Laoag city: Locally produced garlic-based products took center stage during the launch of the first Garlic Incubation Center (GIC) in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

According to Philippines News Agency, the launch held at the La Tabacalera compound in Laoag showcased products developed by local garlic farmers and processors, including garlic chips, garlic noodles, pickled garlic, garlic seasoning, toasted garlic candy, garlic flakes, garlic powder, and other processed food products. The event demonstrated how value-adding can increase the commercial potential of the province's "white gold" while creating new income opportunities for farmers and processors.

Backed by the Taiwan Technical Mission in the Philippines in partnership with the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, the White Gold Heritage-Garlic Incubation Center serves as a hub where farmers, processors, and aspiring entrepreneurs can receive technical training, product development assistance, mentoring, and business incubation support. The facility was designed to help transform raw garlic into market-ready products that can compete in local and international markets.

To further promote the newly-developed products of at least 10 incubatees, including other micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs, Eric Pinyu Chen, project manager of the White Gold Heritage-Garlic Incubation Center, said that he will also propose a station at the Laoag International Airport where they can display their products. 'Whoever comes here and when they go back, they can bring some garlic-based products back to their province. So more people will know that garlic in Ilocos Norte is truly white gold,' said Chen.

The garlic development project initiative is being supported by the International Cooperation and Development Fund. Part of the mission is to foster innovation, increase productivity, and build a stronger, more sustainable garlic industry for future generations in the Philippines. During the launch, Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos said the center represents a significant step toward strengthening the value chain by encouraging innovation, promoting agribusiness, and increasing the profitability of garlic farming.