#DTIMalasakit Story from DTI-Region 4A (Cavite)
By Lorie Frias
On April 4, 2018 Ms. Marinell Cahibaybayan George, producer of “Salabat ni Ama”, was registered under the business name Manell’s Food Products. Instead of selling raw ginger in the market at Php 20.00 per kilo, she is buying it from her father and producing it as salabat powder. For the first four months of operation, she was receiving orders amounting to Php 5,000.00 a month.
During the fifth month, the order was almost doubled. She was very optimistic that her business will succeed through continuous support of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Negosyo Center Magallanes. Venturing into other food products was also part of her business plan.
Ms. Marinell was also active in attending seminars such as DTI’s SME Roving Academy not only in Magallanes but in other municipalities as well. She attends to various seminars with topics on food manufacturing. She took advantage of DTI’s free seminars with high hopes that these will equip her in her journey to become a successful entrepreneur.
During an interview, she said “Napakalaki ng tulong ng Negosyo Center Magallanes sa akin. Mahalaga sa kagaya ko po na pinagkakatiwalaan ang produkto sa simula pa lamang, nagiging driving force ko po iyon para pagbutihan pa. Napakalaki po ng tulong ng mga free trainings dahil ang dami kong naging ideas.”
During the first quarter of 2019, Manell’s Food Products has developed Coco Jam de Muscovado and Moringa Tea con Muscovado. Several product trials have been made in order to achieve the desired taste and presentation. They started to join local food exhibit and food fair.
Through the help of Negosyo Center Magallanes, Moringa Tea Con Muscovado has applied for One-Town, One Product Nxt Gen and was chosen to become part of the program for 2019.
A year after she signed up at Negosyo Center, Manell’s Food Products is now becoming a known producer of Salabat ni Ama, Coco Jam de Muscovado, and Moringa Tea con Muscovado. With the use of technology, Manell’s Food Products now reach a wider market – gaining popularity in neighboring municipalities to even customers abroad.♦
Published in Pilipino Mirror on 19 June 2019.