Celso B.
From a humble farming family in Bicol to a successful construction business owner, Celso is motivated by the desire to escape poverty. Despite a challenging start with limited opportunities, his determination to seek better prospects led him to Manila at the age of 12 and worked tirelessly in various jobs, and eventually abroad, where he acquired the skills and experience needed to establish his own thriving construction business. His commitment to hard work, continuous learning, and empowering his team not only transformed his life but also positively impacted his community.
Growing up in a family of farmers in Bicol, Celso's early life was marked by hardship and limited opportunities. With eight siblings, the family struggled to make ends meet. He observed that despite the hard work, his older siblings could not progress beyond their modest beginnings in farming. This realization spurred his determination to seek better opportunities elsewhere. He recalls, "Even though my brothers and sisters worked tirelessly on our farm, it was clear that farming alone wouldn't provide a way out of poverty. I knew I had to find another path."
At the tender age of 12, after completing Grade 6, Celso decided to move to Manila with a friend. Without informing his family, he left Bicol with just enough money for transportation, driven by the hope of finding better prospects in the city. He was scared and unsure, but he knew staying in Bicol wasn't an option if he wanted to change his life. Arriving in Marikina, he began working in a shoe-making shop, earning a Peso for cleaning each pair of shoes. This initial job was his first step towards a series of opportunities that would eventually change his life.
Celso's work ethic and adaptability soon led him to various jobs. He worked in a grocery store, a rice mill, a tricycle driver, and eventually found his way into the construction industry. Starting as a laborer with a daily wage of 150 Pesos, he quickly realized the importance of acquiring new skills to advance in his career. He knew that to move forward, he needed to learn more. He took every opportunity to pick up new skills. He learned the trade of an electrician from a colleague and later took up welding. Being an electrician and a welder opened up more doors for him.
The dedication and eagerness to learn did not go unnoticed. Celso moved from one construction company to another, each time acquiring new skills and taking on more responsibilities. His hard work paid off by 2003 when he had become a lead man in Tayabas, Quezon, responsible for a team of workers. As a lead man, he not only improved his technical skills but also learned how to manage and inspire a team. His dedication and willingness to learn earned him the trust of his supervisors, and he soon advanced to the position of a foreman at a leading construction company in the country, handling significant projects in Makati and BGC.
In pursuit of further growth, Celso decided to work overseas in 2014. He recalls, "I only finished Grade 6, but I was able to work abroad as an electrician because I demonstrated my skills in a practical test." His time abroad was driven by the goal of saving money to buy tools necessary for establishing his own construction business. "I stayed abroad for 3 years because I aimed to bring home all the tools. My plan, even when I went abroad, was to save up for tools so I could become a full-fledged contractor. Because if you're a contractor without equipment, without power tools, it’s difficult," he added.
Back in the Philippines in 2017, Celso resumed work with his previous employer but soon expressed his desire to branch out on his own. His employer, recognizing his potential, subcontracted a part of the project to him. This opportunity marked the beginning of his journey as an independent contractor. Starting his own business was a dream come true. It wasn't easy, but he was determined to make it work. Each project taught him something new and helped him grow. His meticulous approach to learning every aspect of construction paid off as he took on more projects and earned the trust of clients.
Celso’s family faced financial hardships. There were times when he struggled to pay his workers due to delayed payments from clients. He devised a system where he could always pay his workers on time, even if it meant pawning assets temporarily. This strategy helped him maintain the loyalty and trust of his workers.
His commitment to fair wages and skill development for his workers set Celso apart in the construction industry. He paid his laborers above the minimum wage and provided opportunities for them to learn new skills, just as he had done and helped them build better futures for themselves. His leadership and mentorship cultivated a loyal team that respected and trusted him. Many of his workers, who started with little to no knowledge of construction, became skilled professionals under his guidance.
Celso's determination to succeed extended beyond his professional life, deeply intertwining with his family’s persistence. He and his wife, Analiza, faced numerous personal challenges, including their children’s health issues. Two of their children required heart surgeries. Despite these hardships, the couple remained steadfast, supporting each other through thick and thin. "Analiza has been my rock," Celso says with gratitude. "She managed our hardware store and took care of our five children, allowing me to focus on growing our business." Their partnership and mutual support were crucial in navigating the challenges they encountered, working together to create a stable and thriving family environment.
Despite his success, Celso never stopped learning. He continually sought ways to improve his business operations and expand his knowledge. His adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges enabled him to take on larger projects and grow his business. He reflects, "Continuous learning and embracing new challenges have been key to my success."
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