Malunggay Distribution

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.