BAYBAY, Leyte - Researchers from the Visayas State University (VSU), one of the country's leading agricultural universities in the Philippines which is situated here, say there is much more to indigenous root crops than readily meets the eye. According to Dr. Julieta Roa, head of the Philippine Rootcrop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops) based in the VSU, the multiple health benefits and ready availability of root crops in our soil like gabi, potato, ube, and cassava are primary reasons to further elevate root crops into staple food status, as is already being done for kamote and cassava in places like Batanes and Zamboanga. "In this era of climate change, root crops can adapt to a wide-ranging environment," said Roa. "We don't have to worry where to get the energy of nutrients; we get it from root crops [that can grow even in our backyards]." Philippine root crops are generally regarded poorly and are being looked down by most urban-living Filipinos. The often repeated local phrase, "Go home and plant kamote (sweet potato)" depicts a picture of helplessness, and there are many negative, if humorous, connotations about the "lowly" kamote that in local minds, make it pale beside loftier foreign greens. Since 1977, Philrootcrops has generated and disseminated root crop technologies and information that have helped improve the livelihood of root crop growers, processors, and entrepreneurs nationwide. Among its diversified range of products developed from root crops are chips, starch, flour, and grates. "Root crops are good sources of soluble dietary fiber that actively lowers cholesterol in the body and also prevents tumor formation in the colon," said Dr. Trinidad P. Trinidad, Scientist II of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), in a symposium held at the university on the innate nutritional benefits of root crop consumption, primarily for the prevention of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes. In 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that chronic diseases accounted for 57% of all deaths in the Philippines. The prevalence of obesity and being overweight, two of the leading causes of these diseases, is expected to increase in both men and women in the next 10 years. Trinidad said that at least 80% of premature heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, as well as 40% of cancers could be prevented through a healthy diet that includes root crops, regular physical activity, and the avoidance of tobacco products. "Kamote and cassava are both high in calcium, which is essential for bone growth and development," said Trinidad. "Gabi is high in iron, which helps increase body resistance to infection; and zinc, which is important for development and enzyme functions. Meanwhile, ube rates high in tannic acid, which has anti-bacterial, anti-enzymatic, and astringent properties," Trinidad said. "The trouble with most root crops is that these are not sexy and popular food for those living in urban areas. Take the case of gabi and kamote, young people would rather eat hamburger, chips and ice cream," Trade and Industry Secretary Jesli A. Lapus said.
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