Challenges in seafaring job lead to entrepreneurial success

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

Emmanuel Nepomuceno Rabano, 47, from Oas, Albay realized that what seemed like a setback when he failed to return to his work as a seafarer nine years ago ultimately opened the door to a much greater opportunity.

“I worked as a seaman from 2009 to 2015, and then I settled in Bicol for a while. I had planned to return to work, but during my time in my hometown, I had the chance to relax, explore, and enjoy a lot of food. Sa Bicol, masasarap talaga ang pagkain,” he said with a chuckle.

Little did he know that his love for food would eventually lead to obesity. When he attempted to renew his contract as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), he faced rejection and was informed that he was unfit to work.

Instead of dwelling on the loss, Rabano decided to turn his struggle with obesity into a life-changing business opportunity that would help him get his life back on track.

“Since mahilig din naman ako kumain, I thought about starting a business centered around what I love most—food. So, I started making and selling pork barbecues. My customers noticed that my homemade dipping sauce tastes good,” Rabano said.

A customer who worked at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) consistently encouraged him to visit their office and seek assistance in facilitating the market entry of his product.

Initially hesitant, he ultimately took the customer’s advice and never regretted it, as it led to the creation of his famous Sukang Marang dip sauce products.

Starting from a simple barbecue sauce, Rabano was able to develop a variety of flavorful options, including garlic onion, atsara, sweet and spicy, six spice, mango chili sauce, pineapple chili sauce, and ginisang balaw or bagoong, among others.

“During the seven years I spent as a seafarer, I had the opportunity to see the world, traveling through many countries. I believe I was redirected to be where I am now. After utilizing DTI services and receiving assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), I am confident that we can make a positive impact through entrepreneurship,” Rabano said.

He has since participated in numerous trade fairs and was recognized as a model entrepreneur by the DTI.

Those who want to try his dipping sauce can message him on his Facebook account: Emmanuel Rabano.

Zappuro products

Maricar Bayaca Lee’s story is different. She is the wife of an OFW.

“My husband has been working abroad for the past eight years. Life as a seafarer is also difficult. Pag walang sakay, walang income. So I decided to think of a way na kahit nasa bahay kami, dapat may pumapasok na income,” Lee said.

Lee did not want to be a typical wife who simply waited to collect her husband’s salary. Instead, she attended training sessions and seminars sponsored by the DTI and other government agencies.

She believed that with the right training, effective communication, and strong connections, she could build a business that would support her family, even during her husband’s idle times.

Initially, she purchased 5 kilos of peanuts for her homemade peanut butter. As demand grew, she started ordering sack after sack of peanuts to meet the needs of her customers.

“Since peanut butter is very common in the market, nag i-innovate ako. I made a difference, like, my products have no added oil, no added sugar and since Bicol pride tayo, nag incorporate ako ng pili (nut) sa peanut butter products ko,” Lee added.

Her driving force?

“I don’t want to see my husband grow old as a seafarer. I would like him to retire and enjoy the fruits of his labor. I want him to be permanently home and spend time with us as a complete family. It’s difficult not to have a father figure around the house.”

Lee explained that they started from scratch, renting a house in the beginning. Now, they own both a house and a lot, as well as a vehicle for delivering her Zappuro products. Initially focused on peanut butter, she has now expanded her line to include other food items, such as honey, chili sauce, and roasted peanuts, among others.

She advises the spouses of other OFWs to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices their partners make.

“Palaguin po natin ang kanilang binibigay, para pag uwi nila, may makikita silang bunga ng kanilang sakripisyo,” she said.

Rombano and Lee were among nine guests honored by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) as part of their “Buy Local, Buy OFW” campaign during the Migrant Workers’ Day celebration on June 5 at Ayala Malls in Legazpi City.

According to Jeena Paclibar-Laceda, the DMW regional director for Bicol, the “Buy Local, Buy OFW” campaign highlights the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and resilience of returning and reintegrated OFWs.

“This trade fair serves as a powerful reminder that our migrant workers are not just sources of remittances; they are innovators, job creators, and champions of local industry,” she said

“They play a crucial role in driving inclusive and sustainable growth in our regions,” she added. (PIA Bicol)