Malunggay photo source: Clker

Malunggay or moringa may soon be accorded the status of national vegetable. House Bill 2072, which gives the leafy vegetable said status, was approved on third and final reading yesterday.The same bill, which was which was filed by Pangasinan Rep. Gina de Venecia, also declares November as National Malunggay Month.Says the bill's explanatory note, "malunggay is loaded with vitamins and minerals that can be an effective remedy against many kinds of ailments." The leafy vegetable is also hailed as a "miracle vegetable" or "nature's medicine cabinet by scientists and health care workers from around the world."The bill seeks to promote the use of malunggay in the country to improve the health of Filipinos. Malunggay or moringa is said to be rich in vitamins C, A, and iron, and is believed to prevent numerous diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.