Go Negosyo fetes Bataan entrepreneurs

MANILA, Philippines - Celso Valdecañas spent his early childhood shining shoes for older men and selling ice drop and newspaper in a small barrio in Bataan. His mother died when he was just three years old. Left with his father and three siblings, Celso knew he had to fend for himself at an early age.

After decades of hard work and strength of will to survive, Celso now happily enjoys his well-earned success with his family. He serves as the president and chief executive officer of the five businesses that he owns.

Celso’s story is one of eight to be told at the Go Negosyo Caravan sa Bataan today at the Bataan People’s Center.

Go Negosyo will be giving recognition to the “Most Inspiring Bataeño Entrepreneurs and Micro Entrepreneurs” from the province, who will serve as inspiration and role models not only for the Bataeños but also for other Filipinos.

Another remarkable story is that of Miguel Mateo. He worked as a construction laborer at the age of 18. Poverty forced him to skip college, but Miguel grabbed the opportunity when his foreman passed on a job to him. The salary he received from the project’s success enabled him to buy his first machine, which he used in making furniture. From there, he built a small shop that eventually grew into one of Bataan’s biggest -- Mcdo Furniture Shop, which Miguel named after his son.

Armanda Battad started her business with an initial capital of P3,000. With that amount, she tried to buy and sell small volumes of dried fish from neighbors to nearby provinces. With her strong determination and dedication to make her business work, she gained the trust and confidence of various government agencies. Her business, Amanda’s Marine Products, received technical and financial support from various agencies and continues to improve existing products and develop new lines.

Consul Eduardo de Guzman is now the chairman and president of multiple companies all over the country. De Guzman started Sky Freight Brokerage in a barely furnished one-room office with an initial staff of five. At present, this 100 percent Filipino-owned-company continues its 40 years of experience in operating and delivering superior logistics services nationwide.

Like De Guzman, Elvira Tamayo also remembers her first move in undertaking a business. After six years of being employed, Elvira and her husband managed to save money, which they used to buy a fishing boat and two piglets. From there, they were able to acquire five more fishing boats, which encouraged Elvira to start processing bagoong. This enabled them to construct their own house, expand the business and provide the best education and convenient life for their children.

Other entrepreneurs did not start from rags, but they have also earned and worked hard for their present success.

Lorna Belen inherited a hardware store from her mother. Her business exposure coupled with her formal education led her to expand the store operations. Lorna generated improved sales and income through wholesaling, aggressive pricing and good business relationship with suppliers. The old hardware transformed into what it is known today as Bataan Commercial Enterprises.

Similar to Lorna, Elizabeth Lim-Sioson also assumed the ownership and management of their family bakery and grocery from her parents. The bakery was known for a quality line of bakery products from ordinary to special breads delivered to different towns in Bataan. With her vision to aspire for continuous growth and development in the business, Elizabeth transformed and expanded the Elizabeth Bakery and Grocery into the Elizabeth Group of Stores with multiple businesses.

The name Oscar Banzon would surely ring a bell to the Bataeño community. He is one of the most reputable entrepreneurs who made a name for himself and his businesses in Bataan, as well as in different parts of the country. Oscar is currently the president of his three well-established businesses that are deeply rooted in Bataan.

Presidential Consultant for Entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion has joined forces with local government officials led by Gov. Enrique Garcia, Rep. Albert Garcia and Balanga City Mayor Joet Garcia in putting up the “Go Negosyo Caravan sa Bataan.”