By Journal Online
Copyright journal
When former Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary Jomar Dela Cruz first started selling motorcycle brackets, few would have guessed that these simple metal frames would turn up into a lucrative business that earns approximately Php2.7 million annually.
But with a mix of grit, innovation and government support, Jomar has shown that even the smallest ideas can hit the road to massive success.
Jomar, 28, set up his then small business which he named ‘DC Monorack’ taken from his initials and began selling affordable brackets before the pandemic. At that time, he only had three tools — the skills training and livelihood grant he received under the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), and his determination to rise above poverty.
“Nag-start po ako sa ilang pirasong bracket lang po. Sa umpisa, tiis lang muna, yung kinakain mo delata pa rin… ang nasa isip ko non ‘pag meron na saka na,” Jomar recalled.
However, time ultimately unveiled that the little he had at that time was more than enough to lift him and a community.
Pouring his best efforts for quality products eventually paid off as customers ballooned rapidly. Business boomed, taking off from cumulative positive customer feedback and referrals from satisfied customers.
A renowned motorcycle brand also approached Jomar to distribute brackets as freebies with their units. They were very much impressed with the quality of his products and their promise of lifetime warranty.
“Marami na pong nakasubok at natesting na rin. Yung mga ginagawa ko nung 2017, ilan lang po ang bumabalik, talagang solid po ang quality,” Jomar said.
Over time, DC Monorack gained solid ground in the market where investment was propelled by non-stop focus on product quality. The business now racks up millions annually and employs 63 workers, who are composed of both former and active 4Ps beneficiaries.
During a visit to Jomar’s warehouse in Plaridel, Bulacan on Friday (September 19), DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian saw firsthand how the enterprise is thriving and praised his entrepreneurial spirit.
“Sabi nga niya [Jomar] pag gusto mo gawin, you know what you want to be? Your discipline, focus, it will all align,” Secretary Gatchalian pointed out as he reflected on Jomar’s journey.
Secretary Gatchalian further lauded Jomar’s grit to bring innovative products and ‘winning ideas’ to life.
Last October 2024, Jomar launched an advertising system that allows motorcycle riders to earn commissions by carrying mobile advertisements.
With this, DC Monorack now develops custom-made racks that will be used in this line of business.
Since its debut, 300 to 500 motorcycles have signed up to the innovative advertising stint and the company anticipates to reach 3,000 to 5,000 riders next year.
Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson said that as DC Monorack continues to grow, it connects more people to livelihood opportunities, and broadly contributes to the local economy.
“The DSWD family, as one of those who have witnessed Jomar’s humble beginning and his journey towards his revered success, could not be any prouder. We hope that his story will be an inspiration to others, dahil ito naman talaga ang gusto natin. Nais nating matulungan ang mga Pilipino sa gitna ng krisis and eventually, maiangat sila sa kahirapan sa sarili nilang kakayahan at potensyal,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao pointed out.
Launched in 2008 and institutionalized through Republic Act No. 11310, the 4Ps is the Philippine government’s flagship program that aims to reduce poverty by investing in the health, nutrition, and education of children from poor households.
The 4Pshouseholds are also priority beneficiaries of the SLP to help them achieve a self-sufficient level of well-being.
The SLP is the DSWD’s capability-building program that provides opportunities to the poor, vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalized sectors to access and acquire livelihood assets to improve their socio-economic conditions.
The program operates in two tracks: Micro-Enterprise Development (MD) Track and Employment Facilitation (EF) Track. The MD track focuses on the establishment of microenterprise through provision of financial capital, enhancement of skills, and building / re-building physical and natural assets. The EF track provides assistance to qualified member/s of poor households who preferred employment rather than engaging in microenterprise. (LSJ)
Former 4Ps beneficiary turned entrepreneur shows off motorcycle bracket business to DSWD chief
Jomar Dela Cruz, a former Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary turned entrepreneur, on Friday (September 19) tours Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian around the Plaridel, Bulacan warehouse of “DC Monorack,” his very own motorcycle bracket–making business.
Once a beneficiary of the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), Jomar used the skills training and seed capital he received to establish Monorack.
The enterprise, which is also involved in operating mobile billboard ads on motorcycles, earns Php2.7 million annually and provides jobs to 63 workers—many of them fellow 4Ps beneficiaries.
The DSWD chief was happy to hear about Jomar’s journey, citing his success shows how government support can empower beneficiaries into entrepreneurs, and active partners in community development.
Accompanying Secretary Gatchalian were Mayor Jocell Vistan-Casaje of Plaridel, Bulacan; DSWD Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao; and DSWD Field Office 3 – Central Luzon Regional Director Venus Rebuldela. (LSJ)
