From a fruit often left to rot under trees, batwan now provides income and opportunities for small entrepreneurs in southern Negros Occidental, who process it into powder.
In 2022, Emeilia Nombreda and other producers in Kabankalan joined training that the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) organized on processing batwan.
However, they did not immediately start production because they lacked equipment.
In 2023, the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) donated a dehydrator and powderizer, enabling the group to begin making batwan powder.
Batwan (Garcinia binucao) is a souring agent recognized by the Ark of Taste as a wild tree that grows abundantly in the forests of Panay and Negros. A single productive tree can yield 50–100 kg of fruit every six months, and an estimated 5,000 such trees are found across both islands.
Nombreda said the product has high market potential, but their output remains limited because they only use small equipment.
She explained that larger machines could double their production during the batwan season and allow them to store more for the off-season, when the fruit’s price increases.
They now sell batwan powder at the OTOP booth in Ayala, the TLDC showroom in Bacolod, and showrooms in Kabankalan and San Enrique. The product has also reached international buyers.
A 60-gram pack costs P130, 100 grams P215, and 200 grams P240. With its longer shelf life, the powder offers a more practical option than fresh fruit.
Nombreda said the venture has supported her children’s education while also providing jobs for others, complementing her existing camote and banana chips business.
She added that perseverance remains essential, as the process can be long and challenging.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.