Reap what you sow

Adelina Montealto or Deling, 60, resident of Paiisa, Tiaong, Quezon, is a member of CARD Bank for 11 years now. Since 2007, she is serving as center chief in their own community of CARD members, the ASAP Center 3.

Before joining CARD Bank, Deling’s husband Wenceslao used to work for his father’s farm land. Eventually, he inherited one hectare of land, which they used to start their own farming venture.

“We needed to establish a source of income. At that time, my children were in college. We have to support their financial needs,” shared Deling.

In 2007, the couple became members of CARD Bank that let them avail various financial services, which helped Deling and Wenceslao support their starting business. The first loan they had funded their original rice mill machine which has been beneficial to their production of palay and ipa.

Aside from this, the financial assistance provided by CARD Bank granted the couple agri-loan (agricultural loan), which they utilized to start animal, coconut, and banana farming.

“With low interest rate and manageable payment conditions, it was not a burden to us. It is indeed a blessing for me and my family,” mentioned Deling.

CARD Bank is a microfinance-oriented rural bank and a member institution of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) serving more than 2.2 million families all over the country though its financial and non-financial services.

Deling and Wenceslao were fortunate enough to be given new varieties of rice seeds or binhi by Philippine Rice Research Institute in the University of Los Baños. They would receive 10 kilos of new rice seeds and grow to distribute to other parts of Quezon Province through Quezon Palay Seed Grower Association where Wenceslao is currently the Vice President.

At present, Deling and Wenceslao have 10 hectares of farm land and with more than 100 helpers. They harvest three times a year and produce 1,000 sacks of rice.

Deling shared, “Since rice is a prime commodity in the Philippines, it was a nice idea to venture to rice farming. It is one factor aspiring entrepreneurs have to consider.” She considers her farming business a huge blessing to her family.

Aside from her savings, purchase of family car and deliver service, house renovation, and construction of their guest house, Deling is also thankful that her children finished their studies.

Florence, 39, is now a master teacher. Cristina, 37, now works as a civil engineer. Her third child, Wendy, 35, is working as Senior Operations Assistant for a global company in Ortigas. Rosana, 33, is also a full-fledged teacher. Lastly, Joan, 27, is practicing her profession as a hotel and restaurant management graduate.

Few years back, Deling had worries of unstable future for her family. But with their hard work and firm vision, through the assistance of CARD Bank, they are now reaping the fruits of their 11 year-long labor.