Amidst the global pandemic, a group of entrepreneurs from Jones, Isabela, dreamt to develop a product that would help boost the health and immunity of the people within their community but little did they know that this dream turned into a remarkable success story that would make waves both domestically and internationally.

Dr. Joel Reyes, president of the Jones Producers Cooperative, led the team in developing the GIN-C Juice Drinks brand. It is made from fermented turmeric, ginger and calamansi, giving it a unique and potent flavor.

The cooperative later received financial assistance amounting to P998,800 from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office No. 2 in 2021 for the purchase of raw materials and equipment. With this support, they were able to kickstart their operation and turn their dream into a reality.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when quarantine restriction is at peak, the cooperative members gave calamansi juice drinks as a token of appreciation to COVID-19 responders. This act of generosity not only helped the cooperative spread the word about GIN-C, but also caught the attention of key local leaders, including Isabela Governor Rodolfo T. Albano III.

Governor Albano quickly placed an order for over a thousand boxes. Jones Mayor Leticia Sebastian and LPGMA Partylist Representative Allan U. Ty also extended their support to the team, further propelling the GIN-C brand into the limelight.

With the backing of the provincial government of Isabela, the GIN-C products were marketed as part of a program to provide access to wholesome foods for the locals and promote better health.

The nutritious GIN-C drink, made from locally sourced calamansi and ginger, soon became a staple in the towns of Jones, Cauayan, Ilagan, and Santiago, and even gained recognition internationally.

With the support of DOLE and the provincial government of Isabela, GIN-C Juice Drinks' success has not only provided employment opportunities but also contributed to the well-being of the cooperative's members and the community.

 The Jones GIN-C production group now employs seven (7) full-time and ten (10) part-time workers, while the ginger and calamansi plantation that provides raw materials for the product supports the livelihood of over 100 farmers. The average monthly revenue for this successful business is PHP20,000 for PHP100,000 monthly sales. Part of the income have also helped finance the education of the employees' children.

This inspiring story of Jones Producers Cooperative's GIN-C Juice Drinks is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and community support. With the entrepreneurs' unwavering spirit and commitment to quality, the Jones Producers Cooperative has put their town on the map as a shining example of Filipino ingenuity and resourcefulness.This proves that even during the most challenging times, determined individuals can turn their dream into a successful enterprise that can compete with the best of the world and may this serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. (OTB/MJPT/DOLE Region 2)