Meet Garry: The ‘Magtataho 2.0’ who elevated taho-making thru gov’t support 

Indulging in “taho” or the delicious and nutritious sweet treat made with silken tofu, tapioca pearls, and brown sugar syrup is a staple in the morning culture of Filipinos. 

The shout of the taho vendor while wandering the streets is considered music to the ears of children and those child-at-heart adults who are patiently waiting for the “magtataho” (taho vendor) to stop by so they can buy the favorite morning delight. 

Taho is undeniably ingrained in the Filipino way of life. Beyond being a delicacy, it serves as a symbol of identity and tradition that reflects the country’s vibrant local food production sector. 

The industry of taho-making is a heritage that Filipinos surely want to pass on to future generations. 

However, in an era where many food businesses are competing to satisfy the growing preferences of consumers, how can the humble industry of taho keep pace? 

Professionalizing the taho-making industry 

Forty-seven-year-old Garry Sevilla from the City of Valenzuela is making significant strides to elevate the manufacturing process of taho towards ensuring that it will become a competitive industry in the country. 

After working in Taiwan as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) for 8 years, Sevilla immediately learned the intricacies of establishing a taho manufacturing business through the help of government programs for micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). 

“Mahirap i-handle ang taho kasi perishable product. Pero nakita ko ‘yung potential ng business at the same time, ang taho ay nakalinya sa health and wellness industry, at ang health and wellness industry ay trillion dollar business,” Sevilla shared, emphasizing the unique selling proposition of taho to become a globally-recognized healthy product by implementing quality standards in its production in line with the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). 

(It is hard to handle taho because it is a perishable product. But I saw its business potential and its alignment with the health and wellness industry at the same time. Health and wellness industry is considered a trillion dollar business.) 

Extending assistance to starting entrepreneurs 

Sevilla underscored the important role of government support in the development of his business model. 

In 2012, Sevilla applied for the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the acquisition of equipment needed for his manufacturing. 

SET-UP aims to improve the access of Filipino MSMEs to technical assistance that will enable them to enhance their business operations as well as the quality of their products and services in line with national and international standards.

Garry Sevilla owns the Kyla Amazing Soybeans Company LTD. (Photo by: PIA-NCR)

Aside from the provision and upgrading of equipment, SET-UP also offers seed funds for technology acquisition, consultancy services, and technical training, including the GMP. 

Through the SET-UP, Sevilla was able to lay the groundwork for the professionalization and standardization of taho-making. 

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa DOST na nagbigay ng malaking tulong sa akin para ma-enhance ang equipment kasi malaking bagay ‘yun para ma-in line sa GMP at maramihang production,” said Sevilla. 

(I thank the DOST who extended a huge help to enhance my equipment. It’s important in ensuring that my business practice is in line with the GMP and geared for mass production.)

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry – National Capital Region (DTI-NCR) also extended the necessary assistance for Sevilla to further visualize and expand his business venture. 

In particular, the DTI-NCR helped Sevilla to enhance his product packaging to entice more customers and register his business logo to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). The government agency also aided in the improvement of his marketing strategies to build a market niche. 

The DTI Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) provided an opportunity for Sevilla to market his products in One Town, One Product (OTOP) Bazaar which features the best local products across the country. 

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa DTI at DOST na tumulong sa akin to market my products at patuloy kaming iniimbitahan para ma-market pa ‘yung mga product namin sa iba’t ibang malls at KADIWA ng Pangulo,” he added. 

(I thank the DTI and DOST who helped me to market my products and for consistently inviting us to bazaars to further market our products in different malls and KADIWA ng Pangulo.)

Sharing the journey to success 

Thanks to the support he received from the government, Sevilla is now preparing to launch his first physical store which is designed for business franchising in hopes to help and inspire others to start a business, too. 

Currently, Sevilla is one of the merchants in the BDTP-organized OTOP Bazaar in Fishermall Quezon Avenue, Quezon City. 

Support Sevilla and other local business owners by visiting the bazaar from August 10 to 23, 2024, at 10 am to 9 pm. 

When you support MSMEs, you are not only purchasing culturally-unique products, you are also helping to fulfill a dream. (JMP/PIA-NCR) 

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