16/08/2026
From “can we help?” to one-stop partner
By Maya M. Padillo
Edge Davao’s Kadayawan Special Edition
August 16-17, 2026
Sometimes, the best business ideas do not begin with a grand blueprint. They begin with a simple question: Can we help?
For Gison & Galagar Management Consultancy Firm, that question became the foundation of a growing homegrown consultancy that has evolved from a modest professional service provider into a one-stop business support partner for entrepreneurs and enterprises across Davao Region and neighboring areas.
Established in 2020, the firm grew during one of the most challenging periods for businesses-the COVID-19 pandemic. But rather than allowing uncertainty to define their path, the family behind Gison & Galagar found opportunities in the needs of entrepreneurs around them.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, almost all businesses were affected, and our situation was no different,” managing owner Kenn Galagar recalled.
He said at the time, friends and former colleagues who had ventured into small, home-based businesses began turning to the family for assistance with business registration and permits.
But getting legally registered was only the beginning.
“Once they were legally registered, they started asking us to help set up their accounting systems, bookkeeping, and tax filing. That was really how things started,” Galagar said.
One request led to another. A client needed payroll services for a home-based outsourcing company. Another required an inventory management system for a baby and toddler supplies business.
Then John Galagar, CPA, joined the growing family enterprise after a client sought external auditing services for its expanding multi-branch operation.
From a home-based office, the firm eventually moved into its first rented professional space. Marketing and communications were later added to its growing portfolio, tapping into Gison-Galagar's own expertise.
“By our third year, we were already operating more like a one-stop business support hub,” Galagar said.
Today, Gison & Galagar brings together business development and registration, accounting and auditing, and marketing and communications, alongside other professional business support services.
Its work covers everything from Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and local government unit (LGU) requirements to bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial reporting, auditing, payroll, inventory management, marketing strategies, social media, public relations and media relations.
Yet behind this expanding range of services is a philosophy that remains remarkably simple.
“We didn't necessarily start with a grand plan to offer all these services. We simply listened to what our clients needed and asked ourselves, ‘Can we help?’ And every time, our mindset was, ‘Yes, let's see how we can do it,’” June Gison, operations manager added.
That mindset also shapes how the firm approaches technology and the changing business environment.
“I always like to say, ‘The game may change, but the players are still the same,’” he said.
For Gison, embracing innovation does not mean losing sight of the fundamentals. Technology can make processes faster and more convenient, but sound accounting principles, compliance and reliable professional guidance remain essential.
The firm continues to adopt digital processes and online payment channels while keeping its focus on consistent, hands-on support.
Jeline Gison-Galagar, the firm’s co-managing partner shared that “Whether a client is facing challenges with business registration, establishing their accounting system, complying with government requirements, or managing their day-to-day business operations, we want them to know that we will be there to represent, guide, and support them”.
“For this year, we are also highlighting our Marketing & Communications services, which connect businesses with potential partners for public relations, marketing, and promotional opportunities,” Jeline added.
Looking ahead, the firm's ambitions go beyond simply gaining more clients. Galagar sees sustainable growth as a way to strengthen the company, create jobs and build a better future for its people.
“Growth is not just about numbers. It's about building a company that can grow sustainably while continuing to be a reliable partner to our clients,” Kenn said.
Perhaps that is what makes the Gison & Galagar story compelling: it was built not by trying to have all the answers from the start, but by being willing to listen, learn and say yes.
One client need became another. One service opened the door to the next. And a simple “can we help?” became the foundation of a business built to help other businesses thrive.
