The provincial government of Cebu said on Tuesday it has awarded at least PHP1.7 million to the top three winners of its Sugbo Negosyo program that was implemented at the height of the pandemic to help struggling small entrepreneurs with their financing needs.
Renan Alquizola of Barili, southern Cebu is half a million pesos richer after he was proclaimed grand winner of the Sugbo Negosyo Season 1 at the Capitol Social Hall here on Monday night.
During the event, Alquizola shared that he set up Nature Living Cebu Food Processing in memory of his father, who succumbed to cancer.
Alquizola said he decided to produce organic food items to change eating preferences and promote healthy eating.
He produces granola, cacao nib products, peanut butter, and quinoa as an alternative to rice, among others.
As a prize, Alquizola took home PHP500,000 worth of digital coupons that he can redeem at the program’s merchant partners.
The second prize went to Elda Igot of Sogod, northern Cebu. Igot, who operates Igot’s Catering, won PHP300,000 worth of digital coupons.
Lora Evalca of Mandaue City took home the third prize with PHP200,000 worth of digital coupons.
Evalca manufactures sauces and dips, such as Szechuan sauce and hummus dip, among others.
The other seven finalists of the microenterprise assistance program, which was launched in September 2020, each received PHP100,000 worth of digital coupons.
These seven entrepreneurs include Lorenzo Niñal of Coco Hub in Pinamungajan; Ireneo Legaspina Jr. of Cosina Organica By the Sea in Alegria; Verliza Rio of Rio’s Rattan Furniture in Talisay City; Lord Alexander de la Rama of Bakerlane Bakery in Medellin; Francis Rey Becaldo of Buena Cusina in Minglanilla; Lorna Dy of Tableya Dy Bawo in Sogod; and Beverly Bionat of Acacia Mercado Snack House in Alcantara.
Source: Philippines News Agency