From Fish to Fortune: Zamboanga entrepreneur turns dried fish into thriving business

In Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City, a community known for its dried fish trade, lives Anabell Gibaga, a 50-year-old entrepreneur whose journey is deeply rooted in resilience and hard work.

Through dedication and the support she has received along the way, Anabell has transformed the family dried fish venture into a thriving livelihood, proving that with determination and the right opportunities, success is within reach.

Her journey began not with a grand business plan, but with a legacy. “The bulad (dried fish) business was our family’s way of living,” she shared. It was a livelihood passed down by her parents, sustained by a single fishing boat and long hours of drying fish under the sun. What began as a means to make ends meet soon evolved into something much bigger.

As the quality of their dried fish gained attention, larger fishing corporations in Zamboanga started to take notice. This marked a turning point. “We shifted from catching to processing. The companies would supply us with the fish, and we’d handle everything else from cleaning to drying to packing,” she explained. In just two to three days, the raw catch would be transformed into high-quality dried fish, boxed and ready for delivery across Cebu, Davao, and other nearby provinces in Zamboanga.

The demand is steady. Customers, both big and small, remain loyal because of the quality and consistency of the products. “Even with stiff market competition, people keep coming back because they trust our product’s quality,” Anabell said.

But the journey hasn’t always been smooth. “Weather is our greatest challenge,” Anabell admitted. Rainy days disrupt the fish-drying process, often requiring them to shift to careful fermenting and freezing methods. Despite these setbacks, the business has continued to grow and persevere through every obstacle.

Anabell’s dried fish business offers popular varieties like galunggong (mackerel scad), hasa-hasa (short mackerel), tamban (sardinella), and more. Prices range from under PHP2,600 to PHP4,000 per box. Customers can purchase in kilos or bulk, depending on their needs. “Our pricing may vary based on the type of fish,” Anabell stated.

Behind her success lies another key player, CARD SME Bank, a thrift bank under CARD MRI. In 2011, Anabell became a client, starting with a modest PHP10,000 loan to open a small store. Today, her loan capacity has grown to PHP500,000, which has helped scale her dried fish operations and improve logistics, including the purchase of two vehicles now used for both personal and business needs.

“Success is within reach if you believe in yourself and God,” she said. “Also, with the right support system, anything is possible. CARD SME Bank has been part of that journey.”

With the success of the business, Anabell was able to send her children to school, and both are now degree holders. One graduated with a degree in criminology and has since become an entrepreneur, poised to take over the family business in the future. The other is a licensed nurse currently employed in the healthcare field.

What started as a small venture has grown into a livelihood for many. Anabell now employs four regular workers, five laborers, and some on-call staff, most of them from her community and assigned according to their expertise. “It’s fulfilling to help others find work,” she said with pride.

Located at A.F. Torres Subdivision, Talon-Talon Loop, Zamboanga City, Anabell’s business remains a trusted name—committed to providing quality dried fish products and reliable service to her community, suppliers, and loyal customers.

From the salty shores of Zamboanga City to dining tables, Anabell Gibaga’s dried fish business tells a powerful story—one of family, faith, and fearless entrepreneurship.