DOST Antique iHub fosters innovation and showcases homegrown flavors

San Jose, Antique- The DOST Antique Innovation Hub (iHub) continues to highlight its role as a creative space where local entrepreneurs can showcase their products, share their stories, and explore innovation-driven growth.

One of the featured startups during a recent iHub activity was Milque Food Products Manufacturing, a promising local enterprise that took center stage to share their journey and vision.

Founded by Ms. KC Lyn Mabuhay Israel in 2018 at a small condo kitchen in Nonthaburi, Thailand, Milque began with the creation of its first product—Thailand Tea. The name “Milque,” rooted from the phrase “Made in the Land of Antique,” reflects the brand’s deep roots and strong local identity. What started as a personal pursuit of flavor has since grown into a thriving food startup now based in San Jose, Antique.

Today, Milque offers a diverse line of locally-developed products including Master Sauce, Mustard Sauce, Banana Ketchup, and Sawsawan, along with plant-based burger patties, Milque Fry, beef steak, tapa, and fries wedges. Designed with the Filipino palate in mind, these products are rich in taste, low in preservatives, and ideal for both household and commercial use.

The iHub activity provided Milque with the opportunity not only to showcase its innovative products, but also to present its vision of becoming a trusted food manufacturing brand—not just in the Philippines, but across Asia.

More importantly, Antique iHub, as a nurturing space for innovative startups for entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and develop solutions to economic and social challenges, opened doors for Milque Food Products Manufacturing to explore potential partnerships with DOST, through its various programs designed to support startup growth.

This initiative reflects DOST’s commitment to empowering local startups through science, technology, and innovation, fostering pride in homegrown talent and culinary excellence. (EDABut / RJROrquejo / Antique PSTO)