Worming his way up

JOHN Paul Cabangal, a 30-year-old farmer from Pigcawayan, Cotabato province, has successfully transformed worms into a profitable business.

His journey from a 4-H Club member to agri-venture entrepreneur proves that dedication and resourcefulness are key ingredients in achieving one's goals.

Cabangal's entrepreneurial spirit got a spark during the pandemic, while raising chickens, discovering the potential of his chicken feed — superworms (Zophobas morio), the larvae of the Darkling Beetle, as a food source.

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 high-protein chips are made from Zophobas morio worms, which are raised on a substrate of commercial feeds, fruits and vegetables.

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.

Cabangal not only focused on snack worms but also pursued rabbit farming and made the first rabbit lechon in North Cotabato.

When asked the most important thing to consider when starting a business, Cabangal answered, "Know your market."

"Dapat masiguro mo 'yung market, 'yun 'yung inuna ko sa pag venture ng Grubilicious Chichaworms, nakipag-ugnayan ako sa mga local stores kasi sila 'yung mga tutulong sa atin para ma-reach 'yung ating mga potential customer (You should secure the market; that's what I prioritized when venturing into Grubilicious Chichaworms. I reached out to local stores because they are the ones who will help us reach our potential customers)," he pointed out.

One worm, one dream

After a 10-year hiatus from school, Cabangal is now pursuing his long-time dream of college education. He is currently a third-year Bachelor of Science in Agriculture student at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM).

As a student-entrepreneur, Cabangal balances academics and business by teaching local farmers to raise and culture superworms, and buying them for a stable supply.

His mantra, which also serves as a message to young student agri-farmers like himself: "Pagbutihin ang inyong pag-aaral at palakasin ang inyong mga kapasidad, skills and knowledge, lalong lalo na sa agrikultura, malaking bagay na matutunan paano magpatakbo ng negosyo lalong lalo na dahil nakakatulong ito para mapaunlad ang ating mga sarili at komunidad (Study well and strengthen your capacities, skills and knowledge, especially in agriculture. It is very important to learn how to run a business, especially because it helps develop ourselves and our community)."

Cabangal's dedication and innovation have earned him numerous accolades. He is an alumnus of the Adopt-a-Farm Youth Program (2013) and the Young Entrepreneurs for Sustainability Program (2014-2016).

From 2018 to 2019, he served as a young farmer leader ambassador to Japan through the Young Filipino Farm Leaders Training Program.

His achievements also include winning an award in the Department of Agriculture's (DA) Young Farmers Challenge in 2021.

In 2022, the DA recognized him as a Youth Ambassador of Agriculture, alongside other young leaders in the Young Farmers Challenge Club of the Philippines Inc.

Cabangal is a top 10 finalist for this year's Agri-Aqua Innovation Challenge of the Department of Science and Technology's Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) for his innovative product, Grubilicious Chichaworm.

The DOST-PCAARRD is set to announce the top 10 finalists on March 6.

Power of 4-H

Cabangal credits his success to the knowledge, skills and values he gained through 4-H Club.

"Ang laking tulong ng 4-H Club dahil dito ko natutunan maging self-reliant, leadership, dun ko nadiskubre na ganito pala ang agrikultura, na appreciate ko paano tumakbo ang sektor ng agrikultura (The 4-H Club has been a tremendous help. It's where I learned to be self-reliant and become a leader. It's through this club that I discovered how agriculture really works and appreciate how the agricultural sector operates)," he stated.

Cabangal also recognizes the important role that partnerships with groups like the Department of Agriculture; the Department of Trade and Industry; the University of Southern Mindanao; the Soccsksargen Agriculture; Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium; and USM-Adaptable Research Technology Business Incubator have played.

He said that by partnering with the government, he has continuously grown his business and helped other farmers grow. PIA

* * * 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 diversified his agricultural ventures by venturing into rabbit farming and creating the first rabbit lechon in North Cotabato.

Education pursuit:

Despite a 10-year hiatus, Cabangal is pursuing his dream of a college education, currently studying Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

Resourcefulness and dedication:

Cabangal's story demonstrates the power of dedication and resourcefulness in achieving entrepreneurial goals.

From 4-H Club to entrepreneur:

His journey highlights the impact of early exposure to agriculture through organizations like the 4-H Club.