DOLORES, ABRA — In a creative fusion of health and tradition, four senior high school students from Rosalio Eduarte National High School (RENHS) in Dolores, Abra, have developed a unique sweet treat using native ingredients — saluyot (jute leaves) and karimbuaya (a local herbal cactus).
The young innovators — Shayne Ballacillo, Tiffany Paris Blanes, Kyla Nichole Padre, and April Shane Bacarisa — combined culinary creativity with science to produce “Saluyot Pastillas,” a healthier twist on the classic Filipino milk candy. Their goal is to promote nutritious snacks made from local produce while encouraging sustainable entrepreneurship among students.
Promoting Local and Nutritious Filipino Desserts
Saluyot, commonly found in backyard gardens across the Philippines, is known for its rich fiber and vitamin content. Meanwhile, karimbuaya, often used in Abra’s traditional dishes like lechon manok and lechon baboy, is prized for its herbal and digestive benefits.
According to Blanes, their innovation was inspired by the desire to stand out while promoting wellness.
“To be unique, we created rare but healthy flavors of pastillas using saluyot and karimbuaya. We tested three treatment levels with varying concentrations of these native ingredients,” she explained.
The students hope their Saluyot Pastillas will soon reach the market as an affordable and locally made healthy snack.
From Research to Real-World Application
Beyond taste and texture, the team also focused on practicality and sustainability. They plan to package the pastillas in different sizes to make them more budget-friendly and appealing to various consumers.
Ballacillo shared,
“Packaging will be our next challenge, but we plan to offer different sizes so everyone can afford to try our product.”
The research was showcased during the Math and Science Week celebration of RENHS, where students highlighted creative projects promoting innovation and environmental awareness.
Nurturing Young Innovators in Abra
RENHS Science Club Adviser Cherry Taguines expressed pride in her students’ creativity, noting that the event aimed to cultivate scientific curiosity and practical innovation.
“We organize this program so students can showcase their creativity, innovation, and scientific curiosity. This year’s Math-Sci Week focuses on promoting environmental awareness and sustainable living,” Taguines said.
A Sweet Step Toward Student Entrepreneurship
Through their Saluyot Pastillas project, the students of Rosalio Eduarte National High School are not just creating a new local delicacy — they are building a foundation for student entrepreneurship and sustainable food innovation in Abra.
By using native plants like saluyot and karimbuaya, they highlight the potential of traditional ingredients in developing healthy, market-ready products that reflect Filipino culture and ingenuity.
This story draws inspiration from local reports and community initiatives in Abra highlighting youth innovation and sustainable food development.