DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) helped me conceptualize the packaging of my product until we came out with a final design. I am thankful to DTI for their help.”
WHAT began as a simple, wholesome snack for Miriam Villarivera’s family has blossomed into a thriving micro-enterprise, bringing the nutritional powerhouse of malunggay to school children and families across the Caraga region.
IAM’s Original Malunggay Chips are transforming the ubiquitous backyard vegetable into a light, crispy and affordable treat. The chips highlight the natural, earthy flavor of fresh malunggay, reflecting a garden-to-table commitment to nutrition.
Villarivera, a retired bank employee from this town in Agusan del Norte, initially prepared the chips for her household and neighbors. Encouraged by glowing feedback and growing demand, she gradually turned her homemade delicacy into a small business.
Her venture aligns directly with the government’s broader campaign to promote healthier food choices, particularly healthy snacks for children in schools. It also supports a national directive to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises as engines of economic growth and food security in the regions.
A key advantage for Villarivera is the abundant supply of her main ingredient. Malunggay, known internationally as moringa, thrives in the Philippines’ tropical climate. It is a resilient, drought-resistant tree that grows rapidly with minimal care, making it a sustainable and reliable food source readily available in backyards across the country.
Villarivera has about 20 fully grown trees in her own yard and supplements her supply by purchasing from neighbors, creating a small ecosystem of community commerce.
“Our neighbors give us their malunggay leaves when they have excess, especially during times of high demand such as the holiday season,” she shared. “Malunggay is a common plant here. I also buy from our neighbors when needed.”
Recognizing the product’s potential to contribute to food security by providing a nutrient-dense, shelf-stable food option, Villarivera sought assistance to scale up. In 2024, she connected with the Department of Trade and Industry–Agusan del Norte (DTI-ADN).
She participated in a packaging seminar designed to improve product competitiveness and market readiness. “The DTI-ADN helped me conceptualize the packaging of my product until we came out with a final design. I am thankful to DTI-ADN for their help,” she said.
The DTI also connected her to trade fairs in Butuan City and helped introduce IAM’s Malunggay Chips as a healthy snack option for schools and offices.
By 2024, the chips had reached a wider market, becoming available in stores and institutions in Butuan City, Tandag City and nearby municipalities like Nasipit.
A small pack of the chips is priced at just P10, making it a highly affordable and nutritious alternative for students, while larger packs are sold for P40.
By 2025, production had grown to more than 800 packs per month, with deliveries made every two weeks. Her hometown of Buenavista remains the largest market, absorbing about 500 packs per cycle, followed by Tandag City in Surigao del Sur and Butuan City.
To cater to changing consumer tastes, the product line has expanded from the original plain flavor to include chili, chili cheese, barbecue, and sour cream and onion variants.
Her husband, Diosdado Villarivera, a former local official, now dedicates his time to assisting with deliveries and establishing connections with new markets. Strong sales enabled the family to purchase a dehydrator, significantly improving production efficiency.
“What we are focusing on is expanding our markets, especially in schools, offices and cooperatives,” Villarivera said. “We rely on consistent sales and gradual growth.”
School canteens now account for the bulk of their demand, a direct success for the government’s push to replace junk food with healthier choices for children.
Starting with a capital of just P5,000, IAM’s Malunggay Chips has grown from a backyard initiative into a sustainable livelihood. It demonstrates how simple, locally sourced products — backed by government support — can address nutritional concerns, contribute to food security and build healthier communities one snack at a time. PIA
Feeding the future: The push for healthy school meals
The Philippine government is taking a decisive stance on child nutrition with a multifaceted program aimed at promoting healthy eating habits within schools. Recognizing the critical link between nutrition, health and academic performance, several initiatives have been launched to ensure Filipino students have access to nutritious food options.
Central to this effort is the Department of Education’s (DepEd) School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP). This program targets severely wasted and wasted learners, providing them with nutritious meals for at least 120 feeding days. The SBFP not only addresses immediate hunger but also aims to improve the nutritional status and overall health of vulnerable students, boosting their attendance and academic participation.
Complementing the SBFP is the “Gulayan sa Paaralan” (School Garden) program. This initiative encourages schools to establish vegetable gardens, serving a dual purpose: providing fresh produce for the feeding program and serving as an educational tool. Students learn about agriculture, sustainability and the nutritional value of vegetables, fostering a deeper appreciation for healthy food.
Furthermore, DepEd Order 13, s. 2017, sets Policy and Guidelines on Healthy Food and Beverage Choices in Schools. This policy regulates the sale and promotion of food and beverages in school canteens, classifying them into “Green” (always available), “Yellow” (restricted availability) and “Red” (not recommended) categories based on their nutritional content. This aims to limit students’ exposure to unhealthy options high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats, while promoting the consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
These government programs reflect a concerted effort to cultivate a healthier generation of Filipinos. By integrating nutrition education, supplying healthy meals and regulating the school food environment, the Philippines is investing in the well-being and future potential of its youth, recognizing that a healthy body is the foundation for a sharp mind.