My Story...

How Microdevelopment Has Helped Me

(Madeline Halanoca’s story as told to Casey Ruiz)

I had been a nurse for many years making very little money but I had always dreamed of becoming an artist. Then I received a loan from Surgir (EMI’s partner organization in Peru) so that I could craft beautiful jewelry.

Every week I purchase large bags of fish scales called “paiche,” a fish found in the jungle rivers near my home. With home-made metal tools I punch various shapes out of these scales. I carefully paint them and then wire the pieces together to make different styles of earrings.

Since I began this profession, I have exported my jewelry to places as far as Bolivia and Brazil plus I sell them to local vendors. Because of Surgir’s loan I make more money than I did as a nurse and am able to employ two of my children to help me pound the scales into shapes. I sometimes even hire other people in the neighborhood to assemble the earrings. I take great pride in my craft.

Surgir has helped so many people with this loan. It has directly allowed me to provide food for my children and it has helped me develop my talents.

Thank you Surgir and EMI!

Sadia's Success

Mindanao, Philippines is locally called the “Land of Promise” due to its mountainous terrain, rich sea life, and the abundance of tropical fruits. Unfortunately, it is also notorious for the protracted wars and conflicts between separatists and the government. Peace-loving people wait helplessly in the hope that they will no longer be caught in between gunfire.

This is the story of Sadia Tumarumpong, a Filipina who was able to lift herself and her family out of this dire situation.

When she was 10, Sadia’s family was driven out of their home. They moved from place to place to find shelter, but as rebel groups attacked, the family had to evacuate numerous times. Then, Sadia married Kazim and they began their own family. They decided to settle in Manila to find better employment and leave the war-torn province.

Urban life in Manila was unkind to the family. Kazim managed to obtain only seasonal work at construction sites so Sadia opened a small convenience store in their house and earned $2 on a good day.

One day, her husband found a PMDF (Mentors’ partner organization in Manila) flyer. Sadia read about the program and her dreams of providing a better future for her family led her to attend a PMDF training session and receive her first loan.

She used her loan to open a halo-halo (a cold snack consisting of mixed fruits served with crushed ice and milk) business. With sound financial discipline and a dream to keep her going, her business steadily survived and improved.

Sadia is currently on her ninth business loan cycle and also operates a dry goods store. Her enterprising spirit has even brought her into the world of real estate. With this income, she was able to buy their home and send her children to college.

“I grew up very, very poor and surrounded by the constant terror of war. It brings tears to my eyes to think of how much has changed,” said Sadia. “My life is completely different now because PMDF took a chance on me. I have developed a sense of social responsibility and leadership. I have removed myself and my family out of poverty and have truly achieved self-reliance.”