The Blessing of Hortesa Crafts

Ma. Teresa Lucena, 47 years old, and Horacio Fule, 60 years old, residents of San Pablo City, Laguna are the living proof that with hard work, patience and creative minds, aspiring entrepreneurs can succeed in the realm of business.

In 2002, Horacio and his cousin planned to start a molding business with a start-up capital of P2,000. Horacio’s cousin, however, decided to leave and work abroad. Eventually, Horacio still pursued the business with his wife.

“I was from the fire safety industry. I knew nothing about molding religious images. But after endless trials, I discovered the process of making these items and eventually found the right mix to my products,” said Horacio.

Their customers can choose from a variety of religious items including the Holy Family, Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary, and other saints. They can also personalize the design depending on the request of their customers.

Few months after the birth of Hortesa Crafts, Teresa and Horacio became members of CARD Bank, Inc. The various financial services that the couple availed from the bank allowed them to support the growing needs of their business.

“CARD Bank, Inc. has always been there for us even when we were still starting. They are always ready to assist us in any way possible. Their support contributes a lot to our success,” thanked Teresa.

Seeing the potential of their business, CARD Bank referred Teresa and Horacio to CARD-Business Development Service Foundation Inc. (CARD-BDSFI) to assist them in their product development and promotion. After series of interventions, their religious items were marketed to a bigger number of consumers through Mga Likha ni Inay (MLNI), Inc. and SM Kultura.

MLNI is the marketing arm of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), a group of 21 development-oriented institutions including CARD Bank and CARD-BDSFI.

“We are grateful to CARD MRI group for its endless assistance to our family business. They helped us discover alot of big opportunities for our small livelihood,” Teresa mentioned.

“As of today, our world class products, with prices ranging from P40-P80, are being delivered to our re-sellers in Liliw, Calamba, Baclaran, and all MLNI and Kultura outlets nationwide,” added Horacio.

Teresa and Horacio consider Hortesa Crafts a huge blessing for their family. The profit they gained in manufacturing religious items funds the school fees of their children, Jomar Bon, 23, Christian Jhor, 18, Jester Paul, 17, and Jorge Michael, 14.

Teresa shared, “We were able to renovate some parts of our house and purchase additional machines and equipment for more efficient production.”

Also, the family business generated jobs within their communities. Out-of-school youth in their barangay helped Teresa and Horacio meet the demand for their quality products.

In the near future, Teresa and Horacio dream of expanding their business, bringing Hortesa Crafts to more parts of the country, and also to expose their crafts to the international market.