Relentless Pursuit of Dreams

“Ma. Beata Casiguran, a dedicated mompreneur and CARD client from Allen, Northern Samar, proves that anything is possible and attainable once you have optimism and perseverance in life”

In Northern Samar, Ma. Beata Casiguran, a 60-year-old entrepreneur, has woven a remarkable story of perseverance and success. With a life rich in challenges and triumphs, her journey depicts the importance of optimism and the power of hard work.

Beata’s life began in Northern Samar, where she was born and raised and met her husband. Their life together, with four children and two grandchildren, has been a story of shared experiences and mutual support.

Beata worked in a bakeshop for 20 years to support her family. Despite her dedication, their growing family needs made it hard for their combined income to cover all their expenses. 

Navigating Financial Strains

With the desire to support the family’s needs, Beata worked in Malaysia for two years. Meanwhile, her husband sought work in Manila as a factory worker. Their joint efforts provided crucial support for their family, reflecting their unwavering dedication and commitment.

Upon returning to the Philippines, Beata aimed for a fresh start while her husband flew to Taiwan, and worked as an OFW for over two years. Their collective efforts were not just about sustaining their family but also about managing significant financial burdens, including the expenses related to her husband’s family member’s death and more.

Despite all the uncertainties, the couple invested in building their home using their remaining hard-earned income—a symbol of their hard work and a secure future for their growing family.

A New Business Horizon

Despite their progress, family challenges persisted, leading Beata back to the bakeshop. Her determination to secure a stable income drove her to become a client of a cooperative, where she took on the role of the leader, representing her group at various trade fairs and workshops.

In 1996, Beata took a bold step into business, launching a rice retailing and rice pop venture. This move marked the beginning of her journey towards fulfilling her dreams for her family. By 2005, she expanded her business to include Pili Nuts—reflecting her ambition to grow and adapt.

As her business grew, so did her capital needs. In 2013, she became a client of CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO), receiving an initial loan of PHP3,000, which grew to PHP150,000. This financial support was instrumental in sustaining her business and meeting her family’s needs.

Beata’s path was not without hurdles. She faced numerous obstacles, including natural calamities that limited their business production, weak sales, and supply shortages. Yet, through optimism, entrepreneurial spirit, and her family’s support, she conquered them all.

Her business journey took a significant turn when she met Ms. Angela Poonin, Deputy Director of Mga Likha Ni Inay (MLNI), at a Robinsons trade fair in December 2022. This encounter led to a partnership with MLNI, enhancing her Pili Nuts production, product packaging, and branding, and expanding her market reach.

Beata expresses her gratitude, saying, “I am forever grateful for the help and support I received from CARD, and for opening the door to opportunities that truly paved the way to achieving the success I’ve dreamed of for my family.”

Triumphs and Future Aspirations

Through her perseverance and partnership with CARD, Beata established a Pili Nuts Processing Facility and acquired essential machinery. Her products now reach diverse markets, including Manila, Laguna, Tacloban, Iloilo, Bohol, Cebu, and even Dubai.

Reflecting on her journey, Beata offers a piece of advice to other microentrepreneurs: “As a business owner, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with and be knowledgeable about your business. Be perseverant and optimistic, as the journey will never be easy. What matters most is that you should never stop and never lose hope despite the hurdles you may encounter,” she said.

Beata Casiguran’s story is a shining example of resilience and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Her journey from humble beginnings to remarkable success serves as an inspiration to all who face challenges on their path to achievement.