Posted on: March 6, 2026
Written by: Josephine M. Ramos
Glaiza Velasco, together with her husband, has attended several international food exhibits featuring their products, with participation endorsed by DTI and supported by LGUs.
What started with just two small containers has now grown into about 500 drums, which Glaiza Velasco from Pangasinan now uses to store fermented sugarcane juices.
Glaiza began selling vinegar produced by the farmers when she was still a working student in 2008. As a working student, she balanced her studies with a job at a fast-food chain and selling vinegar at school and in public markets.
Later that year, she took the risk of creating her own vinegar, given the abundance of sugarcane in their area. Because of her hard work, she completed her education and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Management.
After graduation, she entered the corporate world but soon realized that running her own business suited her better. In 2016, she was determined to take her vinegar business seriously, so she resigned from her job and focused on marketing her product. Glaiza went to public markets to offer samples to help customers distinguish her all-natural vinegar from other commercial brands. From then on, more people became her customers. Through consistency, she built a strong presence in the market.
In 2020, while the pandemic brought hardships to many, it became a blessing in disguise for their business. With the proper permits and operating requirements in place, most orders came to them, allowing their business to grow.
However, problems were inevitable. As sugarcane prices remained unstable, she rented land in 2021 to grow their own. Even so, they still buy sugarcane from farmers from time to time to meet all the growing demands of their products.
With their marketing strategy, they have been able to supply supermarkets, convenience stores, local government units, bus stops, and public markets. E-commerce platforms also help them reach customers nationwide.
To ensure consistent quality, their employees continue to undergo training, seminars, and workshops on food safety and manufacturing practices. As the number of customers increased, they were able to build their production facility and invest in assets.
Around 2018, she learned about CARD SME Bank, a thrift bank under CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI). Her first loan of PHP 3,000.00 was used to buy sugarcane. She currently has an active loan with the bank, which she uses as additional capital for the business.
Because of her entrepreneurial skill, Glaiza was recognized as the Pagkilala sa Mga Likha ni Inay (PsMLNI) Gawad Maunlad 2025 winner. This award recognized people like her who, through hard work and responsible financing, grew their businesses from simple livelihoods into stable ventures. PsMLNI is conducted annually by CARD MRI to honor clients who, through hard work and institutional support, have achieved growth and success.
“Pangarap kong maging global company at brands ang aming negosyo, maging maganda ang kinabukasan ng mga empleyado at mga pamilya nila (It is my dream for my business to be recognized globally, and for my employees and their families to have a brighter future),” she stated.
It was a ripple effect; she was able to provide for her family, create employment for others, and help farmers earn income. Her journey may have been tough, but the fact that she can meet not only her family’s needs but also help others is what drives her to do even more.
For orders and inquiries, those within the area may visit her at Zone 5, Imbalbalatong, Pozzorubio, Pangasinan, or contact her at 0917-188-2541.
