alleviate hunger and nutrition.

The ready-to-eat bread consists of necessary nutrients required for the children to fight against malnutrition. Each bun weighs approximately 160 grams and provides 32% calories, 59% protein, 60% iron and 60% of Vitamin A of the Required Energy and Nutrient Intake (RENI) for children.

Also, the nationwide roll-out of the e-Nutribun pursues to provide livelihood opportunities to bakery workers and farmers as sources of raw materials like squash and other related supply and service providers.

Interested squash suppliers and technology adopters to the e-Nutribun may contact the nearest Provincial S&T Centers:  Aklan PSTC (036) 268-5685; Antique PSTC (036) 540-8025; Capiz PSTC (033) 522-1044; Guimaras PSCT 0917-300-4323; Iloilo PSTC  (033) 508-7183; and Negros Occidental PSTC (034) 435-9175. (JJMoleño/DOST VI-KMU)