Electronic learning stands in direct contrast to study mission of the observation tour variety. The former allows you to amass knowledge and skills at just a click of the mouse on your computer. The latter brings you physically to the knowledge source so you could observe, investigate, take photos, and interact with the subject matter under your scrutiny. However, both distance learning and observation tours could be very edifying and fruitful experiences.

This July, as it celebrated Nutrition Month, the Nutrition Communication Network of Region 5, organized primarily by the Department of Science and Technology and made possible with the drive and grit of Dr. Pilitz Lucena, went on a study mission to various government and public sector initiatives that will “help improve the living conditions of Filipinos and their nutritional status.” Joining the study mission were representatives of the private sector, including print and broadcast media, as well as various government agencies actively espousing good nutrition and healthy living conditions for Filipinos. Among these are the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit, the Agricultural Training Institute, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, the Commission on Higher Education, the Philippine National Police, and the Bicol University.

And learn we did. In addition to visits to offices of member agencies, including the Agricultural Training Institute (where the learners listened to fresh updates on the e-Extension program from Ma’am Niet herself, who impressed very much the touring delegates), the learners on wheels found out firsthand about these inspiring ventures:

Moondish Foods Corporation in Taguig City shows that small beginnings can grow and bear fruit… er, food… more appropriately, good food – with timely and adequate help from government agencies. “It is the first company to commercialize Laing through the assistance of the DOST and the latest company to join the ready-to-eat meals category,” reads the company literature. The process of preparation, cooking, can filling, “exhausting”, can sealing, retorting, labeling, and britestacking all take place in its medium-sized building. Who says that only giant multinationals can produce canned Laing or taro leaves, Puso ng Saging or banana blossom, green chili pepper also known as Bicol Express, Camansi or breadnut, Ampalaya or bitter melon, all in mouthwatering coconut cream, as well as Ginataan Desserts in tetra pack and canned dried herrings or Tuyo and sautéed shrimp fry or Bagoong, Not bad at all for a project that started as a DOST technology incubation facility. Its products, all 70 percent of it, are now exported around the world. To meet the market demand, they need constant and adequate supply of raw materials, rain or shine. The proprietor expressed the wish that the government will focus on providing improved postharvest facilities for drying taro leaves, for instance.

Moonbake, Inc. in Las Piñas is the sister company of Moondish Foods Corporation. Producing chocolate crinkles and fruit-enhanced otap, among others, which are sold in big supermarkets nationwide, Moonbake replicates the latter’s business resilience.

Sonya’s Garden in Alfonso, Cavite is a special treat for gourmets. It makes pastries, dishes and health products from home-grown herbs and spices. Its garden spa also offers pampering to take away those aches and pains in your body (no one from the group dared try this, though!).

Town Holdings Corporation in Alabang produces the Vitahoo Soy Gel, a hygienic and creative yet still economica alternative to the Taho. The Soy Gel formulation was developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, packed in plastic cups or placed on ice cream cones, served plain or with toppings like chocolate, pinipig or syrup. It is definitely healthier than ice cream yet just as satisfying to the palate. It is a good serving suggestion for your catering needs too. Town Holdings Alabang is looking for small-to-medium scale investors who want to produce Vitahoo Soy Gel as a micro enterprise yet still maintaining strict food hygiene standards. Any takers? Investors will not be paying any loyalty or franchise fees. A private company participating in the study mission professed keen interest to invest in Soy Gel and set up a farmers group to supply raw materials for Moondish, by the way. We are keeping our fingers crossed that these come through.

Yely’s Bakeshop in Parañaque is producing tasty, hunger pangs-extinguishing, and nutritious squash pandesal, whole wheat malunggay, whole wheat saluyot, squash ube loaf, squash ube cluster, squash monggo cluster, among others. Without a doubt, Yely’s Bakeshop is innovative. It proves that a home-based food business can serve middle class consumers, produce good food, and make money too. Owned and managed by the enterprising family of Welwel Malibiran, Yely’s Bakeshop even has its own very catchy jingle. Yely’s breads are attractively packaged, commercially viable, and definitely more than the usual.

At the end of their study mission, the NutriComNet proponents were collectively amazed and inspired. There remains much to be done, however, so that more Filipinos will have access to health-supportive foods and more investors will engage in profitable business ventures in touch with emerging market trends. Farmers also need to supply farm produce that match the specific requirements of processors particularly in terms of quality, quantity, and timeliness. A harmonized extension service is the key.