By Leilanie Adriano/PNA
LAOAG CITY — The biggest family-owned dragon fruit plantation in Barangay Paayas, Burgos, Ilocos Norte just popped open its latest wine — a distilled spirit made of dragon fruit juice — which it will soon market across the country.
The Don Rodolfo dragon fruit wine, which would make a good party cocktail or after-dinner drink, was officially unveiled in Burgos town last Nov. 10, in the presence of close family members and friends in the industry.
“The latest wine brand is dedicated to the father of the dragon fruit industry in Region 1 (Ilocos),” Edita Dacuycuy said, referring to her late husband, Rodolfo.
The unveiling of Refmad Farms’ fourth and latest wine variant coincided with the Dacuycuy patriarch’s fourth death anniversary.
Guests visited the dragon fruit farm and tasted its unique selection of wine products, including the first variant, which is more of an Italian red wine with a lesser alcohol content compared to the newly-launched wine.
The second variant is a typical cooking wine that could be seen in shelves near vinegars in grocery stores.
The farm also produces dragon fruit-flavored cookies, ice cream, energy tea, coffee, vinegar and soap, among others.
To commemorate one great farmer’s life, the 71-year-old Edita, herself a multi-awarded farmer-scientist-entrepreneur, said a medical mission spearheaded by her son, Dr. Francis, was also conducted in Barangay Saoit, Burgos.
The Dacuycuy family’s 13-hectare Refmad (Rare Eagle Forest Marine and Agricultural Development) Farms currently helps dragon fruit growers and food processors earn a huge income.
As a leader in dragon fruit farming innovation and technology, Edita Dacuycuy continues to share her 13-year experience in the industry, particularly on empowering women farmers and entrepreneurs to become successful in life.
Her passion for growing dragon fruit has not only influenced more people to do business, but has also led to the promotion of zero-waste organic dragon fruit farming in the Philippines.
