BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – Hard work, determination and the knowledge and skills from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) training enabled a young entrepreneur to start her own business.
Christy Anne Salva started to work at a young age to help her mother sustain their family.
“Nag-extra ako sa friend ng mama ko para lang makatulong sa mama ko. And then ‘yun ‘yung naging dahilan din kaya ako nagi-strive din na magkaroon ng business. Alam mo ‘yung mga pagod ng magulang natin na nakita ko na since bata kami, at least ‘di ba kapag may business na, sana hindi na siya mag-work. ‘Yun ‘yung dahilan kung bakit ako nagi-strive, dahil sa mama ko,” she shared.
Despite the daily struggles to make ends meet, she held onto the hope for a brighter future.
Christy took up Hotel and Restaurant Services under TESDA where she learned several skills in food and beverages.
After graduating, she worked for a while at a call center. Driven by her passion for food, she decided to use her savings to start her own business she named ‘Sip of Grace’ in barangay Dontogan, Baguio City.
“That time, after pandemic medyo trending ang coffee, ang mga burger. So ‘yun, saktong wala pang ganito dito sa barangay natin na parang wala masyadong coffee shop na affordable,” Salva said.
Using the knowledge and skills she acquired from TESDA, she was able to create unique drinks and snacks.
“Sa TESDA, ‘yung course na ino-offer nila, more on something na magagamit mo talaga. After graduation, magagamit mo talaga siya sa work. They teach you ‘yung basic lang na talagang magagamit mo kapag nag-work ka.”
Sip of Grace now offers a variety of affordable snacks and beverages. It also offers board games for customers to enjoy while waiting for their orders.
Christy’s journey is a true inspiration to all. Her success in establishing Sip of Grace, with her skills that she learned in TESDA, demonstrates that with hard work, dedication and faith, everyone can achieve their dreams. (JDP/DEG/Ariann Mangayabas-PIA CAR-BSU Intern)
