Eggs, next to rice, are the most common food served in a Filipino plate as these can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and sometimes snacks. Also, according to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), eggs are one of the best and most affordable sources of protein. So to share the gains of consuming eggs as well as to take part in the ‘bayanihan’ spirit, the Central Luzon State University, through its ITIK for LIFE project, donated 3,720 pieces of eggs to the University Security Force and to the local government unit of Science City of Munoz for distribution to the frontliners battling against the spread of CoViD-19.
The ITIK for LIFE, according to Mr. Jamal James Manlapig, project lead, stands for “Philippine Duck Industry-Focused Technologies, Innovations and Knowledge for Livelihood, Income and Food Supply Enhancement Program for Sustainability. ” The project, funded by the Department of Science and Technology, aims to invigorate the duck industry through commercialization of Itik-Pinas (IP) lines, a genetically superior line of “Pateros” ducks. It also ensures the availability of high-quality Itik Pinas ducklings in the market as well as the food quality and safety of balut and other duck egg products by developing processing and packaging methods.
“The University commits to donate continually all the egg produced by the project until the enhanced community quarantine set by the National government be lifted,” Mr. Manlapig said. Sharing or donating the research outputs is indeed a noble deed as the nation continues to rise in the realm of crisis. For more information, visit the CLSU website at https://clsu.edu.ph.
