MALUNNGAY

In its commitment to further improve the province’s health and nutrition program, the Provincial Government of La Union led by Gov. Manuel  C. Ortega, passed Ordinance No. 004-2007, adopting MALUNGGAY (morning oleifera lamk) as the official vegetable of La Union.  

Malunggay is. . .

• easy to grow (can be planted by seeds or cuttings and ready for harvest after 8 months).
• cheap
• available all year round
• medicinal (root juice mixed with oil is effective against hiccough, asthma, gout, lumbago and rheumatism)

• keep your skin healthy and smooth
• make you strong and resistant to colds and infections
• make your blood red
• keep your nervous and digestive systems in good working condition

• choose fresh, dark green leaves
  
• they taste better and are more nutritious
  
• select pods that are young and tender

Malungay is one of the most abundant vegetable trees in La Union.  Unknown to many, it is very nutritious and useful from roots to leaves.  As Ilocanos, it is an important ingredient of our world-renowned Dinengdeng.

We don’t have to embark on multi-million peso projects to improve our nutrition program, the answer is right in our backyard, along our streets, growing lusciously everywhere.  We also don’t have to spend much on vitamin supplements for our children, for it is rich with vital nutrients needed for proper growth and development.

                                                                                                                    Agay ayat kadakayo amin,

                                                                                                                    Manuel C. Ortega