Josephine Ramos, Junior Writer
One of the wonderful legacies parents can leave to their children is a stable business they can grow and nurture.
Miraluna Dalapo, 57 years old, was originally from Agusan del Norte but decided to move to Butuan City after finding a job. She rented a dorm there and eventually found her partner, Eduardo Dalapo, the owner’s son.
Not long after, she married Eduardo and settled in Butuan City. Her husband used to be a dispatcher while she was a housewife.
As their family grew and their expenses increased, they decided to open a small carinderia in 2004 since they both knew how to cook. Two of their specialties are Bulalo and Balbacua.
With their diligence, their small carinderia continuously became popular. In 2018, they named their eatery Kan-Anan ni Papa Daday, or “Papa Daday’s Restaurant”.
After ensuring the stability of their business, she expanded by adding more branches until it reached four recently. Their branches were strategically located along the road for customers’ easy access.
She knows she is not getting any younger, so she teaches her children how to handle their business. Four years ago, she started allowing her children to manage their businesses with her guidance.
“I am glad that I can already see that my children have a heart for business, and with that, I am confident that this business that we started will continue to flourish in their hands,” she stated. Three of her children manage their branches, while her youngest is still studying.
With their business, they acquired a house, land, and vehicles.
CARD MRI Rizal Bank, Inc. (CARD RBI), a microfinance-oriented rural bank, helped her stabilize their business. She availed of a business loan for her growing business. Her current loan in CARD RBI is PHP 500,000.00.
Satisfied with the policies of CARD RBI, she has encouraged her children to become the bank’s clients as well.
“There is nothing wrong with starting small; what’s important is to accompany it with diligence and perseverance. In time, you will be able to see the progress, just like what happened to our story,” she concluded.