Gulfan, Bumatay bag provincial President Ramon Magsaysay Outstanding Filipino Worker award

Quiteria "Keithy" V. Gulfan, owner of Charis Nutri Fruit Bars locally known as Charis Ice Cream and Ian C. Bumatay, both residents of Tagum City are this year's Provincial Awardee for the President Ramon Magsaysay Outstanding Filipino Worker (PRMOFW) under the Self-Employed and Wage-Employed Categories, respectively.

Gulfan was endorsed by the Food Processors Association of Davao del Norte while Bumatay was endorsed by the Gagmay'ng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKK) of Tagum City.

The Search for the President Ramon Magsaysay Outstanding Filipino Worker Award (PRMOFWA) is one of the most prestigious awards being given by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Its roots stem from the Laang Bisig Award started by the defunct National Manpower and Youth Council in 1976. The award is aimed at graduates of Technical Vocational Education and Training who have overcome the despondence of unemployment and achieved success in their chosen field and enjoyed the dignity that comes from productive labor.

It was institutionalized through Executive Order No. 411 on May 1, 1997 and named after the late President Ramon Magsaysay, who was once himself a blue collar worker. Further, it aims to give recognition to the Filipino Blue Collar Worker who has attained skills excellence and contributed to the economic growth of the country. The search is being done annually starting from the Provincial, Regional and National Levels on Self-Employed and Wage-Employed categories.

Gulfan is an owner/proprietress of Charis Nutri Fruit Bars. Gulfan is a graduate of Radio Telephone Operator at the Rizal Memorial College, Davao City in 1973. She was able to work as a Radio Operator at Hijo Plantation Corporation owned by the Ayalas in 1976.

In 1978, she got married to Muricio S. Gulfan, Jr. She was forced to stop working in 1990 because their son got sick and she was afraid to loose their only child. In 1993, she became involved in ice-buko making. In the same year, her husband also stopped working and helped her in their small business. They shifted to ice pop making. Their business encountered some difficulties so they shifted again to ice cream manufacturing in stainless steel tubes in 1994.

They were able to avail of assistance from the DTI in 1995. Through a strong partnership with the DTI, their business acquired an accreditation from the Bureau of Food and Drugs. In 1996, additional financial assistance came from NGO-MCP 2 through the Hijo Madaum Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

Since then, the company's production increased by an average of about 30% annually. Now, they already have six outlets, eight workers, total assets and receivables of P2.16 million, and produce an average of 800-900 galloons of ice cream monthly.

Bumatay was born on August 22, 1981. He is the son of Nenita C. Bumatay and Efren N. Bumatay. He has a twin bother named Ien.

He is a homebody and simple guy. Most of his traits were inherited from his father. Due to poverty, his brother Ien stopped college and Ian pursued a course in Food Trades Technology at the Tagum National Trade School.

At the start of his year in school, he showed exceptional ability that garnered him several awards: Best in Food Trades - TNTS (1999-2000); Gold Medalist - Cookery (TESDA Provincial Skills Competition); Gold Medalist - Cookery (Regional Skills Competition); Silver Medalist - Cookery (Phil. National Skills Competition 1999); and Gold Medalist - Cookery (Open Category, Regional Skills Competition 2005). Ian attributes his achievements to the patience of his coach and mentor, Pedelina O. Huevos who was responsible in developing and honing his skill.

In March 2000, he graduated earning the distinction as "Best in Food Trades". Right after college, he worked as a Service Crew at Jollibee Gaisano Mall in Davao City. He found greener pastures as Head Cook at Taweng's Batchoy, Tagum City where he worked for four years from 2001 to 2005. At present, he is working at the Grand Regal Hotel in Davao City as an On-Call Banquet Cook. Through his hard work, he was able to help his twin brother Ien finish college. Now, they are both helping send their youngest brother Ivan to school. He is also fixing his papers to work abroad. With his positive outlook in life, coupled with determination, success will just be within easy reach.- Bienna I. Gumapac