Dream to inspire

Seven individuals whose hard work and business acumen propelled them to success were cited for their exemplary entrepreneurial achievements during the 11th Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA).

A partnership between the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Citi Philippines and the Microfinance Council of the Philippines Inc. (MCPI), the CMA program is an annual search for outstanding microentrepreneurs across the country. The program offers incentives to strengthen the skills of the winners — all part of a multi-stakeholder effort to increase the awareness of the positive benefits of microfinance.

BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. and CEO for Citi Philippines Batara Sianturi serve as co-chairs for the program. Held at the Executive Business Lounge of BSP, the event was the culminating activity of a campaign that ran for more than six months and attracted 107 nominees from 23 microfinance institutions all over the Philippines.

Tetangco remarked, “Our microentrepreneurs have developed a culture of sharing. In words and in deeds, they inspire others who aspire to better their lives through microfinance. Across our country, our microentrepreneurs prove that humble beginnings can lead to success beyond their dreams and sometimes even beyond our borders.”

This year, the CMA conferred the National Award to Enrico Fojas, owner of Cookie Mill Feeds based in Hagonoy, Bulacan. Joining Fojas in the prominent roster are regional awardees Marylyn Cleto of Luzon, Regina Paller of Visayas and Necy Ann Ty of Mindanao.

Special awards were also given to Rosario Caparas for Innovation, Maria Guidella Argabio for Agri Micro-business and past winner Jennilyn Antonio for Microenterprise Leadership, whose continuing business success manufacturing the Ehje’s peanut butter brand serves as a testament to the sustainability of her enterprise.

Sianturi said, “The most tangible and visible proof of the success of this program are the microentrepreneurs who, with perseverance and hard work, were able to use their business not only to improve their lives, but the lives of other people in the community as well.”

All winners received cash prizes along with a four-week entrepreneurship training at the Citi Microenterprise Development Center, health and life insurance coverage and laptop computers with IT training.

MCPI chairperson Mila Mercado-Bunker led the induction of the newest set of CMA winners into the CMA Alumni Network, welcoming them into an elite group of individuals who are driving progress for the country by improving their lives and their communities.