Maria

Loan description:

Maria Lapiz is a hardworking young mother from Alpaco, Naga, Cebu. She believes that her Creator blesses those who work hard and do good and indeed she believes that she has been blessed plentifully in her efforts as a businesswoman. However, it has not been easy for her. She started working as a shop assistant in a small sari-sari store. The business was unsuccessful and the owner eventually decided to close the store. However, Ms. Lapiz had a lot of passion for the store and thought that the business could be successful., She decided therefore to take the risk and run the shop as owner herself.

She started with a small initial loan of just US$68 from LAMAC Multi Purpose Cooperative. She also ventured into wholesaling to other small sari-sari stores in her neighbourhood. She gradually expanded her services and is now seeking a loan of US$634 over a period of 18 months. She is also considering venturing into raising pigs.

Ms. Lapiz’s weekly income amounts to US$$227 from sales. She has also received loans from LAMAC for house repairs - it is not just her business that she is improving and as well as the physical structure of her home she has also managed to buy a number of household appliances and also a motorcycle.

Despite of her busy schedule, she takes the responsibility as president of the local chapel and extends financial help to any kind of activity that the church decides to undertake.