By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The Department of Science and Technology–Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) and Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) on Thursday (July 3) highlighted their respective mandates, key programs, and innovations in advancing science, technology, and nutrition for the Filipino people.
They also tackled their latest programs, services, and contributions to industrial technology development and nutrition research.
In a press conference at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Atty. Lucieden G. Raz, Officer-in-Charge, Director III of FNRI, said that they are happy to share the result of the 2023 FNRI Survey, said that the mandates of the FNRI are based on Executive Order (EO) 128 series of 1997and EO 352.
“We perform our mandates through our mission and vision,” Atty. Raz said.
Atty. Raz said that food insecurity is the state in which people are of risk or actually suffering from inadequate food intake, which is directly connected to malnutrition.
She added that they are also collaborating with the Food and Nutrition Council as well as the DILG, who can make their own respective food program.
Atty. Raz stressed that they are part of the food feeding program of the DepEd in schools across the country.
She said that the FNRI only develops the food technology with 64 food products such as on nutribun with 132 licensees to distribute to children.
Dr. Mildred O. Guirindola, Chief Science Research Specialist of FNRI, said that they want to replicate to other LGUs what Quezon City has done on food industry.
“However, we are still far from the ideal,” she added.
“Food insecurity goes beyond calorie intake, particularly on children under 5 years old,” Dr. Guirindola said, adding that “a multi-dimensional system is needed.”
The 51st DOST-FNRI Seminar Series will be conducted on July 8-9, 2025 at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City with six technical sessions.
It’s still open for registration.
The DOST-FNRI is open to collaboration.
Atty. Raz said that the regulation on food and healthy products is the responsibility of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“We are also included in the production of family food packs through our licensees or adoptors,” Atty. Raz said.
She added that they have available data on food and nutrition as a result of the National Nutrition Survey conducted through the years.
“We are data-generation agency for the nutrition program,” Atty. Raz said.
“Malnutrition is not only a problem of the FNRI, but it needs a whole of society approach,” she added.
Dr. Araceli M. Monsada, Laboratory Manager, Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL) of ITDI, said that the Intelligent Data Analysis System (IDAS) version 1.0 is” the top of the line where we go beyond testing and for more information. *
“The trademark of our system is the IDAS,” Dr. Monsada said, adding that “from now on, we are beginning to love IDAS.”
The DOST-FNRI is now updating the IDAS version 1.0 to IDAS version 2.0, as an AI-backed system will be very useful in material use and identification.
“If we do not give up, we shall reap our harvest in due time,” Dr. Monsada said.
She added that the FNRI is the research arm of the government on food security.
Dr. Monsada said that they are also working with PDEA where they knew the method of production of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.
“We need to build a set of numerical data on IDAS,” Dr. Monsada said.
She added that IDAS can be utilized with measurement and set of data.
IDAS can also be used in counterfeiting.
The pharmaceuticals industry can also use IDAS, through the computer, the synthesizing can be done.
“There are many treasures in the ITDI. We have many capabilities. We can adopt IDAS by collaborating with FNRI,” Dr. Monsada said.
She added that the DOST has a program in capacitating the laboratories and testing facilities, research and techno transfer in the provinces and in the regions nationwide.
Dr. Monsada said that they have the Industry Advisory Council to determine on what projects to prioritize considering the budgetary constraints.
“ITDI is 124 years old. It has its own Facebook page. It will continue to elevate to new advancements and technologies,” Dr. Monsada said. ###
