2020 MICMA: Ernesto Montano - MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center

GRAND WINNER – MICRO-AGRI CATEGORY

ERNESTO MONTANO

Co-operative: MSU-IIT National Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Micro-enterprise: NSC Flower Garden

A Blooming Garden Business

Before he successfully established his gardening business, Ernesto used to go to Digkilaan to cultivate some farmlands with his wife Joyce and to venture into trisikad rentals. Ernesto joined MSU-IIT NMPC after his wife convinced him that co-operatives are good for them to start a business.

In 2011, they focused on gardening instead, and as farmers themselves, they felt comfortable about their new enterprise. Joyce had some experience in selling plants, and Ernesto knew how to propagate. They sold garden soil, nurseries, full-grown plants, grasses, and seeds. The garden soil came from Hinaplanon, while the fertilizer came from Izon Agrivet Supply along with various seeds.

On the side, Ernesto developed his landscaping skills, so he ventured further into designing landscapes. He was even chosen to do the landscaping for the MSU-IIT Coop Housing. The couple owes their success to the financial opportunities provided for by the co-operative. They were able to support their children to study at MSU-IIT when they were in high school and help their relatives in need.

For those who wanted to start their gardening business, their advice: “The things you really need for this kind of business are humility and hard work from the time you start planting until it matures.”