DOH Secretary Francisco TChairman, Dr. Mario V. Caand Ms. Rosario F. Lopez of

The Nutrition Researcrecently celebrated its annual NUTRIFAIR.Department of Healtfoundation anniversaryDOH graciously co-spoauspices of DOH, San L

The joint celebration aNutrition: 107 Years Healthy and Strong.”compound on June 20 tthe Landmarks of PhilProjects; display/sale obooks/publications on ffunctional plants; and glucose and blood chol

On the opening day,

Workingtowards an

improved foodand nutr i t ioninformat ion

sys tem in thecountry

. Duque, III and the NUTRINET Governing Boardpanzana with Ms. Carmelita C. Guilatco of FNRI STII.

h Information Network or NUTRINET18th anniversary with the holding of an It was conducted jointly with theh (DOH) which celebrated its 107th

. As a founding member of the network,nsored this year’s activity held under theazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila.

dopted the DOH theme, “The DOH andof Helping the Filipino People to be

The activities were held at the DOHo 23, 2005. These included an exhibit onippine Food & Nutrition Programs andf food products with Sangkap Pinoy seal,ood, health and nutrition, ornamental anda free clinic for bone density test, bloodesterol levels.

experts gave a demo on the Integrated

Library Management System (ILMS)and the Philippine E-lib project.Highlights of the two-day fair werelectures on the following: (a) NutritionSituation in the Philippines; (b)Government Response to MicronutrientMalnutrition Problem; (c) FoodFortification Program; (d) TechnologyInfo/Updates; (e) Landmarks of Food &Nutrition R&D in the Philippines andTheir Application to the Promotion ofOptimum Health. Other events includeddemonstrations on meat processing,traditional alternative health care products,pan de sal making plus a bonusdemonstration on acupressure.

All the founding members activelyparticipated in this year’s NUTRIFAIR.ITDI in particular, through itsrepresentatives, played a major role inorganizing the activities. It provided for aresource person for the lecture-demonstration on processing of chickenham and corned beef and a Master ofCeremonies for the Technical Sessions onDay 2 and the Closing Ceremonies.

The kick-off ceremonies were heldimmediately after the regular earlymorning flag ceremony wherein the newlyinstalled DOH Secretary Dr. Francisco T.Duque III, gave a brief message warmlywelcoming all participants. After the flagceremony and Mass, Secretary Duquelikewise led the visitors to the ceremonialribbon-cutting for the formal opening ofthe NUTRIFAIR exhibit.

RTGenato ITDI-DOST

MS. VICTORIA A. SANDOVAL

Ms. Sandoval is a 1977 Bachelor of Science in HomeTechnology graduate at the University of the PhilippinesLos Baños (UPLB). She worked in several projects, mostof them based at the College of Human Ecology (CHE).She later served as library-in-charge of the College fromMay 26, 1994 to the present. Her zero knowledge in libraryoperations, management and services drove her to pursue aMaster's degree in Library and Information Science at theInstitute of Library and Information Science in Universityof the Philippines Diliman (UPD). She took advantage ofher reduced fee benefit and enrolled in School Year (SY)1999-2000 with classes during Saturdays. Finally, shegraduated at the end of first semester SY 2004-2005. Ms.Sandoval has attended several seminars and trainings tohone her expertise in library science.

In partial fulfillment of the course, she took the opportunityof being a NUTRINET Technical Committee member byassessing the network after 17 years of existence. Datacollection was easy due to her rapport with NUTRINETmembers. For this, she is grateful to the NUTRINETTechnical Committee members and the heads of themember institutions for having been a part of the study.She hopes that the study made useful contributions to theNUTRINET system and member institutions for their futureplans and activities.

Ms. Sandoval is blessed with four children. Her twochildren, Lacelli and Allan finished their degrees at UP LosBaños and thus also enjoyed the UP study privilege.

