2020 MICMA: Elenita Villarta - MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center

GRAND WINNER – NANLIMBASOG CATEGORY

ELENITA VILLARTA

Co-operative: MSU-IIT National Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Micro-enterprise: Villarta’s Blacksmith Tools Manufacturing

Smelting a Brighter Future

Elenita and her husband, Joel, took over the blacksmith business of Elenita’s father, and through their ingenuity, they have developed their enterprise into what is now known as “Villarta’s Blacksmith Tools Manufacturing.”

Being members of MSU-IIT NMPC since 2015, they have been availing the co-op’s financial services to expand their business. They sold machetes wholesale and retail in Linamon, Iligan, and Balo-i, among other areas. In the past, their major concern was the lack of materials, but they have eventually found a supplier from Zamboanga who provides them with what they need for their business.

The couple has purchased “molye” (rims of the tires) for the manufacturing of machetes. The co-operative has also helped not just their business but also their family, especially for the education of their daughter. Elenita and Joel worked together to grow their business.

As Elenita said, “We really need to have great patience, especially when we are handling the people working for us. We need to take good care of them. If not for them, our business is nothing.” At present, aside from their blacksmith business, they have established a mini grocery store and an eatery.