From a big family and being the eldest, Mr. Bloodimare Tiamzon is no stranger to hardships and struggles in life. He started working at age 15 as an assistant to a jeepney tinsmith to help his parents augment their meager income. His exposure to metal works and iron fabrication in trade school and from being an apprentice gave him an idea to start his own iron works shop when he turned 20. Unfortunately, he lacked business management background, so he found it hard to maintain a steady source of clients. Because of this, he decided to work as a welder in Bulacan. Still, his income was not enough to help his siblings as they are now entering school, so he decided to apply as an Overseas Filipino Workers in Saudi Arabia.

In 2011, he got married. Still, he went back to Saudi to work. In 2016, after having a major family crisis, he decided to stay in the Philippines for good. Unfortunately, his savings from his overseas work were depleted. He and his wife tried to apply in other countries but they were not successful. In September 2017, Mr. Tiamzon and his wife decided to open a metal fabrication shop to augment their income. His wife suggested to him to consult with the Negosyo Center in Angeles City on how to properly register and run a small business, since they live near Robinsons Balibago where the Negosyo center was located. Mr. Tiamzon agreed and they booked a business consultation with the Business Counselor assigned in NC-Angeles City.

With the proper guidance of the Negosyo Center counselor, Mr. Tiamzon was able to slowly build the foundation for the success of his business. He was able to register his business with DTI and the local government of Angeles City. He was also certified as a Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) with the help of NC-Angeles City. Mr. Tiamzon was very thankful for the assistance of the DTI and the Negosyo Center. Nevertheless, he still needs additional equipment and cash to operate his business sustainably. Because of this, the NC-Angeles City counselor referred him to the Bank of Florida (BOF) for a Power Cash loan, BOF being a financing partner of DTI. It was very fortunate that BOF staff were able to help him secure the loan and helped him finance the Improvement of his business.

With the additional cash, he was able to buy the needed equipment and secured a contract with one of the businesses in Clark Special Economic Zone. He is now one of their subcontractors for their metal fabrication needs.

Admittedly, the road to success is still long and full of challenges, according to Mr. Tiamzon, but with the right business partners such as BOF and good counsel from Negosyo Center, he is sure that success will not be far-fetched. “Like metal,” he said, “sometimes we just need to be hammered and forge to bring out the best quality.”♦