CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) - - The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Isabela, in collaboration with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) - 2, Local Government Units in Region 2, joined in the celebration of Nutrition Month introducing the Malusog (golden) rice - a new rice variety. 

The celebration highlighted a cookfest for a one-dish meal that packs all the nutrients incorporating the Malusog rice.

At least 10 groups consisting of teams from the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) and 4-H Club from the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela, the Rice Business Innovation System (BIS) project team, and outside participants joined the cookfest. 

The winning dish that captivated the judges' palate was the Bagoong Fried Rice by RiceBIS project. The project concept was inspired by a Thai cuisine called Khao Kluk Kapi or shrimp paste fried rice.  

The rice was stir-fried with sauteed shirmp paste, sweetened pork, scrambled egg, sliced kangkong and julienned green mangoes.  

The 2nd place was awarded to 4-H Club of Salinungan West, San Mateo, Isabela, and the 3rd place was awarded to the RIC of Rang-ay of Sta. Barbara, Iguig, Cagayan. 

“In today’s nutrition month celebration, it’s important to promote the critical role of Malusog Rice in the diet of the households in our communities,” OIC-Branch Director of PhilRice Isabela station said. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Claris Alaska, Assistant Center Director of ATI-RTC 2 said the cookfest mybe the start of promoting the use of Malusog Rice. 

Malusog Rice is a new type of rice with improved nutritional value through modern biotechnology. It has a significant amount of beta carotene in its grains, which when regularly consumed as a staple can provide at least 30% of the estimated average requirement for vitamin A. 

This beta carotene, similar to what is found in orange-colored fruits and vegetables, is converted into vitamin A as needed by the body.  (OTB/MGE/PIA Isabela with report from PhilRice Isabela)