In Cebu City, Philippines, the story of Rocelito Jancinal is a powerful testament to human resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and the transformative power of inclusive support systems. A devoted father of four and a passionate farmer, Rocelito once lived a quiet, hardworking life. However, a devastating accident in October 2013 dramatically changed the course of his journey. The injuries he sustained left him paralysed from the waist down—an unexpected turn that brought physical, emotional, and financial hardship.

Yet today, Rocelito is not only running a multi-venture enterprise but also empowering others in his community. Thanks to the Maybank R.I.S.E. programme and his unyielding determination, he has become a model of inclusive entrepreneurship and sustainable business growth. His story shows what’s possible when social impact programmes provide the right tools to the right people.

From Full-Time Farmer to Financial Crisis

Before the accident, Rocelito was the main provider for his family through farming and manual labour. He prided himself on being able to send his children to school and support his household needs. Farming was more than an income—it was a legacy he hoped to pass on.

That changed abruptly when he suffered an electrical shock while doing maintenance work in the fields. The injuries required extensive surgery and rehabilitation, leaving him permanently unable to walk. Confined to a wheelchair and unable to return to manual farming, Rocelito and his family were thrust into crisis.

Medical expenses quickly drained their modest savings. With no income and increasing debt, he could no longer afford school fees, and providing daily meals became a struggle. The emotional toll was severe—he felt helpless, isolated, and deeply anxious about his family’s future. As a man who had always worked with his hands, Rocelito now found himself with the challenge of rebuilding from scratch.

The Breakthrough: Entering the R.I.S.E. Programme

In 2018, Rocelito was introduced to the Maybank R.I.S.E. programme, a regional social impact initiative by Maybank Foundation and implemented by People Systems Consultancy (PSC). The programme is designed to equip marginalised communities—particularly Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)—with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to build sustainable businesses and achieve financial independence.

R.I.S.E. focuses on inclusive entrepreneurship, financial literacy training, and practical business development skills. For Rocelito, joining the programme marked the beginning of a transformative journey.

 

Structured Learning, Tangible Growth

The training provided through R.I.S.E. helped Rocelito assess his existing skills and understand the business opportunities around him.

  • Blue Ocean Strategy: This module opened Rocelito’s eyes to untapped market segments. Rather than limit himself to traditional farming, he diversified his business into hog-raising, Sinamak vinegar production, tablea and herbal rubs, coconut oil, and vegetable sales. He identified unique value propositions for each, catering to specific community needs.
  • Operational Planning: Before the programme, Rocelito ran his ventures without clear systems. The training helped him set schedules for harvesting, processing, and delivery. He streamlined his workflows and managed limited resources more efficiently.
  • Customer Profiling and Packaging: The mentorship offered insights into tailoring products to customer preferences. With improved packaging and branding, his vinegar and tablea became strong sellers in local pop-ups.
  • Financial Management: One of Rocelito’s greatest takeaways was how to separate personal and business finances. He adopted a cash envelope system, created a savings plan, and began tracking every peso. For the first time, he had a clear picture of how his business was performing.

Results That Changed Lives

Within just six months of completing the R.I.S.E. programme, Rocelito’s income increased from PHP 4,000 (USD 69.18) to PHP 65,000 (USD 1,124.18)—an impressive 1,525% boost. But the numbers only tell part of the story. His business success allowed him to:

  • Eliminate all household debt.
  • Hire four other PWDs in his community to manage four mall-based pop-up stalls.
  • Partner with five local coconut farmers, giving them consistent revenue streams.
  • Buy a mini-van and tuk-tuk for transporting goods and supporting logistics.
  • Send two daughters to university, ensuring they had a chance at a better future.
  • Mentor his three sons in setting up and managing their own food carts.
  • Begin saving consistently for his youngest child’s education.

Beyond these achievements, Rocelito became an advocate for inclusive entrepreneurship in his barangay. He was invited to community forums, livelihood events, and microenterprise workshops to share his journey and guide others facing similar circumstances.

 

More Than Income: The Psychological Rebuild

What made Rocelito’s story particularly compelling is how R.I.S.E. helped him recover emotionally. The journey from helplessness to purpose rebuilt his confidence and sense of identity.

Having once felt abandoned by the system, Rocelito is now a source of motivation for others. His neighbours and peers often come to him for business advice, and he actively encourages other PWDs to participate in training and livelihood programmes.

Through R.I.S.E., he discovered that his disability didn’t limit his potential. Instead, it equipped him with a new perspective and deeper empathy—qualities that make him a more thoughtful entrepreneur and a more impactful community member.

Building Resilience Through Inclusive Entrepreneurship

Rocelito’s success underscores the importance of integrating financial literacy and inclusive entrepreneurship into community-building efforts. His transformation is proof that marginalised individuals, when given the right tools and mentorship, can exceed expectations and uplift others along the way.

This outcome aligns with the broader vision of Maybank Foundation’s R.I.S.E. programme: to create a sustainable ecosystem where participants are not only financially empowered but also able to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Why Stories Like Rocelito’s Matter in the ESG Landscape

As corporations focus increasingly on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies, social impact programmes like Maybank R.I.S.E. offer a practical, measurable avenue for addressing the “S” in ESG. Through Rocelito’s journey, we see how financial inclusion, job creation, and skills development can be scaled across communities.

For businesses seeking to integrate meaningful ESG initiatives, supporting programmes like R.I.S.E. is not just about meeting metrics. It’s about enabling transformation—from individuals to communities to broader economies.

Partnering for Purpose

People Systems Consultancy (PSC), as the on-ground implementer of Maybank R.I.S.E., plays a critical role in delivering training, mentorship, and monitoring progress. Our work ensures that corporates looking to make a difference in social impact can do so in a structured, scalable, and measurable way.

If you’re an organisation looking to develop inclusive, purpose-driven programmes, PSC offers the expertise and regional experience to help you turn impact into action. Rocelito’s story is not an isolated case—it’s one of many we help bring to life across ASEAN.

Get Involved

The Maybank R.I.S.E. programme, driven by Maybank Foundation and implemented by People Systems Consultancy (PSC), is helping to reshape what inclusive success looks like.

Discover how you or your organisation can get involved:

🔗 Discover how Maybank Foundation’s R.I.S.E. Programme empowers inclusive entrepreneurship: https://www.maybankfoundation.com/index.php/our-impact/rise/rise-overview

🔗 Learn how PSC helps corporates build real-world social impact across ASEAN: https://www.peoplesystemsconsultancy.com