The Municipality of Orion was chosen as the pilot area for the launching of Iron Fortified Rice (IFR) by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI)through the recommendation of Bataan provincial Government. The project IFR was funded by the International Life Sciences Institute in Tokyo, Japan
supplemented by FNRI, Phils.
In connection with this project, three Japanese researches namely Dr. Takashi Togami, Director of Center for health Promotion; Dr. Masamin Jimba, Professor from the Department of International Community Health; and Ms. Kumiko Takanashi, Scientific Project Manager made a visit in Orion together with FNRI Research Team headed by Dr. Rodolfo Florentino, Project Adviser; Dr. Michaella F. Faises and Dr. Imelda Agdeppa, Project leaders and some FNRI staff. Dr. Glory Baltazar, Provincial Health Officer and her staff Dr. Rosario Buccahan, Ms. Zenaida Ramos, Ms. Glenda Tuvera and Ms. Catalina Cruz from PSTO Balanga were also invited.
The group was welcomed by ORION RHU Staff headed by Dr. Corazon Cruz and Dr. Grace Abello. The visit ventured mainly on what was already done in terms of developing IEC materials to be used for social marketing of IFR, strategies on how to market IFR and identification of the stakeholders. After leveling off, the group scheduled the launching of IFR in Orion on the second week of April in time for the commemoration of Bataan Day. The group then proceeded for an ocular inspection of the rice stalls in the market to cap of the day.
By: Dr. Grace Abello
