In 1999, Madonna Elizaga (photo above) stood in her kitchen in Metro Manila, stirring a vision into existence. As a mother, she wanted only the best for her children—a healthier alternative to artificial juices. What began as a personal endeavor soon transformed into a business with a purpose: providing natural fruit juice concentrates that nourish families. This vision gave birth to Zigmund Enterprises, a small cottage industry that, through resilience and strategic government support, would one day make its mark on the global stage.
By 2007, Zigmund Enterprises relocated to Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, where Madonna set her sights on expansion. Yet, like many entrepreneurs, she faced the challenges of limited resources, operational constraints, and market visibility. Determined to grow, she sought support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), a decision that would propel her business toward remarkable success.
Through DTI’s One Town, One Product (OTOP) program, Zigmund Enterprises gained access to training in good manufacturing practices, food safety, packaging, and product development. Madonna became a mentee under the Kapatid Mentor Me Program, where she learned invaluable business strategies. Armed with knowledge and government-backed opportunities, she steered her company toward a new horizon.
The pivotal moment came when Zigmund Enterprises availed itself of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). With this support, the business transitioned from manual processes to a mechanized production system, increasing efficiency and output. The small family-run business grew its workforce from just three employees to ten full-time workers, and its annual revenue soared from six-digit to seven-digit sales.
But Madonna’s ambition didn’t stop at local success. Equipped with an FDA License to Operate (LTO) and a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR), Zigmund Enterprises entered the national and international market. Through trade shows organized by DTI, such as the National Food Fair and international exhibitions, Madonna introduced her proudly Philippine-made fruit concentrates to the world. The Export Marketing Bureau and the DTI Negros Oriental in-house food tech guided her in ensuring compliance for international trade, leading to the company’s participation in major events like the ASEAN Trade Fair and Seoul Food 2023 in Korea.
Today, Zigmund Enterprises has successfully penetrated key international markets, including Singapore, the United States, and Canada. This milestone solidifies its position as a globally recognized brand, bringing Philippine-made fruit juice concentrates to international consumers.
Madonna’s growing influence as a woman entrepreneur was further recognized when she was invited to the Australia-sponsored APEC Workshop on “Fostering Greater SME Participation in Global Value Chains” during the APEC SME Week in Phuket, Thailand, in 2022. Her journey became an inspiring testament to how government-backed programs can empower women to break barriers and lead enterprises to global success.
Zigmund Enterprises stands as a beacon of triumph. Once a small kitchen-based venture, it now operates in a fully equipped production facility, sourcing calamansi from local farmers across Negros and Mindanao, thereby creating livelihood opportunities for communities. More than just a business, it is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the right support.
Madonna Elizaga’s story is one of unwavering determination—proof that when women entrepreneurs are given the tools and opportunities to succeed, they don’t just build businesses; they transform industries, communities, and lives. (DTI Negros Oriental) ♦
Date of Release: 25 March 2025
