contents Page The FNRI Mandate Secretary’s Message ------------------------------------------------------------ 2 Director’s Message -------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Highlights of Accomplishments ----------------------------------------------- 6 Accomplishments by Major Final Output ------------------------------------ 12 Generation of New Knowledge ------------------------------------------------ 12 Basic and applied researches on F&N ------------------------------------ 12 Nutritional assessment & monitoring ------------------------------------- 24 Contract research on F&N -------------------------------------------------- 33 Patents & publications ------------------------------------------------------ 34 Information & Communication Technology ---------------------------- 36 Diffusion of Knowledge and Technologies --------------------------------- 39 Commercialized technologies in support of SETUP ------------------ 39 Technology Business Incubator ------------------------------------------ 40 Technology training on F&N --------------------------------------------- 41 Provision of Quality S&T Services ------------------------------------------- 44 Technical services on F&N ------------------------------------------------ 44 S&T promotion services --------------------------------------------------- 49 S&T Capacity-Building Services on F&N ---------------------------------- 56 Financial and Human Resources ---------------------------------------------- 58 Future Directions ---------------------------------------------------------------- 72 FNRI Executive Officials ------------------------------------------------------ 74 Production Staff ----------------------------------------------------------------- 75 Mandate Under Executive Order No. 128 January 30, 1987, the FNRI is mandated to: • Define the citizenry’s nutritional status • Develop recommendations for improvement of nutrition status, and • Disseminate research findings and recommendations Vision Consistent with the above mandate is the FNRI’s vision of: • Optimum nutrition for all Filipinos, socially and economically empowered through scientifically sound, environment-friendly and globally competitive technologies Mission • Provision of accurate data, correct information, and innovative technologies to fight malnutrition Message On behalf of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), I congratulate the men and women of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) for their noteworthy contributions in the advancement of science and technology in 2007 through relevant and timely food and nutrition researches for the betterment of the nutrition of Filipinos. Foremost among its accomplishments is the generation of new knowledge and technologies. The Institute continuously developed and transferred mature nutritious food technologies. For one, pan de sal, loaf bread and buns enriched with vitamin A through the addition of squash,combined with an iron-fortified juice drink given to school children in Zambales, demonstrated improvement in children’s nutritional status in terms of iron and vitamin A levels. The successful launching of the NutritionSchool.ph, an online school for nutritionists and non-nutritionists alike was also another breakthrough for the Institute in terms of information and communication technology (ICT) enhancement. In close partnership with a private food company, the school is designed to maximize the potential of information and communication technology (ICT) in promoting food and nutrition to various clients. As part of the FNRI’s mandate to define the citizenry’s nutritional status, the Institute conducted studies on strategic R&D programs, nutrition surveys, and in-depth correlation. These studies included those on the effects of virgin coconut oil on the endurance performance of cyclists; body composition, energy expenditure and nutritional status of Filipino elderly; mineral availability and energy & nutrient contents of typical Filipino diets; nutritional status of super regions; correlation of chronic energy deficiency and metabolic syndrome among adults, and many others. In the provision of quality S&T services, which is one of DOST’s major final outputs, the FNRI carried out several trainings on food and nutrition, mostly in collaboration with the DOST Small Enterprises Technology Program (SETUP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). The Institute also conducted several technology fora on food fortification, Hazard Analysis Critical Contol Point (HACCP), and livelihood trainings. I commend the FNRI for its dedicated efforts in defining the citizenry’s nutritional status, developing technology packages, disseminating research findings and transferring technologies through various activities and projects as presented in this report. I therefore, encourage the Institute to continue strengthening its partnerships with the food industry and nutrition community in a concerted effort towards addressing malnutrition. Message The year 2007 marks the 60th year of the existence of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) as the country’s lead agency in food and nutrition research and development. From the time of its creation in 1947, the FNRI of today continuously endeavored to provide sound and effective research base for food and nutrition work. Thus, in behalf of the FNRI family, it is my great pride and honor to present the major accomplishments of the Institute for the year 2007. In 2007, the FNRI conducted various projects and activities, the implementation of which was based on the R & D and S & T framework embodied in the Institute’s investment portfolio for 2007-2011. These projects and activities were formulated in accordance with the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan for 2004-2010 and the DOST’s Seven-Point Agenda (EPA) and Major Final Outputs (MFOs). Going by our first mandate to undertake research that defines the citizenry’s nutritional status with reference to the malnutrition problem, the FNRI painstakingly undertook the initial preparation for the conduct of the Seventh National Nutrition Survey (7th NNS), the biggest of its kind since the first nationwide survey conducted in 1978. As in the past, the survey results will serve as basis in crafting policies and programs on food, nutrition and health relevant to the times. More importantly, the data will be used as a benchmark in tracking the country’s progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Moreover, the Institute has continued to diffuse food and nutrition knowledge and technologies. Entrepreneurs have signed up for technology transfer under the FNRI Technology Transfer Program for the year 2007. The program helps the Institute reach more people with nutritional food technologies to fight malnutrition. Strong partnerships with tri-media institutions have helped the Institute to maintain its status as one of the most active DOST agencies in terms of media promotion and exposure. The Institute was able to generate Php 24.5 million worth of tri-media mileage, garnering an increase of about Php 4 million from last year’s record. The FNRI continued to rebuild and strengthen its linkages with other institutions and the regions through its several networks, like the Nutrition Communication Network (NUTRICOMNET) and the Nutrition Information Network (NUTRINET). Local media networks in Regions V (Bicol) and XI (Southern Mindanao) as well as CARAGA were strengthened through the conduct of several media and technology fora . The fight against malnutrition is far from over. While improvement in the nutritional status of our population was noted from the results of the National Nutrition Survey conducted in 2003, the emerging rise of obesity and lifestyle related-diseases has put another dimension in our fight to prevent if not eliminate the problem of malnutrition. We cannot say, “mission accomplished” till we achieve our vision of optimum nutrition for all Filipinos, socially and economically empowered through scientifically sound, environment friendly and globally competitive technologies. Our actions in the coming years will be based on what we have accomplished so far. As we await the completion of the 7th NNS to define our nation’s state of nutrition, we shall continue to develop and recommend policy options, strategies, programs and projects that will address the problem of what we now call “double burden malnutrition”. We will likewise persevere to develop our knowledge and competencies to keep abreast with new developments in our field of expertise to better face upcoming challenges. With this, I congratulate the FNRI staff for their dedication and commitment for a job well done, and I would like to acknowledge our mother-agency, the DOST and our partners for their continual support. Highlights of Accomplishments In 2007, the FNRI successfully completed 34 research and development (R&D) and science and technology (S&T) projects and activities in line with DOST’s Major Final Outputs (MFOs). These MFOs include: (a) generation of new knowledge (b) diffusion of knowledge and technologies and (c) provision of quality S & T services. Generation of New Knowledge The Institute's R & D agenda in 2007 consisted of projects classified under several programs: A. Basic and applied researches on food and nutrition 1. Food Fortification Program to Combat Micronutrient Deficiencies Nutrijuice, an orange-flavored non-carbonated drink fortified with vitamins