Photo 03 · L1021311-2Profile 12 · Cebu, Philippines
Flower farmer · Mother · Community employer
A life in flowers
For more than half her life, 43-year-old Marquisa has earned her living growing flowers on the mountain tops of Cebu Island. For 24 years, she and her husband, Jogie, have farmed government-owned land made available for local families to cultivate. Together, they have raised four children, supported largely by the income from their flowers.
What flowers make possible
Marquisa takes particular pride in having been able to put her children through school. Their education represents one of the most important achievements of her years of work, and she speaks proudly of the opportunities it has given them.
Growing beyond the farm
Over the years, Marquisa has steadily expanded her business. With the help of two loans from Lendwithcare, both of which she has successfully repaid, she now cultivates 30 plots of golden and Taiwan flowers, totaling approximately 150,000 seedlings. She has also purchased a second-hand multicab, allowing her to transport flowers directly to the market in Cebu City and reduce her delivery costs.
The business has grown beyond flowers. Marquisa now cultivates vegetables and has established a small food business from her home, selling frozen foods, chicken and pork. She also employs five workers to help manage the flower farm.
Despite more than two decades of experience, each growing season brings new expenses and uncertainties. Marquisa is now applying for a third loan to purchase fertilisers and other supplies for her next planting.
Her proudest harvest
For Marquisa, the business has provided more than a living. It has allowed her to educate her children, expand her opportunities and build a measure of financial security for her family.