NORTHERN MINDANAO – “Without DTI, this business would not exist.”

Calixto Daquiado had no intention of starting a buko pie business. He only wanted to give it a try after hearing about the financial assistance for MSMEs by the Dpepartment of Trade and Industry (DTI) back in 1989.

He was not an entrepreneur. He was a farmer who was looking for a more stable income to improve the quality of his family’s life. Motivated to provide a more comfortable life for his children, he accepted the challenge of handling a business in order to avail of DTI’s financial loan.

Raw materials for buko pie were scarce at that time. This challenge, and the need to improve the quality of the product, inspired Calixto to personally learn about baking buko pie in Los Baños, Laguna. The pastry, after all, is said to have originated in Laguna. Additionally, Los Baños is one of the cities particularly known for having delectable buko pies. 

Over the years, Calixto faced different challenges in his business, New Nonie’s Food Products. But his learnings from DTI’s Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME), especially on inventory and financing, taught him how to navigate his capital and become resilient during COVID-19.

Sitting as one of the KMME-graduates/guests in the Tagumpay Forum during the KMME-MME 2024 Batch 1 launching last March 7, 2024, Calixto shared that patience and perseverance are the attributes that allowed him to surpass the challenges and continue making the most delicious pie products in Valencia City, Bukidnon.

While it is natural to feel overwhelmed when managing problems in business, facing challenges with a level head is a key to making the best decisions.

“Lahutay lang jud (Hang in there).” Calixo said.  “Sulbad ug poblema na bugnaw ang ulo. Kalam lang pirme (Problems are better solved if you have a cool head. Always keep calm.” ♦

Date of Release: 02 April 2024