Archive for October 12th, 2009
Remembering Ronaldo “Bong” Alcordo
By Trisha Pitts, project director for the Philippines
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Ronaldo Alcordo, known to everyone as “Bong.” He was the coordinator of subprojects BQ and BU in the Quezon, Philippines, project. Bong was assessing the damage caused by Typhoon Ketsana to the sponsored members in his subprojects, and contracted leptospirosis from the floodwater. Bong’s wife, Nenita, is part of the correspondence team at the Quezon coordinating office. They have three children, a 6-year-old son, a 4-year-old daughter and a 6-month-old daughter.
Bong has been an integral and well-loved member of the Quezon team for a number of years, and the entire project is mourning his death. We share in this tremendous tragedy, and keep Bong, his family and the entire project in our hearts and prayers at this time.
6 comments October 12, 2009
Moringa trees in the Philippines
Oct. 16 is World Food Day, created in 1979 to increase awareness of the global food problem. In light of this event, we will be doing our part to raise awareness of simple, natural ways to combat malnutrition and hunger. Because CFCA spends more money on nutrition-related benefits than any other, our project staff and families are very creative when it comes to sustainable options. For example, in a recent report from the Philippines, we learned that CFCA families plant moringa trees. Not only is this tree extremely nutritious, but it’s drought-resistant AND most of the tree can be used. Although this is the first time we’ve heard of this tree, our projects are very familiar with its benefits. This week, you will hear how several projects incorporate this “miracle” tree into the CFCA program.
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| Llyod harvests the tiny moringa leaves. |
Q&A with Malou Navio, Antipolo, Philippines, project coordinator
1. You said in the Clean and Green report that CFCA families plant moringa trees. How do they use the trees?
The moringa tree is a popular, indigenous herb to us and to people in the communities. Its matured bark is scraped to get a teaspoonful of shavings to mix with a cup of hot or cold water to make a tea known to cleanse the urinary tract. It can also be used as an antiseptic.
The young branch can also be used as plaster liniment. We start with a six-inch cutting, then make it flat, add a little oil, then heat it. When it warms to a tolerable temperature, put on the painful area to relieve the pain.
Moringa seeds can be used as water purifier. Just pound the seeds then place them in the water jug or jar.
2. How do you care for the moringa trees?
Just water the moringa tree during dry season. In rainy season, elevate the soil around the trees. Moringa will die if water sits for long around its roots. Pruning is also helpful to sprout more branches.
3. If the leaves are used for food, how do you prepare moringa? How do you eat it?
We thresh the leaves from its stem. It can be incorporated almost in all viands — soups, noodles, sweets, snacks, burgers and juice. It is prepared just like an ordinary cabbage or spinach.
4. Can you harvest the tree at any time of the year or only certain seasons?
Moringa can be harvested at any time of the year when there are enough leaves. For a large tree, we can harvest twice weekly.
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