Edrian B. Banania, Junior Writer
In Barangay San Jose, General Santos City, lives a man whose story proves that success is not born from wealth; it is grown through hard work, faith, and perseverance. Niño de Guzman, a vocational graduate, husband, and father of three, has transformed his humble beginnings into a thriving agribusiness that not only changed his life but also uplifted those around him.
His journey from a sari-sari store owner to a successful agripreneur is a story worth telling and one that is truly inspiring.
Humble Beginnings
Born into a family that relied on agriculture as its primary source of livelihood, Niño was raised with a deep respect for the land and the value of perseverance. From a young age, he was immersed in farming and fishing life, helping his parents and learning how to make a living from the soil and sea. These early experiences would ultimately shape his future.
Before fully committing to farming, Niño explored various livelihood opportunities. He sold fish and engaged in multiple income-generating activities to support his growing family. For two years, he worked at an automotive company while his wife managed their modest sari-sari store. However, it was always agriculture that drew him.
With a small dream and limited capital, Niño started a modest farming venture. Over time, that small seed blossomed into a thriving agribusiness focused on high-value crops such as asparagus, sweet and purple corn, and more.
“In doing business, it’s important to separate personal matters from business,” Niño shares, highlighting one of the key principles that helped him succeed.
Weathering the storms
Agriculture, while fulfilling, is not without its challenges. Natural calamities often pose threats to crops and disrupt operations. But Niño’s resilience shines in these moments. His approach is grounded in preparedness and smart financial management.
“In times of calamities, it is essential to have savings, so you have something to use when things get tough,” he advises.
Through a positive mindset and a commitment to sustainable farming practices, Niño has been able to sustain and grow his business even through adversity.
A crucial part of Niño’s growth was made possible with his six-year clientship with CARD SME Bank, a thrift bank under CARD MRI. With a modest loan of PHP 3,000, he reached a total of PHP 350,000, which he reinvested to improve operations and expand his agribusiness.
With the success of the business, his produce is distributed not only around General Santos City but also to markets in Cotabato, Davao, and even Manila. He now employs 15 workers and earns at least PHP 150,000 per month, a remarkable leap from where he began.
“We decided to stay consistent and committed to our business because we saw how it changed our lives,” Niño reflects.
With this support, he not only uplifted his own family but also created opportunities for others in his community.
Giving back to the community
Today, Niño is more than just a farmer; he is a changemaker. By employing local workers and partnering with small seed producers, he plays a vital role in strengthening the agricultural economy in his area.
“As a way of giving back, we support local seed producers by buying the seeds from them, and continue to provide jobs to the local community,” he says.
Looking ahead, Niño dreams of expanding his farm even further, with hopes of securing a comfortable retirement and a better future for his family. But more than that, he wants to continue planting seeds of opportunity for others that create a legacy rooted in service and success.
“To aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those starting from humble beginnings, if you don’t try, you will never see success in life. Despite life’s challenges, if you persevere, nothing is impossible,” he concluded.
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