A recent study conducted by the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) is drawing attention to the future of rice-based food production (RBFP) in Biliran.
The research, part of PhilRice’s project “Food Product Development and Innovation in Rice and Other Crops,” began in January and aims to develop and scale rice-based food products that promote healthier diets, support local livelihoods, and add market value to rice and other crops.
Despite generating over P100 million annually, Biliran’s rice-based food industry faces a critical crossroad as the study shows that elderly producers sustain most traditional delicacies, but few young people are taking their place. Without innovation and generational transfer, many of these products could disappear within the next decade.
“Out of 332 active processors, about 60% (197 individuals) are over 50 years old, indicating a decline in production as many leave the sector due to age,” project lead Dr. Riza G. Abilgos-Ramos said.
Traditional delicacies such as Balintawak and Suman Mangga are especially vulnerable, as they are mostly produced by older processors. Manban, considered a potential flagship product in Cabucgayan, now has only one elderly maker left. If current trends continue, the province could lose an estimated P57 million in annual circulating revenues over the next decade.
To document effective strategies for sustaining and innovating the province’s rice-based food industry, the study mapped products through interviews and field visits. Researchers identified producer networks and documented the diversity of traditional products across communities, collecting location-based data to visualize concentrations and gaps.
To ensure the study reflected realities on the ground, PhilRice partnered with BiPSU to connect with local communities and improve data gathering. BiPSU led the local implementation through the study “Mapping the Landscape of Rice-Based Food Products in Biliran,” headed by Jeruel A. Espinazo. The mapping revealed a looming threat to Biliran’s rice-based food economy: an aging population of processors.
The team now focuses on translating study findings into actionable strategies. Recommendations include institutionalizing rice-based food processing in education, promoting agripreneurship among youth, launching a provincial heritage food registry, enhancing seed security, and empowering local governments.
“We aim to inform key decision-makers and encourage actions that will ensure the continuity and growth of livelihoods in this industry,” Abilgos-Ramos added.
The study emphasizes the importance of engaging younger generations to preserve and revitalize the sector. Similar profiling efforts are underway in Davao de Oro in collaboration with the University of Southeastern Philippines, while Visayas State University and the State University of Northern Negros are preparing to launch their own studies soon.
