Few years back, Natividad Monreal, 58, a resident of Pantukan, Compostela Valley was looking for a banking institution to finance her piggery and sari-sari store. She failed, because of collateral. She even tried borrowing from moneylenders but it did not thrive. Until she met the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) in 2008 and offered her various loan programs tailored fit to her business needs. (Supplied photo)
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Many people dream of starting their own business, being an entrepreneur as they say. There may be a few people who are up to this challenge, two of these chosen few are clients of Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) – Mercy Narbay, 31 and Zilla Gasal, 52, both from Pantukan, Compostela Valley.

Mercy and Zilla joined the institution just a year ago. The positive feedbacks they have heard about CARD, Inc. from their neighbors enticed them to join.  “All I hear about CARD are praises and I can actually vouch that they are all happy and successful in their line of businesses,” said Zilla.

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“I wanted to experience it for myself and of course, I need an additional capital for my fruit stand business,” Mercy added.

According to Mercy, in just a year of being a member, she slowly felt the positive change happening in their family. Being an entrepreneur for a while now, she learned that she needed an institution that would help her grow. “CARD, Inc. is a perfect partner,” she added.

Moreover, Zilla, a lechon (roasted whole pig) house owner expressed her satisfaction in joining the institution. “I am so glad to have been persuaded by my neighbors. Right now, in our compound, we are one center composed of more than 30 individuals,” added Zilla.

The lechon business depends on seasonal events, that is why Zilla wanted to save for future purposes. She made sure to plan the future to enjoy the present. Saving is one way to have a secured future.

“I am also satisfied with the microinsurance products that CARD offers. I even secured insurance for everyone in the family,” she added.

Microinsurance is offered by CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA), the microinsurance provider of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) where CARD, Inc. is also a member institution. CARD MRI is a group of 21 institutions that aims to eradicate poverty in the country by providing financial and non-financial services.

Both are new to the institution. One small leap towards a brighter future. They were not afraid of trying new things, to make a start… a very good start. (PR)

 

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