A DOST assisted cooperative signed a licensing agreement for the adoption and production of iron-fortified rice (IFR) in the province of Pangasinan.

This was held during the 2025 North Luzon Innovation and Technology Transfer Summit on recently at the Newtown Plaza Hotel, Baguio City. 

Ferdinand N. Jamias, general manager of BSNMPC, represented the cooperative during the signing. 

Representing DOST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute was Jaypy S. De Juan, head of its Business Development Unit, Technology Transfer and Commercialization Section, and Technology Diffusion and S&T Services Division, alongside DOST-1Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog.

Iron-fortified rice is a blend of well-milled rice and iron in the form of rice-shaped kernels. 

While it looks, tastes, and cooks like ordinary rice, IFR is enriched with iron—a vital mineral for hemoglobin production that helps prevent Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) in both children and adults. It is particularly recommended for supplemental feeding programs. 

Prior to the signing, BSNMPC participated in a virtual Technology Transfer Training conducted by DOST-FNRI on January 23, 2025. 

The issuance of the Fairness Opinion Report (FOR) and Written Recommendation (WR) for this licensing transaction was facilitated by the DOST-1 FOB Secretariat. These activities prepared the cooperative for the successful adoption of the IFR technology.

Founded in 1991, BSNMPC is known for promoting agricultural productivity in the region and producing dairy products. With the addition of IFR, the cooperative expands its product offerings and further strengthens its role in local food production. 

As part of its ongoing support, DOST-Pangasinan will continue to monitor BSNMPC’s IFR production to ensure compliance with DOST-FNRI standards and provide technical assistance as needed. 

Since 2023, BSNMPC has also been a licensed adoptor of three (3) DOST-FNRI’s new enhanced Nutribun variants—sweet potato, carrot, and squash, along with Nutricocokies and Nutribunnet. 

The cooperative also benefits from several programs offered by DOST-1. 

Through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), BSNMPC will be awarded ₱529,162.50 in funding to adopt technological innovations that will enhance its operations, productivity, and competitiveness for IFR production. 

Additionally, under DOST-1’s Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship Collaboration and Harmonization of Growing Regional Opportunities on Wealth Creation or TECHGROW, the cooperative will gain support in identifying community and industry R&D needs, assessing the impact of regional technology transfer investments, and establishing a feedback mechanism for continuous technological advancement. (By Brenn Justin P. Guevarra, DOST-1)