For Marilou Capiendo, a duck farmer from San Jose, Tarlac, business is about more than just making money—it is a journey of resilience, partnership, and uplifting others. Over the past 15 years, Marilou and her husband have turned a small backyard operation into a thriving poultry business, navigating the highs of growth and lows of personal and global challenges.
From backyard beginnings to poultry success
The business began with a simple curiosity for duck farming, which Marilou’s husband found more manageable because of its structured daily routine. What started with a small flock in 2011 eventually grew into a diverse ecosystem of ducks, pigs, and fishponds, all carefully maintained to reduce stress for both the animals and the owners.
Marilou’s daily routine is a perfect example of a strong partnership. While her husband takes care of animal husbandry and farm management, Marilou handles the business side—managing transactions, classifying duck eggs, and overseeing the fermentation process for their signature salted eggs.
Looking back at how they’ve built their business, Marilou shares, “Kaming mag-asawa talaga ang magkatuwang dito. Hands-on kami sa lahat—mula sa pagpapakain hanggang sa pag-classify ng itlog. Sinisiguro namin na maayos ang lahat dahil ito ang kabuhayan na bumubuhay sa pamilya namin.”
[English Translation: “My husband and I are true partners here. We are hands-on with everything—from feeding the ducks to classifying their eggs. We ensure everything is in order because this is the livelihood that sustains our family.”]
Their 15-year partnership with Pilmico is integral to their business growth. Marilou has seen firsthand how quality nutrition leads to healthier ducks and optimal egg production. Beyond the product, the technical support and expert advice from Pilmico’s specialists have been instrumental to their livelihood, ensuring business productivity and viability even during market fluctuations.
Resilience through the storm
The road hasn’t always been easy. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the business hard just as they had expanded, leaving them with thousands of eggs harvested daily and no regular buyers. Marilou and her husband not only suffered business losses; they also endured the tragic loss of their 24-year-old only son. Despite these hardships, the family remained resilient. Marilou views their continued hard work as a tribute to their son, finding solace in the stability they built together.
During their most challenging periods, Pilmico’s support proved to be a lifeline that helped sustain their operations. Through continued supply of high-quality feeds and close collaboration, the partnership helped the farm navigate difficulties and maintain business continuity.
Give to Gain a full circle
Marilou represents the empowered partner who turns insights and sales support from experts into a thriving livelihood. With the help of Pilmico, she and her husband are able to raise their ducks effectively and sell high-quality eggs that not only sustain their family but also support small resellers in their community – demonstrating the “Give to Gain” philosophy full circle: when women are equipped with the right knowledge and support, they create pathways for others to succeed.
As their business thrives, Marilou strives to empower fellow women by providing eggs on a consignment basis, removing the barrier of upfront capital. This model allows women in their community to earn a daily profit, providing essential stability for their households.
Reflecting on her journey, Capiendo shares, “Para sa akin, ang tagumpay ay iyong nakakatulong ka rin sa mga kagaya mong nagne-negosyo o gustong magnegosyo. Nakakatulong ako sa mga kapwa kong kababaihan na bigyan sila ng paninda. Nakikita nila na kung nakaya naming mag-negosyo, kaya rin nila.”
[English translation: “For me, true success is being able to help others who have a business or are aspiring to start one. I empower my fellow women by providing them with products to sell. When they see what we’ve achieved, they realize that if we can do it, they can, too.”]
Empowering partners from mill to meal
Marilou is a vital link in a much larger, interconnected chain. Her success is propelled by the collective expertise of Aboitiz Foods, where leaders, experts, strategists, and specialists empower partners at every stage of the food value chain.
Helping bring this “mill-to-meal” journey to life is a diverse circle of women whose roles ensure that growth is sustainable and shared. Through the strategic leadership of women like Norie Bermudez, the scientific expertise of Sahera Nofyangtri, the technical guidance of Dr. Emiechelle Rivera, and the sharp market acumen of Phuong Nguyen Thi Truc and Floreda Molina, Aboitiz Foods ensures that only the highest-quality products reach farmers like Marilou – helping their businesses and communities grow.
As farmers flourish, the benefits extend beyond the farm—supporting families, communities, and local food systems. In this way, Aboitiz Foods’ collaboration across the value chain helps create a cycle of shared progress that nourishes the future.
