As part of the government’s relief efforts for those affected by Typhoon Odette, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) CALABARZON donated 1,000 pieces of Enhanced Nutribun to DOST-Siquijor Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC). 

Siquijor PSTC’s beneficiaries are those projects which have availed of DOST’s intervention under Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), Grants-In-Aid (GIA), and the Community Empowerment Thru Science And Technology (CEST) programs.  Its Good Samaritan spirit, however, extended to small communities outside of the said projects. 

“I am very grateful to this initiative from DOST IV-A CALABARZON.  I thank the leadership of its Regional Director Emelita Bagsit, and the conscientious support of OIC-Regional Director-DOST 7 Engr. Jesus Zamora, Jr.  It’s heartwarming to know that we are pooling our resources together to give victims of Odette an assurance, more than what we share, that they are not left alone in their struggle,” Engr. Mario de la Peña of DOST Siquijor said.

Enhanced nutribun is a product of DOST-FNRI food technology which primarily serves as a food supplement especially for young children.  According to Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, DOST-FNRI Director IV and Scientist II, this nutribun is nutritionally adequate in terms of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

In the context of the province of Siquijor, beneficiaries also include not only children but also those deemed members of a community, organization, or association. This donation from DOST 4-A was distributed on Jan. 12. 

The first group to receive was the community of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology together with those Persons Deprived of Liberty; second was the Siquijor Women’s Association for a Better Environment (SWABE); third was Youth Front Liners/Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation; and finally, the Siquijor Sewers Association.

With a bite of the nutribun, Arlita Ferolin of SWABE shared: “Lami kaayo. Imong mabati nga gitarong gyud ni og luto (This is very delicious. One can tell that this is carefully baked.)" 

Jean Clair Hibaya of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said: “Ang nutribun bus-ok, lami, milky, humot, og dili hasol usapon (The nutribun is stuffed, healthy, delicious, milky, smells perfect, and is soft to the tongue.”

“Well, I thought that this nutribun would be just like those which appear good on the outside but nothing really inside.  But after I have taken my first bite, my presumption changed. This is really a good, creamy bread.  I thank the donor DOST Calabarzon for extending its sympathy with us here in the island of Siquijor, and as a leader of the young people in the province, I know this would serve as energy-giver to the youth,” also said Brylle Deeiah Tumarong, SK Federation chair/board member of the Province of Siquijor.

Finally, Mila Abne of Siquijor Sewers Association said:  “Lami  (It’s delicious.)"

A taste of nutribun would probably not last a lifetime to answer man’s health needs, and one would not wish to have another Odette to taste it again.  What is important is that this nutribun is a gesture of humanity.  It does make it more valuable than its cost. 

As one, the beneficiaries echoed:  “Thank you, DOST 4-A and 6.” (PR/Engr. Mario de la Peńa & Jose Aldous Arbon II, DOST Siquijor IO)