Butuan City --The Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) organized the virtual launching of Enhanced Nutribun (E-nutribun) new variants – Orange and Purple Sweet potato variant.

The launching was conducted via Zoom Platform and live streamed on different social media platforms on February 16, 2022 with the theme: “OooPs… may bagong variants ng Enhanced Nutribun! Orange and Purple Sweet potato naman!”.

It was attended by more than 400 participants from different regions, offices, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, DOST-FNRI Director IV and Scientist II, delivered her welcome message and assured that DOST-FNRI will continue to develop food technology for nutritious, safe and affordable food products that will help address malnutrition and food security.

“We hope that every bite of our new variant of Enhanced Nutribun delivered to every child as well as their families will make them healthier, smarter and brighter. Now, rest assured that we will continue to develop food technology for nutritious, safe and affordable food products that will help address malnutrition and food security.”

DOST Secretary Hon. Fortunato T. De la Peña encouraged the enthusiasm in everyone to support and adopt the new variants of E-Nutribun by sharing the possibilities that it opened such as job creation, profit generation and addressing nutrient gaps among children.

Various DOST undersecretaries also expressed their support to the new variant of E-Nutribun. Among them are Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, the DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development, Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, the DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations, Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., the DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services and Dr. Nancy A. Bantog, Regional Director of DOST-CAR.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles also delivered a message of support for the launching of new variants of Nutribun, emphasizing that in no time we will be a “Hunger-free Philippines” with the help of different nutrition programs and projects harmonized.

“Let us continue strengthening our multisectoral partnership because the battle against hunger is our collective battle together.”

Potential Licensees of Enhanced Nutribun Orange and Purple Sweet potato variants from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao also expressed their support, stating that the E-nutribun project did not only help feed the undernourished children and pregnant women but also provided a sustainable livelihood, unleashed the potentials and created job opportunities for those who were affected by the pandemic.

Enhanced Nutribun Orange and Purple Sweet potato variants are enriched with all natural, highly nutritious vegetables which are known to be rich in fiber, energy, protein, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, and iodine – nutrients very much needed by growing Filipino children.

One piece of E-nutribun new variant has 165 grams, 502 calories, 17g of protein, 6 mg iron, 384 mcg vitamin A which gives 96% of the recommended dietary intake, no trans-fat and zero cholesterol.

It can be stored for six (6) to seven (7) days if wrapped with polyethylene plastic in a room temperature.

The orange variety is rich in beta-carotene while the purple one is rich in anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants.

Generally, sweet potato is rich in vitamin B5, B6, thiamin, niacin and riboflavin. It is easy to grow and maintain, which makes the propagation of these crops easy as well. Apart from these, sweet potatoes are known to promote gut health, boost the immune system and may enhance brain function.

These new variants passed the microbiology test making it safe for consumption, nutritionally adequate and attained a great sensory attribute score.

Dr. Anthony P. Calibo, DOST-FNRI Deputy Director ended the launching by expressing his gratitude to everyone who made the Enhanced Nutribun new variants possible and the support received from different regions, offices, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) licensees. #MPRayco