Among the many poor families in the city of Dipolog, Zamboanga Del Norte, where life’s struggles often weigh heavily on families, one woman’s story stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. Rosemarie T. Taña, 44, a parent of two, has turned adversity into opportunity, rebuilding not only a business but her family’s future through sheer determination and support from community programs.

A Legacy Interrupted

Rosemarie’s life was once shadowed by hardship. The family grappled with overwhelming debt, borrowing from lending companies just to survive. At their worst, the family owed 50,000 pesos, an amount too heavy to carry as they only relied on the profit that her husband brought home. Food was scarce, and every day was a fight to provide even the most basic needs. Yet, despite these hardships, Rosemarie remained steadfast in her commitment to her children’s education.

“Pero ang pag-eskwela nila, wala jud namo sila gipa-absent,” Rosemarie stressed.

[But we never let them (children) miss school.]

Her late husband was the heart of the family’s livelihood, running an upholstery business in Dipolog City. The craft of restoring and beautifying furniture was more than a job. For him, it was a passion and the family’s hope. Their survival depended on the sales he made daily.

But in 2021, tragedy struck. Her husband passed away, leaving Rosemarie with two children to care for and a business she barely understood. The loss was not only emotional but financial.

“Panglalaki jud ni, Sir, pero kayanon jud nako para mabuhi mi,” Rosemarie added.

[This job is stereotypically for men, however, I will strive hard so we can survive.]

The upholstery business was not just a livelihood for Taña family. It is a legacy that they want to preserve, showcasing the skills and determination to escape from poverty. After the loss of her husband, Rosemarie wanted to keep the business running for their survival and a memory of her husband.

Taking over the upholstery business was no easy feat. Rosemarie dove into learning everything about the trade—from weaving and assembling to financial management. Her kindness, however, was met with betrayal. Unscrupulous staff mismanaged the business, leading to its collapse. Heartbreaking as it was, the business no longer generate enough finances for the family and even put them in more debt. Rosemarie made a heart-rending decision to shut the business down. At the time, a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assessment rated the family’s well-being at Level 2, indicating a subsistence level where daily necessities was a challenge.

 

A New Beginning Through Support and Determination

In 2024, the DSWD, through its Enhanced Support Service Intervention (ESSI) under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), stepped in to support Rosemarie’s fight for a new beginning. A capital assistance of 15,000 pesos was provided to restart the upholstery business.

With this capital, Rosemarie carefully purchased leatherette. In an interview, Rosemarie shared that back then, she only had just one meter per design to start. Her strategy was simple yet effective: showcase her designs and invest more as orders came in. The owner of the lot where her business is located graciously waived rental fees, though she still pays 2,000 pesos monthly for electricity.

Learning from her experience, Rosemarie became very hands on in terms of handling the business. So to speak, she became the driving force behind every aspect of the business from weaving to restocking and managing finances. She poured her heart into reviving her husband’s legacy.

 

From Fragile Beginnings to Flourishing Business

Today, her upholstery business’s net worth is valued at approximately 100,000 pesos. Her inventory now boasts 10 to 20 meters of each leather design, a sign of healthy growth and increasing customer demand. With the business thriving, she has also been able to renovate her home, upgrading it from light materials to a sturdier combination of concrete and durable materials.

Most importantly, Rosemarie’s family has seen a remarkable transformation in their quality of life. The latest Social Welfare and Development Indicator (SWDI) assessment places their household at Level 3 or self-sufficient level which means that they are now capable of standing on their own feet. They were recommended to exit the 4Ps program, a testament to their hard work and the effectiveness of community support.

Rosemarie T. Taña’s story is one of perseverance against the odds. It is a reminder that even in the face of loss and hardship, resilience and the right support can rebuild lives. From subsistence to self-sufficiency, Rosemarie has woven a new future—one stitch, one piece of leather, and one dream at a time.

Her journey continues to inspire not only her children but the entire community, proving that with determination and heart, legacies can live on and flourish anew.