The first batch of over 3,000 bottles of Ivatan Beer will be produced and will be commercially available in Batanes this month, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has announced.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the Ivatan Beer “is now ready for commercialisation” in Batanes, as the agency extended P100,000 in assistance to Tawsen Agri-Ventures, a beneficiary of Small Enterprises Upgrading Technology Program (SETUP), to support the commercialization of the product.
"This April, locals from Batanes should expect to have a taste of their very own beer,” he said in his report.
"This would be the very first batch of Ivatan Beer to be produced, since the transfer of technology from the DOST Region 2 last March,” he noted.
The Tawsen Agri-Ventures has signed the technology licensing agreement with the BSC seeking to transfer the Ivatan Beer production technology to the local-based business.
Ivan Beer, which is made from the locally grown sweet potatoes or ‘wakay’, is developed the Batanes State College, in partnership with the DOST Region 2.
"A total of 3,125 300mL-bottles of Ivatan Beer is targeted to be produced for the first batch, and continuous production will follow,” de la Peña said.
"This product aims to raise pride for the locals and encourage them to patronize their own products. Through this, Ivatans would have a drink closer to their homes since it is made from a product that is close to the heart of Batanes,” he said.