Veggie bites Malnutrition: Young Antiqueno’s appetizing snack with a twist 

What began as a mere observation during their feeding program at San Remigio changed the life of a lad. He recalls what he witnessed: children whose bones almost protrudes their skins, and despite the scrawny figure, some have their stomachs’ bloated. The sight struck his heart- what could be done to alleviate such a dilemma?

As the lad wandered San Jose Buenavista, Antique, he noticed something; something other than the children from San Remigio- there were farmers. Farmers, young and old, carrying heaps of produce to vehicles before roaring its engine to the markets.

Young Antiqueno Matt Noelle S. Hulleza, a 4th-year BSBA-Marketing Management student of St. Anthony’s College in Antique, has had his skills in entrepreneurship already cut out for him. Exposed to various seminars, training, and programs, his abilities were honed. However, one program left a mark that surely became a foundation for this motive.

One of the avenues of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program of the Department of Trade and Industry that engraved his mind was the Be Your Own Boss, an entrepreneurship program that gives the youth the fundamental business skills and entrepreneurial mindset- creativity, critical thinking, perseverance, vision, and confidence- necessary to become more astute business people. The step-by-step business skills taught were crucial for spotting small company possibilities, creating and implementing a business strategy, and scanning the environment. Matt reminisced what he had learned, particularly the words of one of their mentors Daniel Agan. He recalls what Agan said, look for a specific problem in the community.

A perfect timing for Matt because he had organized and attended projects in their locale where he was part of an organization conducting community services. Thus, the aforementioned feeding program where he pinpoints that Antique has the highest number of malnutrition in the province. Witnessing the children, and the farmers whose hands masked their weariness, something suddenly clicked. Eureka! as Archimedes would cry! An idea whispered in his ear. Matt began to utilize the skills and education he had gained throughout the years to craft his current enterprise, Veggie Bite Snack.

As the name suggests, Veggie Bite Snacks are made out from actual vegetables such as malunggay, squash, and carrots. These vegetables that have been sun dried and then grinded into powder. Once done, the powder is then added to existing products like cones and kropeks- a perfect and healthy everyday snack for every person to enjoy.

 

But when rain pours, his progress hinders. Which is why he was grateful when the funding assistance from the Young Farmers Challenge (YCF) Program enabled him to purchase a dehydrator. Not only did the machine gave him the option for dehydration, but also made him come up with more interesting ideas for his enterprise. In fact, he fancies on making tarts, polvorons, and even cupcakes! There is no conclusion to his creativity as he finds his resources readily available wherever he goes- may it be from the kitchen, market stalls, and even general and grocery stores; vegetables have always been accessible.

But before he attained the funding, he had to first participate in the Young Farmers Challenge Program of the Department of Agriculture – Western Visayas (DA-WV) Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD). And despite his remarkable ingenuity, he still faced some obstacles. The memory was still vivid, it was when he was applying for the program- in fact, Matt admitted he was not able to submit the requirements on time, dwindling his will. But when luck is your ally, tides may turn. When Matt heard the submissions had extended their deadline, he quickly took the chance to apply even at the last minute.

Determination overtaking, he says to himself that he shall secure his future through the program for he knows deep in his heart that his intentions are fixed: to control malnutrition, provide nutritious and palatable snacks, and secure sustainable food for every family.

The YFC Program had further sharpened his skills which helped him in the improvement of his enterprise- business pitching, planning, and even tackling each area of his business model canvas, have molded him into a competitive agripreneur whose business have the potential of profit security. Moreover, as the president of the Business Management Association the Philippines St. Anthony’s College Chapter, Matt was also able to share his knowledge through providing entrepreneurship programs and activities to his fellow students.

 Matt’s greatest milestone, however, is what’s in front of him: winning the provincial and regional awards, and having his products sold in trade fairs with the help from their Municipal Agriculture Office, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, and the Department of Trade and Industry Antique. He also plans to connect with school cafeterias to make his products an alternative to junk foods, and to display them at pasalubong centers for professionals and other markets.

Beginning his journey, Matt only sees himself as a lad who is interested in entrepreneurship. But slowly, bit by bit, he began to grow- not just a student, nor as a president of their organization whose dream is to help his peers, but as an advocate of health and food security among Filipinos. He saw problems and made solutions; his compassion for farmers and desire to create a healthy lifestyle fueled his heart to push his products to create a ripple of change.

Despite having little resources, Matt advised the youth to scale up their visions and advocacies, as long as there are opportunities waiting that lets them take that solution into action. And in spite of challenges such as change, Matt says to embrace it for one cannot progress further if they will not adapt to what is outside their comfort zone. “Stay curious and discover more opportunities within reach,” he says with a smile, a look of confidence that reflects his willingness to achieve what he had been advocating from the start. ###Story by Je Erryl Shayne Esmao/DA-RAFIS 6