DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Jan. 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) here turned over and distributed enhanced nutribuns as relief packs to Odette-stricken areas and Community Empowerment Thru Science and Technology (CEST) communities.

A total of 3,300 pieces of enhanced nutribuns were distributed to the communities of Sitio Calango in Zamboanguita, Brgy. Janayjanay in San Jose, Olympia Island in Bais City, and the towns of Bindoy and Manjuyod.

The municipality of Mabinay is set to receive 2,100 pieces enhanced nutribuns next week.

“DOST Negros Oriental is donating enhanced nutribuns as a humble contribution to the response efforts of the local government units especially the mitigation of hunger and malnutrition among the heavily-affected families,” said Atty. Gilbert Arbon, provincial S&T director of DOST.

Arbon said these areas are either ELCAC-identified barangays or part of the CEST program of DOST.

Residents of Brgy. Janayjanay in San Jose and Punong Barangay Gretchen Catubig of Panciao, Manjuyod thanked DOST for giving them enhanced nutribuns, while Bindoy Mayor Ike Amorganda expressed his gratitude to DOST for the relief packs of enhanced nutribuns.

Amorganda also expressed his thanks for the relief packs of enhanced nutribuns for the victims of typhoon Odette especially those badly-hit areas.

The DOST Regional Office in CALABARZON also donated 2,000 pieces of enhanced nutribuns to DOST-7,  of which half were distributed to Manjuyod while the remaining 1,000 pieces were sent to Siquijor.

The enhanced nutribun is a special bread developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) to combat malnutrition.

It is rich in vitamin A, a nutrient that is commonly lacking in the regular meal of Filipinos especially children.

It has more micronutrients like iron, 504 calories, 17.8 grams of protein, 6.08 milligrams of iron, and 244 micrograms of vitamin A.

These buns are perfect as relief goods during calamities as these can be directly distributed and will last for seven days from the date of manufacture. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from Engr. Reinhold Jek Abing, DOST)