NUTRGOVERNI

ChairDr. Mario V

Officer-in-Charge, Off

Vice ChProf. Fortunat

Officer-in-

Mem

AcaDr. Demetr

Dean, UDr. CorazoDirector, UP

IndDr. Alexand

AVP-MA

Nutrition and Ms. Crispin

Director,Ms. Elsa

Executive DMs. Azuce

Executive D

ResDr. Nuna E

Officer-in-Charge, OfMr. Aster

Directo

EDITORIDr. Zenaid

EditoMs.Carmeli

Managing Ms. Rosar

Guest E

CONTRFNRI, NCP

PRODUCTMs. Annie L

Typesetter Ms. Filipinia

Ty

SECREMs. Carmelita CMs. Annie Lyn

Ms. Ma CorazonMs. Filipiniana

The NUTRINETTechnical Committee Member

of the CHE-IHNF, UPLB

INETNG BOARD

person. Capanzanaice of the Director, FNRI

airpersono T. De La PeñaCharge, STII

bers:

demeia C. BonggaPD-CHEn VC. BarbaLB-IHNF-CHE

ustryer D. Tuazon

D, UNILAB

Health Servicesita A. Valdez DOH-IMS M. Bayaniirector, NNC

na B. Limboirector, NFP

earch. Almanzor

fice of the Director, ITDIio P. Saliotr, DA-ATI

AL BOARDa V. Narcisor, FNRIta C. GuilatcoEditor, FNRIio T. Genatoditor, ITDI

IBUTORS, NNC, STII

ION STAFFyn D. Bacani

& Layout Staffna B. Bragaspist

TARIAT. Guilatco, FNRI

D. Bacani, FNRI E. Palompo, FNRI B. Bragas, FNRI

2

See The NUTRINET... on p.7

Nine member-agencies of NUthe Philippine e-Lib project. Tagencies from the DepartmTechnology (DOST) namelTechnology Information InstiNutrition Research Institute Technology Development Iagencies come from the Dep(DA) which are the National Nand Agricultural Training Insfour colleges of the University are members of the NetworCollege of Home EconomicCollege of Medicine (CM) aHealth (CPH) in Manila, anEcology, Institute of Human Los Baños.

The e-Lib project is one of theprojects of the Committee Communication Technology Information Technology and (ITECC). It is a joint undertLibrary, University of the PhiCommission on Higher Educat

The Philippine e-Lib aims to gaccess to the wealth of informain the Philippine libraries but in

The P166-million web www.elib.gov.ph has now a c800,000 bibliographic records.of more than 25 million international materials, 29,000and 15,000 theses and dissertatof these data were taken fromNUTRINET member-agenciesmembers will be provided wenable their clients to have acce

DOST Undersecretary, Fortuspearheaded the conceptualizaDecember, 2003 the project wThe signing of the Memora

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3

TRINET form part ofhere are three member-ent of Science and

y, the Science andtute (STII), Food and(FNRI) and Industrialnstitute (ITDI). Twoartment of Agricultureutrition Council (NNC)titute (ATI). Likewise,of the Philippines (UP)k. These include thes (CHE) in Diliman,nd College of Publicd College of HumanNutrition and Food in

11 government-fundedon Information and

(CICT), formerly theE-Commerce Councilaking of the Nationallippines (UP), DOST,ion (CHED) and DA.

ive the Filipino peopletion available not only the world.

portal located atollection of more than These records consistpages of local and

full text local journalsions. A significant part the five participating

. The nine NUTRINETith 2 kiosks each toss to the e-Lib.

nato T. de la Peña,tion of the project. Inas approved by ITECC.ndum of Agreement

(MOA) by heads of participating agencies wasconducted last February 4, 2004.

The objectives of the project are: To provide access to information to citizens for

life-long learning; To enrich local library content in digital format

for community and global access; To build local capabilities and expertise in the

creation and generation of digital informationsources;

To provide local library and information servicesnetwork to academic and government institutionsfor optimum use of resources;

To promote and accelerate the exchange ofknowledge resources among various sectors ofsociety, including regional and international users;and

To establish a mechanism of income generationand other means to sustain the e-library.

The project’s salient features include:a. Creation and integration of “critical mass” for the

e-Library infrastructure and services;b. The use of current library systems and existing

network of participants;c. Emphasis on Philippine materials for current

build-up in all formats;d. Cooperative acquisition and shared access to e-

databases;e. Provision of local nodes with access to existing

facilities for better public access;f. Provision of training and skills development to the

network staff; andg. Income generation for sustainability.

Through the Philippine e-Lib, the public can access tocurrent local and foreign information materialsefficiently and effectively. As envisioned, it will serveas a springboard in the planning and implementationof programs and projects for national development.

See Nine NUTRINET... on p.7

Improvement of the quality obetter nutrition is the ultimPhilippine Plan of Action for N2010. The PPAN was unveileGolden Anniversary and AnnNutritionist-Dietitians’ Associa(NDAP) last February 23-25, 2

In presenting the draft PPAN, EM. Bayani of the National Nuwelcomed comments and sugrefine the program designednutritional problems of the cou

Ms. Bayani stressed that malnutrition affect not only theyoung children but also teconomically productive, comactive in adulthood.

