Tuguegarao City - "Eat more seaweeds" Nutrition Program Coordinator of National Nutrition Council Region 02 Rhodora G. Maestre said during a forum on seaweeds in the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources last March 13,2013.

She emphasized the facts about seaweeds and the perks of eating the same as a part of a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Maestre gave the spotlight on Gracilaria firma, more commonly known as "guraman" as this particular variety comprise most of the seaweed production in Cagayan Valley.

Among the benefits that Maestre discussed were the exceptional iron and iodine content of these seaweeds and described how these particular nutrients help prevent anemia and goiter, respectively. In addition, Maestre also made mention of the calcium content of seaweeds wherein she stated that "seaweeds contain more calcium than milk."
Furthermore, she continually urged those present to aid in her advocacy to fully utilize seaweeds across the region; considering the abundance of guraman, it is very practical to use seaweeds as an ingredient in home cooking in comparison to other regions.