By FREDDIE G. LAZARO

VIGAN CITY – Ilocos Sur Governor Deogracias Victor B. Savellano recently initiated the province-wide massive planting of “malunggay” in backyards and all available lots.

The planting activity that coincided with Savellano’s birthday, was held despite the onslaught of “Typhoon Mina” in northern Luzon, including the province of Ilocos Sur.

Malunggay, dubbed as a ‘miracle tree’, has leaves that are
considered one of the most nutritious source of bio-food on earth because of its Vitamin A, calcium, iron, potassium, protein and mineral contents and its medicinal value.

Easy to grow, the plant can thrive in any type of soil, except flood-prone areas.

“The growing of malunggay is not for me alone but for our constituents who will gain the nutritional benefit from it,” Savellano said.

“I am appealing to our constituents that instead of giving wrapped gifts on my birthday, you just plant a malunggay in your backyard and that would be the best gift you can give me,” he said.

Earlier, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had called for the massive planting of malunggay in any vacant lot as part of her anti-poverty initiatives to have a nutritious food in every meal.