An entrepreneur’s innate ability to fish deep for innovative ideas to propel his fishball-making business to success earned him the top spot in the 2018 Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA), a program funded by the Citi Foundation and hosted in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI).
2018 CMA Microentrepreneur of the Year Fishball Manufacturer Erwin Ramos (center) receives his award from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier (left) and Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed.
The CMA is a signature initiative of the Citi Foundation aimed at generating economic opportunities for low-income people, including youth, around the globe. The awards program provides entrepreneurs with resources to strengthen their business, including access to networks, capital, tools and training; and enables individuals to create economic sustainability for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Erwin Ramos, who turns bidbid fish into fishballs and other processed products, was presented the CMA Microentrepreneur of the Year award in ceremonies held at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Manila.
Ramos was joined by other awardees: Maria Elena Estadola, nito handicrafts business owner, Regional Awardee for Luzon; Rosario Amoroto, calamansi processing business owner, Regional Awardee for Visayas; Arnold Viado, balut producer, Regional Awardee for Mindanao; and Mary Grace Bayalas, midwife and owner of a birthing home, Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year.
The Special Award for Agri Micro-business was given to two equally deserving winners this year: Estrella Balnao, a coffee farmer and producer; and Romeo Ponio, a corn and vegetable farmer. The Special Award for Community Leadership went to Jessette Oquendo, owner of a pasalubong (souvenir) center for Palawan crafts; while Marisa Ganding, a spa and wellness center owner, received the Special Award for Startup Micro-business.