2nd National Agri-Aqua Incubatee Summit

Agripreneurs Nedelyn Subaldo and Maricris Boado, mentees under the Gain Advancement through Business Advisory (GABAy) Mentorship and Support Program of the University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI), emerged as top sellers at the 2nd National Agri-Aqua Incubatee Summit. The event took place from April 23-25, 2023, at SM City Baguio and Ion Hotel in Baguio City. 

The summit was a joint effort between the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST PCAARRD) and Benguet State University Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (BSU ATBI). 

The three-day event served as a platform for incubatees from various ATBIs across the country to showcase and market their innovative products and technologies. It also provided an opportunity for them to pitch and engage in discussions with industry stakeholders and business partners, as well as for networking and collaboration.

Miles Pure Wild Raw Honey

Ms. Subaldo, proprietor of Miles Pure Wild Raw Honey based in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, secured two awards for achieving the highest overall sales and topping the product-in-development category during the event. Subaldo is presently receiving incubation support from the Sultan Kudarat State University Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (SKSU ATBI).

Miles Honey’s booth at SM City Baguio attracted health-conscious consumers and beauty enthusiasts interested in trying their honey, available in three unique varieties – pure wild raw honey, rare black honey, and rare green honey. Customers were intrigued by the color and potential benefits of their honey as a natural sweetener and skincare product.

As Ms. Subaldo highlighted, their products are rich in enzymes and minerals, making it an excellent alternative to processed sugar. However, the advantages of Miles Pure Wild Raw Honey’s products do not stop there. She also pointed out that their honey contains natural antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can promote healthy skin.

Ms. Subaldo has been receiving invaluable guidance and support in the development of her business plan from UP ISSI’s Engr. Ma. Luisa Solarte-Lee under the GABAy Program.

RSGSA Seaweed Chips

Meanwhile, Ms. Boado of the Rabon Seaside Gracilaria Seaweeds Association (RSGSA) achieved the highest sales in the processed food products category with their innovative Seaweed Chips. RSGSA, a women’s association based in Rosario, La Union, specializes in producing unique seaweed products. It is presently under the incubation of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubator (DMMMSU ATBI).

At the pitching event held on April 24, 2023 at Ion Hotel, Boado shed light on how their association has been empowered by seaweed processing technology. She emphasized that seaweeds, which were previously overlooked, are now being transformed into a range of seaweed-based products such as chips and noodles. This innovative approach has enabled women in their community to generate income and overcome economic challenges.

RSGSA is currently being mentored by UP ISSI’s Mr. Reynold Ferdinand Manegdeg and Mr. Uziel Guthrie Naguit under the GABAy program. They provided the association with guidance on how to determine their target production volume and pricing by teaching them how to prepare a cash flow.

GABAy is UP ISSI’s flagship advocacy program that aims to accelerate the growth and sustainability of micro, small and medium enterprises by providing online and one-on-one mentoring, and marketing support.

Read more about the GABAy Program here: Helping MSMEs Survive and Thrive in the New Normal

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