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(From Left to Right) Ms. Micah P. Arellado (PTA I), Ms. Nieva D. de la Torre (owner of Ebang’z Mushroom Farm), Mr. Glicerio Solero (owner of Boyet’s Mushroom Products Trading, Ms. Ma. Liza S. Quidato (Unit Head), and Ms. Vanessa B. Dela Peña (PTA I) at Ebang’z Mushroom Farm.

Ebang’z Mushroom Farm, a thriving enterprise based in Capiz, has been tapped to be one of the Technology-Based Entrepreneurship Advisors (TBEAs) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

TBEAs provide hands-on business advising, guiding OFW-entrepreneurs in areas such as business management, logistics, marketing, product and process improvement, and supply chain linkages to help ensure the sustainability and growth of their enterprises.

Ms. Nieva D. de la Torre, proprietor of Ebang’z Mushroom Farm, is a 2022 beneficiary of DOST Capiz under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program innovation-enabling fund (SETUP 4.0 iFund) program. Since then, she has significantly expanded her operations and remained committed to giving back to the community. 

Ms. Nieva D. de la Torre (Right) tours and mentors Mr. Glicerio Solero (Left) inside the mushroom growing facility.
(From Left) Ms. Micah P. Arellado orients Ms. Nieva D. de la Torre, Mr. Glicerio Solero, and Ms. Mae Avek C. Gregorios about the DOST iFWD PH program.

Even before becoming a Technology-Based Entrepreneurship Advisor (TBEA), Ms. de la Torre had already been supporting fellow micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by actively mentoring startup owners and accommodating on-the-job trainees in her facility. As a TBEA, she recently welcomed visitors as part of a benchmarking activity organized by the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (iFWD PH) program of DOST. Her continued efforts to support other entrepreneurs have helped position Ebang’z Mushroom Farm as a valuable resource and inspiration for small business development in the province.

Mushroom bags inside the mushroom growing facility of Ebang’z Mushroom Farm.

To wit, a startup client of the iFWD PH program, Mr. Glicerio Solero, proprietor of Boyet’s Mushroom Products Trading based in Pototan, Iloilo, had the opportunity to learn directly from Ms. de la Torre’s production operations and personal experiences. Initially venturing into mushroom cultivation in 2019, Mr. Solero is relaunching his business after setbacks caused by the pandemic. Mr. Solero graduated from Phase I of the iFWD PH program, where he completed a seven-week Business Development Course. He is currently gearing up to apply for funding from the program. 

Ebang’z Mushroom Farm stands as an example of how sharing knowledge and experience can go a long way in supporting others. Through mentorship and openness, Ms. de la Torre helps fellow entrepreneurs take confident steps toward growing their own businesses. (VBDelaPeña/CapizPSTO)