STRENGTHENED BY FAITH AND RELATIONSHIPS
Building relationships strengthens a business.
This was how Fe Barino and her husband Rafaelito successfully navigated their complex ride in business. Just as they remain true in delivering the right products and services to their clients, they took care of one thing that truly matters most— relationships.
Fe grew up in a big family. She had eight brothers and two sisters. And because life was a bit difficult growing up, Fe only managed to finish a two-year course in college. She then looked for ways to help her parents meet their daily needs.
“My husband and I are the only professionals in our family,” said Fe.
She finished accountancy at the University of San Carlos with the help of Rafaelito, who left his corporate job to become an entrepreneur running a furniture business back in the 1980s.
Fe juggled work and studies to finish the four-year course. She became a certified public accountant.
Fe’s rise in the business world wasn’t something handed to her by her parents, nor from her husband’s family. She said they both weren’t prepared to get into business but it was an opportunity they embraced with an open heart.
From furniture, the couple ventured into trading in 1986. With a meager capital of P1,500, they bought peanuts and dried watermelon seeds in bulk, repacked them into small sizes, and sold them back to the market. They called their store SanVic Trading.
“This was how we started business as a couple until we catered to other products. My husband was out in the field looking for customers. I, on the other hand, was the one looking for the materials needed. The Yellow Pages was my best friend,” Fe shared.
From peanuts, the couple then sold personal protective equipment and eventually, paints. Fe said San Miguel Corp. was one of their biggest and long-standing clients when they started.
“We supplied them with paints until they asked us to provide the labor, too. That’s when we diversified into the
construction business and founded Duros Development Corp.,” she said.
The construction business became their core business. The company is involved in government infrastructure construction, commercial and industrial and private land development. Its projects range from concrete and asphalt paving highways, ports and bridges, infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation, high rise offices, tower condominiums, industrial zone and residential and tourism developments.
Today, the Barino family runs the Duros Group, a family-owned enterprise that operates several businesses like construction, real estate, property management, food, education, trading, an industrial plant for energy supplies and a golf course headquartered in Barangay Yati, Liloan.
Fe sits as the president of Duros Group, while her husband sits as the chairman.
This year, Fe was recognized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) as the most inspiring entrepreneur.
Besides growing the family business, Fe, like other women entrepreneurs, is making wonders in other fields.
Fe is also a philanthropist engaged in charitable activities through their foundation as well as in charismatic communities. The couple’s active involvement in the religious community led them to construct the International Eucharistic Congress Pavilion in Barangay Mabolo.
But more than the achievements in business and the community, there’s one thing Fe is most happy about. She said the fruit of their labors has allowed them to improve the lives of her 10 siblings, who are now actively involved in running the different business units of the Duros Group.
What was your first job?
I took up a secretarial job after I graduated from a two-year course in college. I worked in a tour agency, JM Ortiz and Company, and that’s where I met my husband. He worked in the company’s manufacturing business.
It was a short-lived job though because I went to Lutopan (Toledo City) and worked in Atlas Mining for 12 years as a secretary.
When I finished college and became a certified public accountant, I left the job and helped my husband in business. However, we let go of the furniture business and shifted into trading called SanVic Trading.
Who inspired you to get into business?
It was out of necessity. We got into business because of my siblings. We knew that this was the only avenue where we could help them improve their lives too. Buotan kaayo akong bana (my husband was very good) that he helped me look after my siblings. We set this up for them. We aimed to grow the business so we could help them.
When did you realize this was what you were meant to do?
I believe we were used by God to make this family business happen. I believe that this is God’s plan for us to become entrepreneurs, for us to help our families and the people along the way, not only financially, but also in the spiritual aspect. If not for this business, maybe my siblings and I are not intact. They may have gone to other places and on our separate ways.
This business has made us united. It made us help each other grow and improve the lives of our respective families.
Why did you pick this type of business or industry? Construction was a hot busi- ness back in the day. We have been in the industry for 26 years.
While we became loyal suppliers of paints for San Miguel Corp., they eventually required us to do the painting for them. That’s when we formed Duros Development Corp., because we already did labor and (supplied) material for them.
That time, we only had 20 painters and a foreman. The job was done by my siblings and relatives. Then the big-ticket projects followed.
I believe that if you only deliver the quality of product or service your clients deserve, they will keep you.
Where did you get the training you needed to succeed?
I had to enroll in crash courses in business to learn how to run and formalize it. But the rest of the things I learned in business were all based from experience. We had a difficult start, but it was all about faith and courage that took us to where we are now. I believe that if God wills it, then all you need to prosper will eventually flow.
Besides leadership training, we devote time to grow our spiritual life through Bible sharing with my siblings, who are all part of the board. We have also crafted our family constitution to ensure longevity of the family business, which is timely, because the second generation has started joining us.
How many times did you fail before you succeeded?
There are no shortcuts in business. Of course, we went through the birth pains. We lost some money at the start, but we all learned from it.
We are blessed because while we were both in the learning curve, God sent people to help us learn even the smallest detail in business. I believe that God is with us even from the start of this journey.
We had a difficult start, but it was all about faith and courage that took us to where we are now. I believe that if God wills it, then all you need to prosper will eventually flow.
FE BARINO
Vice chairman and president, Duros Development Corp.