Five Filipina micro-entrepreneurs were recently conferred awards for excellence in the pursuit of their respective trades amid daunting challenges notably those that arose from the pandemic.
The awarding ceremony, held last Dec. 6, highlighted this year’s Entrepreneurs Summit spearheaded by the RAFI Microfinance Inc. The event had for its theme “Sulong Negosyante”Charging Forward to Unlock the Potentials of Women Entrepreneurs.”
The Power Pinays: Mauswagon Entrepreneur Awards (MEA) were given to five outstanding female micro entrepreneurs who have successfully nurtured, expanded, and sustained their businesses despite the challenges, the organizers said.
The awards were categorized into three; Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry Innovation, and Responsible Consumption and Production.
The awardees under the Decent Work and Economic Growth category were Delia Inoc, proprietor of a shell craft and hog fattening enterprise; and Virgilia Bonghanoy, owner of a general merchandise firm.
Analyn Baria, operator of a digital printing, restaurant, and school supplies store also pocketed an award for Decent Work and Economic Growth—Youth Category.
Ailyn Flormata who is in the native bags business was adjudged winner in the Industry Innovation category.
Maylin Ligad, president of Ritazo Women Workers’ Association which specializes in sewing, copped the Responsible Consumption and Production trophy.
“The most difficult thing is to do, to start what you’re dreaming of. Especially when putting up a business, you have to take risks and prepare yourself for failure,” said Analyn Baria, a native of Ajuy, Iloilo, in her acceptance speech.
For this year’s Power Pinay MEA competition, RAFI Microfinance partnered with the Asia Impact Foundation, Inc., (AIFI) an international non-government organization that aims to herald the positive impact of women social entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia in consonance with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Each one of you puts food on the table, making an impact on your community, by changing lives. I am proud, I am proud of all you,” AIFI founder and RAFI Microfinance board of trustee director Terry Farris said in remarks during the awarding rites.
Farris cited the commitment of RAFI Microfinance to “continuously deliver its mission to touch and improve lives over the past 25 years.”
“Embracing the challenge, demonstrating resilience, and determination in the face of adversity – these are essential characteristics of a successful individual,” said Amaya Cristina Fansler, president and chief executive officer of RAFI and RAFI Microfinance, in her opening speech.
Cebuano husband-and-wife entrepreneurs JP and Maimai Maunes, the summit’s keynote speakers, shared insights on how they started and developed their food business amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Success is not measured by the absence of challenges, but by the determination to rise above them,” JP Maunes stressed.
The convention also showcased locally handmade products of RAFI Microfinance traders, featuring a dedicated marketplace called “Paskong Handog ni Nanay”.
The Tindahan Ni Nanay trade fair was open from December 6-9 at the City Wing Atrium at SM Seaside Cebu.
The conference was part of a series of events in line with the 25th celebration of RAFI Microfinance Inc. in elevating the lives of micro-entrepreneurs and their families.