Despite facing numerous challenges, Merdelisa Talawi Siwo, a 42-year-old microentrepreneur from Brgy. Sinawal, General Santos City, never let adversity stand in the way of her dreams.
Growing up with family responsibilities, she understood early on that success requires determination and sacrifice. With no initial capital, she turned to CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) and availed a loan to start a small sari-sari store. The modest earnings from her store enabled her to expand her income-generating activity. She planted corn on her parents’ land, eventually reaping a good harvest. With the positive income of her business, she also invested in two cows. Her journey shows what is possible with smart financial planning and hard work.
Driven by her desire to grow her business, Merdelisa reinvested in a new venture—lending rice. She started distributing 50 sacks of rice monthly to diversify her income streams. However, the pandemic brought unexpected challenges, affecting many of her customers and disrupting business operations. Still, Merdelisa showed resilience during difficult times.
Merdelisa’s business journey doesn’t stop there and strategize to sustain her business. With proper planning, she ventured into pig farming. However, another challenge arose when her sister was rushed to the hospital, which forced her to use her business capital for medical expenses. She didn’t hesitate. Helping family is at the top of the priority. Despite this setback, she persevered. Merdelisa built another sari-sari store and acquired a coconut farm, for which she entrusted management and product sales to her brothers.
Her passion for business management led her to acquire several vehicles, including three motorcycles and two trucks, all used for business-related activities, especially in transporting goods to buyers.
For Merdelisa, success is not about material wealth. “Prioritizing needs over wants is the key to financial stability,” she emphasized.
Throughout her business journey, she is deeply grateful to CARD, Inc. for their support. Despite experiencing a series of failures in her business, she did not stop – she never lost hope. “CARD has played a vital role in my family and business. I remember when we had nothing, CARD was there to support us. I know I’m just one of many who can testify to their impact,” she shared.
To aspiring entrepreneurs, Merdelisa offers her advice, “In business, learn that it is not a joke. Learn to distinguish between needs and wants. Avoid unnecessary spending. Start with a strong will because success requires effort and patience. Don’t just copy other businesses; determine your community’s needs and supply that demand. Be hardworking, never surrender, and always glorify God in everything you do.”
Beyond financial success, Merdelisa’s story is one of the grit and perseverance of an entrepreneur determined to improve their way of life.
