GINGA AGRIFOOD EARNS DOUBLE DOST I-READY RECOGNITION AND CELEBRATES SETUP GRADUATION

Lucena City, Quezon | October 2026 — Ginga Agrifood Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. proudly celebrates three significant milestones in its journey toward innovation and operational excellence, receiving both the Regional and Provincial I-Ready Awards from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), followed by its graduation from the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

These achievements, recognized during the 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) CALABARZON at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City, reflect Ginga's continuing commitment to embracing modern technologies, strengthening manufacturing capabilities, and advancing the Philippine food industry.

From its humble beginnings in Batangas City to becoming a nationally distributed wellness brand, Ginga continues to demonstrate how Filipino enterprises can grow through science, technology, and innovation while staying true to their roots.

Recognizing Ginga's Readiness for the Future of Manufacturing

On October 12, 2026, Ginga Agrifood was honored with two SETUP I-Ready Awards, emerging as both the Regional and Provincial Winner in recognition of its commitment to technological advancement and Industry 4.0 readiness.

The awards were received on behalf of the company by Ms. Lota Lazarte-Manalo, Chief Executive Officer and President, and Mr. Mark Angelo Potente, Sales and Marketing Head.

The DOST I-Ready Award, or Most Industry 4.0-Ready Award, recognizes enterprises demonstrating readiness to adopt and integrate advanced technologies into their operations.

Industry 4.0 represents the next generation of manufacturing, where digital systems, connected technologies, automation, and data-driven processes help businesses improve productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.

The I-Ready assessment considers several dimensions of an enterprise's readiness, including:

• Strategy and Innovation: The company's plans and initiatives for adopting Industry 4.0 technologies.

• Data Management: Practices involving data collection, storage, sharing, and protection.

• Software and Digital Integration: The use of technology in product development, production planning, inventory and logistics, and other manufacturing processes.

• Hardware and Manufacturing Systems: The readiness of equipment, machines, and physical infrastructure to support technological advancements.

• Workforce Development: Employee capabilities, technical skills, and readiness to adapt to evolving manufacturing technologies.

For Ginga, this recognition represents more than technological progress. It reflects a company-wide commitment to continuous learning, improving internal processes, and preparing its people and operations for the future.

The recognition also reinforces an important principle behind Ginga's growth: innovation is not simply about acquiring new equipment, but about building a stronger, more efficient, and more adaptable organization.

From Traditional Production to Technology-Driven Manufacturing

Founded in 2005 by Ms. Lota Lazarte-Manalo, Ginga Agrifood began with a mission to transform locally sourced agricultural commodities into high-quality, Philippine-made wellness products while supporting sustainable livelihood opportunities for Filipino farmers and communities.

Specializing in all-natural ginger and turmeric-based beverages and wellness products, the company has steadily expanded its manufacturing operations and distribution network across the Philippines.

A significant part of this transformation has been Ginga's longstanding partnership with DOST through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program.

In 2016, Ginga embarked on its first major modernization initiative, focusing on production mechanization and the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This helped establish a stronger foundation for manufacturing efficiency, product consistency, and quality management.

The company pursued another technology upgrading initiative in 2021, investing in additional production equipment and facility improvements to enhance manufacturing capacity and operational performance.

Together, these initiatives strengthened Ginga's ability to meet increasing market demand while maintaining the quality and consistency of its products.

As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve, Ginga remains focused on further integrating technology, enhancing production systems, and developing the capabilities needed to compete in an increasingly digital business environment.

Another Milestone: Ginga Graduates from DOST SETUP

Just two days after receiving its I-Ready Awards, Ginga celebrated another important achievement.

On October 14, 2026, the company was formally recognized for its graduation from the DOST Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program during a ceremony at the Quezon Convention Center.

Representing Ginga were Mr. Jojo Cureg, Plant Head, and Ms. Jenn Krystel Alano, Batangas Sales and Admin Officer, who received the recognition on behalf of the organization.

DOST's SETUP initiative supports Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises in enhancing productivity and competitiveness through technology adoption, equipment upgrading, and science-based interventions.

For Ginga, graduating from the program marks an important chapter in its modernization journey and highlights the progress made through years of collaboration with DOST.

From improved manufacturing processes to expanded operational capabilities, the program has played a meaningful role in helping the company strengthen its foundation for sustainable growth.

These achievements also reflect the dedication of Ginga's production teams, technical personnel, administrative staff, and leadership, whose collective efforts continue to turn technological investments into meaningful business improvements.

Growing Beyond Batangas: Bringing Filipino Wellness Products to More Markets

As Ginga continues strengthening its manufacturing capabilities, the company is also expanding its reach across domestic and international markets.

Today, Ginga serves both Business-to-Consumer (B2C) and Business-to-Business (B2B) customers through a diversified distribution and manufacturing model.

Its ginger and turmeric-based wellness products reach consumers through supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies, distributors, and reseller networks across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Ginga also works with local export partners supplying international markets, including the United States, Guam, and the United Arab Emirates.

Beyond its retail portfolio, the company provides contract manufacturing services for businesses seeking ginger and turmeric-based ingredients and wellness formulations.

This expanding market presence reflects Ginga's ambition to bring more Philippine-made products to consumers while creating greater opportunities within the local agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

Celebrating Innovation, People, and Filipino Excellence

Ginga's achievements during DOST RSTW CALABARZON 2026 were made even more meaningful by the opportunity to celebrate alongside government leaders, industry partners, technology advocates, and fellow Filipino innovators.

The company was honored to participate in an event attended by DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. and other distinguished leaders championing science, technology, and innovation in the Philippines.

Ginga extends its sincere appreciation to DOST, its regional and provincial offices, and the individuals and institutions that have supported its technological development over the years.

Most importantly, the company recognizes the dedication of its employees across its manufacturing, sales, administrative, logistics, and management teams.

Their commitment to continuous improvement has been instrumental in transforming Ginga's vision into measurable progress.

Two I-Ready Awards. One SETUP graduation. A stronger future ahead.

For Ginga Agrifood, these milestones are not the finish line, but another beginning.

As the company moves forward, it remains committed to harnessing science, technology, and Filipino ingenuity to build a more innovative, sustainable, and globally competitive food manufacturing enterprise.

From proudly made in Batangas to reaching markets across the Philippines and beyond, Ginga Agrifood continues to grow with purpose, innovate with passion, and champion Filipino excellence.