GOVPH

The Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) marked the 50th year of the DOST-FNRI Seminar Series (FSS) with focus on curbing malnutrition, empowering the youth, and promoting the nutritional well-being of Filipinos.

Themed “Golden Year of DOST-FNRI Seminar Series”, the two-day event was held from 3-4 July 2024 at the Sheraton Manila Hotel in Pasay City.

The seminar series is an annual initiative of DOST-FNRI that aims to disseminate completed research and development outputs and science and technology activities among stakeholders in the food and nutrition community, allied fields, and the general public.

The event kicked off with an opening program that included an inspirational message from DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a scientific poster exhibit. The exhibit featured studies on topics such as the prevalence of anemia among Filipinos, stunting in Filipino children, and blood pressure in Filipino adults.

“Over the years, the seminar series has adapted to more accessible venues and made research presentations comprehensible to non-technical audiences. It now includes panel discussions, testimonials, press briefings, exhibits, and more, attracting participants from various sectors,” said Sec. Solidum.

He also acknowledged the agency's role in implementing national nutrition plans, addressing the growing demand for food and nutrition research through innovation, and coordinating with relevant organizations, such as the National Nutrition Council and its member agencies.

Also present at the event were Marinduque Governor Hon. Presbitero Jose Velasco, Jr., who provided a testimonial that highlighted the role of FSS in continuing education for nutrition and health professionals, and DOST Balik Scientist Dr. Gerard Bryan Gonzales who delivered a keynote address on food and nutrition research in the global arena.

DOST-FNRI also launched new nutritional tools and guides tailored to benefit various groups. These include food recipes, nutrition information, and physical activity guides for teenagers; a dietary advice handbook for health professionals focusing on kidney health; a guide for using the Philippine Food Composition Tables; guidelines for workplace wellness programs; and guidebooks on the nutritional and trans-fatty acid content in various foods.

Six selected student-finalists from various universities in the country participated in the undergraduate student research competition. Their entries were divided into the Nutrition and Dietetics Category and Food Technology Category.

The second day introduced more areas in nutrition, one of which is hidden hunger. As stated by Dr. Milflor S. Gonzales, Chief Science Research Specialist of the DOST-FNRI Technology Diffusion and S&T Services Division, the seminar series also serves as an effort to combat undernutrition, overnutrition, and hidden hunger or micronutrient deficiencies. Together, this is the “triple burden of malnutrition.”

In an interview with DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute at the sidelines of the event, DOST-FNRI Senior Science Research Specialist Charina A. Javier said that hidden hunger refers to a condition where a person lacks essential vitamins and minerals like iron, iodine, and vitamin A, despite appearing physically normal in terms of weight.

The other technical sessions also explored topics on the relationships between various aspects of nutrition, such as diet diversity and nutritional adequacy and unhealthy diet and risk for certain diseases.

Studies on ensuring food safety and quality through innovation, nutritional status of individuals across all ages, and nutrition and food environment in the Philippines were also presented.

The announcement of winners in the competitions was conducted during the closing ceremony.

In the undergraduate student research competition, University of the Philippines Diliman representatives Alyssa P. Arnoco and Jeremiah A. Abog won 1st place in the Nutrition and Dietetics category and Food Technology category, respectively.

Meanwhile, the poster of main authors May Ann D. Gironella and Idelia G. Glorioso, Senior Science Research Specialists of DOST-FNRI, won 1st place in the Scientific Poster Competition. (By Rudy P. Parel, Jr., DOST-STII)

Ms. Alyssa P. Arnoco delivered her presentation titled “Nutrition knowledge, eating practices, and maternal characteristics among selected Filipino female adults under the sandwich generation” during the undergraduate student research competition, where she and her team won 1st place in the Nutrition and Dietetics Category. (Photo from Henry A. de Leon, DOST-STII)

Presenters of Technical Session II: TaG These! (Tools and Guidelines) answered questions from the audience during the open forum. (Photo from Henry A. de Leon, DOST-STII)