Felix Villarez is a 38-year-old resident of the GK Smile Village located in Murcia, Philippines. He reignited his entrepreneurial zeal through the Ultra-Poor Graduation (UPG) Pilot Programme of BRAC Philippines, where he successfully established his own food cart business as a programme participant.
Previously, Villarez and his friend decided to sell fried chicken after seeing an empty food cart lying around, which became an instant hit. Because of this former experience as a fried chicken vendor, he decided to choose the NegoKart-Fried Chicken amongst other livelihoods offered. The participants of NegoKart-Fried Chicken were provided with assets to start their livelihood which included a food cart of their own, cooking equipment, ingredients, and a supply of chickens.
The livelihood project flourished to the point that Villarez had to employ one helper to run the food cart, while on weekends his family members supported him. A portion of the profits made by the livelihood project were allocated to fund his children and two siblings’ education. He hopes that they can finish their studies and choose a career they want to pursue in the future, without facing difficulties like him. He further wishes that one can continue and grow their fried chicken business, or diversify to other businesses.
To gain income amidst the lockdown brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Villarez was able to secure a permit from the LGU to peddle fish by means of the profit he made as a NegoKart-Fried Chicken participant, combined with a portion of credit he borrowed from his friends. Once the lockdown is lifted, Villarez is excited to return to the food cart business and regain the profits that he lost in this time of crisis.
Villarez is thankful to be one of the participants of the UPG Pilot Programme in Negros Occidental, in the Philippines. He is grateful that he was able to become an entrepreneur, improve the condition of his house and fulfil the needs of his household. Villarez is determined to learn more from the succeeding supervision, guidance and assistance of BRAC to him and his household. He will do his best to grow his livelihood project supported by BRAC, to achieve his personal and professional goals.
