Estrella entered the Honor 1000 Microfinance Program in 2016. Prior to this, she and her husband earned their income only through their little convenience store, and by peddling fertilized duck eggs. Despite this, their earnings were just enough for the day’s needs. When she received her first microloan, she tried venturing into cooking and selling rice cakes. Seeing a growth opportunity, she decided to invest more capital and was able to eventually secure her own stall in a market. Her husband also started delivering the delicacies in a neighboring city. This became their primary source of being able to provide a good education and a sustainable future for their two kids.
However, this was halted due to the pandemic.
At the start of the community quarantine in provinces in the Philippines, they were still able to cross to the next town where most of their customers are since they was selling food – categorized under essential goods allowed for continuous operations. However, as the local government strengthened precautions, they are now unable to peddle their goods, which greatly affected their income.
While she and her family are struggling through this pandemic, they are grateful for relatives who are able to assist them with basic needs. Despite this challenging time, Estrella remains hopeful that this too shall pass and they will be able to recover from this crisis and get her small business back on track again.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Philippines is one of the many countries struck by the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing majority of cities and provinces to be put in lockdown.
You can join us in helping poverty-stricken families recover from this crisis. With your support of USD 385, we will be able to provide a vulnerable Filipino mom with a small business loan. Click on the links below to know more about the project, or to send through your support.
Our Partners
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The Captivating Team in Nepal conducted a 3-day field trip to meet local municipality leaders, health professionals, and school principals to begin our program planning.
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After three months of preparation, our eagerly anticipated Chicken Farming Project has successfully taken off! The Chicken Farming Project aims to increase the income of 90 rural families in remote areas of Sichuan, China.
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Jiniu Yiqu is one of the many students who are able to continue their studies through the One More Year Scholarship Program. This is her letter to her sponsors.
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