OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental -- Ozamiz City government received 60,000 pieces of rice-monggo-sesame (RMS) baby food blend packaging material from the Department of Science and Tecnology (DOST-10).

In 2016, the City Government of Ozamiz was one of the beneficiaries of DOST-Food Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) project on the rollout of complementary food production facility to address malnutrition of young children aged six to 59 months old.

Ozamiz City Complementary Food Production Facility (CFPF) is capable of producing RMS baby food blend for six to 24 months old toddlers and rice monggo (RM) crunchies for 25 to 59 months old children.

According to Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) of Misamis Occidental Eufresnie Ann D. Simbajon, to continually improve and hasten production of these complementary food products, DOST-10 extended additional support to the facility amounting to more than ₱300,000.

Mechanical bean roaster and electric double deep fryer were turned over on Feb. 11, 2019.

To compete with the existing commercial brands of baby food products in the market, DOST also provided assistance on the packaging and labeling design and initial execution of the RMS baby food blend.

“Naa na gyud maka-compete sa commercial brand (RMS baby food blend can now compete with the commercial brands),” Supervising Administrative Officer of Ozamiz Maria Lucy R. Cabalit said.

To support waste management, CFPF Head and City Nutrition Action Officer Lelita G. Navarez said discounts will be given to the next purchase of the customers who will return the used packaging materials.

These will then be utilized to produce eco bags, wallets, and other novelty materials.

Cabalit said the City Government of Ozamiz is grateful for DOST’s assistance. (DOST10/PIA10/NNC X)