By Kenneth Marcos 
In the quiet kitchens of Biliran, where the sweet smell of suman and balintawak once filled the air, an important part of the province’s culture is slowly fading away. A new study by the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) warns that the province’s rice-based food industry may not survive the next decade if no action is taken to engage the younger generation.
The study, which began in January under PhilRice’s project “Food Product Development and Innovation in Rice and Other Crops,” focuses on improving and scaling up rice-based food products that can promote healthy diets, support small producers, and strengthen local economies.
Despite contributing more than ₱100 million annually to Biliran’s economy, the rice-based food sector is now facing a serious challenge — most of its makers are elderly. Many traditional delicacies are produced by people over 50 years old, and few young residents are learning the trade.
“Out of 332 active processors, about 60 percent are over 50 years old, showing a sharp decline in production as many leave the sector due to age,” said project lead Dr. Riza G. Abilgos-Ramos.
Some delicacies are already at risk of disappearing. Traditional favorites like Balintawak and Suman Mangga are mostly made by older women, while Manban, a popular delicacy from Cabucgayan town, now has only one elderly maker left. If the trend continues, Biliran could lose as much as ₱57 million in yearly income linked to these products.
To better understand the situation, researchers mapped Biliran’s rice-based products through field visits and interviews. They identified where production was concentrated, which delicacies were most at risk, and how local communities could sustain the trade.
PhilRice partnered with BiPSU to ensure the study reflected real conditions in Biliran’s towns and barangays. The local research team, led by Jeruel A. Espinazo, found that while interest in local food remains high, the lack of youth participation poses a serious long-term threat.
The team now plans to turn its findings into practical solutions. Among the key recommendations are integrating rice-based food processing into school curricula, encouraging agripreneurship among the youth, creating a provincial heritage food registry, and strengthening seed and raw material security for local producers.
“We hope this research helps local leaders make informed decisions and take steps to sustain livelihoods tied to rice-based food production,” Dr. Abilgos-Ramos added.
PhilRice said similar efforts to preserve and innovate traditional rice-based foods are also ongoing in other regions, including Davao de Oro, Visayas, and Northern Negros. These studies aim to help more Filipino communities preserve their culinary heritage while building sustainable rural livelihoods.
As Biliran’s elder food artisans continue to roll their last batches of suman and balintawak, the call grows louder for a new generation to carry on their legacy — not only to protect tradition but to secure the province’s future.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News