Two women, two different stories, one hope. We believe that a lot of impoverished mothers have the chance to elevate their and their children’s living standards if only given the opportunity to do so. The One Hope Microfinance Program provides microloans starting at PHP 6,000 (USD 102) and up to PHP 30,000 (USD 219).
Marites and Aurora are two women with vastly different backgrounds. Marites lived in the city, while Aurora lived in a farming community in the Philippines. One of the things that they have in common? Their fear of the intense rainy season.
Just last June, Marites received her 5th loan from us! When she first joined the women’s group, she was hoping to start a sari-sari store in their urban community to make ends meet. Her house did not have strong roofing, making it more vulnerable to floods and other natural disasters. As we reached out to her, she proudly shared that their home now has a proper roof and a cemented front area that helps protect them from floods and strong winds during the rainy season!
Not only did she build a safer house and a steady source of income, but she also inspired other mothers in her group. She never had outstanding dues as she always prioritized paying on time. She was able to build savings in case of emergencies, and continues to encourage women to step into their power by building their own businesses.
In another part of rural Philippines lives Aurora—a farmer. There is a Filipino song that rings true for the experiences of the local farmers: “Ang magtanim ay hindi biro, maghapong nakayuko, ‘di man lang makaupo ‘di man lang makatayo.” (Farming is no joke. You bend all day. Cannot sit, cannot even stand.” Aurora’s days start before sunrise. She and her husband would climb a mountain and walk for an hour to get to the field. There, they grow crops like rice, eggplant, string beans, and okra, depending on the season. On the side, they also make brooms from the trees planted in their land, fulfilling orders from neighbors and nearby communities.
Like many farmers, Aurora’s main concerns are typhoons, pests, and nourishing the soil. Because they are highly dependent on external factors, some rainy days could really feel like financial storms. In 2018, she joined our program, took a loan, and learned how to manage her money. When we talked to her, she shared how important it is to set aside her weekly payments early, so payments are never a burden. This practice not only helped her manage her loans but also allowed her to save for improvements in their home, apart from protecting her family’s needs when these “rainy days” do happen.
Their stories are proof that true sustainability in income helps develop one’s life despite one’s background. Now, Aurora no longer relies on loans. Her savings alone lets her sustain her farm while her grown children are working to help provide for their household needs.
Both women remain grateful for the support they received through our Microfinance Program. Our help helped them weather many storms—both literal and figurative. Aurora’s story is a reminder of how resilience, discipline, and the right support can help families rise above life’s challenges.
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Support the One Hope Microfinance Program and help provide mothers with the resources they need to build a better future for their children.
USD270 | AUD 385 starts another woman on her poverty-free journey.
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