RICE EEL (Monopterus albus) FISHBALL FORTIFIED WITH CASSAVA - BASED SAGIP NUTRI- POWDER

This study was conducted to determine the benefits of Rice Eel (Monopterus albus) Fishball Fortified with Cassava-Based SAGIP Nutri-Powder in promoting nutritious food to improve individual’s health and well-being. One purpose of the study was to address and mitigate the malnutrition covered by the BIDANI among 14 barangays in the municipality of Echague, Isabela. The study involved four treatments: Treatment 1 (Commercial Fishball), Treatment 2 (50 grams CBSNP, 200 grams Rice eel flesh), Treatment 3 (100 grams CBSNP, 300 grams Rice eel flesh), and Treatment 4 (150 grams CBSNP, 500 grams Rice eel flesh, 250 grams All-purpose flour). A 9-point Hedonic Scale was used for sensory evaluation, in terms of appearance/color, aroma/odor, flavor/taste, and general acceptability. Sixty (60) respondents, categorized as students, tricycle drivers/farmers, and professionals aged 18-50 years old, served as panelist. Treatment 3 received the highest mean score across all treatments, with the quantitative description of “Like Very Much.” Statistical analysis showed no significant differences among the treatments in terms of appearance/color, aroma/odor, flavor/taste, and general acceptability. However, Treatment 3 consistently received the highest ratings. The Return on Investment (ROI) analysis revealed that Treatment 2 was the most profitable for a business venture. Furthermore, the study underscores the importance of developing innovative, nutritious food products to improve public health. The development of such products can play a crucial role in improving the dietary habits and overall health of the population. KEYWORDS: BIDANI, CBSNP, Fishball,Fortified, Rice Eel