April 26, 2021. Now at its finalization stage, the Standards Development Division (SDD) conducted the Final Stakeholders Consultation for the Amendment of the PNS Lambanog. The consultation was participated by 46 stakeholders from the CALABARZON Region. The activity aims to gather relevant comments and inputs that will validate the provisions of the PNS Lambanog.
Dubbed as the “Philippine vodka,” lambanog is a natural and chemical free alcoholic drink obtained from distilled fermented coconut sap. Lambanog is a popular drink in rural areas during festive seasons especially in Southern Tagalog regions. Given that coconut is abundant in the Philippines, it is also coined as the “poor man’s drink”. Due to the reported incidents of poisoning of the said alcoholic drink in the past years, BAFS along with the TWG amended the PNS to ensure that it will safeguard consumer health.
Figure 1. Final Stakeholders Consultation for the Amendment Philippine National Standard (PNS) Distilled Fermented Coconut Sap (Lambanog)
The discussion of the working draft standard was facilitated by the BAFS Managers, spearheaded by Ms. Karen Kristine A. Roscom together with Ms. Krisha Marie L. Mecija and Mr. Dominque S. Salcedo. In coordination with the Technical Working Group (TWG), Ms. Rosella Villaruel of DA-PCA, Dr. Cynthia Grace Gregorio of UP Diliman, Institute of Chemistry, Ms. Lorelie Dorado of DOST CALABARZON, and Ms. Carolline Duller, and Ms. Michelle Ite of DOH-FDA led the discussions of the different provisions of the working draft standard.
Figure 1. Final Stakeholders Consultation for the Amendment Philippine National Standard (PNS) Distilled Fermented Coconut Sap (Lambanog)
After the final SC, the TWG will meet to finalize the draft standard by incorporating the comments and recommendations gathered during the SC. Through the amendment of the PNS Lambanog, the industry will be able to ensure the safety of their product and increase the global competitiveness of the heritage drink called lambanog. ###