Tarcisia

Tarcisia, aged 56, is a married woman living in Cebu province with her husband and two adult children. Her eldest child is married, while the youngest is employed. Her husband works as a company driver, and Tarcisia manages a successful buy-and-sell business from home, specialising in fresh vegetables and spices.

Since 2017, Tarcisia has been running her vegetable and spice business, which experienced respectable growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. The surge in demand attracted many wholesale buyers, and her enterprise continues to flourish. She has developed a robust network of resellers and partners with local farmers who deliver their produce directly to her. Tarcisia ensures prompt, fair cash payments to the farmers, fostering trust and sustainable relationships.

Her stall is conveniently situated in front of her house near the main road, providing easy access for both passers-by and loyal customers from her village. To expand her business further, Tarcisia secured a loan from LAMAC (Lendwithcare's local partner in the Philippines), to be repaid over six monthly instalments. The funds are entirely dedicated to purchasing fresh produce from farmers, including cucumbers, aubergines, bitter gourds, beans, and squash.

With the holiday season approaching, Tarcisia is focused on maintaining a steady supply of crops to meet the anticipated high demand during the festive period.