A process of making pure Iloko vinegar passed down from ancestors that traces back a century thrives in the heart of Barangay Bacsil, Laoag City, Ilocos Sur.

Estrella Valentine, 75, has been crafting vinegar from sugarcane for decades, sticking to traditional methods to ensure the purity of the product.

The process is time-honored, and the boiled sugarcane extract is stored in earthen jars.

The final touch involves covering the jars with samak leaves, imparting a unique flavor to the vinegar.

“Sayang naman kung hindi namin ituloy-tuloy kasi ito lang ang hanapbuhay namin," Valentine said.

The fermentation of Iloko vinegar takes approximately five months to a year. The harvest season begins in February, and by the 'Ber' months, the vinegar is ready for sale.

A liter of pure Iloko vinegar with no added chemicals can be bought for P100.

“One hundred percent na suka, walang halong chemical kasi maraming naninira, pero okay lang kasi nakaka-benta parin kami," Valentine said.

Despite Valentin's age, she's committed to making vinegar in appreciation for the longstanding livelihood in their barangay.