Malnutrition, she added, also cin the already scarce financial sand magnifies government exof basic services, includingeducation.

The PPAN sets a number of achieve specific objectives. Threduction in the prevalences odeficiency anemia among women, vitamin A deficienlactating women and childrendisorders among school chireproductive age.

“Food is key to survival and cmental development” is the firPlan of Action for Nutritionquality of life should start at imit says. "Good nutrition is the rasserts another principle, addprovided to everyone regardlesand political status or religious

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4

f life Filipinos throughate goal of the draftutrition (PPAN) 2005-

d at the just concludedual Convention of thetion of the Philippines005.

xecutive Director Elsatrition Council (NNC)

gestions that will help to address nagging

ntry.

the consequences of survival and growth ofheir capacity to bepetitive and socially

auses deepening strainources of poor familiespenditures for delivery nutrition and health

"guiding principles" toese objectives include

f low birthweight, ironinfants and pregnantcy disorders among

, and iodine deficiencyldren and women of

ritical for physical andst principle in the draft. Efforts to improveproving access to food,ight of every Filipino",ing that it should bes of his socio-economic belief.

Another important principle is "good nutrition is asound investment". This emphasizes that helping poorfamilies gain access to food supply and means to buytheir own food in the short term will enable them to"break from the chain of extreme poverty andhunger".

The draft PPAN outlines various programs, projectsand activities envisioned to contribute to improvementin food and nutrient intakes and health status. Thelocal government units are key partners inimplementing programs like community, school andhome food production, nutrition information andeducation, food assistance in calamity-stricken areas,and livelihood assistance to families withmalnourished children.

The multisectoral NNC, chaired by AgricultureSecretary Arthur C. Yap, spearheads the formulationsplanning, monitoring and evaluation of the PhilippinePlan of Action for Nutrition. Meanwhile, the localnutrition committee under the leadership of the localchief executives provides the appropriate mechanismfor integration and coordination of all local nutritionefforts guided by nationally-set directions andguidelines.

As an integral component of the Medium-TermPhilippine Development Plan, the NNC executivedirector pointed out that the PPAN helps form a well-nourished, healthy and mentally able human resourcethat can be instrumental to the nation’s socio-economic development.

Contributor: MCRVSta AnaNNC

2005 Nutrition Month Theme:"Batang may kinabukasan, sawastong nutrisyon simulan."

The 1998 National NutritionNutrition Research Institute,and Technology (FNRI-DOSan increasing trend of overw20 years and over of both sex1993, there were about 17 ouoverweight. This figure incre100 in 1998 and 2003, respthe data by sex, more adult found to be overweight. In 1males while 19 out of 100 fThe same trend was observedout of 100 males and 23 ooverweight. In 2003, 21 out of 100 females were deOverweight when left unattenchronic degenerative diseashypertension and diabetes me

The latest National Nutritio2003 by the FNRI-DOST reFilipinos adults aged 20 yearfrom impaired glucose level asurvey, the prevalence of hy100 Filipino adults.

Diabetes is a disease that auses food. It causes sugar increase. Individuals with faequal or greater than 100 - 1glucose level while those witor greater than 125 mg/dl aThe signs and symptoms ofThese include frequent uriextreme hunger, sudden wefatigue, recurring or hard-infection, drowsiness, tinglinor feet, itching of skin andchanges, and blurred vision.

Hypertension, on the othecharacterized by sustained reading of ≥ 140 mmHg apressure reading of ≥ 90increases the danger of acquir

E

RESEARCH UPDAT

5

Survey of the Food and Department of ScienceT), revealed that there iseight among adults agedes from 1993 to 2003. Int of 100 adults who wereased to 20 and 24 out ofectively. Disaggregatingfemales than males were993, about 14 out of 100emales were overweight. in 1998 when about 17

ut of 100 females wereof 100 males and 27 outtected as overweight.ded may result to manyes like heart diseases,llitus.

n Surveys conducted invealed that 7 out of 100s and over are sufferingnd diabetes. In the same

pertension was 22 out of

ffects the way the bodylevels in the blood tosting blood sugar level25 mg/dl have impaired

h blood sugar level equalre considered diabetics. diabetes are numerous.nation, excessive thirst,ight loss, weakness andto-heal wound or gumg or numbness in hands genitals, sudden vision

r hand, is a disordersystolic blood pressurend/or a diastolic blood mmHg. Hypertensioning heart diseases.

