Sagunto's Eco-Friendly Micro-Business Contest

When I visited Sagunto last February, I was talking to an Uncle who lives in Manila and he was telling me how smart Filipinos are (no argument here) but lamented the fact the reknown and glory for the inventions of Filipinos are never widely known because most of the inventors sell their ideas to large companies rather than doing it themselves. He said, "Did you know that the hybrid car was a Filipino invention?" No, I didn't. "Did you know that the flourescent light was invented by a Filipino?" No, I didn't. And he went on and on about numerous other inventions that went to foreign manufacturers or companies that originated in the mind of a Filipino. So this Filipina's mind started to spin (again) with ideas.

It’s better to help a man to fish than to give him the fish, right? We are an enterprising people. Just walk up and down Sagunto and you will see people in front of their makeshift booths selling anything from barbecue on a stick, to ice-candy to whatnots. Let's not forget the door-to-door salespeople with baskets of fish, vegetables, pandesal, etc.; or the makers of beautiful handicrafts made from recycled paper, wood, seeds, shells. We have such talent in our little barrio. Let's see if we can kick-it up a notch and make it fun for everyone.

The late U.S. President John F. Kennedy said during his inaugural speech in 1961, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” And to paraphrase that, I say to you: ask not what your barangay can do for you--ask what you can do for the barangay (and make some money, too). This contest is all about helping each other, helping the environment, and helping yourself be self-reliant. The rules are simple.

******APPLICATION DATES HAVE BEEN EXTENDED TO 10/30/2007***

1. The contest will be for anyone 16 years or older (younger applicants may join in with a partner 16 yrs. or older)to submit eco-friendly and sustainable (Ecologically acceptable; not harmful to or threatening the environment) micro-business ideas that you think will be profitable


2. You need to write the idea in essay form (Not necessarily a formal business proposal but close to it will do)


3. The "proposal" or business description needs to address WHAT the business is, HOW easily can you start it, WHAT would you need to start it, WHERE would you sell it(WHO is the customer) and HOW would this business help the Barangay (Does it involve the 3Rs of conservation: Reduce, Re-Use and Re-Cycle or clean the sorrounding environments that would include Sagunto)?


4. WHY do you think this idea is good for the environment (The 3Rs)?

5. Applicant must be from Sagunto, Agat, Artacho, Macoco, Cauringan, Palina or close neighbors of Barangay Sagunto (within a ten mile radius)AND/OR children of someone originally from Sagunto and still have blood relations in Sagunto.

6. The submissions must be received (via Word document and emailed to: saguntophotos@gmail.com) by October 30th, 2007.

The prizes are as follows: The first prize will win P3000 pesos and will be featured in our blog. Second Prize is P2000 pesos, and third P1000. There will be 2 honorable mentions who will receive a consolation prize. All winners and honorable mentions will receive a certificate of recognition.

To help you think of the different things you can do, I'll even attach a link to get some ideas to use: http://www.aidfortrade.org.uk/links.htm Good Luck and Let's have some fun!

READY, GET SET, GO!

To participate in one of our contests you must be 16 years of age or older, or under adult supervision, and in conformance with all law, rules and regulations that may pertain to your state (be informed of all your state laws). Our contests are subject to the official rules set forth on this website by which all entrants are bound. We reserve the right to close the contests early or late without warning. Upon winning the contest, the winners will be announced on this website and cash prizes awarded at a special ceremony to be held in the barangay hall (December 30th 2007). Please note that by completing and submitting your name as an entrant to any of our contests you will be agreeing to abide by the official rules and regulations of our contests. You further agree that all information can and will be published on the close of the contests including the name you provided. Addresses, phone numbers, and emails will not be published without the further consent of the contestant. PLEASE DO NOT ENTER A CONTEST MORE THAN ONCE UNDER ONE NAME. PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER OR ENTER OUR CONTESTS IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO OR ABIDE BY any of our above stipulations. This contest is not officially sponsored by the Sagunto Barangay. The Images of Sagunto is a separate entity from the official Sagunto Barangay website and Images is solely responsible for the contest rules and regulations and cash prize awards. This announcement may be reproduced, copied and distributed.