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Maguindanao residents beneficiary of rice fortification program in ARMM

RESIDENTS of Maguindanao will now be able to avail of iron-fortified rice in accredited Bigasan outlets located in the local public markets, officials of the National Food Authority of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao announced Tuesday.

Edgar Bentulan, NFA-ARMM regional director, said that the introduction of nutrient fortified rice is in line with the government’s thrust to curb micronutrient deficiency in the country.

“Iron fortified rice is available in bags of 50kg and in 1kg packs. Fortifying rice with important nutrient like iron can greatly advance our campaign to lessen the incidence of undernutrition and other related condition among our constituents,” Bentulan said.

The lack of vitamin A, Iron and Iodine, which are needed to keep a sound mind and a healthy body, leads to micronutrient deficiency. This condition is said to be most prevalent nutritional disorder in the world today most especially in poor and developing countries.

The disorder is a main contributing factor in the occurrence of weak, sickly and unproductive populace- a hindrance in a nation’s growth. Iron fortified rice should supplement the dietary nutritional intake and alleviate iron deficiency anemia among children and lactating mothers.

Aside from the introduction of iron-fortified rice, the government will also launch other nutrient fortified commodities like sugar, cooking oil and flour. The NFA is tasked to oversee the implementation of the rice fortification program.

Studies conducted by the NFA reveal that iron fortification of rice does not affect the taste and sensory characteristics both on the raw and cooked rice. Iron fortified rice has the same shelf life as regular rice. (BPI-ARMM)