3rd Malunggay congress, exhibit held in Manila

The third Moringa (malunggay) National Congress and Exhibit was successfully held at Landbank Plaza in Malate, Manila early in November, the Department of Foreign Affairs said last Tuesday.  

Organized by Moringa Philippines Foundation Inc. (MPFI), the event attracted private and public sector representatives, the DFA said.

 

"With its many uses, moringa has potentials to be developed commercially to help farmers increase their incomes while improving the nutritional status of its consumers, according to MPFI Founding Chair Bernadette Arellano," the DFA said.

 

Delegates to the event included those from local and multinational companies, colleges and universities, culinary groups, cooperatives and other malunggay enthusiasts from all over the country and abroad.

 

Major sponsors of the event included the Department of Agriculture (DA), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), San Miguel Corporation and Abono Partylist.

 

This year's Moringa Congress in the Philippines had plenary sessions that discussed Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), government laws, scientific studies, marketing and credit facilities available.

 

Supporting government agencies included:

The DFA noted moringa powder was identified as a food nutrition enhancer/energy supplement that has good market potentials including in developed countries, like the United States and Canada.

 

It added that moringa has been known for its leaves usually served as a salad, and is said to be a rich source of nutrients.

 

"Now, its leaves, flowers, seeds, pods, roots, bark, gum and the seed oil from the moringa plant are continually subjected to intensive research and development programs because the various constituents of the moringa are known to have, among other properties, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-parasitic, anti-tumor and anti-aging activities," the DFA said.

 

It noted US-based scientist and clinical pharmacologist Dr. Monica Marcu published a book about moringa as a "Miracle Tree."

 

"She has been amazed by the edible plant, which is loaded with most nutrients that the human body needs  such as all essential amino acids, beneficial fats and omega oils, rich amounts of calcium and iron and many other vital minerals, as well as a wide variety and copious amounts of vitamins, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances with very few calories attached to it," it said.

 

It also noted moringa grows well in warm countries although in the Philippines, it is usually only grown on a backyard scale at the moment.

 

But in Hawaii, this tree is being propagated commercially.

 

The DFA noted Filipino-American farmer Vicky Domingo currently has 11 acres planted to moringa. She has been growing moringa for about 30 years now. — LBG, GMA News