Local media practitioners and information officers of national   government agencies and academic institutions will attend the “2014 NUTRICOMNET-IX Media Forum,” scheduled on November 5, 2014 at the Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City. The event is organized by the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. IX and the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).

According to DOST IX Regional Director Brenda L. Nazareth-Manzano,   the forum will highlight the 8th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) data on hypercholesterolemia.   Hypercholesterolemia is the presence of high levels of cholesterol in the blood.    The event will also discuss the importance of dietary fiber, calcium and its health benefits and tips on “Living a Healthy Lifestyle”.

For this year, FNRI is partnering with Del Monte Philippines Inc. to tackle the benefits and importance of dietary fiber in one’s diet.  Dietary fiber plays an important factor in preventing certain diseases and likewise promotes over-all health and nutrition.

FNRI is an attached agency of the DOST, mandated to undertake research that defines the citizenry's nutritional status, with reference particularly to the malnutrition problem, its causes and effects and identify alternative solutions for them.

NUTRICOMNET is a network of provincial and regional media men as well as information officers of various agencies and institutions involved in food, nutrition and health promotion.  It is established to create an interactive promotion program between the DOST-FNRI and the local media in the region. It also aims to provide and update the public about the latest news on nutrition in the country.

Participation to the event is free.  For reservation, interested participants may call telephone number (062) 991-1024, look for Thelma or Grace. (DOST IX PRESS RELEASE: Thelma E. Diego, DOST-IX Website)