The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) is rolling out science-based innovations aimed at addressing malnutrition and helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) adopt emerging technologies.

Among the new products developed by the DoST-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DoST-FNRI) is FeNRI Suka, an iron-fortified spiced coconut water vinegar designed to help address micronutrient deficiencies while reducing food waste.

The 2023 National Nutrition Survey found that iron-deficiency anemia affects 21.8 percent of pregnant women and 11.4 percent of children below five.

Maricar D. Albao, DoST-FNRI science research specialist II, said food fortification remains one of the agency’s key strategies against malnutrition.

The vinegar provides 30 percent of the recommended iron intake for adults aged 19 to 29. A 15-gram serving, equivalent to about one tablespoon, provides 35 percent of an adult’s daily iron requirement, according to Albao.

She said its iron content remains stable for at least 12 months and stays at the same level when used in dishes such as adobo, kinilaw and paksiw na bangus. The product also underwent safety testing and was found free of aflatoxin and heavy metal contaminants.

The vinegar is made from coconut water, helping address food waste. Albao said about 9.3 billion liters of coconut water are estimated to be wasted annually during copra processing.

Meanwhile, DoST-Caraga has partnered with Limitless Lab to strengthen artificial intelligence literacy and adoption among MSMEs.

The partnership, signed on 26 Aug., seeks to develop certified AI trainers and provide MSMEs with practical tools to improve productivity, innovation and business resilience.

DoST-Caraga regional director Noel M. Ajoc said the agency has already trained more than 160 personnel who can help train MSMEs.

Under the ASEAN Foundation’s AI for MSME Advancement in ASEAN program, 100,000 MSMEs across the region are targeted for AI training, including 17,500 in the Philippines by 2027. DoST aims to assist 10,000 MSMEs over the next two years, with DoST-Caraga targeting 1,000.

Ajoc said lack of awareness remains a major barrier to AI adoption.

DoST is also promoting its Decentralized Intelligent Machine Exchange Repository, which gives MSMEs free access to locally developed AI models and technologies.