Rogeliano Cenita: Making waves in agri-innovation

When Rogeliano Cenita stepped onstage as the national winner of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Batch 2024, it was not merely a personal victory but also a triumph for every Filipino fisherfolk whose labor often goes unnoticed.

A proud son of a humble fisherman and a housewife from Bohol, Cenita now leads ‘Bluecrust Processed Food Products’, an innovative enterprise dedicated to developing value-added products from crustaceans sourced directly from local fishing communities.

‘Bluecrust’ currently processes a wide range of products from crabs, shrimps and mussels, turning raw catch into premium, ready-to-market goods.

Its roots are deeply personal as Cenita noted how a simple dream evolved into a growing business that now supports over 238 fisherfolk and their families, particularly housewives who are also employed through the enterprise.

“Na-inspire ako sa huli ng tatay ko. I didn’t expect na lalaki ng ganito ‘yung enterprise namin,” Cenita said.

Winning wasn’t easy, however, as he recalled the early skepticism he faced.

“Walang naniniwala sa akin. I received a lot of discrimination, criticism, kasi I don’t have any culinary background,” Cenita admitted.

Instead of giving up, he sought help from the Department of Trade and Industry of Camarines Sur, attended training, joined competitions, and perfected his craft.

“Nag-start ako last June (2024) lang, and now we’re nationwide. I even went to Thailand last week, and they really love the product,” he said, hopeful that with the YFC grant, Bluecrust can secure Food and Drug Administration approval and expand into international markets.

The journey, though fast-paced, came with immense effort. “Super bigat. For sure kung weak na tao ako, nag-give up na ako,” he reflected.

What kept Cenita going was the dream of uplifting his family and community, and the belief that agriculture, often regarded as a “poor man’s job”, is a viable and profitable industry.

“Sa lahat ng kabataang Pinoy na gustong pasukin ang agriculture, you can do it. There’s really money in agriculture. Basta unique ‘yung product niyo at tumutulong kayo sa mga farmers,” he advised.

With deep gratitude, Cenita acknowledged the support of his family and government agencies like Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service of the Department of Agriculture and Agribusiness & Marketing Assistance Division for guiding young agripreneurs like him.

“Just give your heart talaga,” he stressed.

Cenita’s story is proof that when passion meets purpose, even the smallest crustacean can create waves of change. – Jescilly Nils Viernes, Heidi Alonzo, Roline Cabantoc – PIO Baguio Interns / Gaby Keith