Iloilo City: The city government of Iloilo inaugurated the Uswag Nutrition Center on Thursday, marking a significant milestone as the first local government unit-run facility in the country dedicated to producing nutritious food for children and nutritionally at-risk pregnant women through its feeding program. The center is situated along General Luna Street in the City Proper and represents a P54-million investment, featuring a nutrition office, production area, and function halls.
According to Philippines News Agency, the facility is poised to produce rice-mongo-sesame blends and enhanced 'nutribun', leveraging technology from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The equipment for the rice-mongo-sesame blend production was acquired through a donation from the Bombo Radyo Philippines Foundation, Inc., while DOST will supply the necessary technology for the enhanced 'nutribun'.
Engr. Shiela Oberio, Iloilo Provincial Science and Technology Director, mentioned in an interview that the equipment for the enhanced 'nutribun' is pending delivery following the last monitoring meeting with the city. The DOST - Food Nutrition Research Institute has already conducted training for the technology. She noted that the production would be small-scale, sufficient to meet the city government's feeding program requirements.
Dr. Annabelle Tang, city executive assistant for health, stated that the city government is in the process of procuring ingredients for the rice-mongo-sesame blend, with production set to commence immediately upon completion. Mayor Jerry Tre±as, during the inauguration, emphasized the facility as a legacy project, underscoring its importance as he prepares to conclude his term on June 30.
Mayor Tre±as highlighted that the Uswag Nutrition Center embodies the city's vision to enhance and expand its facilities to ensure better nutrition for children and at-risk pregnant mothers-key beneficiaries in need of support. The inauguration event also saw the presence of Department of Health Western Visayas Regional Director Dr. Annabel Yumang and Bombo Radyo Foundation Chair Dr. Rogelio Florete.