FLQ Foods & Panciteria is a growing agribusiness and food enterprise based in Tabuk, Kalinga, Philippines. Renowned for its culinary roots in traditional pancit and its innovative cassava-based product line, the company has successfully blended local flavors with modern food processing technologies. Under the leadership of Wilma Alvester, FLQ has evolved from a small panciteria into a community-recognized food manufacturer, with strong backing from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Brief History
Founded as a modest local eatery, FLQ Panciteria initially served signature pancit dishes that gained a loyal local following. Recognizing the untapped potential of cassava—a resilient, locally abundant crop—founder Wilma Alvester transformed the business into a vertically integrated operation that now includes food manufacturing. With technical and financial support from DOST and other government programs, FLQ began developing and commercializing value-added cassava products, enhancing both food security and farmer incomes in the region.
Core Business
FLQ operates as a dual-structured enterprise: a food processor and a restaurant. It specializes in:
- The manufacturing of cassava-based products such as flour, powder, and crunchies
- Production of native noodles like miki
- The operation of a panciteria that serves local noodle dishes using in-house ingredients
This hybrid model allows the business to control product quality while offering direct-to-consumer experiences.
Product and Service Offerings
FLQ’s product lineup includes:
-
Cassava-Based Products:
- Cassava Flour: For baking and gluten-free cooking
- Cassava Crunchies: A snack item targeting health-conscious markets
- Cassava Powder: Used in food formulations and traditional recipes
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Local Noodle Specialties:
- Miki: Locally made noodles, key ingredient in Kalinga’s pancit recipes
- Pancit Dishes: Served in its panciteria using proprietary ingredients
The business also provides catering services and is exploring packaged ready-to-eat noodle dishes.
Specialization and Core USP
FLQ’s unique strength lies in value addition to indigenous crops. By focusing on cassava, a drought-resistant and underutilized root crop, the business supports climate-resilient agriculture. Its use of modern processing techniques and product development aligns with the growing demand for gluten-free and functional foods. The enterprise is also woman-led and inclusive, promoting community engagement and local sourcing.
Financial Strength
FLQ received significant financial and technical assistance through:
- A ₱3.4 million grant from DOST under the Women-Helping-Women: Innovating Social Enterprises Program
- Equipment support through the DOST Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP)
- Marketing and training support via DTI Kalinga
These funds enabled the enterprise to install drying and milling equipment, expand its product lines, and improve packaging for broader market reach.
Shipment Data
Currently focused on regional markets, FLQ’s processed cassava products are distributed within:
- Tabuk and nearby municipalities
- Local government-supported trade fairs
- Regional retail partners through DTI’s One Town One Product (OTOP) initiative
The cooperative is preparing to scale for national-level distribution, particularly for its cassava crunchies and flour.
Target Market
FLQ serves a wide range of customers:
- Local Consumers: Direct sales through panciteria and local markets
- Health-Conscious Buyers: Via cassava-based snacks and gluten-free alternatives
- Food Distributors: Looking for indigenous product lines
- Institutional Buyers: LGU offices and schools procuring local products
Its products cater to both traditional consumers and new markets interested in functional, locally sourced foods.
Capabilities
The enterprise’s key operational capabilities include:
- In-house cassava processing (drying, milling, packaging)
- Custom noodle production using traditional methods
- Restaurant and retail services
- Training in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- Participation in government incubator and product innovation programs
These assets position FLQ as a vertically integrated rural enterprise.
Certifications and Compliance Records
- Compliance with DOST's food safety and innovation protocols
- Recipient of government-endorsed product development training
- Food production process aligns with regional BFAD safety practices
- Participating member of DTI's OTOP and DOST SETUP programs
FLQ is also working toward obtaining FDA product registration and halal certification for broader market access.
Customer Testimonials
Local media and DOST-Kalinga feature FLQ as a model enterprise, particularly highlighting its role in women empowerment and rural development. Customers praise the panciteria for its authentic taste, while cassava product buyers appreciate the unique texture and nutrition profile of its flour and snacks.
Major Achievements
- Recipient of ₱3.4 million innovation grant from DOST
- Recognized as a women-led social enterprise under WHWise
- Developed and launched multiple cassava-based commercial food products
- Featured by DOST-Kalinga for food innovation and enterprise development
- Expanded from food service to food manufacturing in under five years
FLQ Foods & Panciteria stands at the intersection of traditional food heritage and modern agribusiness. Its commitment to community development, sustainable agriculture, and food innovation makes it a pioneering enterprise in Kalinga’s local economy.