The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), in partnership with East-West Seed Philippines, launched the Innovation Fair, which showcased various agricultural products. It was participated by agripreneurs from different regions of the Philippines during the concluding session of Young Agripreneurs Building Opportunities, Nurturing Growth Bootcamp (YABONG) Bootcamp on 9 May 2024 at SEARCA Headquarters in Los Baños, Laguna.
The Innovation Fair was part of YABONG's Graduation Day in which the top five business improvement plans were awarded a PHP 50,000 boost to kickstart their farm enhancements. Alongside the pitch competition, 10 agripreneurs were set on SEARCA's ground floor showcasing their innovative products.
The Fair commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mr. Joselito Florendo, SEARCA's deputy director for administration, Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, SEARCA Center director, Ms. Mary Ann Sayoc, president of East-West Seed Foundation, and Mr. Enrique Villaroman, Go Negosyo mentor.
Several YABONG participants brought with them the products of their farm businesses. Among the fair's impressive offerings were Alberto's Integrated Farm's pickled products, known as Inartem in Ilocano. The judges were captivated by the variety of flavors, which included adobong itlog ng pugo (quail eggs), chilies, cucumber, papaya, and more. Their best-seller, however, is the irresistible pickled mango. Rochelle Lafrades, a YABONG awardee, drew inspiration for this venture from her late grandfather, a dedicated farmer himself.
On the other hand, Mr. Gabriel Paul Serrano, also a YABONG participant, joined the fair to promote his strong advocacy toward urban farming. "Our company, Siyudad Agrikultura (which means "urban agriculture"), aims to encourage our consumers to grow crops in the comfort of their homes, even if they live in the cities. We packaged our products conveniently so our buyers will not be too intimidated when it comes to farming," said Mr. Serrano. Among the products he advertised are lettuces grown in a hydroponics medium and mushrooms in a box.
Merchants based in Los Baños were also invited to participate in the Innovation Fair. One is Viacrom Creative Communication Services that brought artworks using different media. "In our booth, we highlight waterlily sheets, one of the indigenous materials we use for our creative art. These sheets serve as our canvas, and we paint on them using acrylic and oil paints," said Mr. Daryl Descallar, one of the artists behind the artworks. Mr. Dalnod "Tamyaw" Laotingco, another artist of Viacrom, later joined them and catered to on-the-spot sketching with the consumers.
The participants in the Fair also employed free food sampling as their marketing strategy to introduce customers to a glimpse of their products. For instance, a booth stall gave away a free taste of goat's milk for consumers to try and compare with other commercially produced milk. "Some say goat milk is commonly "maango" or has a gamey after-taste, but I am proud that our product has no after-taste at all. Some say it is even creamier than cow's milk," says Ms. Grace Hung, one of the booth managers in the Fair. "Mapalad Integrated Farms is being managed by my brother, Dennis Chan Hung, who is also a YABONG participant. We are just starting, we have been running it for less than two years. We are glad to have partnered with the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) and the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD), and of course, we are grateful for events like this because it helps us promote our products," Ms. Hung added.
The fair also showcased a diverse range of innovative agricultural products. The National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH) presented MYKOVAM Biofertilizers, an eco-friendly alternative that utilizes microorganisms to replace harmful chemical fertilizers. Campo Agricultural Farm offered a delightful twist with their Patis sa Gata, a sauce combining the flavors of creamy coconut and chili. For coffee lovers, Yakap and Halik Multi-purpose Cooperative presented their unique 15-in-1 Coffee Blend. The fair also featured Kamolay Soap, handcrafted from natural extracts of Kaffir leaves, Katmon peel, and lemongrass.
The three-month YABONG Bootcamp, which utilizes a hybrid approach of online and hands-on sessions, empowered aspiring young agripreneurs with the skills they need to succeed. The program covered everything from managing seeds and soil nutrients to marketing and selling vegetables, and even creating business and financial plans. By promoting sustainability, entrepreneurial thinking, and innovation, YABONG is inspiring the next generation of agricultural leaders.