Malunggay was named by
the John Hopkins School of Medicine as the “Most Nutritious Plant on the Face
of the Earth. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the three
vitamin deficiency problems in developing nations are: Iron deficiency that
reduces resistance to infections, Iodine deficiency that leads to various
degree of mental retardation. and Vitamin A deficiency that promotes loss of
immunity. These three vital nutrients Iron, Iodine and Vitamin A can be found
in malunggay.
In line with this, as
part of the effort of the Local Government Unit of Umingan to combat
malnutrition in the municipality, the Farmers Information and Technology
Services (FITS) Center in coordination with the Local Chief Executive Hon.
Eldred P. Tumbocon spearheaded the propagation of Malunggay seedlings in the
Municipal Nursery.
An initial total of
1,200 potted seedlings were distributed to pilot barangays with most number of
identified undernourished children. The seedlings will be planted at designated
places in the Barangay. Barangay Nutrition Scholars were also awarded malunggay
seedlings to be planted at a common area in the barangay where caring for the
seedlings will be a community effort.
Malunggay propagation
will be a continuing activity of the Local Government of Umingan through the
Farmers Information and Technology (FITS) Center until such time that all
barangays in Umingan are seriously engaged in malunggay production.