Turning Rice into Hope
Dario has long sold puto maya, a traditional Filipino delicacy made from sticky rice, banana leaves, ginger, sugar, and coconut milk. Puto maya is often enjoyed by itself or with a delectable cup of rich hot chocolate. Dario worked for Sunpride Food, Inc., for 20 years, gaining relevant experience in the food business to strengthen his outfit on the side. He attended a training through DBA Philippines and applied for additional financing through DBA’s partners to increase his business’s earning potential.
His business’s core strengths are his sound quality, a competitively priced product, superb packaging, and a phenomenal location near Southwestern University and the Church of Santo Nino, meaning a plethora of passersby have the opportunity to purchase his sweet treat. By cooking and selling puto maya, Dario and his wife have been able to put their children through college and make a business they are proud of.
Since traditional foods such as puto maya are very popular in the Philippines, Dario quickly expanded into making barquillos. Barquillos are delectable delicacies that resemble taquitos, but are made from a crispy rolled wafer and include various fillings. Since partnering with DBA, building his business plan, and securing this additional financing, Dario has been able to bolster his support of his beautiful, growing family.
Every contribution to DBA Philippines empowers small entrepreneurs to transform their passion into sustainable businesses, lifting families and communities out of poverty. Thank you to our donors for making our curriculum and program possible.