In the heart of San Juan City in the Philippines, Merjane De Guzman’s story is a powerful example of how inclusive entrepreneurship can transform not only livelihoods but entire communities. As a mother to five children—two of whom are Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)—Merjane’s daily reality was a delicate balance of caregiving, financial stress, and resilience. Through the Maybank R.I.S.E. Programme, she turned these challenges into opportunities, building a sustainable business that reflects both personal triumph and a broader commitment to social good.

A Life Shaped by Responsibility and Resilience

Merjane had always been a caregiver. Formerly a nurse, she left the profession to provide full-time care for her children, especially her two PWD children—one diagnosed with autism and epilepsy and the other with ADHD. While she and her husband volunteered in the community, volunteer work alone couldn’t cover their growing expenses. The stress of providing for her family mounted, especially with the additional costs of medication, therapy, and education for her children.

With only PHP 50 in capital—less than a dollar—Merjane began collecting discarded plastic sachets and turned them into coin purses and handbags. The effort was small but symbolic. In a world that often discarded both waste and marginalised families like hers, she was determined to create value from both.

However, the initial business was unsustainable. Orders were sporadic, marketing was limited to word of mouth, and branding was non-existent. The cost of materials, combined with the time spent managing both household and business responsibilities, left little room for growth. She knew she needed guidance—but didn’t know where to turn.

Enter the R.I.S.E. Programme: Equipping for Sustainable Entrepreneurship

That guidance came through the Maybank R.I.S.E. Programme, a regional initiative under Maybank Foundation that aims to uplift the lives of People With Disbalities as well as the marginalised communities—including caregivers of PWDs—across ASEAN. Implemented by People Systems Consultancy (PSC), R.I.S.E. is designed to deliver practical financial literacy training, business development skills, and inclusive entrepreneurship education.

The programme’s mission aligns with Maybank Foundation’s Sustainability Commitment #2: to improve the lives of 2 million households across ASEAN by 2025. This is achieved through three pillars: equipping communities with lifelong financial knowledge, addressing situational needs, and building long-term financial resilience.

For Merjane, the programme provided more than just modules—it provided clarity and direction.

What Merjane Learned from the R.I.S.E. Programme

Armed with the drive to expand her business but lacking formal training, Merjane immersed herself in the programme’s modules. Each session brought new understanding—not only of business mechanics but of her own potential.

Sales Strategies Module

She learned how to better position her products to appeal to different customer segments. Previously relying on local buyers, she became more proactive, selling door-to-door and promoting directly to her network. She started identifying peak buying times, experimenting with bundle pricing, and creating special offers during holidays and community events.

Blue Ocean Strategy & Operational Planning

Merjane realised she didn’t need to compete with others—she could create her own niche. By turning plastic waste into desirable, customised fashion items, she stood out from other micro-entrepreneurs. She also learned how to manage operational demands by recruiting help to scale production, improving turnaround time without compromising on quality.

Branding and Digital Marketing

Understanding the importance of visibility, she created a Facebook page and built a catalogue of designs. With consistent posts and simple branding tools, she began to attract attention outside of her immediate area. Orders soon began to come in from regions across the Philippines—and eventually from international customers in Italy, Japan, and Canada.

Financial Management and Growth Mindset

One of the most transformative shifts came from the financial literacy training. She began separating personal and business finances, budgeting effectively, and setting savings goals. She even introduced tiered pricing to widen her customer base while safeguarding her margins.

These lessons reshaped her day-to-day business operations—but more importantly, they reshaped her confidence.

Tangible Impact: From PHP 500 to PHP 18,000

The numbers tell a powerful story. Before R.I.S.E., Merjane’s income was PHP 500 per month (around USD 8). Today, her income stands at PHP 18,000 (USD 310)—an increase of 3,500% over five years. This change wasn’t sudden, but the result of years of consistent effort, supported by solid strategies and practical mentorship.

With this increased income, she has been able to finance the education and medical needs of her PWD children, pay household bills on time, and build a buffer for emergencies. For a family that once struggled to meet basic needs, this level of financial empowerment is life-changing.

Social Ripple Effects: Advocacy, Employment, and Community Upliftment

Merjane’s story doesn’t stop at personal success. Today, she is a recognised advocate and mentor within the upcycling community.

  • Speaker and Advocate: Government departments such as the DPWH and DNR have invited her to speak on proper segregation and upcycling practices. Her advocacy extends to seminars, schools, and business forums.
  • Mentorship for Other PWD Families: She trains other parents of PWDs in upcycling and sustainable product creation, helping them launch businesses of their own.
  • Community Leader: Merjane founded “Advocates,” a grassroots initiative that distributes wheelchairs and supports families during calamities.
  • Sustainability Champion: Her work contributes to environmental goals by reducing plastic waste. She also partners with businesses to collect used sachets and segregated plastics for repurposing.

A Model of Inclusive and Sustainable Impact

Merjane’s transformation shows the layered benefits of empowering individuals with knowledge, confidence, and entrepreneurial tools. It is a reflection of what happens when social impact programmes are implemented with care, and when marginalised voices are heard and supported.

Her growth also contributes to Maybank Foundation’s broader ESG commitment, proving that financial empowerment for caregivers and PWD families can be part of a meaningful sustainability strategy. The R.I.S.E. Programme’s focus on inclusive entrepreneurship, implemented through practical and replicable modules, is not just about lifting income—but about creating resilience, dignity, and agency.

Scaling ESG Strategies Through Partnership

The success of stories like Merjane’s is made possible through strong collaborations. Maybank Foundation has provided the vision, commitment, and strategic funding to realise this impact across the ASEAN region. People Systems Consultancy (PSC), as the implementing partner, plays a critical role in transforming these goals into ground-level outcomes.

At PSC, we specialise in designing and executing high-impact social programmes that align with your ESG strategies. From programme design and training implementation to impact measurement and reporting, we support corporates and foundations to build initiatives that are not only meaningful—but measurable.

If your organisation is seeking to build a legacy of social impact across Southeast Asia, let’s create that journey together.

🔗 Learn more about the Maybank R.I.S.E. Programme: https://www.maybankfoundation.com/index.php/our-impact/rise/rise-overview

🔗 Discover how PSC creates impact with communities and clients across ASEAN: https://www.peoplesystemsconsultancy.com