Iloilo City upgrades Uswag nutrition center

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo City Government is set to enhance its newly constructed Uswag Nutrition Center with equipment aimed at promoting a sustainable food production system for complementary feeding.

This initiative is supported by significant contributions from Bombo Radyo Philippines Foundation, Inc. and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-6.

The city received a generous donation of P2,080,000 from Bombo Radyo Philippines Foundation, Inc., complemented by P2 million from DOST-6’s Grants-In-Aid (GIA) Program Fund. These funds will be utilized to equip the center’s food production facility with essential machinery.

Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are thankful to DOST-6 Regional Director Rowen Gelonga and Florete Group of Companies Chairman Dr. Rogelio Florete Sr. for their invaluable support in our fight against malnutrition.”

The equipment to be procured with DOST-6’s assistance for Enhanced Nutribun Production includes:

– Dough roller/kneader (1 unit)

– Moisture analyzer (1 unit)

– Band sealer (1 unit)

– Cabinet proofer (1 unit)

– Dough mixer (1 unit)

– Oven (1 unit)

– Steamer (1 unit)

– Stainless steel table (2 units)

With the donation from Bombo Radyo Philippines Foundation, Inc., the center will acquire equipment for Rice-Mongo-Sesame Blend Production, including:

– Dough mixer (1 unit)

– Stainless steel table (2 units)

– Gas roaster (1 unit)

– Heavy-duty flour mill (1 unit)

– Heavy-duty food grinder (2 units)

– Digital weighing scale for large scale (1 unit)

– Digital weighing scale for small scale (2 units)

– Foot sealer (1 unit)

– Impulse sealer (2 units)

– Multifunctional cold extruder (1 unit)

– Heavy-duty slotted angle rack (10 units)

Treñas emphasized the importance of the nutrition facility in combating malnutrition and improving the health and academic performance of young Ilonggos, particularly those from indigent families.

“Nutrition is very important for our children. We must focus on giving them the right nutrition so they will grow healthy and perform well in school,” he said.

The Iloilo City Nutrition Center, located on General Luna Street, City Proper, was constructed with a P54-million investment from the city government.

The center features a nutrition office or clinic under the City Health Office (CHO), a nutrition-production area, and function halls.

“This is the kind of project we want to accomplish using our collected taxes. We are giving back to the people through improved services,” Treñas noted.

CHO head Dr. Annabelle Tang announced plans to train personnel for the new facility, highlighting the city’s holistic approach to tackling malnutrition. The focus will extend beyond children to include pregnant women who require additional nutrition for their unborn babies.