Former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Marilyn C. Magno of Cabuyao, Laguna, successfully became a frozen food business owner through determination, skills development, and support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Marilyn spent several years working as a domestic helper overseas to support her family, but began following her entrepreneurial aspirations upon her return to the Philippines.

Despite knowing that launching a business would not be easy, Marilyn persisted in spite of her lack of funds and expertise in the food sector.

That is when she sought assistance from the DTI, a government agency dedicated to promoting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to help her reach her goals.

DTI offers a range of programs and services to support aspiring entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses, such as the one-stop shop Negosyo Center.

During her initial consultation with the Negosyo Center Business Counselor (NCBC) in Cabuyao City, Marilyn pitched her business concept and received support from the Negosyo Center in assessing her ideas and conducting a feasibility study.

As she transitioned from an OFW to entrepreneur, the DTI Negosyo Center assisted Marilyn in refining her business plan, and identifying potential challenges and opportunities in the market.

This step was crucial to ensure that Marilyn's business had a strong foundation and a realistic chance of success.

NCBC explained the legal obligations she needed to fulfill, such as registering her business and obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, ensuring that her business operations were compliant with government regulations.

With the combined support of the Negosyo Center and her determination and entrepreneurial drive, Marilyn was able to open her frozen food business, which gradually gained momentum.

SMALL BUSINESS OWNER 

Eventually, Marilyn also became one of the beneficiaries of the Livelihood Seeding Program - Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay (LSP-NSB), bridging local government units and DTI officials to MSMEs amid the pandemic to deliver development services, basic business advisories, and other assistance to MSMEs in different localities.

The LSP-NSB included packages of livelihood kits worth P8,000, with items that could aid individuals in restoring their enterprises in the event of disasters and pandemics.

Apart from these livelihood kits, the program also provided business information dissemination, training and workshops, SME counseling, product development, and facilitating of business registration such as business name, barangay micro business enterprise (BMBE) registration, barangay clearances, and registration of one's business with local government units.

Through these training programs, Marilyn gained the necessary skills and confidence in areas of market research, product development, financial management, and marketing strategies.

For her prize, she chose to receive a frozen food package to increase her product supplies. 

Rooted from her experience and observation abroad, Marilyn bears witness to the growing popularity of convenient and ready-to-cook frozen food products like hotdogs, chicken nuggets, and other street foods, among busy individuals and families.

Inspired by this observation and armed with a passion for cooking, she saw an opportunity to bring the convenience and delicious flavors of frozen food to her local community.

Utilizing effective marketing strategies, including social media campaigns, Marilyn's business gained attention and positive reviews from customers who appreciate the convenience and delicious frozen food products.

Her success story served as an inspiration to other aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those looking to enter the food industry.

To motivate her fellow OFWs who aspire to start their businesses, Marilyn encourages them to embrace their strengths and transition from OFW to entrepreneur, emphasizing that their qualities that led to success abroad will greatly benefit their entrepreneurial endeavors.

“Although the journey ahead may seem difficult, always remember your ‘why’. Think about your reasons for starting your own business. Whether it's providing a better life for your family, contributing to the community, or realizing your personal dream, keep this vision alive,” she said.

Marilyn also advises them to form a support network, including entrepreneurs, mentors, and other groups, to share experiences, learn from wisdom, and find solace, as they are not alone in their journey.

“OFW's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to your courage and determination. You have achieved a lot. Now is the time to let your entrepreneurial spirit soar,” she added.

Through her passion, hard work, and the assistance she received, Marilyn not only achieved personal success but also contributed to the local economy and brought joy to the dining tables of countless families.