MANAOAG–A non-government organization from Barangay Nalsian here is set to embark on the commercial production of malunggay ice cream as part of its advocacy to promote good nutrition.

This new product, ice cream made from fresh carabao milk blended with nutritious malunggay (Moringa) leaves, was earlier introduced by Victoria Padilla.

Padilla said the preparation of the malunggay ice cream was part of a study undertaken at the Don Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte but since the school is limited to research work, she decided to try it out for commercial scale.

She said she now sells it in parts of the province as well as in Baguio City and the prospects appear positive but financial constraints have kept her from expanding the production from her house.

But through Agro Technical Assistance Livelihood Opportunities in the North (AGTALON), a private initiative she founded, she now plans to turn the malunggay ice cream production into a livelihood project for women in the community.

AGTALON in Ilocano means “to farm”, will be used as the brand name for the malunggay ice cream.

Padilla said 4th District Rep. Jose de Venecia Jr. has committed to provide financial assistance for the project.

Aside from malunggay ice cream, Padilla also produces malunggay tupig and polvoron with malunggay.

Part of her plan is to put up a store near the Our Lady of Manaoag Church, a popular pilgrimage site for Catholic devotees.

Padilla, an agriculturist, is a member of SLOW Foods International based in Italy, an advocate for healthy and nutritious foods, that taught   her about the benefits of basic foods and the use of locally-abundant ingredients. —LM

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