Remedios Oquindo

Remedios Peralta Oquindo, 42, Queen Remelyn “Hill Spring” Water Refilling Station from Tagkawayan Quezon, opened 2009, employs 3 people, makes a profit of PhP 120,000 per year (USD 3,000), joined CARD Bank 8 years ago and is now on her 14th loan.

The Oquindo family used to run a beachfront store, selling fishing traps and other supplies, but the high competition put them out of business. Already a CARD Bank client, Remedios Peralta Oquindo decided to use her next loan and the proceeds from selling the old store to a completely new business: a water filling station.

“There was no business like that nearby,” she said. “But the first six months were a struggle because it took time to introduce our water to customers and show them that the source was safe.”

Since opening the Queen Remelyn “Hill Spring” Water Refilling Station in 2009, the entire Oquindo family worked hard to make it a success, whether it is pumping water from the well or delivering samples door to door to potential new customers.

“My husband attended a seminar on how to operate a machine, “explained Oquindo. Our children and my siblings help in cleaning containers and in delivering orders while I do the refilling and sealing of containers.”

Now on her 14^th loan and making an annual profit of PhP 120,000 per year (USD 3,000), she hopes to continue growing the business by delivering to a wider range of customers across the region and possibly adding a completely different kind of enterprise once her son finishes his studies. “With good customer service, careful budgeting and hard work,” she said, “you can succeed in any business.”

“You should try to give what your customers requested so they will never stop patronizing your products, and you must have the will to pursue your business,” is her piece of advice to other entrepreneurs.

~Remedios Oquindo