Best SETUP Adoptor’s Scrap to Business Story

He didn’t finish school. He was a scrap collector, but was able to establish a family business. He even bagged the Best SETUP (Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program) Adoptor award from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Demetrio Perez, 53, said he only reached elementary. Because of that, he used to collect bottles and iron for a living.

“There were only a few people who were doing that kind of job before because they were shy,” Perez told the Philippine News Agency in an exclusive interview.

With the help of his wife, Perez was earning PHP300-500 a day from collecting scraps. After three years, the couple was able to rent a space for PHP1,500 per month, which they used to buy junks from other collectors.

“Misis ko nagbabantay ng pwesto. Ako nagtutulak ng kariton,” he uttered.

Perez continued, “Ako yung nangangalakal, namumulot sa mga kalye. After three years may pwesto na ako, ako naman ang bumibili. Sa awa ng Panginoon, nagkaroon ng volume, ng mga suki.”

The couple was earning PHP2000-3000 a day from buying junks.

Due to the nature of his job, he thought of acquiring a machine, and had the idea of creating machines, thinking that he would earn more if he’d be able to sell it.

That was the start.

In 1990, he started the DP Fabrication and Machineries in Davao Del Sur with PHP15,000 as investment.

The business produces farm equipment such as corn mill, rice mill, among others.

Perez decided to stop his junk shop business in 2012 to focus on machineries. He doesn’t forget, however, that he was able to provide for his family and send all his kids to school from collecting scraps.

When asked if he was never shy of collecting scraps, Perez emphasized, “(Kailangan) magsikap ako, marangal naman yan sa mata ng Panginoon at tao. Ako lang ang makakatulong sa sarili ko at sa pamilya ko kaya nagsikap ako.”

He also noted that he was able to apply his experience to their business. “I’ve learned where to get the materials, what designs to make,” he shared.

It was also in 2012 when he learned about the DOST’s SETUP Program — a nationwide program that aims to encourage and assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in adopting technological innovations to improve their products and operations.

Through SETUP, the DOST helps improve the MSMEs’ productivity and competitiveness, by providing them them with a loan that is payable in three years.

“I didn’t accept the DOST’s assistance at first, because I was afraid to be in debt,” he remarked.

“Luckily, in 2014, the DOST still encouraged me to try the program,” Perez continued, adding that he got a PHP750,000 loan from the DOST. He also availed of the SETUP 2 this year and received almost PHP3 million loan from the agency.

Just recently, the DOST recognized the country’s best SETUP adoptors in an awarding ceremony. The DP Fabrication and Machineries was announced as the national winner, and won PHP100,000 cash prize. The business also received PHP30,000 for being in the top five finalists.

“Ni sa panaginip, hindi ko inakalang makikilala ako ng isang sangay ng gobyerno,” Perez said upon receiving the award.

He noted that not being able to finish school didn’t became a hindrance for him to persevere and succeed.

What does it take to be the best SETUP adoptor?

It was trust in God, he emphasized. “With God’s grace, we were able to do what we wanted in our business,” he said.

According to him, it’s also good to share some to the community. “I didn’t celebrated my birthday at home last June 30. I bought almost 500 bags and school supplies and gave these in remote areas,” he said, and also cited that he gave some equipment to those living in the mountains.

Perez said he will give 10 percent of his winnings to their church (United Pentecostal Church) and the remaining amount will be for his family.

Team effort

Perez is proud that his family business runs through team effort. He is very proud of his four kids, who were there beside him during the interview.

His eldest, Dwain Mark, is a graduate of Brokenshire College Davao. The other kids are Denmav, who graduated from Ateneo De Davao University; Dwight Ian, a graduating student also from Ateneo; and 13-year-old Dinah Musikka, currently studying at Davao Del Sur National High School.

“My kids have helped me a lot. They did the paperworks, promotion,” Perez said.

The family plans to buy computerized machine using the almost PHP3 million assistance from the DOST.

Perez said the family plans to make the business a corporation.

“We also plan to venture into other kinds of business in the future. For now, we will focus first on DP Fabrication and Machineries, especially now that the computerized machines are arriving. There is a huge volume of orders because of the LGUs (local government units),” he said.

Dwain told PNA he is in charge of the manpower while Dwight’s focus is on IT and their other siblings are in charge of the paperworks.

“The DOST’s assistance is really great because it has reached the countryside. We were given the chance to improve our business,” Dwain remarked.

For his dad, it was an honor to receive the DOST’s recognition.

“Thanks be to God. We (SETUP adoptors) have different businesses, but I know they have also persevered. We are all winners because of DOST’s assistance,” Perez said. (PNA)