MATANAO, Davao del Sur — Mary Jean Sentillas, a young agripreneur from Matanao, is turning agricultural waste into a nutritious snack. Her product, "Balani Crackers," is made from discarded banana sheaths, locally known as balani. Sentillas is showcasing her innovation at the YFC Pavilion during Agrilink 2026.
From Farm Waste to Valuable Snack
Sentillas drew inspiration from her father's banana farm. She noticed that banana sheaths were routinely discarded after harvest. Rather than letting this organic material go to waste, she saw an opportunity to create something new. Her creativity led to the development of Balani Crackers, a value-added food product.
The snack transforms what would otherwise be agricultural waste into a nutritious and marketable item. This approach reduces environmental burden while generating income. It exemplifies circular economy principles applied to farming. Sentillas' enterprise, Green Snacks Enterprise, is built on this sustainable model.
A Daughter's Inspiration and Innovation
Growing up on a banana farm, Sentillas understood the challenges farmers face. She witnessed how much produce went unused. Her father's livelihood depended on bananas, but the sheaths held no commercial value. She decided to change that narrative through innovation.
By upcycling balani, she created a product that honors her agricultural roots. The crackers offer a crunchy, flavorful experience while delivering nutritional benefits. Her journey shows how young minds can transform traditional farming practices. She turned a simple observation into a thriving agribusiness.
Spotlight at Agrilink 2026
The Department of Agriculture, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service, is featuring 16 Young Farmers Challenge awardees at Agrilink, Foodlink, and Aqualink 2026. The event runs from October 8 to 10 at the World Trade Center. Sentillas represents the Davao Region as a YFC Start-up Provincial Awardee.
The YFC Pavilion serves as a platform for innovative agribusinesses. It spotlights young agripreneurs who are redefining Philippine agriculture. Sentillas is among those transforming raw materials into viable commercial products. Her participation highlights the potential of youth-driven agricultural enterprises.
Empowering Young Agripreneurs
The Young Farmers Challenge program supports the younger generation in creating sustainable pathways. It encourages innovation, profitability, and environmental responsibility. Sentillas' success demonstrates the program's impact on real lives. Her story inspires other young Filipinos to pursue agribusiness.
Through her enterprise, Sentillas contributes to reducing agricultural waste. She also creates economic opportunities for her community. Her product proves that discarded materials can become valuable resources. This mindset is essential for building a resilient agricultural sector.
The DA continues to champion youth participation in agriculture. By featuring young agripreneurs like Sentillas, it showcases the future of farming. Their ideas and energy drive the industry forward. The YFC Pavilion at Agrilink 2026 is a testament to their growing influence.
