Tags: Agribusiness, Entrepreneurship
By KC Santos
BELISON, ANTIQUE – When husband-and-wife Felipe and Joyce Pachoco established their business eight years ago, they did not realize until later that they would be a blessing to sugarcane farmers in this province.
The Pachocos’ sugar manufacturing business, under the company Hamungaya Muscovado Sugar, get its supply of high-quality muscovado sugar from sugarcane farmers in Antique.
Muscovado is a type of unrefined brown sugar that is slightly thicker and is considered a healthier alternative to regular grade sweeteners. It is derived from chemical-free sugarcane that goes through the process of juicing, cooking, skimming, drying and then breaking.
Unlike refined sugar, muscovado is ideal for the health conscious and diabetics since the nutrients like calcium, potassium and iron are retained. Because it is unrefined, muscovado sugar also contains the most minerals.
The Pachocos utilized a vacant land in building a sugar mill. Their property was surrounded by land owned by small-scale sugarcane farmers, although idle due to lack of proper equipment.
As a form of bargain, the couple initially made a deal to lend the farmers equipment in exchange for their produce.
Joyce, a local government employee, said they strive to compensate the farmers while at the same time preserving their traditional way of making muscovado.
She refers to some of the oldest farmers as “maestros” for their distinct way of preparing muscovado.“The way they do it, they don’t follow measurements. They just use their gut feel,” she said.
“Since most of these farmers are really traditional, they find it challenging to adapt to the modern way of production. We try our best to respect that while ensuring that we are not left behind with the production.”
Their muscovado products range from sachet gram packs to large 1-kilo packs sold for 30 pesos each. Their products are distributed in select supermarkets in Manila and mostly in nearby Iloilo province.
Joyce said their business gives livelihood opportunities to close to 150 Antiqueño farmers and their families. “Hamungaya is the Hiligaynon word for abundance. This is where all of us get our strength from,” she said.
Get more information about Hamungaya Muscovado Sugar
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