Resa is 34 years old and married to Rustico Bernido, age 37.  She is the mother of five children, ages 5 to 14.  Three of these children are sponsored by King Solomon Christian School (KSCS), and all are enrolled in school.  (see box on left).

Resa sells banana cue, cigarettes, soft drinks, and candies from a rolling cart.  She received her first loan from Grameen Foundation in February 2011 in order to start and grow her business to supplement her family’s income.

Her husband is a school service driver for Silong Tanglaw, a local orphanage.  His duty is to bring the kids to and from their schools in the mornings and afternoons.  At night, he is a tricycle driver to earn more income for his family.

Thanks to his work ethic and responsibility, the President of Silong Tanglaw Orphanage gave the Bernido family a loan of 45,000 Pesos ($1,100) to purchase his own tricycle in 2007.  Payments of 2,500 Pesos ($60) were deducted from his monthly salary, challenging the family to meet their needs with smaller monthly income.  He paid off the loan in full in December 2009.  This loan not only provided Rustico and Resa with a great opportunity, but also taught them the importance of financial responsibility.

 Resa and Rustico have now started paying the remaining balance for the tricycle to the motor company they purchased it from.  They have 29,200 Pesos ($710) left and are paying it off with the income Resa is receiving from her rolling cart store.

They are very thankful because Grameen Foundation’s no-interest loan is a big help to them.  Resa has been able to support the needs of her family through her business while Rustico expands his.  She is also earning extra income which she is saving for her family.