The project

Lucia Abillar from Lucban Quezon has a Bachelor of Science in nursing. After graduation, she started in a hospital as a volunteer to gain experience. When her father passed away, she decided to take over the family business, a well-known bakery, which was left to her in his inheritance. Being the youngest of the family she started operating the bakery together with her spouse in 1984. The business is running for over 67 years now and it’s a true family business, with Lucia’s husband and older children working in the company as well.

They currently employ 30 workers, most of them are high school and elementary graduates. They provide above minimum wage for the regular employees with a 13th month pay. For over 10 years they have been providing free breakfast in ‘Sinag Kalinga Foundation’, a home for the elderly as their way to commit the community.

Lucia’s dream is to start exporting their products in 2015, after they’ve gathered all required documents. Together with local partner NPFC, Lendahand will provide Lucia with a loan to realize her ambitions and expand her business. The loan will be repaid in 18 months.