Kailangan mong siguruhin ang market, iyon ang unang hakbang ko nang mag-enterprise kami ng Grubilicious Chichaworms. Nag-coordinate ako sa iba’t ibang lokal na tindahan dahil sila ang susi upang makarating ang aming potensyal na customers.
JOHN Paul Cabangal, a 30-year-old farmer from Pigcawayan, Cotabato province, has successfully transformed worms into a profitable business.
His path from being part of a 4-H Club to becoming an agri-business leader shows that commitment and cleverness are essential components for reaching one’s ambitions.
Cabangal’s enterprising nature was ignited during the pandemic when he started breeding chickens and stumbled upon the promising use of superworms (Zophobas morio) – the larval stage of the Darkling Beetle – as an alternative feed option.
Recognizing their edibility and popularity as a snack in other Southeast Asian countries and their high protein and nutrient content, he seized the opportunity and developed a unique product — Grubilicious Chichaworms.
These protein-rich chips are crafted using Zophobas morio worms that are cultivated on a diet consisting of commercially produced feed, as well as fruits and veggies.
After three to eight months of cultivating the superworms, the larvae are ready to be harvested. To ensure the cleanliness and safety of the worms, they undergo fasting before the cooking process.
Currently, Grubilicious Chichaworms has three flavors: Original White, Hot and Spicy Red, and Mixed Peanut Black.
Not only did Cabangal concentrate on snack worms, but they also ventured into rabbit farming and created the inaugural rabbit lechon in North Cotabato.
When asked about the crucial aspect of launching a venture, Cabangal responded, “Understand your audience.”
“You must ensure the market presence; that’s what I focused on when entering the Grubilicious Chichaworms business. I connected with nearby shops since they would assist us in reaching our possible clientele,” he highlighted.
One worm, one dream
Following a decade-long break from formal studies, Cabangal is finally realizing his longstanding ambition of obtaining higher education through college. At present, he is enrolled as a third-year Bachelor of Science in Agriculture student at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM).
As both a learner and an entrepreneur, Cabangal manages her studies alongside her business venture by instructing nearby farmers on how to breed and cultivate superworms, then purchasing these from them for a consistent stock.
His guiding principle, shared with young student farmers such as himself, goes: “Enhance your education and boost your abilities, skills, and know-how—especially within agriculture. Learning to manage a business is crucial since this aids not only personal growth but also strengthens our communities.”
Cabangal’s commitment and creativity have won him multiple awards. He graduated from the Adopt-a-Farm Youth Program in 2013 and participated in the Young Entrepreneurs for Sustainability Program from 2014 to 2016.
Between 2018 and 2019, he acted as an ambassador for young farmer leaders in Japan via the Young Filipino Farm Leaders Training Program.
He was also recognized for his success in winning an accolade at the Department of Agriculture’s Young Farmers Challenge in 2021.
In 2022, he was acknowledged by the DA as a Youth Ambassador of Agriculture, working together with other youthful leaders from the Young Farmers Challenge Club of the Philippines Inc.
Cabangal has made it as one of the top 10 finalists in this year’s Agri-Aqua Innovation Challenge organized by the DOST-PCAARRD. His groundbreaking creation, Grubilicious Chichaworm, is what earned him recognition in this competition.
The DOST-PCAARRD will reveal the top 10 finalists on March 6.
Power of 4-H
Cabangal attributes his achievements to the knowledge, abilities, and principles he acquired via his involvement with the 4-H Club.
He said, ‘The 4-H Club has been immensely helpful because it’s where I learned to be independent and take on leadership roles. Through this organization, I also discovered what agriculture truly entails and came to understand the functioning of the agricultural sector.’
Cabangal similarly acknowledges the significant part played by collaborations with entities such as the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Trade and Industry; the University of Southern Mindanao; Soccsksargen Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium; along with the USM-Adaptable Research Technology Business Incubator.
He said that by partnering with the government, he has continuously grown his business and helped other farmers grow. PIA
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Worm farming success:
Cabangal successfully turned worm farming into a profitable business, producing “Grubilicious Chichaworms,” high-protein chips made from superworms (Zophobas morio).
Entrepreneurial spirit:
Cabangal’s entrepreneurial journey started during the pandemic, showcasing his ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities.
Innovative product:
He created a unique product, “Grubilicious Chichaworms,” catering to the edibility and popularity of superworms as a snack in Southeast Asia.
Market focus:
Cabangal emphasizes the importance of understanding and securing a market before starting a business, highlighting his strategy of partnering with local stores.
Diversification:
He expanded his agricultural pursuits by entering the rabbit farming industry and producing the inaugural rabbit lechon in North Cotabato.
Education pursuit:
Even after a decade-long break, Cabangal is chasing his aspiration for higher education and is presently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program.
Resourcefulness and dedication:
Cabangal’s tale illustrates the impact of commitment and cleverness in reaching business objectives.
From 4-H Club to entrepreneur:
His journey highlights the impact of early exposure to agriculture through organizations like the 4-H Club.