Life lessons

In Cabadbaran City, fishing is the major source of income. Fisher folks depend solely on nature’s blessings. Mary Joy Dejarme, 36, married Jerry, 35, a fisherman. Life was hard when they first started five years ago. Mary Joy even joined many microfinance companies to avail loans. Luckily, she was encouraged by her neighbors to join Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) in 2013. Mary Joy said that the good feedback from her neighbors made her join and stay. Just like any other client, she started with a PHP 3,000-loan. Mary Joy and Jerry worked hand in hand in managing their space in the market and the two fishing boats they own. At present, she is allowed up to PHP 50,000 loan for additional capital. More than that, they were able to buy a car, renovate their house and send their two kids to school. CARD, Inc. is an institution that offers microloans to support the livelihood activities of the socio-economically challenged women and families.