Dubbed ‘ResQ Meals’ (Ready for Everyday and Emergency Situations-Quality Meal), the shelf-stable lineup was showcased during the Handa Pilipinas 2026 Visayas Leg in Palo, Leyte. The initiative aims to address severe shortages of protein, energy, and essential micronutrients during calamities when traditional food supply chains break down.
The four newly developed options include:
Champro+: A high-protein chocolate porridge made from rice, cocoa, dairy, and plant-based protein (packing 14 grams of protein and nine grams of dietary fiber per 250g serving).
Enerbisc: A energy-dense milk biscuit formulated specifically for children, delivering at least 360 kilo calories per 80g pack.
KAIN Na!: A low-sodium, ready-to-eat meal containing rice, chicken, and mixed vegetables.
Nameaaat: A ready-to-eat chicken and sweet potato meal featuring a reduced-sodium, soy-based sauce.
The Philippines ranked first on the World Risk Index from 2022 to 2025 as the world’s most vulnerable country to natural hazards such as typhoons, earthquakes, and floods. FNRI officials noted that while evacuation plans and early warning systems are prioritized, nutritional needs are frequently neglected during disasters.
‘During calamities, basic survival often takes precedence over proper nutrition,’ said Jaypy S. de Juan, supervising science research specialist and head of the DOST-FNRI Technology Transfer and Commercialization section. ‘When preparing, we need sufficient energy to handle these situations. Disaster food supplies should follow the ‘Pinggang Pinoy’ concept-incorporating ‘go, grow, and glow’ foods to ensure balanced nutrition.’
DOST-FNRI is actively seeking industry partners to scale up production.
De Juan said several letters of intent are currently being processed, with commercial availability targeted for the first or second quarter of 2027.