Malunggay - A scientific miracle!

By Jonathan Nollora

Moringaling Philippines Foundation

As the former proprietor of a caregiver agency in California, I worked with a diverse group of elderly individuals, each grappling with their unique health issues. To my surprise, malnutrition was a recurring concern among them.

Our dedicated Filipino caregivers diligently administer a regimen of over ten essential medications and dietary supplements after each meal to enhance health and vitality. After unearthing moringa's nutritional prowess as a supplement, it became evident that a single moringa capsule could replace 5 to 7 supplements typically consumed by our seniors. This scientific breakthrough, supported by robust evidence that moringa boasts 5 to 10 times more nutrition than the average herbs and vegetables, has spurred my exploration of the Philippine malunggay, known as ‘moringa oleifera.’

Mauswag Agribusiness Inc.

Importing malunggay for the US market first came to mind. In my investigation, I have met farmers and enthusiasts propagating moringa in hectares and manufacturing their moringa products locally.

Bong, whom I’ve only met through the Moringaling Philippines Foundation Inc (MPFI), has left a strong impression on me with his accomplishments as the President of Mauswag Agribusiness Inc.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Bong has amassed over a decade of international experience as an IT manager. It’s no surprise that Mauswag Agribusiness thrives on technological precision. From his 15-hectare malunggay farm to the meticulous harvesting and processing of malunggay leaves into powder, Bong’s analytical skills and calculated projections are instrumental in the success of Mauswag Agribusiness.

During an online presentation where I copresented for MPFI, Bong introduced his unique drying machine. This apparatus gently tumbles and dehydrates malunggay leaves within a slowly rotating tank, significantly accelerating the drying process. Additionally, he employs an indoor air-dry facility equipped with air circulators and exhaust fans. This controlled environment effectively removes moisture while retaining the natural warmth necessary for drying malunggay leaves, which are carefully hung on multiple bars. Compared to sun-dried, Bong completely understands how to preserve nutrients in his drying process.Jtheast Asian neighbors like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia in exports. However, Bong’s innovative use of science and technology at Mauswag has shown me that these tools can enhance product quality and boost production levels in the agricultural sector.

Bong is not an engineer by profession. The availability and limitations of tools and equipment in the country have prompted him to be more creative.

When I operated my nursing agency in Los Angeles, I saw a reflection of myself in Bong. I constantly looked for ways to make the job easier for Filipino caregivers. In 2010, our agency, Care Advantage Inc., pioneered the imnlcmantatinn r>f i Parte fnr mirsina and earn logs. As nurses or caregivers begin their shifts, they sign in to the iPad and complete patient task lists. This provides me with accurate time and data on the go. After learning about the challenge of patients and the elderly taking multiple food supplements daily, I became determined to find a simple solution. That's when I discovered that moringa could be among the best all-in-one food supplements.

Farming and agriculture, like many things in life, can be more challenging than they appear. Bong's farm is located in the Bicol region, where typhoons can be troublesome. A category 2 or 3 typhoon can severely impact Bong's farm. And this is beyond what Bong can control. The least he can do is predict the weather by using weather apps and alert systems to help Bong prepare ahead.

Moringaling Philippines Foundation Inc

My investigation into this superfood led me to become an official member of MPFI. As I was starting my moringa nursery, I researched ways to use them to combat malnutrition in the country.

Today, in partnership with a dedicated team of We are currently in the process of implementing a pilot feeding program for children aged 3-6, harnessing the scientific properties of Moringa to effectively combat various diseases at the cellular level.

Moringa, identified as a prominent candidate rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories and containing essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and iron, is set to undergo testing to address stunting in children and potentially enhance overall IQ during brain development.

MPFI has issued a challenge to food manufacturers: incorporate approximately 9 grams of moringa into children’s daily meals This powerful addition will enhance the nutritional value of the food and beverage to provide tremendous health benefits.

Should this pilot program prove successful, it could lead to a feasible nationwide feeding program, ultimately increasing the demand for more moringa powder among food manufacturers.

Mauswag Agribusiness is meeting the increasing demand for high-quality moringa powder in the region, thanks to Bong's continuous mechanization and improvement of his farm and post-harvest operations. However, as demand grows, especially from export industries, the Philippines needs to rely on science and technology to accelerate production, process in controlled environments, and research and develop more effective ways to deliver moringa into our digestive systems.

Having personally observed the market in the US, I noticed that moringa is utilized even in cosmetics, by luxurious brands. This could present an opportunity for further exploration and understanding of the market dynamics.

Moringa unquestionably serves as more than just a human food source. It has been unequivocally proven by science and technology to be highly effective as animal feed and for environmental mitigation. In developing communities, moringa offers versatile benefits. It can effectively purify water and serve as a natural fertilizer for farms and soil, making it a valuable and sustainable resource.

The issue of global warming demands immediate attention. It is essential for science and technology to thoroughly investigate moringa's potential for carbon credits.