Veronica Tabrilla: How a Woman PWD Entrepreneur Built a Thriving Business

For many persons with disabilities (PWDs), financial independence is an uphill battle. Limited job opportunities, accessibility challenges, and societal misconceptions often stand in the way. Entrepreneurship programs for persons with disabilities, such as Maybank R.I.S.E., are proving that with the right training and mindset, PWDs can overcome these barriers and build thriving businesses.

Veronica Tabrilla from Pasay City, Philippines, is one such entrepreneur. Born with an orthopedic disability due to polio, Veronica’s journey toward financial empowerment wasn’t easy. As the primary caregiver for her aging mother, she relied on graphic design commissions to make ends meet. However, the pandemic’s economic downturn left her without steady clients, forcing her to rethink her career path.

She had another passion—repurposing old materials into eco-friendly products—but she never considered it a viable business. That changed when she joined the Maybank R.I.S.E. program, an initiative designed to equip PWD entrepreneurs with financial literacy training, business strategies, and mentorship.

Today, Veronica runs two sustainable businesses: a graphic design and printing service and an eco-friendly brand that repurposes denim into stylish bags. More importantly, she is now financially independent and actively giving back to her community.

From Struggles to Opportunity: Finding the Right Path

Before joining Maybank R.I.S.E., Veronica faced a series of financial struggles:

?? Unstable income – Freelance design work was inconsistent, and she lacked a steady revenue stream.

?? Competitive industry – The demand for graphic design surged during the pandemic, but so did competition, making it difficult to stand out.

?? No financial security – Without proper savings, she constantly worried about her future and her ability to support her mother.

?? Lack of business direction – Though passionate about upcycling, she didn’t know how to turn her creative skills into a sustainable small business.

Veronica needed more than just financial aid—she needed entrepreneurial knowledge and the confidence to take the leap.

A Game-Changer: The Maybank R.I.S.E. Program

In August 2022, Veronica discovered Maybank R.I.S.E., an initiative implemented by People Systems Consultancy (PSC) to empower PWD entrepreneurs through business training, mentorship, and financial literacy education.

Through the program, she learned practical strategies to transform her passion into a profitable business:

? Business Profiling – Helped her identify upcycled denim bags as a viable product niche, allowing her to stand out in the market.

? Blue Ocean Strategy – Showed her how to differentiate herself from competitors by offering eco-friendly, handmade products with a strong sustainability message.

? Sales Strategies & Customer Value Proposition (CVP) – Taught her how to connect with customers, expand her reach, and create meaningful partnerships.

? Financial Literacy Training – Guided her in saving, budgeting, and reinvesting in her business, ensuring long-term stability.

But the biggest transformation wasn’t just financial—it was her mindset. Before the program, she doubted her potential. Through mentoring and hands-on training, she gained the confidence to believe in her skills and take control of her financial future.

Building a Thriving & Sustainable Business

With her newfound knowledge, Veronica launched two businesses:

1?? A graphic design and printing service – Revitalizing her original passion with better sales techniques and customer engagement strategies.

2?? A sustainable brand for upcycled denim bags – Merging creativity with environmental responsibility, offering customers stylish yet eco-conscious products.

Her hard work quickly translated into real financial growth.

?? From Zero to PHP 24,400 Per Month

Within a year, Veronica’s income surged from zero to PHP 24,400 (USD 419.71) per month.

She took charge of her financial future by opening a Maybank RISE Savings Account, setting aside PHP 24,000 in savings, and reinvesting PHP 70,000 into home improvements, ensuring a better workspace and living conditions.

Her success also enabled her to give back—an important value she learned from Maybank R.I.S.E.

Empowering Others: Paying It Forward

For Veronica, success is not just about financial independence—it’s about creating impact.

? Giving Back to the Community – She donates 10% of her sales to PWD initiatives and provides food assistance to underprivileged individuals in her barangay.

? Mentoring Fellow PWD Entrepreneurs – She actively shares her knowledge with other PWD business owners, encouraging them to explore their talents, find unique business opportunities, and achieve financial empowerment.

? Sustainability & Social Impact – Through her upcycled denim brand, she is promoting environmentally conscious business practices, proving that entrepreneurship can drive both economic and social impact.

Her purpose-driven approach to business is what makes her journey truly inspiring.

Creating Lasting Change Across ASEAN

Veronica’s success story is part of a larger movement—one that is changing the landscape of inclusive entrepreneurship in ASEAN.

Through Maybank R.I.S.E., thousands of PWD entrepreneurs like Veronica have gained access to:

?? Financial literacy training for smarter money management

?? Business mentorship & skill development to launch and sustain profitable ventures

?? A supportive network of like-minded entrepreneurs who uplift each other

By investing in PWD-led businesses, the program is breaking barriers and driving financial inclusion in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos.

Each success story contributes to a stronger, more inclusive economy.

Redefining Success: The Power of Purpose

For Veronica, success isn’t just about financial stability. It’s about turning passion into purpose, overcoming limitations, and creating opportunities for others.

As she puts it:

"Life is not disabled just because we have a disability. We all have abilities, and we all have the willpower to live for those who are important to us."

Today, she continues to grow her business, mentor fellow entrepreneurs, and advocate for PWD empowerment. Just like she gives discarded denim a new life, she’s helping others find new purpose in their own lives.

Be Part of the Change

?? Discover more stories like Veronica’s and see how financial empowerment is transforming lives through entrepreneurship.

?? Explore the impact of Maybank R.I.S.E and more PWD success stories at https://maybankfoundation.com/index.php/our-impact/rise/rise-overview

?? Learn more about People Systems Consultancy (PSC) and the role of sustainable small businesses in creating economic resilience at peopleystemsconsultancy.com