A recent study by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) highlights a critical challenge facing Biliran’s rice-based food production (RBFP) industry. Despite generating over P100 million annually, the sector is at risk as most traditional delicacies are produced by aging processors, with few young people taking their place.
“Out of 332 active processors, about 60 percent (197 individuals) are over 50 years old, indicating a decline in production as many leave the sector due to age,” said project lead Dr. Riza G. Abilgos-Ramos.
Traditional treats like Balintawak and Suman Mangga are especially vulnerable, while Manban, a potential flagship product, has only one elderly maker remaining. Without innovation and generational transfer, Biliran could lose an estimated P57 million in annual revenue within the next decade.
The study, part of PhilRice’s “Food Product Development and Innovation in Rice and Other Crops” project, mapped the province’s rice-based products through interviews and field visits to identify producer networks and product diversity. BiPSU led local implementation, revealing the threat posed by the aging producer population.
Recommendations include integrating rice-based food processing in education, promoting youth agripreneurship, 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,” project lead Dr. Riza G. Abilgos-Ramos said.
Similar studies are underway in Davao de Oro and other Visayas universities to address challenges in rice-based food sectors nationwide.
