Bataan, a province known for the Death March, is now going to march for an economic revolution – a Negosyo March. The Garcia Clan is enthusiastic to see Bataan progress rapidly. The Garcia’s, led by Gov. Tet, Congressman Abet and Mayor Joet of Balanga City, know that a vibrant negosyo climate and having Bataeños with enterpriisng mindset, are key to achieving the dreams of their constituents, leading to poverty reduction and economic progress. There is a need to help mold the mindset of the youth and microentreps into being more enterprising and creative.
The current micro and small entrepreneurs are the ones who need most of the coaching and mentoring. Local government leaders realize that they are the best enablers and that they can work on improving the lives of people, together with the private sector like the Bataan Chamber under the leadership of V – Cargo President Paulo Tibig. He is very active in working with government enablers in pushing for an entreprenuerial climate in their province. They also have a very active Provincial Cooperative Development Office Head Azucena Sugatain and DTI Provincial Director Yay Lasam, who are part of the organizing committee for the Go Negosyo Bataan. The Bataeños are fortunate to have no less than PGMA to personally award the Most Inspring Bataeño Entreprenuers and Microentreprenuers. Congratulations to our awardees. All of them have stories of success to share. Celso Valdecañas, for example, used to shine the shoes of older men and sell ice drop and newspaper in their barrio. He had to fend for himself at very young age. Now, at 70 years old, he enjoys the success of his five companies, one of which is the VL Construction. Miguel Mateo, another inspiring entrep, worked as a construction worker when he was 18.
He did not go to college because they had no money. Because of his optimism, hard work and passion for furniture – making, he now owns his McDo Furniture Shop. One of the awardees started with a capital of P3,000.00. Her name is Amanda Battad and she started a buy and sell business of dried fish. She is an example of micro entrep who was able to move up and grow her Amanda’s Marine Products becuase of assistance form the different agencies like BFAR and DOST. Another awardee, Consul Eduardo de Guzman, is one of the biggest names in Bataan. But, he also started small, wiht five people in a one – room office. From a single room, his business has grown into De Guzman Group of Companies that operate superior logistics services nationwide. Elvira Tamayo also started small with fishing boat and two piglets. From there, she moved on to her bagoong business. Her multiple negosyos, like the Elvira’s Poultry Farm, made it possible for her family to have their own house and provide the best for their children. Second generation entreprenuers also have their success stories to share. It is not always easy for entreps who inherit a business to share. The challenge is for them is to keep it alive or grow it to the next level. For example, Lorna Belen inherited a hardware store from her mother. She expanded the store’s operations and transformed the old hardware into the Bataan Commercial Enterprise. Like Lorna, Elizabeth Lim – Sioson also inherited the family business – a bakery and a grocery. The bakery was already known for a quality line of bakery products. But, it was Elizabeth who expanded the Elizabeth Bakery and Grocery into the Elizabeth Group of Stores. Another big name is Oscar Banzon. He is one of the highly – regarded entreprenuers in Bataan. He owns ABESCO Construction and Development Corp., Crown Royale Hotel and Resort Corp. and Magnoliaone Development Corp., which have been part of the progress of Bataan. These stories are only some of those to be told and recognized at the Go Negosyo Caravan sa Bataan on Nov. 6, 2009 at the Bataan People’s Center. It will start with a Negosyo March from Balanga City plaza to the People’s Center venue at 8 a.m., with the programme proper starting at 9 a.m. As always, the forums and seminars will be FREE of charge to all Bataenños with the will to succeed.