You can and you will

We all have that free-will to change our social standing especially when it seems to be unfavorable. This is the story of Fatima Managat, who grew up in a family that is economically and financially challenged.

Fatima is the third youngest among her seven siblings. Her mother is a housewife and her father is a carpenter. Her parents’ income is not enough for them to eat three times a day.

“When I was young, I envied other children because their needs and wants are given and provided to them,” said Fatima adding that it is her wish to become a manager someday to experience a better life.

“Our family once celebrated my 7th birthday in one of the known fast food chain in the Philippines. I saw a well-dressed girl on her makeup entertaining us. She’s a manager and I wanted to be like her,” recalled Fatima.

Things, however, turned much harder for Fatima. Her mother died and worse, her father left them. Despite all the odds, she worked hard to achieve her dreams even if no one is supporting her. After she graduated in high school, she decided to find a job and earn a living. Luckily, she was hired as a service crew.

“I always believe that hard work pays off. That is why when I started working, I pushed myself to always do more than what is being asked,” said Fatima adding that after few years of working, she was promoted as manager.

Time brought change to Fatima and her family. Her siblings have their own job and family. Fatima then decided to settle down and raise her own family. Eventually, she decided to stop working to take care of her children. “When I left my work, our source of living only depends on the income of my husband Ronald, who works as a tricycle driver,” she added.

Given the meager income of their family, Fatima thought of other ways to support their family and that is by starting a small sari-sari store out of their savings. “The prices of goods are quite expensive already so I was able to only purchase limited stocks, which is already a good start,” said Fatima.

Then in 2017, Fatima met Meryl, an Account Officer (AO) of Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc. (A Microfinance NGO). Fatima shared that she was encouraged to join because of the institution’s affordable products and services.

“As low as PHP70 a week, you already have your savings and insurance. Aside from that, it offers low interest rate,” told Fatima, who is very pleased to be a member of CARD, Inc.

In just a year of joining CARD, Inc., their sari-sari store has grown bigger. She started a loan amounting to PHP2,000 which rose up to PHP20,000.

“I am happy to have enough or sometimes more than enough for my family’s wants and needs. Dream do come true if you have the courage to pursue them,” said Fatima.

CARD, Inc. is a social development organization that aims to eradicate poverty in the country by providing financial and community-based development programs. As of today, CARD, Inc. served more than 1.9 million clients nationwide.