These health data indicate that policy makers need todevelop healthful and appropriate policies andstrategies to prevent the continuing increase in thenumber of overweight Filipinos.

Nowadays, there are various brands of reducing pillsavailable in the market and fad diets that promisemagnificent results. These attract a lot of people whowant to look slim. It is important to take caution andconsult a doctor or dietitian before taking these pillsand diets.

"Go Natural" is the advice of nutritionists to thosewho need to reduce weight. They likewise recommendlosing weight by eating less food or less high-energyfoods and exercising more. Reducing weight does notmean starving oneself because everyone has a basicnutritional requirement to meet each day. Rather thangoing without meals altogether, everyone isencouraged to practice a healthy lifestyle through aproper diet, good nutrition, increased physical activity,and regular exercise habit. A healthy lifestyle is alsosynonymous to not smoking and avoiding alcoholicbeverages. This is Message no. 10 of the NutritionalGuidelines For Filipinos which says "For a healthylifestyle and good nutrition, exercise regularly, do notsmoke, and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages".

See Overweight ... on p.7

Vitamin A fortified sugar isthe local market. The FoodInstitute, Department of S(FNRI-DOST) developed thesugar with vitamin A, whicSugar Corporation. The vitamintroduced recently to retaPublic Market. It is availablepacks.

According to Dr. Mario V. CNutrition Research Instituteand Technology (FNRI, Dconcentration of fortified micrograms retinol per gramteaspoons of fortified sugar will give 150 microgram rapproximately 1/3 of the ReNutrient Intake (RENI) of aged 1 to 12 years old is met.

The government recognizesstrategy to combat hidden deficiency. Food fortificatnutrients at acceptable levefood products that is wipopulation. Food fortificationas a sustainable and cost effemicronutrient deficiency. ThFortification Act of 2000 mastaples like rice with iron, covitamin A, and flour with vita

FNRI-DOST reports that vitaremains as public health pro6th National Nutrition Survethat VAD among children 6increased from 38% in 1998among lactating mothers in1998 to 20.1% in 2003. Vamong pregnant women fromin 2003.

Another strategy to combat education and diet modifica

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RESEARCH UPDAT

6

ready for distribution in and Nutrition Researchcience and Technology technology for fortifyingh was adopted by Firstin A fortified sugar was

ilers in Marikina City at ½ kilo and 1 kilo retail

apanzana of the Food and, Department of Science

OST), the vitamin Arefined sugar is 15

of sugar. About 2 levelapproximately 10 gramsetinol. This means thatcommended Energy andvitamin A for children,

food fortification as ahunger or micronutrient

ion is the addition ofls to processed food ordely consumed by the is now being consideredctive approach to combatus, RA 8976 or the Foodndates the fortification ofoking oil and sugar withmin A and iron.

min A deficiency (VAD)blem in the country. Theys (NNS) result showed months to 5 years old

to 40.1% in 2003. VADcreased from 16.5% inAD however, declined

22.2% in 1998 to 17.5%

VAD is through nutritiontion. The results of the

food consumption survey conducted by FNRI-DOSTshowed that the average consumption of green andyellow vegetables, vitamin C-rich fruits and root cropsare low in the Filipino diet. Thus, the NutritionalGuidelines for Filipinos (NGF) encourages theconsumption of more fruits, vegetables and root cropsto help correct the micronutrient deficiencies.

Green leafy vegetables such as kangkong, kamote,malunggay, pechay, mustasa, and saluyot are rich inbeta-carotene. The beta-carotene in these vegetables isefficiently converted to vitamin A when dietary fat ispresent. It is wise to prepare one-dish meals likesinigang, nilaga, suam, tinola, or pochero. The naturalfat from the meat, chicken or fish will serve as amedium to help absorb the beta-carotene in the leafyvegetables. Adding a little oil or sauteing is also anexcellent way to prepare these vitamin A richvegetables. In addition, these green leafy vegetablesare also good sources of vitamin C as well as iron,calcium, dietary fiber, folic acid, vitamin E and otherphytochemicals.

For more information of food and nutrition, you maywrite or call: The Director, Food and NutritionResearch Institute, Department of Science andTechnology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, TaguigCity Telephone/Fax No. 837-2934, 837-3164; e-mail:mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, FNRI-DOST website:http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.

