“Pasideline sideline lang kami noon at nagpapatakbo ng maliit na negosyo sa Brgy. Bacsil, Bacnotan, La Union. Ang meron lang kami ay sublimation machine, machine cutter, at second hand na desktop. Saktuhan lang ang aming kita noon at  hindi pa namin mabili ang gusto (Before, we were just side hustling and running a small business in Brgy. Bacsil, Bacnotan, La Union. All we have are sublimation machine, machine cutter, and second-hand desktop. Our income was just enough and couldn’t buy our wants),” Jonathan said.

For three years, Jonathan Nares of Brgy. Oya-Oy, Bacnotan, La Union worked in a printing shop in Baguio City and dreamt of having one. His experience at work made him acquire knowledge in running printing services. When he finished his contract with his previous employer, he started to fulfill his dream. He sold his motorcycle to start a small printing business at their home in Bacnotan and tried to rent a place in Brgy. Bacsil, Bacnotan, La Union. He toggled himself to manage his business just to provide enough for his family, especially for his 3-year-old daughter.

In 2022, Jonathan qualified in the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) where he received PhP10,000 worth of grant for his business capital.  To offer new service, he used his grant to purchase new t-shirt printer. The SLP guided him in identifying his needs to expand his market, improve his services, and potentially grow his business.

In just eight months, he was able to procure another equipment because of his diligence in running his enterprise anchored with the guidance of SLP. He bought an Eco-Solvent printer for signage, vehicle graphics, and stickers. He can now also hire staff to help out in the operation of his shop. 

“Maraming salamat sa SLP, kung noon hindi kami nakakabili ng mga gusto namin, ngayon nabibili na namin ang mga ito. Mas gumanda ang buhay na ngayong nagnenegosyo na kami dahil hawak namin ang aming oras at nakakapundar pa kami (Thank you SLP, before we couldn’t buy our wants, but we can now buy them. Now that we have a business, life is better since we are in control of our schedule and can make investments),” said Jonathan. 

With the help of DSWD Field Office 1 – SLP, PrintNation Digital Printing has now become a success, Jonathan plans to continue putting his skills and knowledge to work helping everyone who walks through the door and trusts them to fulfill their design and printing ambitions. (by: John Chris B. Zureta, Social Marketing Officer, details from: Jessabel O. Bueno-Quidias, Project Development Officer II, Sustainable Livelihood Program)