(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Friday, 04 October 2024) At 3:00 AM today, the center of Tropical Depression "JULIAN" {KRATHON} was estimated based on all available data at 240 km North Northwest of Itbayat, Batanes (22.6°N, 120.6°E) with maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 75 km/h. It is almost stationary. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Visayas and Mindanao. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to ITCZ. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from Southwest to Southeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.5 meters).


Monday, 5 June 2023

FEL Bakeshop: A SETUP success story

BUTUAN CITY -- What is a better way to start your day than with a coffee and freshly baked bread and pastries? How about taking a break from your study or work and treating yourself to a scrumptious array of snacks like cupcakes and pizza? Take delight in Fel Bakeshop’s variety of delectable bakery products such as bread, cookies, pastries, cupcakes, pies, siopao, pizza, and more.

Since its establishment in 2010, Fel Bakeshop has flourished as a sole proprietorship business under the dedicated ownership and management of Jonrel Madelo and his wife, Adafel Madelo. In their early twenties, they worked together at a modest bakeshop in Surigao City. Fueled by their passion for baking and a fervent desire to have a bakeshop of their own, Jonrel, the skilled head baker, and Adefel, who served diligently as a cashier, seized the opportunity to purchase the bakeshop where they had tirelessly worked in and renamed it Fel Bakeshop. Operating around the clock, Fel Bakeshop initially relied on a humble oven as its primary equipment, reflecting the determination and resourcefulness of its founders during its formative years.

Recognizing the potential for expansion and the imperative to enhance production capabilities, Adefel sought the assistance of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Surigao del Norte in 2017 through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). With the innovation fund, they were able to acquire new digital gas oven, planetary mixer, loaf bread slice, and spiral kneader. The upgraded equipment played a pivotal role in propelling the business forward, effectively doubling its production capacity from nine trays to an impressive 18 trays. This notable increase can be attributed to the reduced reliance on manual labor and the incorporation of automated processes. Notably, the equipment provided by DOST also proved to be cost-effective, resulting in lower gas consumption.

As a testament to the positive impact of these improvements, Fel Bakeshop achieved remarkable success in 2018, witnessing substantial growth in gross sales generated and surpassing the previous year's performance.

Through DOST SETUP, Fel Bakeshop availed of a range of Science and Technology (S&T) services, including equipment upgrading, packaging and labelling assistance, technology trainings on product development and sensory evaluation, and consultancy programs such as the Manufacturing, Productivity, and Extension Program (MPEX) and Food Safety. These technology interventions played a pivotal role in enhancing the overall operations, product offerings, and marketing strategies of the business.

Following the SETUP assistance, Fel Bakeshop demonstrated exceptional resilience and unwavering determination, successfully expanding its operations despite the challenging circumstances posed by the pandemic. Remarkably, the company established six branches across the province, further solidifying its presence and catering to a wider customer base. In addition to these physical branches, Fel Bakeshop also took an innovative step forward by setting up two mobile bakery trucks, capable of efficiently serving bakery products in diverse settings, such as festivals and public celebrations. This strategic move enables the business to extend its reach to previously untapped areas within the city and throughout Surigao del Norte, ensuring that their delectable bakery delights can now reach a broader clientele.

From its humble beginnings with just five personnel, Fel Bakeshop has grown exponentially, now proudly offering employment opportunities to a dedicated team of over 50 employees. Adafel attributes the success of the business to the essential virtues of patience, hard work, and perseverance, which she believes to be key ingredients for a thriving enterprise.

For more information about Fel Bakeshop and their delightful range of products, we invite you to follow them on their Facebook page FEL BAKESHOPE. You can also browse their website https://fel-bakeshop.business.site/ or personally visit them at Fel Bakeshop, Borromeo cor. Navarro Streets, Surigao City. (DOST-Surigao del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)