01/12/2025
Thank you, DTI Cotabato Province and Negosyo Center Pikit, for recognizing our journey and for your unwavering support for local entrepreneurs. ๐ซถ๐ป๐ฅน This feature motivates us to keep innovating, improving our products, and expanding our reach. We believe that with continuous learning and the right support system, MSMEs like ours can grow sustainably and create meaningful impact. We look forward to more opportunities, more improvements, and more milestones ahead. ๐ฅ ๐ง ๐ซถ๐ป๐ซถ๐ป๐ซถ๐ปโค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ง๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง: ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐กโ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ง๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฉ๐ฌ
๐ต๐ถ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐ ๐ท๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐ข๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐๐๐๐ | ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ ๐ถ๐๐๐ก๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ก
Emma Dimna Bondoc, the former Budget Officer of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pikit, has consistently demonstrated a strong sense of determination and dedication. After serving for 37 years, she retired in 2013 and, rather than slowing down, chose to pursue a venture that would bring joy to her community and build a lasting family legacy. Using her pension, she finally pursued a dream long nurtured in her heart: a greaseless peanut business.
The story began in 2008 when her brother-in-law from Pampanga started selling peanuts using a recipe he personally developed. With an investment of PHP 50,000, he sourced peanuts in bulk from Midsayap and followed his own method of preparation, packing them in simple pouches for local customers. After his passing, the treasured recipe was handed down to Mrs. Emmaโs husband, and the family continued the craft, enhancing the quality of the products while honoring the memory of the one who started it all.
One of their most remarkable breakthroughs was the development of โgreaselessโ peanuts. Unlike the typical native oily peanuts available in the market, these were skinless, distinct in texture, and sourced from Davao, originally imported from Taiwan. The peanuts undergo a meticulous process, thorough washing, boiling, and air-drying, to ensure cleanliness, flavor, and safety in every batch.
As the business grew, Emma sought support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). In 2017, she completed all learning modules under the Kapatid Mentor Me Program (KMME), where she began enhancing their packaging and creating a professionally designed product label. This intervention greatly improved marketability and brand presence.
In 2019, the management was handed over to Emmaโs daughter, Sheena Dimna Bondoc. When Sheenaโs father fell ill with cancer, she left her job as a nurse to care for him while simultaneously managing the business. During this period, the family made a pivotal decision: to produce a standalone garlic chips product. The idea came from a respected doctor in Pikit, and the garlic chips, flavored with a special blend of spices, quickly became a hit among health-conscious customers. Separating the garlic chips from the peanuts allowed both products to shine, boosting customer satisfaction.
Listening closely to customer feedback, Sheena made further refinements to the products, resulting in an impressive 150% increase in sales. Both the greaseless peanuts and garlic chips undergo a careful preparation process that can take up to three days. Despite having a five-month shelf life, the family prioritizes freshness, accepting orders a week in advance and producing only what is needed. The garlic chips are sliced thinly to prevent bitterness, and both products are free from preservatives, seasoned only with natural flavors.
Although the family does not operate a physical store, their business thrives through direct sales and regular deliveries. Their market reach expanded significantly through partnerships with Mers, South Seas, and Petron, allowing more customers to enjoy their products. For the Bondocs, success is not solely measured by profit but by the satisfaction and loyalty of their customers, especially in Pikit, where demand remains consistently high.
This year marks another milestone for the family. Just this November, Joshโs Greaseless Peanut received a Processed Food Business Kit under DTIโs PPG Program, which includes much-needed packaging materials. This support further strengthens their production and helps elevate the overall quality and presentation of their products.
Reflecting on their journey, the Bondoc family attributes their success to hard work, innovation, and their commitment to listening to customers. With a steadfast focus on quality and service, they continue to improve their products and remain optimistic about the future of their business. Through perseverance and passion, they are building a legacy that will endure for generations.
