A fourth-year entrepreneurship student from the University of St. La Salle, Arnel Christopher Calatrava, has successfully turned his practicum idea into a thriving business venture.
In May 2022, he started a vegetable farming business using hydroponics technology with an initial capital of P10,000.00 and later received a support from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Negosyo Center.
His business, Dynamoponics Vegetable Farming, was born out of his passion for urban farming, inspired by his father’s hydroponics system.
Despite encountering challenges such as system deficiencies, low demand, slow market, weather disturbances, and oversaturation of produce, Calatrava persevered and constantly researched ways to improve his business operations, including diversifying his products and developing his digital presence, DTI said as it looks back on how they help him succeed.
He also sought the assistance of the DTI Negosyo Center and joined the Youth Entrepreneurship Program: In-School Entrepreneurship Academy, where he won the business proposal pitch competition and received a cash prize of P10,000.00.
His total assets now amount to P17,000.00, comprising machines, equipment, and facilities, and he produces a variety of vegetables such as pechay, ready-to-mix salad greens, and basil.
He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to make use of opportunities, ask for help, and surround themselves with like-minded people.
His products are available on his Facebook page, Dynamoponics Bacolod.
