Carmelita N. Ojeda, 57, sold kutsinta, a steamed rice cake. She used simple rolled packaging and invested P66 daily. Given the rising commodity prices, she decided on new business ventures.
Palagi akong ‘Yes’ pag may pagkakataon, pag may potential clients at partners. Kasi sa business, given na rin ‘yan na dadating ka sa point na malulugi ang isang product, kaya kailangan rin talagang may mga back-up ka,” she said.
(I always say yes to opportunities, potential clients, and partners. It is usual for your business to weaken at some point, so it is also vital to have backups.]
She crafted local delicacies such as ube halaya, suman latik, and ginisang alamang. She sold them, and eventually, more customers patronized them.
Ojeda is not alone with her business ventures. She received the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) technical training.
She honed her expertise in proper labeling, packaging, and marketing to innovate her business and establish product standards.
“Big part talaga ang DTI sa pag improve ng aking business. Lahat ng trainings sa kanila, sinalihan ko. Kaya dahil sa kanila, nag improve ang aking income at products,” Ojeda shared.
[DTI has genuinely been a big part of the success of my business. I have attended all their trainings, so my income and products have improved.]
Trade Fair
Ojeda and 68 other micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) had the opportunity to showcase their products at this year’s Gawang Otso Trade Fair.
The trade fair features food delicacies, handcrafted accessories, and decorations from Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar.
The event runs from August 15 to 18, with a sales target of around P3 million.
Trade fairs like this create opportunities for new exhibitors to showcase their products and expand their business relationships, thus enhancing their marketing efforts. (AAC/JKPA, PIA Leyte)
