Quirino Young Entrepreneurs Association Inc. (QYEA), based in Diffun, Quirino, Philippines, is a youth-led social enterprise that promotes sustainable agro-processing and local food entrepreneurship. Founded in 2012, QYEA has emerged as a model for community-based development by empowering young individuals through livelihood opportunities and value-added agricultural production.
Core Business and Offerings
QYEA specializes in the development and marketing of locally produced, natural food and beverage products. Key offerings include:
- JaBes Ube Powder – A flagship product derived from purple yam, used in baking and traditional Filipino recipes.
- Tropical Fruit Wine – Naturally fermented wines made from indigenous fruits such as bugnay (wild berries) and mangoes.
- Soya-Based Products:
- Soya Butterscotch
- Soya Pandesal – Fortified bread for the health-conscious segment.
- Peanut Butterscotch – A local confectionery product integrating peanuts and caramel.
- Carrot Juice – Pasteurized and naturally sweetened beverage made from locally sourced carrots.
- Bugnay Wine – A traditional Filipino fruit wine known for its antioxidant properties and deep flavor.
Specializations and Core USP
QYEA's strength lies in its grassroots production model and its focus on health-conscious, natural food alternatives. Its core unique selling propositions include:
- Youth-Driven Business Model – Products are conceptualized, produced, and marketed by young local entrepreneurs.
- Sustainable Agricultural Sourcing – Raw materials are sourced directly from partner farmers in Quirino and neighboring areas.
- Product Innovation – Focused on underutilized ingredients like ube and bugnay, contributing to food diversity.
- Community Impact – Provides training, income generation, and business exposure to marginalized youth and farmers.
Market Reach and Distribution
QYEA serves a growing market of health-conscious consumers and regional distributors:
- Retail Channels: Local trade fairs, pasalubong centers, and OTOP (One Town, One Product) outlets in Region II.
- Institutional Partnerships: Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and various NGOs support capacity-building and market access.
- Sales Growth: Sustained year-over-year sales increases since 2018, driven by product diversification and trade fair exposure.
Capabilities
- Agro-processing Facilities: Equipped with drying, fermentation, and packaging units.
- Training and Incubation: Provides product development, marketing, and financial literacy workshops for young members.
- Quality Assurance: Adopts basic food safety standards and engages with DOST for technology upgrades.
Certifications and Compliance
- Registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
- Products validated and supported under the DOST SETUP program
- Recognized under the OTOP Next Gen initiative for branding and product innovation
Testimonials
“JaBes Ube Powder is now a staple in our baking operations. It’s all-natural and proudly local.”
— Bakery Owner, Isabela Province
“I joined QYEA in college, and now I manage our soya product line full-time. It's been life-changing.”
— Member-Entrepreneur, QYEA
Achievements
- Finalist at the National Young Entrepreneurs Congress
- Awarded as a Top Performing Youth Enterprise by DTI Region II (2021)
- Featured in Go Negosyo and national MSME week programs
- Developed over 10 youth-led product lines since inception
Quirino Young Entrepreneurs Association Inc. stands as a beacon of innovation and empowerment in rural development, leveraging the potential of youth to drive economic and social change through sustainable, locally made food products.