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Sunday, January 15, 2006
Food agency to distribute 'fortified rice'
THE National Food Authority (NFA) is preparing the distribution of some 4,700 bags of Vitamin A and Iron-fortified rice in South Cotabato's 10 towns and lone city.
Luisito Mangayayam, NFA-South Cotabato information officer, said the vitamin and iron-fortified rice, imported from Vietnam, forms part of the province's allocation for the product's promotional drive.
"We will initially distribute them to areas which have high rates of malnutrition," he said.
Mangayayam clarified that fortified rice would not be sold but distributed for free to beneficiaries that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) identifies.
He said the DSWD and the social welfare offices of the local government units in the area have already identified the target areas and beneficiaries.
But Mangayayam also said the product would be commercialized starting next year through various accredited outlets in the area as provided by the National Government's food fortification program.
"We are expected to concentrate more on the retailing activity later on since the food distribution program would focus on the fifth and sixth class municipalities," he said.
Mangayayam said the fortified rice's retail price would be affordable, sold at P16 to P18 only per kilo.
"Consumers can be assured that they will have more health benefits from fortified rice because of its vitamin content, which can help resolve micro nutrient deficiency problem" he added. (Allen V. Estabillo)
(January 2, 2006 issue)
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