Turning Struggles into Success: A Couple’s Journey in Building a Homemade Business

Success does not always begin with wealth or privilege. For Jaime and Candelaria Debut, it started with determination, sacrifice, and the courage to dream of a better future for their family.

Years ago, the couple moved to Cagayan de Oro City hoping to find stable opportunities that could help them survive daily hardships. Life was not easy. Jaime, who came from Cebu, had experienced financial difficulties since childhood and was unable to continue his education. Despite these challenges, he remained focused on supporting his growing family.

To make ends meet, the couple managed a small sari-sari store while taking on different sidelines. Their turning point came when they discovered the potential of producing homemade chicharon inside Cogon Market. What began as a simple livelihood eventually grew into a stable source of income through patience, discipline, and teamwork.

Jaime personally handled the preparation and cooking of the chicharon, ensuring that every batch met the quality their customers expected. Meanwhile, Candelaria focused on managing sales and finances. Through their combined efforts, their products slowly gained loyal buyers around the market.

Running the business, however, was never easy. Producing chicharon required long hours of preparation, careful cooking, and consistency in quality. Still, the couple continued working hard because they wanted to provide a better future for their children.

Their small business later expanded with the help of financial support from CARD SME Bank. The additional capital allowed them to improve production and increase their earnings, helping sustain their family’s daily needs and support their children’s education.

Today, Jaime and Candelaria’s story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs. From humble beginnings, they were able to transform a simple homemade product into a successful family livelihood through perseverance and hard work.

Their journey proves that success is not measured by where a person starts, but by the determination to keep moving forward despite life’s struggles.///