As an offshoot component of the research on the development of the Iron Premix Rice, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute conducted the Training and Writeshop of Trainers on Health and Nutrition Education on 4-7 March 2014 at the Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City. The affair was graced by Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director of the FNRI. There was a total of 35 participants that included faculty and staff from Maco Heights Central Elementary School and District Nurses and health personnel of Maco and Compostela Valley PNAO Rey Pajarito. NNC XI RNPC Maria Teresa L. Ungson also attended the 4 day training.

This research was conducted to address the inadequate intake of nutrients especially iron which paved the way for iron fortified rice. Rice fortification is one of the stop gap measures to fill the nutrient gap between intake and requirement. From July to December 2013, supplemental feeding among targeted anemic school children was done in Maco Heights Central Elementary School. The aim was to improve the nutritional status of the children. However, to sustain the effects of the intervention, there is a need to educate parents on health and nutrition and the basics for the application at home.

The training of trainers will serve as a medium of communication to create awareness and improve the knowledge of parents on health and nutrition through regular PTA meetings. Training modules delved on health and nutrition. The lectures were delivered by experts from FNRI led by Dr. Imelda Agdeppa. After the lectures, a writeshop was done by the participants to translate the modules into the local dialect.