Tricycle Operators Get Green Light

August 18, 2007 By Leave a Comment

MEET OUR CLIENTS: Bembiano Estrada Jr. and Elvis Jose Huerte

KAYOD loan programA new loan program called KAYOD designed for motorized tricycle operators has gotten rave reviews by its clients. Bembiano Estrada Jr. and Elvis Jose Huerte, drivers for five months and two years respectively, are enthusiastic about the program.

“I am a fisherman but I needed a way to supplement my income when I am not fishing,” explains Mr. Estrada Jr. “With KAYOD I am able to purchase a brand new bike for not much more than it would cost me to rent it. But after three years I will own it. I am very happy with the arrangement.” [Read more...]

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Tenacity in Tacurong

August 15, 2007 By Leave a Comment

MEET OUR CLIENTS: Ernesto and Tessie Sunico

Mrs. SunicoThis is a story of tenacity and perseverance. It is also a story of obtaining access to financial services at a crucial time.

In 1997, Mr. and Mrs. Ernesto Sunico decided to start a small business. They rented a small stall in the public market of Tacurong, a city in the province of Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao. With only 1200-pesos ($24) starting capital, they started selling fruit, charcoal and beans. They earned daily profits of about 200 pesos ($4). With this limited income, the Sunico couple was barely able to provide for themselves and their one child.

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Snack Food Producers on the Move

August 14, 2007 By Leave a Comment

MEET OUR CLIENTS: Victoria and Carlos Lim

In a nipa-covered awning behind their home in Tandag, Surigao del Sur, Victoria and Carlos Lim manufacture chicharon and ampaw (popped rice) to earn a livelihood for their family. Mr. and Mrs. Lim inherited the business from Carlos’ parents and decided in 1998 to grow it with the help of their children.

The demand for chicharon and ampaw exceeded initial expectations. To meet the rising popularity of the snacks, the couple applied for a KITA loan from the Rural Bank of Cantilan. Through its participation in the Microenterprise Access to Banking Services (MABS) program, the Rural Bank of Cantilan had developed and designed a loan product to help microentrepreneurs like the Lims build their businesses. Short for Kita Tigum Asenso (Income and Savings for Progress), the KITA loan became a popular product of the bank.

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A Capital Idea

August 1, 2007 By Leave a Comment
Teodoro and Wilma De Chavez of Batangas casually speak of their thriving business and its humble beginnings. “It was a small investment and easy to do,” shrugs Teodoro.
In July 2001, Teodoro and Wilma received a loan of 10,000 pesos from a nearby rural bank, Bangko Kabayan, to help finance an entrepreneurial idea. Since then, the De Chavez’ have developed an efficiently run cookie production business. A team of six employees work for Teodoro, Monday through Saturday, eight hours a day, to produce panucha and pakumbô, local treats made from peanuts and coconut (respectively).Wilma manages sales with local vendors. “So far, demand is greater than supply.
“We can’t keep up with requests,” she says. “We’re hoping to take out a second loan to purchase more raw materials so that we can produce as much as is demanded.”
The income from sales has adequately covered the enterprise’s expenses; however, an additional loan will help purchase equipment that would otherwise not be accessible to the couple.
More raw materials and greater production could very well mean more employees. The enterprise currently produces and sells 500 packages of 30 cookies a day. Labor required to sell these goods includes production, packaging and delivery – no small task.Loan officers at Bangko Kabayan are amazed at the couple’s success. “This sort of success is usually seen only among borrowers who have been clients for at least one year, if not longer,” says loan officer Chito Romero. “The De Chavez’ have achieved a great thing in only four months with their business.
“The KABAYAN loan program was developed by Bangko Kabayan through its participation in the Microenterprise Access to Banking Services (MABS) program.

De Chavez businessTeodoro and Wilma De Chavez of Batangas casually speak of their thriving business and its humble beginnings. “It was a small investment and easy to do,” shrugs Teodoro.

In July 2001, Teodoro and Wilma received a loan of 10,000 pesos from a nearby rural bank, Bangko Kabayan, to help finance an entrepreneurial idea. Since then, the De Chavez’ have developed an efficiently run cookie production business. A team of six employees work for Teodoro, Monday through Saturday, eight hours a day, to produce panucha and pakumbô, local treats made from peanuts and coconut (respectively).Wilma manages sales with local vendors. “So far, demand is greater than supply.

“We can’t keep up with requests,” she says. “We’re hoping to take out a second loan to purchase more raw materials so that we can produce as much as is demanded.” [Read more...]

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