To boost the immune system of frontline workers and those affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the Department of Science and Technology- Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) on Thursday distributed ready-to-eat food to towns and cities of Ilocos Norte which are under localized enhanced community quarantine.

Some 4,000 pouches of “arroz caldo” (chicken porridge) were turned over to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office in support of the food distribution to frontline workers in hospitals as well as those who are staying in quarantine and isolation facilities.

Ginee Tacasa, science research specialist of the DOST Region 1, in an interview, said the science and technology-developed products were sent to the province to augment the emergency response of the Ilocos Norte government.

The chicken arroz caldo pouch is a rice-thickened chicken soup spiced up with garlic, onion, and ginger.

“It is a no-cook and no preservative chicken meal that can be stored in homes or stores for a year,” Tacasa said, noting those who want hot soup can get it as its stand-up packaging allows it to be directly heated in boiling water.

DOST Provincial Director Benjamin Mercado Jr. said this is the third batch of relief aid from the DOST as it earlier provided some 2,500 kilos of Iron Fortified Rice (IFR) and 1,000 pieces of Enhanced Nutribun (e-nutribun).

In support of the provincial government’s food distribution program, Mercado said the DOST food products which are now ready for commercialization are being donated to the province not just during the occurrence of typhoons but also in times of pandemic.

“We would like to also encourage our kailians to eat healthy while on lockdown, that is why we would like to help in the best way we can,” he added.

On behalf of the recipients, Provincial social welfare and development officer Lilian Rin thanked the DOST for providing supplementary feeding during community quarantine or other similar emergencies.

To date, the food distribution team of the Ilocos Norte government continues to make rounds in lockdown areas as well as in hospitals, border checkpoints and quarantine facilities to provide aid. (PNA)