Gov’t-industry collaboration

A strategic leap forward: DOST officials led by Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. and executives from the San Miguel Foods participates in a toast for the successful launch of the Enhanced Nutribun Premix on June 25, 2025 at the San Miguel Corporation headquarters at Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.

After a year of development, the country may now be closer to curbing malnutrition by introducing a standardized formulation to a network of Nutribun “adopters” through a government-industry collaboration.

Led by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) and San Miguel Foods (SMF), the Enhanced Nutribun Premix, the standardized formulation developed by DOST-FNRI in partnership with SMF’s flour milling unit San Miguel Mills, Inc. (SMMI) is seen to enhance the effectiveness of government feeding programs for underprivileged children in the country and help address malnutrition and prevent stunting among vulnerable communities.

In his message during the launch on June 25, 2025, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. called the formulation a “strategic leap forward.”

He said that San Miguel Mills’ role is instrumental, not only do [they] help ensure consistent flour quality and supply, but also bring technical expertise and production efficiency that allow to scale this innovation nationwide.

He added that the collaboration  bridges government research and development (R&D) efforts with private sector capability, transforming a legacy product into a ready-to-use solution for today’s feeding programs and emergency food systems.

Solidum also highlighted the efforts done by the Department to build a robust innovation ecosystem, along with strengthening the links in the value chain such as ideation support through the forty-four Innovation Hubs at the DOST Regional and Provincial Offices, R&D funding from the DOST and its sectoral Councils, and expanded laboratories and analytical testing centers across regions. He also pointed out intellectual property assistance, and various commercialization pathways, along with the creation of a dedicated office to strengthen technology transfer, communications, and commercialization.

Agham na Ramdam: Beyond discovery

Solidum further said that the Department ensures that research is done to transform into real-world solutions and address real-world problems, with the solutions reaching those who need them the most, especially those located in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs).

He shared about his recent visit to a local Enhanced Nutribun manufacturer in Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, and how the premix directly addressed their concerns.

“With a standardized blend, they will be able to meet delivery schedules with greater ease and improve the quality of every batch,” he said.

He added that by standardizing the formulation, including the flour and other key ingredients, the Enhanced Nutribun can be delivered to more communities, more consistently, and with greater nutritional impact.

“Ito po ang tinatawag nating agham na ramdam,” said the Secretary.

Towards a healthier and vibrant PH

For her part, SMMI General Manager Antonina A. Sio thanked the adopters for “opening their doors” and “sharing invaluable data,” the DOST-FNRI for their “scientific leadership and for the laying the groundwork” that made the project possible, the leadership of DOST for their “trust, guidance, and unwavering support,” and to their team at SMMI and SMF “for wholeheartedly embracing this mission and driving it forward with passion and purpose.”

“As a food company, our mission is clear: to provide Filipinos everywhere with nutritious, delicious, safe, affordable, and easily accessible food. We are happy that through this partnership, we are able to fulfill this core purpose,” she added.

Power of collaboration

This gratitude is also echoed by Atty. Lucieden G. Raz, deputy director and officer-in-charge of the DOST-FNRI.

“This launch is not only a milestone for the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute but also testimony to the power of collaboration between government and the private sector,” she said.

She also said that the collaboration illustrates how science and technology can be directly applied to address pressing societal issues like food security and child malnutrition.

Last but not the least, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Dr. Leah J. Buendia, in her message of toast, underscored the beauty of collaboration.

“Scientific knowledge becomes truly meaningful when it unites—becoming a bridge of hope and a seed of change,” she said, adding that the collaboration reflects collective care, shared responsibility, and hope for a better tomorrow.

Also present during the launch were San Miguel Foods President Mr. Emmanuel B. Macalalag, San Miguel Foods Chief Operating Officer Ms. Elizabeth R. Bay, and Ronald Abanilla, sales manager at SMF.

The Enhanced Nutribun Premix is an initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, visit https://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (By Rosemarie C. Señora, DOST-STII)