Antique: A young farmer from the Municipality of Bugasong is reviving the traditional production of spiced vinegar using the sap of nipa palm (Nypa fruticans) from the coastal towns of Antique. Geneco Mabasa, who won the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas Young Farmers’ Challenge 2025 on Dec. 11, said in an interview Wednesday that there used to be farmers from the coastal towns of Hamtic, Pandan, and his hometown who were into the production of spiced vinegar. However, their number dwindled due to lack of market.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mabasa stated that the farmers he met did not continue with their spiced vinegar production due to insufficient market demand. Undeterred, he developed his own product, Nipa Kuriit (palm sour face), and established Siriit Kuriit Food Products in Bugasong. With assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Mabasa crafted the spiced vinegar using local ingredients such as palm vinegar, red chilies, garlic, ginger, and salt to create a sharp yet smooth flavor.
Mabasa purchases 25 containers of palm vinegar monthly from farmers for PHP10,000 or PHP400 per container. He bottles the spiced vinegar, offering it for sale at PHP120 per 250 ml., PHP160 for 500 ml., and PHP230 per liter. The vinegar is available in three blends: mild, sweet, and extra hot. During the Obra Antique±o Trade Fair 2025, Mabasa generated an income of approximately PHP15,000 over a few days.
The trade fair, held from Nov. 30 to Dec. 6 at Robinson’s Place in San Jose de Buenavista, was organized by the DTI, with support from the Offices of Senator Loren Legarda, Rep. Antonio Agapito Legarda, and the Antique provincial government. The event featured 75 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including Mabasa. Besides sales, he attracted interest from investors outside Antique, and negotiations for selling his product are in progress.
Currently, Mabasa’s spiced vinegar is displayed at Molo Mansion and Balay Ilonggo in Iloilo City, as well as in souvenir shops and restaurants across Antique. Many customers purchase the vinegar as gifts for family and friends, particularly during the Christmas season.
Mabasa plans to use the PHP150,000 prize from the Young Farmers’ Challenge to purchase a greenhouse, which is expected to arrive soon. The greenhouse will allow him to cultivate red chilies essential for his spiced vinegar. Furthermore, he intends to share planting materials with other farmers to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for Siriit Kuriit Food Products.
The young entrepreneur remains focused on researching and innovating his product. Mabasa will represent Western Visayas at the national challenge in Manila by April or May 2026.
