By Joyah Mae C. Quimoyog
VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur, Philippines — A science-driven livelihood initiative in Banayoyo, Ilocos Sur, is expected to create new income opportunities, strengthen local food processing, and enhance climate resilience after the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) approved more than P1.7 million in assistance under its Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program.
The project aims to develop a community-based soybean enterprise that will provide residents with livelihood opportunities through the production and processing of soy-based products such as soya milk and tofu.
According to the local government, a significant portion of the funding will be used to acquire processing equipment and provide technical training to residents, with implementation targeted for completion by the end of 2026.
Municipal Information Officer Graceshel Trinidad said soybean production offers a practical livelihood option because it requires relatively low agricultural inputs and has a short production cycle.
“Soybean growing conditions are simple because they do not require much agricultural input and can be harvested quickly. Soybean byproducts such as soya milk and tofu can effectively serve as an alternative One Town, One Product (OTOP) for our town, alongside the established banana chips,” Trinidad said in a phone interview on June 17.
The initiative will initially benefit residents of Barangay Bagbagotot, particularly those with limited sources of income.
Building on the community’s existing experience in soybean cultivation and processing, the project will provide skills enhancement, product development support, and access to technology that can improve production efficiency, product quality, and the shelf life of soy-based products.
Beyond livelihood support, Trinidad said the partnership with DOST will help strengthen product marketing and enterprise development, enabling residents to tap wider markets and increase the value of locally produced goods.
“This partnership is invaluable as it encompasses not only livelihood provision but also addresses aspects of human resource development; education; health and sanitation; and environmental protection and conservation, all essential for the welfare of Banayoyo residents,” she said.
To sustain the initiative, the municipal government has allocated more than P2 million for the construction of a soybean processing and livelihood center that will serve as a hub for production, training, and enterprise development.
As part of project preparations, personnel from DOST Ilocos Sur conducted a site assessment and layout planning activity on June 9 for the proposed processing facility.
In an online post, DOST said the visit focused on the facility’s design, production process flow, and food safety requirements necessary for manufacturing soy-based products.
The initiative also supports broader efforts to strengthen local food production and value-adding in rural communities.
By expanding soybean processing at the community level, the project is expected to contribute to food security while creating additional sources of income for participating households.
Complementing the livelihood component, Banayoyo also plans to implement another CEST-funded intervention—the installation of an automated weather station.
The facility will provide real-time meteorological information to help local authorities and residents improve disaster preparedness and response in a municipality vulnerable to flooding and landslides.
Trinidad said the documentation process for the partnership is currently underway.
Once operational, the soybean processing center is expected to expand livelihood opportunities, promote value-added local products, and position Banayoyo as a model for science-based rural enterprise development in the Ilocos Region. (AMB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
