A fishball maker from Bulacan was able to turn his simple business into a larger-scale production
As the 16th Citi Microentrepreneurship Award national winner, Erwin Ramos never misses a chance to inspire others by telling regaling stories of how he and his wife, Lanie, grew their small venture.
Ramos started with his fishball making business using the fishball recipe he inherited from his father-in-law. He experimented with bidbid, a fish considered a pest by bangus growers and marketed his product not only in his hometown but also in neighboring areas like Calumpit, Malolos, Hagonoy, Santa Rosa, Santa Maria, Pampanga, and Metro Manila.
By offering samples and using his wit and good social skills, he was able to make his fishball known.
Ramos now produces more than 2,000 kilos of fishballs every day. He has also gone into the production of daing (dried fish) and Paombong vinegar.
He received financial support for his business from his microfinance institution partner UPLIFT Philippines, Inc. From an initial loan of P5,000, Ramos is now on his 11th loan cycle with a loan amount of P200,000, which was used to buy production machinery and a van.
Through perseverance, determination, and hard work, Ramos is able to send his children to private schools and help provide jobs in the community.
When asked what advice he can give aspiring Filipino microentrepreneurs, he shares, “First, you have to put God in the center of your life. Second, sipag at tiyaga (hardwork and perseverance). And, lastly, save so you are prepared for unforeseen circumstances.”
Made possible through the combined efforts of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Citi Philippines, and the MCPI, the CMA provides entrepreneurs with resources to strengthen their business and enables individuals to create economic sustainability for themselves, their families, and their communities.