celebrating filipino entrepreneurship:
otop success stories

insight & success pathways

Likha Kawayan offers a variety of handcrafted products made from sustainable materials. Their collection includes personal items like bags, backpacks, and baskets, alongside houseware such as ornaments, decors, fixtures and furniture. Local artisans and craftmen meticulously refine these products to align with current global trends in the handicraft industry.

The Philippines may not be a popular producer and exporter of processed chocolates, but with some Filipino entrepreneurs who are currently into such business, the country may just find its niche in no time. According to Charita “Chari” Puentespina, president of Malagos Agri-Ventures Corp., success in business does not come easy for it does not only take hardwork and commitment. It also takes an eye to see the opportunities that many may have overlooked.

A vision to cultivate mushrooms and produce high-quality chips, despite having limited knowledge beyond the flavors and health advantages of mushrooms. To bridge this gap, they engaged in thorough research on mushroom cultivation and the essential steps for launching a business. Ultimately Rubylyzle chose to invest her retirement funds into their new endeavor. Thus, RuRu Mushroom’s journey began.

The Quest for Success through Suman Products

Today, the House of Suman and Pasalubong Center is managed by the Suman Makers of Clarin under the supervision of the Suman Development Council. The suman makers said that suman production has long been their primary source of income and has become an integral part of Clarin's identity. As a result, suman is now recognized as one of the top 10 most popular "Pasalubong ng Bayan" in the Philippines. With this achievement, the suman makers and the people of Clarin proudly declare, "Suman sa Clarin: our culture, our future."

Nuts about Nuts – The Bea’s Homemade Peanut Butter Story

Bona Y. Briones was looking for an alternative and additional source of income when she learned and joined the skills training on peanut butter making facilitated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). She initially processed 5 kilos of peanuts per day and the bottled products were then sold to family, friends and market-goers. To further upgrade and improve its products plus expand its market, Bea’s Homemade Peanut Butter complied with the regulatory requirements for food like the Philippine Food and Drug Administration – License to Operate and Certificate of Product Registration (FDA LTO and CPR) and HALAL accreditation.

squeezing sweet success the laguerta food products story

What started as a humble desire to simply convert their land into a productive farm back in 2012, has since evolved into one of their viable sources of income.
For over two decades, Ardie Quimjot worked as a seaman, while his wife Anita diligently pursues her own career. Despite their busy lives, they share a common dream, to transform their plot of land in Barangay New Tambo, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte into a flourishing farm.

Akkaw Zuman Delights

In the past years, Akkaw Zuman Delights has been a home-based business that maximizes the social media for promotion and selling of products. This year marks a milestone in their business as they have opened a physical store. For Ms. Zharish, this is a measure of success in their business. People can drop by anytime to taste and enjoy their delicious suman! Ms. Zharish said that Akkaw Zuman Delights will always be here to serve delicious and high-quality products that will bring joy and satisfaction to their customers and to educate the young generation to continue the tradition of making Suman as part of their culture. Her vision to continually make their business a success while carrying out their family’s tradition will always be her inspiration.

3 Sher's Food Products

nestled in the heart of Cauayan City, Isabela, is a family-run business that has been delighting taste buds since 1989. What began as a humble dream of Sergio and Lorna Gonzales has blossomed into a beloved brand known for its delectable snacks. Sergio and Lorna’s vision was simple: to bring the joy of delicious, home-grown snacks to their community. Little did they know, their venture would grow into a pioneering force in the fried corn industry, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.

A Sweet Yet Not Sugary Success! IZZAMAWY PASTRIES AND DELICACIES

Marissa Marquez Santos, a firm believer in giving her best, embarked on a mission to provide delicious and nutritious food to health-conscious people. Her venture, Izzamawy, specializes in crafting sweet but not sugary treats with unique flavors that have captured the hearts of many. In her early entrepreneurial journey, Marissa began by creating sample products for her friends and launched her business without the necessary permits. In 2019, with aspirations of taking Izzamawy to new heights, she turned to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and its Negosyo Center for support and guidance.