A full-bloodied Bulakenyo, Ricardo (Ric)
Santos has such a close affinity to sugar
that he cannot think of any product to
make other than sweets. This passion for
sweets gave birth to the 11-14 Specialty
Sweets, which now supplies weekly, an
estimated P300,000 worth of sweetened
local nuts and fruits like macapuno and
tamarind to Baguio City, Pangasinan, Metro
Manila, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan,
and to the Bicol Region, some 400
kilometers away.
Ric started the business with a working
capital of P1,000 pesos and his family
of four, providing labor. The Santoses
worked on rotation in cooking, packing and
marketing. During peak seasons, they find
themselves working 24 hours just to meet
the demand. A clear sign of growth, Ric
set out to expand his operations.
He approached ASKI in 2005 and was
provided a loan of P20,000. “I was ecstatic
when the loan was released. Finally, we can
broaden our product line,” shares Ric. With
this amount, Ric diversified into bread and
pastries by setting up a bakery.
The success of the business prompted Ric
to share their blessings. Eighty individuals
are currently provided employment and
income by the business. During the
semestral break, the candy factory provides
students with opportunities to earn some
money for the next school year. Mothers in
the neighborhood who would like additional
income can also approach Ric for part-time
jobs.
These efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Ric was recently honored with the ‘Ulirang
Ama’ (Model Father) award by the San
Miguel Parish Church, in recognition of
his effectiveness at raising a loving family
and for his active participation in church
activities and community affairs.
At 11-14 Specialty Sweets, you can
trust that happy people make a wide-range
of products to satisfy the longings of your
sweet tooth. |
