JASAAN, Misamis Oriental — After facing a difficult experience as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Kuwait, Wilma Samong Bacunhao found a new beginning through a small livelihood grant that helped her build her own business.
Bacunhao, a former massage therapist in Kuwait, returned to the Philippines as a distressed worker and received P20,000 livelihood assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Instead of seeing her situation as the end of her journey, she used the support as a starting point to create WellSmile Pizzarap, a food business that now reaches customers across Northern Mindanao.
Starting with limited resources, Bacunhao focused on creating unique products that would stand out in the market. She developed affordable pizza options, including “barkadahan” sizes, cheese-stuffed crusts, and frozen products that can last for months.Building the business was not easy.
She personally handled production and deliveries, traveling by motorcycle and public transportation to bring her products to different areas. Despite earning little during her early days, she continued working and improving her business.
Through determination and creativity, WellSmile Pizzarap expanded and now supplies products to commercial clients, school canteens, and customers in Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Iligan City, and Marawi City.Bacunhao also created a franchise opportunity to help others start their own small businesses, offering packages designed for aspiring entrepreneurs with limited capital.
For her, the business is not only a source of income but also a way to provide jobs and opportunities for others, including working students and family members who help in the operation.She expressed gratitude to OWWA and DMW for helping her rebuild her life after returning home.“Even though we are already in the Philippines, they never tire of helping us,” she said.Bacunhao’s journey shows that with courage, creativity, and support, difficult experiences can become opportunities for a better future.
