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Marjorie Samaniego, better known as ‘Ghie’ became a beneficiary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) in 2015 and founded “Cesmar Enterprise,” a small business that specializes in ginger-brew. Almost a decade later, her product is being sold at 16 reseller outlets in Bataan, earning her an award from Gawad Sulong 2024, the first ever awarding body for the most outstanding SLP participants, employees, and partners.
Marjorie Samaniego, better known as ‘Ghie’ became a beneficiary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) in 2015 and founded “Cesmar Enterprise,” a small business that specializes in ginger-brew. Almost a decade later, her product is being sold at 16 reseller outlets in Bataan, earning her an award from Gawad Sulong 2024, the first ever awarding body for the most outstanding SLP participants, employees, and partners.

Success is sweeter when it is earned through hard work and perseverance.

This mantra applies to Marjorie “Ghie” Samaniego, one of the recipients of the Sustainable Livelihood Program’s (SLP) Gawad Sulong 2024.

This event marked the first-ever nationwide awarding ceremony hosted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for its livelihood program participants, employees, and partners.

During the ceremony, Ghie’s nearly 10-year-old ginger brew business, Cesmar Enterprise based in Hermosa, Bataan, was recognized as the best individual micro-enterprise.

Amid this significant achievement, she reflected on her long journey and remembered those who supported her every step of the way, including the livelihood opportunities provided by the DSWD.

Reflecting on her modest beginnings, Ghie was a dedicated housewife to her farmer husband and a caring mother to their three children. “Before po ako napasama sa SLP, medyo mahirap dahil ang hanap buhay po ng asawa ko ay pagsasaka.

Alam naman natin na ang pagsasaka, medyo mahirap talaga,” Ghie narrated in an interview aired over DSWD’s Mga Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago (#KPAP), the Strategic Communication group’s online documentary on the agency’s development programs.

“May time na makararanas ka ng mga kalamidad, kahit maganda yung palay mo, pag may dumating na peste, medyo mahirap po,” Ghie said. Despite their financial concerns, Ghie devoted her days to caring for her children while contributing to the family’s finances by raising hogs and selling homemade goods. “Nag-start po ako nung maliliit pa po yung mga anak ko at hog raising po ang isa talaga sa pinagkakakitaan ko noon.

Naglalako rin po ako noon ng mga sibuyas at iba pa pong basic goods at nag-try din po akong gumawa ng peanut butter na ibinebenta ko naman po sa sa mga kaibigan at kakilalala,” Ghie narrated as she reflected on her efforts on making sure her children would not go hungry.

At that time, these efforts of Ghie may have seemed insignificant compared to their financial challenges, but that doesn’t mean they were in vain.

It has been the prevailing theme as the livelihood opportunities provided by the DSWD and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) paved the way for Ghie’s successful business career.

Through the skills training program provided by the DSWD and the DTI, Ghie participated in training sessions focused on food processing and entrepreneurship. These sessions confirmed her talent for crafting homemade products and creating something truly impactful. In 2015, equipped with her newfound skills and a seed capital of Php5,000 from the SLP, she founded Cesmar Enterprise, focusing on producing ginger brew—a product that is especially significant for its health benefits and unique flavor.

During the first year, Ghie faced challenges in selling her products. Her customer base was limited to friends and family, and expanding beyond that seemed impossible. However, Ghie’s faith in her business remained strong as she diligently participated in trade fairs and community events.

“Sinikap ko po talaga na tuwing may nag-iinvite ng trade fair, naging matiyaga po talaga ako sa pag-attend. ‘Yun pong ibang sinusupply-an ko ngayon, doon ko lang rin po na-meet,” Ghie quipped.

Slowly but surely, her business started to be recognized. Buyers began to appreciate the quality of her product, and many became regular customers and resellers.

Today, Ghie’s ginger tea is sold at 13 outlets across Bataan province, including ‘pasalubong’ shops and pharmacies. What started as a small venture has blossomed into a thriving business that supports her family and community.

Ghie affirmed that DSWD played a vital role in her success with the SLP personnel’s continuous guidance and opportunities that enhanced her market exposure.

She also thanked the agency for recognizing her as one of the most outstanding beneficiaries, which awarded her a cash prize to further support her business.

“Maraming salamat po sa mga government agencies na patuloy na tumutulong po sa aming maliliit na negosyante, especially sa Sustainable Livelihood Program ng DSWD,” Ghie said with a heartwarming smile.

Ghie’s story is a scenic journey that illustrates what can be achieved when an unwavering determination is paired with a strong support system. From her beginnings as a humble housewife striving to make ends meet, she has transformed into an entrepreneur, creating hope and vibrant livelihood opportunities for her employees.

The SLP is a capacity-building initiative by the DSWD that aims to support identified poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households and communities.

The program provides viable interventions to improve the participants’ socio-economic conditions by helping them access and acquire necessary assets to establish and sustain their thriving livelihoods.

The #KPAP is hosted by Aldrine Fermin, the Director of Traditional Media Service (TMS), which is under the Strategic Communications group, and is posted every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page. (LSJ)