DR. Joseph Mercado is a dentist who has practiced his profession for more than 10 years now. However, he discovered his heart and passion for business during his college days. Today, Dr. Mercado owns several businesses including a dental clinic, a car wash, fish ponds, E- loading stations, VOIP distributions and real estate, among many other ventures.

His latest entrepreneurial project involves franchising food carts. He actively encourages and conducts presentations for both local and Overseas Filipino Workers and their families so they can engage in their own micro- business.

Dr. Mercado is a regular speaker for the Royale Business Club International Inc. a private marketing firm involved in developing micro businesses.

One Philippines chatted with Dr. Mercado recently on the particulars and benefits of going into business.

Who should invest in this food cart and micro-business?

Our micro-business program was designed to help promote entrepreneurship among the Filipino people. As a result of lack of financial opportunities in the country, most of our kababayans are contemplating on working abroad. Majority of the families left behind are totally dependent on the financial support given by the family member working abroad. With this program we believe we can help OFW families that are left behind to build their spirit of entrepreneurship.

Habang nag ta-trabaho ang mga mahal nila sa buhay sa ibang bansa, di ba’t maganda rin na ang mga naiwan na kamag-anak ay kumikita din dito sa Pilipinas? Layunin ng programang ito ang makatu-long na makapagbigay ng pagkakataon na sila ay makapagnegosyo at di lang umasa sa pera na pinapadala sa kanila.
Rather than giving them fish, teach them how to fish.

How much is the capital?

Capital would depend on what kind of business you want to start. We have several business that we offer to any individual who might be interested to start a business of their own.

You can start a micro-business of your choice for as low as Php18,000.00 up to Php350,000.00 and these include primarily the use of the business name and logo and trainings. Plus inclusive din sa capital ay mga kailangan para maka pag simula. Lalo na sa food cart ay ang mobile booth, equipment (stainless food storage and cases), complete utensils, marketing collaterals, initial product inventory, notarized franchise contract and we will assist in DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) business registration.

What are the different products or businesses that you offer?

Ang maganda dito sa business na ito ay marami kang mapagpipilian from women’s accessories, beauty parlor, food cart at tricycle business.

The sought after business line that we have is the food cart business and most of our booths can be found around Metro Manila in places like malls, schools and other places na marami ang tao. We all know na mahilig sa pagkain ang mga Pinoy lalo na pag kasama nila ang pamilya sa pamamasyal.

What are the benefits for OFW’s or their families of having this micro or food cart business?

The foremost benefit is that you provide livelihood. At the same time nalilibang sila sa negosyong ito rather than naghihintay lang sa padala galing abroad. Hindi naman lahat ng oras o kaya panahon na nasa abroad ang ating mga mahal sa buhay upang magtrabaho para sa atin. I think malaking contribution ang magagawa ng negosyong ito para sa isang OFW family dahil sa maganda ang kita.

Sa totoo lang about 60% na aking naka-usap upang magnegosyo ay pamilya ng mga OFW at kahit yung mga balikbayans sa US ay ito na rin ang kanilang pinagkakaabalahan sa tuwing umuuwi sila.

Any last words for those interested in this micro food cart business who are living outside the Philippines?

To those interested individuals who want to help themselves or their family back here in the Philippines, they can email their questions or intent to: negosyo2006@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist anyone.

Lastly, I would like to personally thank One Philippines for this opportunity na maipaabot sa ating mga kababayan ang opportunites na ito upang makatulong sa kapwa Pinoy. Salamat po!