Against the Odds: Bernadette Gome’z
Recipe for Entrepreneurial Success
In 2008, armed with a mere P300, Bernadette launched her peanut roll venture. This humble beginning, influenced by her parents, friends, and keen observations, blossomed into Sean Kris Food Products, now featuring a diverse range including dried and salted 'nokus bulingit' (squid) and the popular Kulotz Chicha Squid.
Bernadette's passion for peanut rolls ignited during her time at Saint Paul University Surigao, where a close friend's family, seasoned peanut roll producers, shared their knowledge. She absorbed their techniques and then embarked on her own culinary experimentation, refining the taste and texture of her signature Kulotz Peanut Rolls.
Within seven to eight months, she expanded her product lines to include Kulotz Chicha Squid, employing local friends and neighbors. The abundant squid catches in her locality inspired her to further diversify, introducing Sean Kris dried and salted squid. This expansion saw her products reaching markets not only in Surigao City but also in Butuan City, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, Cabadbaran City, Taguig City, and Iloilo City. Today, Sean Kris Food Products graces shelves in 13 outlets, including OTOP Hubs, pasalubong centers, and even online via her TikTok shop and resellers.
Bernadette's commitment to growth is evident in her relentless pursuit of knowledge and opportunity. She earned her NC II certification in Food Processing through TESDA's PGS program, a pivotal step that connected her with DTI personnel. She shared her entrepreneurial experiences at the 2011 Provincial Livelihood and Employment Summit, and showcased her products at major trade events like the Caraga Festival and Mindanao Trade Expo. These experiences significantly boosted her product visibility and sales.
Her achievements include being a regional winner and national nominee for the 2011 Productivity Olympics (DOLE CARAGA), and a remarkable opportunity to represent the Philippines as a guest speaker at the IFAD Governing Council in Rome, Italy. There, she shared her business journey alongside panelists from India, Sri Lanka, Tonga, and Vietnam, engaging with international leaders.
Bernadette's dedication extended beyond her personal success. In 2011, she initiated the Malimono Processed Squid Producers Association (MaPSPA), empowering 40 local individuals, primarily youth and unemployed adults, with income opportunities through squid processing. MaPSPA received vital working capital and equipment from DOLE.
Further milestones included participation in DOLE Caraga's SME empowerment initiatives, recognition as a provincial and regional winner in TESDA's IDOLS program, being a TESDA Ambassador, placing as 1st runner-up in the Young Women Entrepreneur Booth Camp (SPARK PHILIPPINES), and receiving accolades in local and national competitions, including BPI SEAL SEGA's Top 10 microenterprises.
Despite challenges, Sean Kris Food Products thrived in its 16th year. Bernadette attributed her resilience to continuous government support that fueled her confidence and vision. Her aspirations included establishing a modern, FDA-approved facility by 2025, solidifying Sean Kris Food Products as a prominent name in the food industry. This story is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and community, proving that even with humble beginnings, remarkable achievements are possible. (SDR, PIA - Surigao del Norte with a report from DTI- SDN)
