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In a pioneering endeavor aimed at addressing malnutrition and iron deficiency anemia, CM & Sons Food Products, Inc., renowned for its well-loved Bacolod food pasalubong brand Merzci Bread & Pastries, is delighted to unveil its latest innovation: IRON RICE PLUS. The much anticipated launch happened last August 18, 2023 at the La Proa Ballroom, L’Fisher Hotel Bacolod City.

This endeavor is poised to transform the food industry’s role in advancing public health and overall well-being, specifically targeting improved nutrition within the community. The primary emphasis is on catering to the nutritional needs of various segments, including young children, adolescents, as well as pregnant and lactating women. This will be achieved by introducing rice fortified with iron, aiming to fortify their diets and enhance their overall health.

With the presence of DOST-FNRI Director, Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, and the participation of CM & Sons Food Products, Inc.’s CEO and President, Jonathan Manuel Lo, the launch event symbolized the initiation of this noteworthy achievement. This pivotal juncture serves as proof of the company’s unwavering commitment to align its actions with the overarching goal of tackling malnutrition and promoting the comprehensive well-being of the community.

**From left: Mr. Jonathan Manuel Lo CEO- CM Sons, inc. , Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, DOST Director and Bacolod City Councilor Thaddy Sayson (Photo Credits: Iron Rice FB Page)**

LIVING HEALTHY STARTS WITH EATING HEALTHY

**From left: Mr. Jonathan Lo, Ms. Lisabelle Lo (center), Sigrid Lo –Sigrid Says and Dennis Lo –Marriage Markers and yours truly (Photo Credits: Sigrid Lo)**

Central to this endeavor is the core idea of Iron Fortified Rice for Nutrition and Overall Wellness (IFRNOW). This pioneering methodology encompasses the integration of cutting-edge technologies like “Iron Rice Premix” and “Iron Fortified Rice” from DOST-FNRI, underscoring the company’s resolute determination to remain at the forefront of nutritional innovation. This dedication harmoniously aligns with the mandate outlined in Republic Act 8976: The Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000, which mandates the enrichment of all milled rice with iron as a medium-term solution to counteract micronutrient insufficiencies.

Of notable importance, the launch of Iron Rice Plus represents a significant accomplishment in the Visayas region, marking the establishment of a cutting-edge facility dedicated exclusively to the production of Iron Rice Premix and Iron-Fortified Rice. This modern facility strategically positions Visayas as a leader in the domain of nutritional innovation and culinary technology on a national scale.

At the heart of this initiative is the fundamental goal of addressing malnutrition across the Philippines, with a distinct focus on sections of the population that are particularly vulnerable. The significant prevalence of iron deficiency anemia within the country further underscores the essential nature of this effort, considering its direct consequences for educational potential and future societal contributions. With a profound acknowledgment of the younger generation’s pivotal role as the foundation of a thriving society, CM & Sons remains steadfast in its commitment to amplify their well-being and health, enabling them to achieve excellence not solely in academic pursuits but also in various aspects of life.

The decision to enrich rice products with iron is strategically harmonized with the dietary preferences of Filipinos, who primarily revolve their eating habits around rice consumption, irrespective of their income brackets. This strategy guarantees that Iron Rice Plus will exert a wide-ranging and beneficial influence on the nutritional panorama of the country.

CM& SONS INTRODUCES IRON RICE PLUS

**Sample packs of this newly launched product from CM& Sons (Photo credits: Iron Rice Plus FB Page)**

CM & Sons Food Products, Inc., affectionately recognized as Merzci, has traversed an impressive journey since its establishment in 1995. Commencing as a modest bakery supplying bread to a lone outlet at Libertad Market, the company’s evolution has been expansive, positioning it prominently within the realm of the food industry. The transition from Merci to Merzci denoted a rebranding effort that deeply resonated with a diverse and expanding consumer demographic. Going beyond its initial array of bread and pasalubong products, Merzci has undergone a transformation into a fast-food enterprise, skillfully meeting the needs of the professional workforce.

With the introduction of IRON RICE PLUS, CM & Sons embarks on a fresh chapter, one underscored by a resolute dedication to socio-economic betterment through elevated nutrition. With the introduction of Iron Rice Plus to the market, the company foresees a meaningful path ahead, encompassing not solely the nourishment of the Filipino community but also the elevation of lives and the cultivation of a livelier, healthier future for everyone, especially young children and individuals contending with iron deficiency.

In summation, the launch of Iron Rice Plus by CM & Sons Food Products, Inc. stands as a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment to public health and well-being. By aligning with the mission to combat malnutrition, the company not only reinforces its status as a trailblazer within the food industry but also shines as a guiding light of positive transformation, furthering the pursuit of a more robust and prosperous nation.