The project

It was only a dream at first for three employees to have their own business like the company where they were working. Marilyn and her business partners Daisy and Ofelia decided to make it a reality to start their own handicrafts business. With a small capital from their own savings, they bravely faced the challenges of establishing handicrafts for export. The products they produce were all made of tin metals, Abaca, Rattan (kind of wood), sea shells and other indigenous materials to create exquisite designs. Their business has been operating for one year and 10 months with their growing numbers of clients abroad like USA, Spain and Italy. At present, they have 5 regular workers, 4 of it are female.

With their desire to grow their own business and help the community as well, they have been employing their neighbors and the elders. What makes them special from other small and medium enterprise is that they give benefits to their workers by paying their SSS and Philhealth contribution (note, only few companies’ gives this kind of benefit in which employees can use if they were hospitalized or claim their contribution once they reach the age of 60). The loan granted to them by Negosyong Pinoy was intended to purchase additional raw materials for their bulk orders.