DOST Concludes Project SAGIP Pilot Study in Marikina City

The Department of Science and Technology-NCR, in partnership with the DOST Food and Nutrition Research Institute, the Office of Congresswoman Stella Luz A. Quimbo and study site Concepcion Integrated School have concluded the two phases of the Project “Supporting Adolescent Growth in the Philippines (SAGIP): Pilot Study in Marikina” on 14 April 2023 at the Concepcion Integrated School Gym, Brgy. Concepcion Uno, Marikina City.

The project involved a 60-school day feeding program for fifty-six Grades 5-8 students using the standardized recipes developed by DOST FNRI and nutrition awareness activities. Ms. Noelle Santos of FNRI reported that based on the initial results of the study, wasted students were able to attain normal nutritional status (NS). The baseline data for normal NS of 40% increased to 60% at the end of the project. SW and Wasted students were also able to increase their weight to 2.5kg. Students who completed the intervention were awarded during the project’s culminating activity. Also at this event, DOST-NCR OIC Engr. Romelen Tresvalles highlighted the importance of supporting the 2nd window of opportunity for growth, the adolescent phase. She also vowed that DOST-NCR will continue to support the implementation of the project to other cities in the National Capital Region.

Cong. Stella Luz Quimbo, for her part, encouraged the students to practice and promote healthy lifestyles while also sharing the news that they have already passed the bill extending the school feeding program to adolescents. In a region where the average cost for a meal inclusive of rice, viand and fruit is PhP 33.26, the availability of nutritious affordable meals means a lot, not only to students, but especially for mothers like the one at the event who said that “Malaking bagay kasi ang nakakakain ng masustansyang pagkain”.

Also present at the event were Ms. Rosemarie J. Dumag (DOST FNRI), Daniel R. Estrella, OIC, CIS Elementary School, Ms. Glenda M. Trinidad, School head, CIS Secondary Level, and councilors Ronnie Acuna and Rene Magtubo.

By: Camile Estimado, TOD-PAMAMARISAN CASTO