Paknaan vegetable vendor named W.I.N.N.E.Rs victor

CEBU, Philippines - Dulce Señerpida, a vegetable vendor from Barangay Paknaan, emerged victorious in this year’s W.I.N.N.E.Rs (Women in Need, Now Entrepreneurs and Rolemodels) during the Coronation Night last August 28 at J Centre Mall Convention Center.

W.I.N.N.E.R.s is one of the flagship events of the Mandaue Business Month 2012, the Search for W.I.N.N.E.Rs was chaired by MCCI Vice president Carmel de Pio-Salvador and co-chaired by Marylou Ngo-Ang.

Señerpida started selling barbeque in front of Paknaan Elementary School and eventually grew her business to a mini-convenience store that earns at least P15,000 a day while offering the basic necessities of the community.

She received P50,000 as cash prize, gift packs from International Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Virginia, Three Sixty Pharmacy, San Miguel Purefood Monterey and Magnolia Station and a brand new motorcycle from Granstar Motors for the barangay.

Señerpida was also awarded as Ms. Three Sixty Pharmacy.

MCCI President Philip Tan said that it has been the thrust of the chamber to improve competitiveness of companies and help the micro, small and medium enterprises particularly those operated by women.

“The business world is dominated by men in other countries but there are also women who play the role in the family, looking for the means to feed and educate their children. We now put the spotlight on these women especially for the poor and inspire others, making them become better entrepreneurs and citizens,” he added.

Sarah Cortes, First Lady of Mandaue City, commended the top 20 finalists who serve as role models in their respective communities and in the entire city.

“It is important to dream and realizing your dreams should be fueled with industry and diligence. Today, we pay tribute to the successful women who, through in adversity, have prevailed obstacles in life to become winners and role models in Mandaue City. Their achievements as winners speak of a whole new world of possibilities for all women in the city and the rest of the country,” she stated.

She noted that the journey of the micro-entrepreneurs symbolizes a testament that their dreams could be possible through perseverance and hardwork.

She further encouraged the contestants to pursue a higher calling for the family and for the society.

“You are dreamers who have made something of your dreams. We hope that you will take effort towards a step further and never waver for your aspirations,” she continued.

Among the 70 micro-entrepreneurs representing the barangays of Mandaue City, only 20 women were initially selected to qualify for the semi-finals.

The top three winners were chosen based on the criteria that includes inspirational story (30%), personality and self-confidence (25%), question and answer responses (25%) and barangay support (20%).

Marilyn Pajal of Barangay Alang-Alang was declared as first runner-up and Jessica Seno of Barangay Casili as second runner-up who had received gift packs and cash prizes of P30,000 and P20,000 respectively.