KORONADAL CITY -- The regional office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is promoting squash as an alternative product in making noodles and bread or pastry products.

Zenaida P. Laidan, DOST-Central Mindanao director, said the agency has signed a memorandum of agreement with three local industry players to promote the commercialization of noodles and breads with vegetables.

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She identified the firms as Jebran Mikki Factory, Javellana Mikki Factory and Farmer's Bread bakeshop.

"Noodles and bread products made of indigenous raw material like squash offers competitive advantage in terms of their nutritional value, being rich in vitamin A", Ms. Laidan said.

The signing of the memorandum of agreement followed two separate trainings dubbed "Awareness Seminar and Technology Clinic on the Commercialization Technologies on noodle/bread with veggies," which benefited some 99 bakery owners and noodle processors in the region.

The activity has the support of the Food Nutrition and Research Institute.

Laidan said the program is the DOST's response to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's call to combat malnutrition and improve the diet of the Filipinos.

It also seeks to address the nutritionally disadvantaged consumers in the region. (BSS)

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(This section is updated every Monday)

(December 1, 2008 issue)
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