Enterprise: Jida Aqua Resources
Founder: Jilna Hiponia
Industry:  Food & Beverages
Year it was founded: 1991
Location: Agusan Del Norte

Driven by her mission to help the local fisherfolk, Jilna Hiponia, General Manager of Jida Aqua Resources, left her job of eight years at a Chinese-Japanese aquamarine trading company to start her own venture that would promote local products sourced from the local fisherfolk.

She started from buying and selling of bangus (milkfish) and later on came up with her own bottled bangus in corn oil. True to her mission, Jilna sources her seafood from local fishponds in Butuan City and nearby Municipality of Magallanes in Agusan Del Norte.

In conversation with GlobalLinker (GL), Jilna Hiponia (JH) shares her business journey.

GL:  What inspired you to set up your own business?

JH: Back then I was an employee. I started buying and selling of bangus until I made it grow and bought my own fishpond.

When I attended the program of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), I learned about trade fairs. I thought of putting more value to my bangus (milkfish) and decided to manufacture my own product which is bottled bangus in corn oil.

GL: Tell us about the challenges that you have faced working on this enterprise. 

JH: The hardest part was actually the planning and organising phase where I was just putting what I learned with little knowledge.

GL: Are there specific DTI programs, training, or assistance that helped you overcome these challenges?

JH: DTI helped me in terms of packaging and labelling. I also got mentorship through Kapatid Mentor Me Program. I also attended several local and international trade fair.

GL: What message can you share with others who are looking to achieve their own dreams?

JH: If you plan to go into business, make sure to know your business well. Plan properly, it’s normal to fail at times but do not give up, work hard until you succeed.

To explore business opportunities, link with Jilna Hiponia  by clicking on the 'Connect' button on her profile.

Image source: Jida Aqua Resources Facebook Page

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