ILIGAN CITY (PIA)—Marc Claro, an entrepreneur from Iligan City, has been named the Most Outstanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) in the Micro Enterprise Category at the 2025 Presidential Awards for Outstanding MSMEs, held on August 18 at Malacañan Palace.
Claro received the recognition for his enterprise, Heaven’s Bakehaus & Enterprises, best known for producing the local delicacy Piaya de Iligan.
Founded in 2012 by Claro and his wife, Roly Ann, with an initial capital of just ₱5,000, the business began as a livelihood initiative to support a single mother under their care. Over the years, it has expanded to provide jobs for out-of-school youth, persons with disabilities, and workers nearing retirement.
“This award is not just for me, but for every mother, father, youth, and worker whose lives have been touched by Heaven’s Bakehaus & Enterprises,” Claro said.
“What started with ₱5,000 and a dream to help one single mother has grown into a mission of empowering communities, uplifting livelihoods, and proving that even the smallest enterprise can create the biggest impact when driven by purpose, compassion, and resilience. This recognition inspires us to keep baking not just bread, but hope and opportunities for many more Filipinos.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company introduced flexible work arrangements and adopted modern operational practices, including Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), 5S, and Lean Manufacturing.
By 2021, Heaven’s Bakehaus became a licensed adopter of the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute’s Enhanced Nutribun program, contributing to national feeding initiatives.
The enterprise has since earned multiple recognitions, including the DOST SETUP PRAISE Award and Iligan City’s Best Pasalubong Product Award in 2024.
Today, Heaven’s Bakehaus continues to promote the use of local ingredients and supports community-based livelihood programs.
The Presidential Awards for Outstanding MSMEs, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, celebrate businesses that exemplify best practices and contribute significantly to both local and national economic development.
