Women entrepreneurs share successes in business

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371459749493/women-entrepreneurs-share-successes-in-business
• Monday, April 4, 2016

By Gideon C. Corgue (FPG/GCC/PIA9/Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY, April 4 (PIA) – Successful women entrepreneurs shared their experiences in running their respective businesses in a forum dubbed “Abante Juanang Negosyante” organized by the provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last March 30 at New Roxan Hotel here.

DTI Provincial Director Marichu M. Atay said the activity, which invited women who succeeded in their entrepreneurial activities, was in line with the 2016 Women’s Month Celebration in consonance with Presidential Proclamation No. 227 issued by then President Corazon Aquino.

“Women today have proven themselves to earn the same respect with men. Many women are successful in their respective careers. They are working as engineers, pilot, police and army officers, drivers, rubber tappers, etc. that never happened before,” Atay declared.

“The women of yesterday were confined only to do the household tasks and raise the children but with the implementation of Republic Act 9710 otherwise known as “Magna Carta of Women Act,” the gender-based discrimination was eliminated, and the rights of women are promoted,” Atay explained.

Mercedes Lourdes Quisumbing, president of the Pagadian City and Zamboanga del Sur Commerce and Industry (PCZI) said she thanked the DTI for spearheading the forum, as it helped promote the rights and well-being of women and their significant roles in the community.

“As a businesswoman I performed my role like a “3-in-one coffee,” because I am a wife, manager of our business, and a president of PCZI,” Quisumbing said.

During her stint in the PCZI in the last 10 years, Quisumbing said, the association garnered three national awards, and five Mindanao and Regional awards.

Engr. Grace M. Silla, owner and manager of Goldas Cakes and Pastries, said she did not practice her profession as chemical engineer but she ventured into business by making cakes and pastries.

Silla said she took a short course in culinary arts in Cebu City to improve her skills.

Silla, who owns four bakeshops in the city, said her small business enabled her to send her three daughters through college.

“I was able to send my daughters in college and they are now professionals. My eldest daughter Jezzel Mica, is a resident doctor at the Philippine General Hospital, Gianne, my second daughter, is a teacher and entrepreneur, and my third, Goldah, is a graduate of Masters in Baking and Pastries in California and now working in Manhattan, New York,” she shared.

“In business life, it is very important to have commitment, dedication, passion, and patience,” Silla said as she also attributed her success to God.