DOST and Local Government Boost Operations of Romblon Baby Food Factory

Romblon – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the municipal government of Romblon have joined forces to enhance the operations of a local factory producing low-cost baby food. The Complementary Food Production Facility (CFPF) was inaugurated on Friday, marking the beginning of its large-scale operations, which had been running in limited capacity since 2017. Marcelina Servañez, the DOST’s provincial director.

According to Philippines News Agency, about the facility’s enhancement through municipal government funding, equipment from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), and technology developed by DOST-Mimaropa scientists.

Servañez noted that the CFPF focuses on manufacturing two varieties of complementary baby food: ‘Nutri Gold Instant Food’ and ‘Nutri Gold Curls,’ both designed to combat malnutrition among infants and young children. The DOST’s Malnutrition Reduction Program, which addresses malnutrition through science and technology-based solutions, has positively impacted the nutrition status in Odiongan. The facility is operated by the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) Association, consisting of volunteers from each of the town’s 25 barangays. These volunteers, who receive a modest honorarium, have been trained to use the FNRI’s equipment to produce nutritious baby food at a low cost. The total investment in establishing the CFPF amounts to slightly over PHP2.1 million.