As the new year begins, it is fitting to pause and celebrate stories that remind us why hope, perseverance, and bayanihan remain deeply woven into the Filipino spirit. In our microfinance network’s annual search for outstanding women entrepreneurs, I met truly inspiring nanays —women who transformed hardship into opportunities, not only for their families but also for their communities.

During the Pagkilala sa mga Likha ni Inay awarding ceremonies, two trailblazing women entrepreneurs were honored with the Gawad Maunlad and Gawad Masikhay Awards. Together with eight finalists who were also recognized, they stand as living proof that inclusive finance, values-based training, and unwavering determination can transform lives.

Gawad Maunlad honors small to medium entrepreneurs who demonstrate remarkable progress in business and personal growth through discipline, innovation, and responsible financial management. This year’s awardee, Glaiza Bambilla-Velasco, is a 40-year-old entrepreneur from Pozorrubio, Pangasinan. She has been a microfinance client for eight years.

Her journey began in 2016 with a modest ₱3,000 loan. From selling vinegar while commuting to school and repairing worn slippers just to preserve capital, Glaiza steadily built what is now Dimalupig and Gabrielle Food Products Trading, a DTI-registered manufacturing business certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Today, her company produces natural cane vinegar and value-added food products such as Zavrruso, a sweet-spicy sugarcane vinegar; Primo Unaz, an unpasteurized sukang Iloko used by bangus exporters; Dos Martin, infused with siling labuyo; and Zavin’s Chili Garlic Sauce Pinoy Style, the first oil-free chili garlic sauce in the local market.

Her products are sold in supermarkets, DTI Negosyo Centers, cooperatives, public markets, restaurants, online platforms, convenience stores, and bus stops. Government offices also distribute them as gifts and tokens. Her vinegars are the first FDA-registered natural vinegars in Region I, gaining recognition alongside established national brands.

Innovation remains central to her work. She also develops healthier beverage alternatives — such as sugarcane juice blended with fruits — in line with government efforts to reduce sugary drink consumption among students.

Glaiza is deeply committed to her workers and community. Employees receive regular training, government-mandated benefits, interest-free loans, basic medical support, and utility subsidies. Her company supports barangay projects, feeding programs, church activities, and livelihood opportunities for fellow nanays.

Her path was far from easy —marked by limited capital, unfair competition, supply shortages, pandemic disruption, and even questions on her products’ authenticity. Yet through transparency, education, and persistence, she earned consumer trust and expanded her market. Today, she provides employment in her community, produces nearly 500 drums of vinegar, and owns production facilities, delivery vehicles, and agricultural land.

She dreams of becoming a global brand that uplifts farmers and local communities, while remaining grateful that microfinance provided training and capital to support her business’ expansion.

Gawad Masikhay recognizes microentrepreneurs whose lives reflect grit and perseverance. This year’s awardee, Iny Abaya-Abella, is a 40-year-old fish dealer from Tumauini, Isabela — a microfinance client for 14 years.

Iny and her husband began their business through fish consignment, selling door-to-door across barangays. Guided by discipline, savings, and lessons from her late father, they eventually transitioned to bulk purchasing, increasing both scale and income.

Today, her enterprise supplies fresh fish and seafood to market vendors and rolling sellers. By sourcing directly from Navotas and Pangasinan fish ports, maintaining minimal mark-ups, offering delivery-based services, and using social media for marketing, she built a competitive and trusted business.

Iny treats her workers like family — providing SSS coverage, meals, Christmas bonuses, rice, and groceries. She supports community programs, feeding initiatives, livelihood seminars, and fisherfolk associations, while ensuring cleanliness and environmental responsibility in her operations.

Her journey was tested by pandemic travel restrictions and even a traumatic hold-up incident en route to a fish port. Through faith and resilience, she persevered. From an initial ₱3,000 loan in 2011, her capital per trip now reaches more than ₱800,000. She owns multiple delivery vehicles and farmland, while employing nearly 30 workers per trip. From a bamboo house, her family now lives in a concrete home.

She appreciates her microfinance institution’s consistent support through the years. Her dream is to own a permanent stall in a major public market and become the primary fish supplier in her area.

As we welcome the new year, the stories of Glaiza and Iny remind us that progress is built patiently —loan by loan, lesson by lesson, and sacrifice by sacrifice. Their journeys reflect the quiet strength of Filipino nanays who dare to dream, endure hardship, and give back generously.

When nanays are empowered, families thrive, communities grow stronger, and hope carries forward into the future. These are the women we celebrate — today and in the years to come.

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“The first step toward getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” – J.P. Morgan