Chan empowers residents to start malunggay biz

CEBU, Philippines —  Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan is appealing to the recipients of malunggay (Moringa oleifera) seedlings in the city’s 30 barangays to make them sustainable.

Aside from its health benefits, the mayor said, the recipients can make a living out of malunggay to help them increase their income.

Food manufacturers have now come up with malunggay pan de sal, cookies, polvoron, ice cream, noodles and even malunggay oil, among other products.

Malunggay, a nutritious powerhouse, packs a punch with leaves filled with 27 vitamins, 9 essential amino acids, 46 antioxidants, numerous minerals and high concentrations of protein.

Boiling the malunggay leaves into a tea can also fight colds and infections. Fresh leaves have been used to treat anemia, gastric ulcers and diarrhea. Its paste acts as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment for insect bites, wounds or fungal skin problems.

If you a breastfeeding mom, you may have been advised by your doctor to eat more malunggay leaves or drink malunggay tea to produce more milk for your baby due to its high calcium content.

During the ceremonial distribution and planting of malunggay seedlings, Chan, who got infected with COVID-17, said eating the vegetable twice a day helped in his immediate recovery.

“Dili gyud mawagtang ang kainit sa sabaw sa utan nga kamunggay inig paniudto ug panihapon. Mao to ang nakapaayo nako. Imbis 14 days, in 9 days naa na koy anti-bodies,” he said in his speech during the recent distribution of seedlings.

Amid the pandemic, Chan said staying healthy and fit is important to fight the deadly coronavirus.

“We have to stay healthy. Let us patronize the healthy and readily available malunggay and staying healthy need not be expensive,” he said.

The 500 malunggay seedlings were donated by Senator Imee Marcos as part of her program dubbed as “IMEElunggay”.

The program is part of Marcos’ advocacy to reduce malnutrition and to provide alternative livelihood among rice farmers.

The distribution of malunggay seedlings to city residents was part of the city’s month-long celebration of the 500 years anniversary of the victory of the battle in Mactan.

Quincentennial celebration

On the other hand, the city also launched the “Victory at Mactan Trade Fair and Art Exhibit” as part of the quincentennial celebration.

The exhibit showcased the works of Cebu artists, and the attractions of over 20 hotels and resorts in the city. Lapu-Lapu is known as the Historic Resort City.

The trade fair and art exhibit dubbed as “Mithing Oponganon” will run until April 30, 2021.

Home garden plants, fresh vegetables, home-bake goods, furniture, guitars, home decors and shell crafts are also available at the exhibit.

Other events lined up for the celebration are the “Mano-Mano Arts and Craft Expo on April 17 at Soltana Event Pavilion; the opening of “Food and Wine Festival” at Crimson Resort and Spa on April 18; and Sugbonsai Exhibit and Workshop in Mactan Newtown on April 23.

President Rodrigo Duterte will grace the commemoration of the “500 Years Victory at Mactan” on April 27 at the Liberty Shrine. — KQD (FREEMAN)