For 24-year-old Darizel C. Vidad, starting a business was a practical response to a family health concern. By combining sweet potatoes with calamansi, she has developed “SPC Juice,” a local drink aimed at providing a more nutritious option than common sugary beverages.

The project began during Darizel’s feasibility studies, where she focused on the health of her cousin, who had a heart disease.

“During my study, he was my main focus because I noticed his feet would swell whenever he drank soda,” Darizel shared. “I thought, if we can make chips out of sweet potatoes, why not innovate a healthy drink for him? ”

This innovation led her to the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program, where the potential of her product earned her Php150,000 in grants at the provincial and regional levels.

While the grant provided a foundation, the initial phase of the business required careful financial management. Darizel chose to prioritize long-term standards over immediate volume.

“The grant wasn’t enough to cover everything because I focused on the facility first. It was small, but I made sure it met FDA standards for cleanliness and safety,” she explained.

This decision stretched her finances thin, leading to delivery shortages and the need for a startup loan.

To keep the business moving, Darizel took out a loan to cover operating expenses. Through consistent management, she was able to repay the full amount within five months.

Currently, SPC Juice has expanded its reach beyond Banna, securing space in local stores and larger outlets like Robinsons. Darizel is now focusing on the next steps for her enterprise, having established a steady delivery schedule in Ilocos Norte.

“My goal is to eventually export the product,” Darizel said. “I know there are many steps ahead and the risk of failure is always there, but I am ready to take that risk. If I don’t try, I won’t move forward. I want to see what can be achieved.”

Having managed the initial hurdles of starting a business, Darizel continues to refine her production as she prepares for the further growth of her enterprise.