TUGUEGARAO CITY, March 16(PIA) -- The National Nutrition Council 2 (NNC), in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources recently created a task force named as Balay ni Ifan Task Force Guraman to promote seaweeds as aquatic vegetable to combat malnutrition.

Members of the task force include media practitioners, regional line agencies, non-government organizations and religious organizations.

Regional Director Rhodora Maestre of NNC said the task force will bring awareness to the locality the nutritional benefits and availability of seaweeds in the local market.

“Seaweeds are 20 times healthier than green salad. They are rich in iodine and iron and quite high in protein,” Maestre said.

She added that they are good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, Vitamin B1, B2, B12, niacin, vitamin K, potassium, calcium, zinc and folic acid.

Maestre likewise said that an infant should have 90 micrograms iodine intake in a day, children from one to nine years old, 90 – 120 micrograms; adult male and female ages 10-65 and up, 120 – 150 micrograms; and pregnant and lactating mother, 200 micrograms.

To spread these information, the media members committed to create a promotional campaign through audio-visual production and audio plug to be played regionwide.

“With this initiative, we can make a difference. Gutom at Malnutrisyon, Sama-sama nating Wakasan,” Mastre concluded.(TCB/SRA/PIA2)