The Alion Kapit-Bisig SEA-K Association of  Brgy. Alion, Mariveles, Bataan is a processor of cashew products like roasted cashew nuts and cashew butter. Their cashew processing business started in 2007 with a start-up capital of P128,000.00, a grant awarded by DOLE.  DTI-CARP and BPRE provided them with skills training in cashew processing, together with the technology being used for cashew shelling and cashew oven roasting. Since then, the group became very active in attending seminars and trainings given by DTI and other government agencies. After more than a year of successful operation and a good track record, another P400,000.00 grant was again awarded to the group to finance their growing livelihood operation.  Alion Kapit Bisig SEA- K Association has 22 members. Cashew processing is the major source of its member’s income. Because of this, they were able to send  their children to school.

 

 

Through the assistance of DTI-CARP, Alion SEA-K association was able to secure their registration with BIR. They secured official receipts as this is one of the mandatory documents in doing business. Through the programs of DAR-DTI-DOST Synchronization, the group was assisted in product development such as IPO registration of its trademark “Gracielo’s,” as well as in its packaging and label. The enhancement of the processing center and Shared Service Facility were also provided. Recently, small tools from the SSF project were awarded to them. Because of the assistance mentioned, their sales increased by 50%. They were able to double their capitalization after the SSFs were provided. Alion SEA-K is actively participating in various trade fairs conducted in the country. Currently, the group is in the process of securing a License to Operate (LTO) from FDA.

 

Elizabeth D. Paglinawan, the president of the association manages the group with passion and motivates her members to value the fruits of their hard work.♦