In Photo: Inside RF Dacumos Corporation: Florabelle F. Decamus (leftmost, wearing yellow), a proud client of CARD SME Bank from Zambales, alongside her dedicated team, has proven that with collective effort and effective leadership, achieving business goals is not only possible but also feasible and attainable.
For Florablle F. Dacumos, a 54-year-old entrepreneur from San Narcisso in Zambales, success is not just about building a business but creating opportunities, staying true to your values, and helping others rise with you.
Back then, she and her husband were just trying to make ends meet. They sold mangoes, a business that is typical of their hometown, hoping to bring in enough to provide for their family. But dreaming of something bigger, life led them to venture in another line of business.
From fruit to foundation
Seeking better opportunities, they ventured into ironworks and aluminum glass. As competitors emerged, they shifted to selling construction materials. Gradually, they gained the trust of their community as a primary supplier of roofing sheets and other building essentials.
Their business gained an edge by establishing its roofing sheet manufacturing facility. Being the only supplier in their area with a roll-forming machine, they offer high-quality products at lower prices. They supply materials such as steel, wood, paint, cement, hollow blocks, and roofing sheets to resorts, road-widening projects, and other construction sites.
As the business grew, Florabelle became a client of CARD SME Bank, Inc., a thrift bank under CARD MRI, opening new doors for their business. She started with an initial loan of PHP 300,000, which later grew to PHP 2,000,000, allowing them to invest in modern machinery and expand operations.
“Aside from our dedication and unified efforts, CARD SME Bank has played a crucial role in our growth. Through its financial assistance, they enabled us to invest in advanced machinery and improve our services,” Florabelle said.
To further improve business efficiency, they plan to acquire a double roll-forming machine and implement a more systematic transaction recording system. Additionally, they will also integrate responsible business practices, such as using eco-friendly machinery and ensuring proper waste management.
With her thriving construction business, Florabelle now employs 44 workers to meet growing demand. They treat their employees like family, and provide them with basic benefits such as SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth, with annual bonuses and gifts.
Beyond financial support, they promote a strong spiritual bond by organizing church gatherings and bible studies.
Overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities
Like any business, they also faced challenges. Some attempted to tarnish their reputation, but by maintaining quality products and fair pricing, they earned the loyalty of their customers.
With the success of the business, Florabelle won the Gawad Maunlad (SME National Winner) at the Pagkilala sa Mga Likha ni Inay Awards 2024, held in San Pablo City, Laguna, on December 11, 2024 . It is an event recognizing the success and positive impact of CARD entrepreneurs on their communities.
Looking back, Florabelle sees how their lives have changed. Their business has expanded, they have acquired essential equipment, and built their dream home. For her, success is rooted in faith, trust, and treating employees as family.
“Through dedication and resilience, I hope our story proves that dreams are not just imagined; that they are built through hard work and unwavering faith in God,” she concluded. (Edrian B. Banania, Junior Writer/CARD MRI)
