Western Visayas will get 3,850 metric tons of the iron-fortified rice being imported by the National Food Authority from Vietnam.

The supply is part of the 100,000 MTs contracted by the government, of which 34,100 MTs were unloaded in various ports in the country starting yesterday.

Within the week, a total of 15,800 MTs will be unloaded separately in Iloilo, Davao, Poro Point and La Union, NFA data shows.

In Manila, being unloaded are 7,000 MTs; Tabaco, Albay, 6,700 MTs; Cagayan de Oro, 3,600 MTs; Subic, 10,800 MTs; and Cebu, 6,000 MTs.

Based on records, other NFA regional offices that will receive iron-fortified rice are: Region 1, 8,475 MTs; Region 2, 5,125 MTs; Region 3, 12,925 MTs; Region 4, 5,375 MTs; Region 5, 10,950 MTs; Region 7, 7,600 MTs; Region 8, 9,875 MTs; Region 9, 6,350 MTs;

Region 10, 1,950 MTs; Caraga, 1,200 MTs; Region 11, 3,975 MTs; Region 12, 2,475 MTs; National Capital Region, 16,175 MTs; and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, 3,700 MTs.

Food fortification is provided under Republic Act 8976 that calls for fortification of rice, flour, refined sugar and cooking oil to address the serious problem on micronutrient malnutrition, including Vitamin A, Iron and Iodine.

It is considered the most cost-effective and sustainable means to fight and eliminate micronutrient deficiency among Filipino children.

Rice millers, importers and wholesalers/retailers are also responsible for fortifying rice. NFA, for its part, will locally produce iron-fortified rice using the technology developed and existing facilities and equipment. Part of the rice requirements imported by the agency are already fortified in the source country.*NLG

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