Laoag city: Garlic growers and processors in the Philippines are benefiting from a microfinancing program supported by Taiwan, which aims to provide farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs with greater access to capital. This initiative is designed to improve productivity, expand operations, and enhance the competitiveness of the local garlic industry.
According to Philippines News Agency, Eric Pin Yu Chen, the representative for the Taiwan Technical Mission in the Philippines, revealed that at least 10 garlic incubatees have been selected so far this year to receive the grant. "Each incubatee received PHP240,000. The amount can be used to start their business or to improve it," he said during an interview at the Garlic Incubation Center, situated at the Tabacalera compound in front of Museo Iloco in this city.
Chen explained that the financial assistance, locally known as 'Sagut ti Bawang,' an Ilokano term meaning 'a gift from garlic,' aims to provide incubation support to qualified beneficiaries during the start-up phase of their proposed product or until it is ready for commercialization. Various garlic-based products, such as pickled garlic, garlic seasoning, garlic candy, and chips, are already being showcased at the center.
He further announced plans to extend the assistance to 10 garlic incubatees each year until the garlic project supported by Taiwan is completed by the end of 2029. Beneficiaries are expected to return the investment after a year, not in the exact amount borrowed, but in kind or through their developed and improved products. The market-ready products will then be linked with prospective buyers to expand their market niche.
Chen expressed hope that innovation and partnerships with agencies like the Ilocos Norte provincial government will strengthen the garlic value chain. These collaborations aim to help farmers and processors adopt better practices, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost product value. Improved access to financing is also anticipated to encourage the adoption of modern technologies and support the expansion of small agricultural enterprises.
Judy Viernes, a farmer and garlic processor from Sarrat town, expressed gratitude for the assistance, describing it as a blessing in disguise after meeting the Taiwan group during a garlic meeting with farmers at the Ilocos Norte Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Council in this city. He acknowledged that easier access to credit and expert guidance in product development-especially on improving garlic-based products through assessment, safety, packaging, labeling, and regulations-boosted his confidence to venture into pickled garlic as a value-added product.
Like fellow beneficiaries involved in the business pitching program and business plan preparation training, Viernes hopes his value-added product will increase his income and create more opportunities for growth. The partnership highlights ongoing agricultural cooperation between the Philippines and Taiwan, particularly in advancing rural development, supporting smallholder farmers, and improving food production.