CSMartinezFNRI-DOST

7

The NUTRINET ... from p.2

Lacelli finished a degree in BS Forestry, while Allangraduated in BS Agriculture. Immer, another child,was a baseball player since elementary and used thistalent to enroll for free at the University of SantoTomas. Larissa, her youngest daughter is a senior highschool student this SY 2005-2006.

To Ms. Sandoval, library work is a very fulfilling job.Librarians, she says, are not necessarily informationexperts. She added that the mere fact that she is ableto provide the information needed by the users at theright time makes her happy and satisfied with her job.Sometimes, she gets a negative feedback due to herfacial expression and the way she talks. Nevertheless,she is always willing to help and serve her clients.

Of being a Library Network member, she is for a"give and take" relationship between and amongmembers and the Network system. She thinks that thelinkage serves not only to increase knowledge andskills in library operations and management but alsoimproves inter and intra-relationship with othersectors of society.

Overweight ... from p.4

Those who need to lose weight should:

Eat less energy-dense foods, especially foods highin fat

Eat more foods rich in fiber, such as fruits,vegetables, and whole grain cereals

Eat at regular meal time; constantly going hungryis not the answer

Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day Drink alcohol moderately (not more than 2 bottles

of beer per day) Exercise regularly in at least about 20 to 30

minutes/day in order to use up energy stores

For more information on food and nutrition, you maywrite or call: The Director, Food and NutritionResearch Institute, Department of Science andTechnology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, TaguigCity Telephone/Fax No. 837-2934, 837-3164; e-mail:mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, FNRI-DOST website:http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.

IAngeles-Agdeppa.FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service

Nine NUTRINET ... from p.6

The Philippine e-lib was formally launched last April19, 2005 at the Ground Floor Lobby of the NationalLibrary. Senator Ramon D. Magsaysay, Jr., a long-time information technology advocate in the Senate,graced the event along with the CICT Chair, VirgilioPeña and DOST Undersecretary Fortunato T. de laPeña. Heads of some participating institutions andrepresentatives were also present during the occasion.

You can now access the Philippine e-Lib athttp://www.elib.gov.ph.

CCGuilatco/RFLopezFNRI-DOST/STII-DOST

Sen. Ramon D. Magsaysay, Jr. during the ceremonial ribboncutting along with the CICT Chair, Virgilio Peña, DOSTSecretary Estrella F. Alabastro, DOST Undersecretary FortunatoT. de la Peña and heads of participating agencies.

FOOD ADDITIVESRA8.A28#920NCP

Joint FAO/WHO ExpFood Additives (200 Evaluation of cer

and contaminantsGeneva: WHO, 2(WHO Technical922)

HEART DISEASE-EPIDEMIRA645.H4M322004NCP

Mackay JThe atlas of heartMackay & GA M& K Greelund- G112 p.

IODINE DEFICIENCY DISONNC United Nations Child

Review of progreIDD Eliminationof a review missiUNICEF: New y

Contri

NUTRINET SecretariatFood and Nutrition Research DOST Compound, Gen. SantoBicutan, Taguig, 1604 Metro Website: http://www.fnri.dost.go

NEW ACQUISITIONSbutors: Lualhati C. Palmero, Nutrition Center of the Philippines

Ma. Cecilia V. Sta. Ana, National Nutrition Council

8

ert Committee3:Rome).tain food additives: sixty-first report.-004. X, 176p- Report Series;

OLOGY

disease and stroke/ Jensah with S Mendis

eneva: WHO, 2004-

RDERren’s Funds.ss towards sustainable

in Indonesia. Reporton, 4-15 August 2003.ork, 2004.

MALNOURISHED CHILDRENNNC World Health Organization.

Guidelines for the inpatient treatment ofseverely malnourished children.Geneva: WHO, 2003

MATERNAL MORTALITY-STATISTICSRG530.W672004NCP

Cost analysis of the national vitamin Asupplementation program in Ghana.Arlington, VA: US agency forInternational Development,xxi 42pages, 2003

MATERNAL MORTALITY-STATISTICSRG530.M382004NCP

Maternal mortality in 2000/estimatesdeveloped by WHO, UNICEF andUNFPA.

Geneva: WHO Department ofReproductive Health and Research,2004.vi, 30p.

PostageInstitute-DOSTs Ave.

Manilav.ph/nutrinet/index.html