No strawberry left behind

In business, there are a lot of challenges but what's important is how you get back up. Always put God first in your business."IN the heart of Benguet province, known as the "Strawberry Capital of the Philippines," agricultural abundance can sometimes lead to surplus waste.Yet, for one university student, excess harvests presented an opportunity for innovation rooted in local identity.John Glenn Libag, a fourth-year entrepreneurship student at Benguet State University and a resident of Tawang, La Trinidad, has made it his mission to ensure no strawberry goes to waste, especially during peak season.His venture, Bo-oy Food Products, stands as a testament to youth creativity, transforming the ubiquitous berry into a diverse array of non-traditional goods that champion the province's distinct culture.The journey began in 2023 with a simple supply gap."Kulang kasi 'yung supply ng strawberry alamang, sabi ng boss ko, mag-create daw ako ng sarili ko to supply 'yung area namin. In 2023, nakita ko 'yung opportunity na we can utilize 'yung strawberry pala, hindi lang sa tradisyunal na strawberry jam," he said.This realization birthed Bo-oy Food Products. Moving beyond standard preserves."Nag-create ako ng strawberry hot sauce, strawberry yema jam, strawberry coffee, strawberry vinegar. Then later on, nakita ko 'yung wine. Gusto kong mag-create ng wine na premium brand na puwede nating ipagmalaki na sariling atin na tatak Benguet (Later on, I saw wine. I wanted to create a premium brand wine that we can be proud of as our own Benguet brand)," he said.His ambitions grew toward creating a flagship regional product.A circular economyLibag's operations are guided by twin advocacies: "be local, support local" and a "circular green economy."His commitment to zero waste extends beyond his own production line; he actively supports other local farmers by purchasing their surplus strawberry products. Within his processing, every element is utilized."For example, in my mixed berries wine, meron siyang byproduct na mixed berries preserve. Instead na itatapon natin 'yung fruit after the processing, ginagawa siyang jam. We have 'yung strawberry lemon tea, the peels from the strawberry are used in lemon wines. Imbes na itinatapon natin 'yung lemon peels, dini-dehydrate po natin siya, nagiging powder po."Government support systemEstablishing a business while completing a degree was financially challenging. Libag credits various government programs for helping his enterprise gain footing.The Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) "One Town, One Product" Next Generation program was crucial, assisting him with Food and Drug Administration registration, intellectual property (IP) registration, packaging and labeling. He also participated in the DTI's Youth Entrepreneurship Program.Furthermore, he received financial aid through the livelihood assistance program of the Department of Labor and Employment.Libag's innovation has earned him spots in government-organized competitions. He is set to represent Benguet in the Department of Agriculture's Regional Young Farmers Challenge with a product that deeply integrates local culture.He will present his "Lumawig Edition Highlander's Wine," billed as "Benguet heritage in a bottle." The unique blend utilizes strawberries, cabbage, carrots, beetroot, lemongrass and lemon as primary ingredients.Crucially, the wine is "kiniing-inspired."Kiniing is a traditional Benguet method of preserving meat by smoking it over pinewood for days. Libag incorporates this smoking process into his wine production, embedding the province's culinary identity into the beverage.Looking aheadCurrently, the income from Bo-oy Food Products helps fund Libag's university education.Upon graduation, he plans to focus full-time on expanding the business, whose products have already reached international customers and are available at the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm.Libag encourages other young aspiring entrepreneurs to tap into available government resources."In business, maraming pagsubok pero importante dun kung paano ka bumangon. Always put God first in your business," he said.The DTI Baguio-Benguet office echoed this sentiment, urging youth to explore entrepreneurship given their potential for creativity.Angelica Sebastian, a trade and industry development analyst at the agency, emphasized the importance of formalizing businesses through means like IP registration."'Yung IPO kasi, it's a protection of your brand. 'Pag sinabi nating naka-IPO 'yung product or 'yung brand mo, you have the sole right to that brand." PIAFostering future builders: The DTI Young Entrepreneurship ChallengeThe Filipino youth are often defined by their energy, creativity and digital savviness.Yet, translating these traits into viable economic contributions requires more than just ambition; it demands structure, guidance and opportunity. Recognizing this, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) established the Young Entrepreneurship Program (YEP), a vital initiative designed to transform students and out-of-school youth into successful business owners.The YEP is not merely about teaching business concepts; it is an ecosystem of support. Many young individuals harbor brilliant ideas but lack the capital or practical experience to navigate the complex business landscape. Through YEP's various components, including challenges and competitions, participants gain access to crucial mentorship from seasoned industry experts. They learn the realities of financial management, marketing strategies and operational logistics. This hands-on approach bridges the intimidating gap between a conceptual business plan and a functioning enterprise.Furthermore, the program cultivates a crucial mindset shift from job-seeking to job-creating. By empowering young people to establish their own ventures, DTI directly addresses youth unemployment while fostering innovation. These young entrepreneurs often bring fresh perspectives, utilizing technology to modernize traditional sectors and creating valuable employment opportunities within their communities.Ultimately, the DTI Young Entrepreneurship Challenge is a strategic investment in the country's human capital. By providing the tools and confidence necessary for success, the program is not just helping individuals start businesses; it is building the resilient, innovative economic backbone of the Philippines' future.