Gourmix now used in ABS-CBN’s feeding program

Gourmix, a highly nutritious food developed by the Department of Agriculture-Cagayan Valley Research Center (DA-CVRC) and supported by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), is now being utilized as part of a feeding program of ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc.’s (ALKFI) “Programa Genio”.

This initiative was highlighted by BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar in his message during the 2015 Adlay National Review and Planning Workshop held on 28-30 September 2015 in Quezon City. “In its fifth year of implementation, the Adlay R&D Program is now looking into the commercialization of the crop. The adlay-enriched Gourmix product of the DA-CVRC is very encouraging and it manifests that our research and development efforts are being put into good use to help our fellow Filipinos. Believing in its potentials, BAR together with the High Value Crops Development Program of the DA, will continue supporting adlay-related initiatives to further intensify dissemination and promotion on the economic and health benefits of this commodity,” the bureau chief said.

Resembling porridge, Gourmix is a combination of adlay, rice, white corn, malunggay, TVP soybean, ground mungbean, and turmeric ginger – all of which contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to the body’s health and wellness. “To date, there are already two batches of Gourmix products delivered to ALKFI’s Programa Genio totaling to 13,600 packs,” Ms. Rose Mary G. Aquino, lead proponent for the development of Gourmix, explained.

According to Mr. Erwin Felipe, education program officer of ALKFI’s Programa Genio, Gourmix is being used to support their feeding program in their adopted schools in Laguna and Western Samar. “We provide them 40 packs (400 kilograms) per school every two months,” Mr. Felipe added.

Apart from ALKFI’s Programa Genio, Gourmix is also being used in feeding activities of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Education, and local government units in Region 2 in support to various nutrition programs. Due to its market potential and impact to consumers, Gourmix was hailed as the Best Innovative Product during the 10th Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Forum and Product Exhibition held at SM Megamall, Madaluyong City in August 2014. ### (Anne Camille B. Brion)