DOST-ITDI develops ready-to-eat versions of Pinoy dishes that can be used for emergencies

The Department of Science and Technology —Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) has developed ready-to-eat versions of beloved Filipino dishes. 

According to Martin Javier's "Game Changer" report on "24 Oras" Friday, these meals, called Pack of Hope and Pack of Duty, can be used during emergencies or calamities. 

"Noong 2013, if you remember ito 'yung nagkaroon tayo ng Super Typhoon Yolanda. naranasan atin ndami talaga na calamity victims na walang access to water, to food and shelter. The product is in a retort pouch, it is easy to tear, easy to open," said DOST-ITDI Packaging Technology Division Chief Science Research Specialist Floridel Loberiano. 

Each food packet undergoes a process involving retort pouch technology to properly seal it and prolong its shelf life. 

"After na ma-seal 'yun, dito na magaganap 'yung preservation ng pagkain. 'Yung preservation is using thermal processing, so yung thermal processing is gumagamit ng mataas na temperature para ma-inactivate o ma-kill mo 'yung possible microorganism na mag-g-grow sa produkto kaya magiging commercially sterile siya," explained DOST-ITDI Packaging Technology Division Supervising Science Research Specialist Grace Noceja. 

The ready-to-eat meals come in different variants, including cassava in syrup, ginisang munggo, chicken arroz caldo, potato carrot soup, smoked fish rice meal, chicken adobo, chicken corn soup, white rice, and many more. 

According to Javier's report, the Pack of Hope and Pack of Duty are also suitable for men in uniform such as members of the military and the police force. 

""Gusto naming ma-boost 'yung morale ng mga soldiers natin, na men in uniform natin, na mawala na 'yung nagbibitbit sila ng uncooked bigas, 'di ba, tapos they still have to cook 'yung food nila kung saan 'yung combat field or training field," said Loberiano. 

At present, the Pack of Hope and Pack of Duty have already been introduced in select local government units and are now prepared for distribution in relief operations. 

—CDC, GMA Integrated News