10/06/2026
Marivic Bernardino grew up in Albay, where she first learned to make polvoron from her mother—a soft, crumbly milk candy made from toasted flour, sugar, and milk.
Years later, her work as a reflexologist brought her to Tuba, Benguet. She stayed, teaching persons with disabilities, and slowly built a life there.
At some point, she went back to the recipe she knew by heart.
She started experimenting with it, adjusting and improving it over time. She added buttermilk for a richer taste, and later, strawberries, one of the Cordilleras’ most abundant products.
People began to notice. “Tamang-tama ang timpla,” she beamed.
It was not meant to be a business at first. Just something on the side. But over time, the extra income became important.
She has three children in school, two in college and one in elementary. Another child has a rare neurological disorder and stays at home because she is more vulnerable to illness.
Through the Weekend Market with Benguet Farmers in DMCI Homes communities, she is able to sell her products more regularly and add to her income as a reflexologist. The extra earnings help cover her children’s school needs, household expenses, and her child’s medication.
“Malaki pong tulong,” she said. “Nakikilala ang produkto ko. Pandagdag puhunan, pagpapa-aral sa mga anak ko at pagpapagamot sa anak kong may sakit.”
What her mother passed down to her has become something she now depends on as a mother herself.
The small pieces she makes help cover what matters most.
Get to know Marivic and the flavors of Benguet at the Weekend Market with Tuba Farmers, a Bronze awardee at the 20th Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards for Leaders for Corporate Purpose under the Inclusive Growth category.
