An entrepreneur’s innate ability to fish deep for innovative ideas to
propel his fishball-making business to success earned him the top spot in the
2018 Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA), a program funded by the Citi
Foundation and hosted in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
and the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc (MCPI).
Erwin Ramos, who turns bidbid fish into fishballs and other processed
products, was presented the CMA Microentrepreneur of the Year award in
ceremonies held at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Bangko Sentral ng
Pilipinas Complex, Manila.
Ramos was joined by other awardees: Maria Elena Estadola, nito
handicrafts business owner, Regional Awardee for Luzon; Rosario Amoroto,
calamansi processing business owner, Regional Awardee for Visayas; Arnold
Viado, balut producer, Regional Awardee for Mindanao; and Mary Grace Bayalas,
midwife and owner of a birthing home, Youth Microentrepreneur of the Year.
The Special Award for Agri Micro-business was given to two equally
deserving winners this year: Estrella Balnao, a coffee farmer and producer; and
Romeo Ponio, a corn and vegetable farmer. The Special Award for Community
Leadership went to Jessette Oquendo, owner of a pasalubong (souvenir) center
for Palawan crafts; while Marisa Ganding, a spa and wellness center owner,
received the Special Award for Startup Micro-business.
During the launch of the 2018 CMA, BSP governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr.
pointed out that "It is only appropriate that we continue to showcase
truly inspiring success stories of our microentrepreneurs. Since its creation
in 2002, the CMA program has served as a vehicle to encourage other aspiring
microentrepreneurs nationwide and to spread the message that through the value
and nobility of hard work, anything is possible.” He added that “our
partnership with MCPI and Citi Foundation is a significant contribution to the
BSP's Continuity Plus-Plus Agenda - one aspect of which is ensuring that our
financial system is inclusive and leaves no one behind."
“We are honored to recognize and celebrate successful entrepreneurs whose
perseverance, determination and conviction to pursue their dreams serves as an
inspiration to others. These outstanding entrepreneurs have made a difference
for their families and now serve as catalysts to encourage and motivate other
entrepreneurs to follow in their footsteps.
Citi Philippines is dedicated to supporting financial inclusion
initiatives that help Filipinos achieve financial independence and enable them
to make a contribution to their communities,” said Citi Philippines CEO Aftab
Ahmed.
In 2011, Ramos, together with his wife Lanie, experimented with the use
of bidbid fish—considered a nuisance in bangus fishponds—as base ingredient for
fishballs. In time, they ventured into dried fish processing and fish chicharon
(crispy skin)-making. An initial loan of PhP5,000 from UPLIFT Philippines, Inc.
helped Ramos launch their own brand, Erwin and Lanie’s Fishball. His production
facility in Paombong, Bulacan churns out freshly made fishballs and other
products on a daily basis. No part of the bidbid fish goes to waste; even the
innards are used as feeds in prawn farms. To this day, Ramos continues to make
product innovations while relentlessly marketing his products to clients in
person.
This year’s winners received close to PhP2 million in cash and non-cash
prizes that include life and health insurance coverage for one year; laptops
and IT training; and grassroots entrepreneurship training at the Citi
Microenterprise Development Center, another Citi Foundation program in
partnership with Bayan Academy. The winners will also be highlighted during
celebratory town halls in their respective hometowns after the awarding
ceremony.
The National Selection Committee (NSC) that chose this year’s winners is
composed of Gov. Espenilla and Mr. Ahmed as co-chair; with members Mr. Jose Ma.
A. Concepcion III, president and CEO, RFM Corporation; Ms. Teresita T.
Sy-Coson, vice chairperson, SM Investments Corporation; Atty. Felipe L. Gozon,
chairman and CEO, GMA Network, Inc.; Hon. Ramon M. Lopez, secretary, Department
of Trade and Industry; Ms. Mary Ann M. Montemayor, Mindanao Private Sector
representative, National MSME Development Council; Ms. Imelda M. Nicolas,
president, Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran; Ms. Marixi
Rufino-Prieto, former chair, the Philippine Daily Inquirer; Dr. Michael L. Tan,
chancellor, University of the Philippines Diliman; Mr. Orlando B. Vea, president,
Voyager Innovations, Inc.; and Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala, president, Ayala
Corporation.
CMA is now on its 16th year of recognizing outstanding microentrepreneurs
across the Philippines. Through the years, this awards program has highlighted
the efforts of multiple stakeholders working together to strengthen
microfinance and enterprise development, and financial inclusion in the
country. CMA has given recognition to over one hundred microentrepreneurs
across the country, including youth microentrepreneurs and those with notable
contributions in community leadership, agriculture, and environmental
sustainability.
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