THE Iron fortified rice (I-Rice) program was launched simultaneously n Pangasinan last week at the West Central School in Dagupan City and at the San Fabian Sports and Civic Center.

In Dagupan, the launch was spearheaded by the western Pangasinan branch of the National Food Authority (NFA) with a lugaw-distribution activity for the school’s students.

NFA Manager Ramon Cuaresma said studies show that a big percentage of the population lack micro nutrients like vitamins and minerals, especially pre- school and elementary-age children who need these micro-nutrients most.

I-Rice is rice fortified with iron to give consumers added nutrients in their diet.

“We have two machines located in the cities of Alaminos and Dagupan that mix the iron with the rice supervised by our quality control officers,” Cuaresma said.

Cuaresma added that the certified halal rice mixed with iron looks grainy and grayish, and it will be priced at P27 per kilo, the same as ordinary polished rice.

Dagupan Mayor Benjamin Lim said during the launch that the city government will adopt the I-Rice in its feeding program.

“Meron pa tayong 1,500 na malnourished children na dapat pakainin sa susunod na pasukan and the iron fortified rice is better,” Lim said.

In San Fabian, the NFA eastern Pangasinan branch held the I-Rice program launching with 4th District board member Mojamito Libunao and San Fabian Mayor Irene Libunao leading the signing of the Declaration of Support to the program

The iron-fortified rice is available in the market and at NFA outlets. (PIA-Pangasinan)

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