By Jhon Dave Ablat
A local entrepreneur has begun the motion to commercialize the Ivatan Beer after inking the Technology Licensing Agreement with Batanes State College (BSC), which developed the product technology last week, in a virtual contract signing ceremony hosted by the Department of Science and Technology-Regional Office 2.
BSC president Dr. Alfonso R. Simon and Tawsen Agri Ventures owner Dennis Lim signed an agreement transferring the Ivatan Beer production technology to the local-based business after DOST Region 2 issued the Fairness and Opinion Report on the terms and condition of the licensing agreement.
“The fact that the Ivatan Beer is made of the locally grown wakay or sweet potato, which is abundant in the province of Batanes, the product becomes even more interesting and appealing to the locals of Batanes,” Simon said during the virtual ceremony.
Moreover, Lim noted that this commercialization of the local product would contribute to the flourishing tourism industry of the archipelagic province. “The development of this product will further enhance the primary industry of the province, which is tourism,” said the entrepreneur in his acceptance message. “This will not only mean establishing a support industry in the market but also generating employment, especially a market of raw materials for the (local) farmers.”
The development of this product will further enhance the primary industry of the province, which is tourism.
BSC and Tawsen Agri Venture signed the term sheet of the licensor and the licensee agreeing with the conditions to push for the commercialization of the said product in September last year.
The Ivatan Beer was developed by BSC and Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC), which received ₱400,000 funding from DOST Region 02 in 2018 and made its first public appearance in the year 2019.
The local production of the 330mL Ivatan Beer, the first and only locally brewed beer in Batanes, will commence soon. It is estimated to cost ₱95 to ₱100 per bottle.