Bella Baturi started her business in 2017 and finally registered it under the business name – Behold Food Products. It is  located at Brgy. Puangi, Dipaculao, Aurora.

 

Mrs Baturi was first inspired to start her own business when she attended the Entrepreneurship Appreciation & Business Opportunities Seminar conducted by the Negosyo Center (NC) in Dipaculao. After the seminar, Mrs. Baturi sought advice from the Negosyo Center on what trainings she can attend. Luckily, there was an upcoming training on Coconut-based food processing at that time.

 

Together with her younger Brother, Marlou Ramos, Mrs. Baturi underwent training in coconut-based food processing. She learned how to make coco soy sauce, coco vinegar, coco jam and other coconut-based food products.

 

After she learned the techniques and efficient ways in processing soy sauce and vinegar, she then registered a new business, obtaining permit to operate and sell her products in Dipaculao. Behold Food Products was made possible by the perseverance and dedication of Mrs. Baturi and with the help of his brother. Together, they started small and introduced their products to restaurants and food stalls around Dipaculao. Their hard work paved off when more and more customers ordered and inquired about their products.

 

However, a sudden increase in customers became a problem because the raw materials used in processing were not available in Aurora. As demands grew, so did the raw materials. Mrs. Baturi thought of ways to get the raw materials she needed for production. Fortunately, she had a friend who delivered goods all the way from Manila to Dipaculao. Moreover, one of the problem she encountered was how to compete with big companies and manufacturers. These manufacturers can mass produce products, at cheaper prices. Mrs. Baturi did not lose hope however, as she devised a plan which focused on the delivery of her products to different restaurants.

 

Mrs. Baturi and her brother Marlou are currently supplying restaurant owners in Poblacion, Mucdol, Ditale, Dinadiawan, Maria, Baler and even in Casiguran. She plans to add new products in her business.

 

Mrs. Baturi said that “Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance’’. She also quoted that, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”  She stressed that without unity with his brother the business will not be successful. She also views life as a continuous learning experience. She and her brother attended the Seminar on Food Safety and 5s Implementation conducted by NC Dipaculao. The seminar imparted knowledge to her and to his brother about safety food handling – a learning which is important in the food manufacturing business. Mrs. Baturi plans that someday she would open her own space to cater to all the condiments demand in the whole province of Aurora.

 

–Johnsen V. Javar
 Business Counselor, NC Dipaculao