The past year was challenging for all entrepreneurs but it was quite a different story for the micro entrepreneurs whose only source of income is their small businesses.

Evilla Anquillano’s sari-sari store became their family’s livelihood after her husband lost his job as a security guard when the community quarantine started.

“Nagbukas ako ng tindahan noong 2018 para pandagdag din na mapagkukunan ng pang araw-araw naming ng pangangailangan,” Evilla explained.

However, due to the large number of sari-sari stores in their area, the store did not do very well in the beginning. That was when Evilla thought of a way to attract more people to her store and increase her income.

“Ang dami po kasi sari-sari store sa amin kaya kailangan mag-isip ng diskarte. Dun na po namin naisip na magtinda na rin ng lutong ulam,” Evilla shared.

Evilla’s sari-sari store temporarily closed for a one week following a barangay ordinance but for the rest of community quarantine period, they remained open. 

“Pero kahit bukas ang tindahan, ramdam din namin na hirap talaga ang aming mga kapitbahay. Ang mga suki ko karamihan nawalan din ng mga trabaho kaya wala din pambili. Halos wala ng kita nag tindahan kaya unti-unti na din nawawalan ng laman dahil wala na din kami puhunan pandagdag ng stocks,” Evilla related.

The district office of 6^th Congressional District of Manila introduced Bayanihan CARES to Evilla. “Tinulungan po nila kami makapag-apply ng loan. Pinag-submit kami ng requirements at tinulungan sa online application,” she shared.

Through the loan proceeds from Bayanihan CARES, Evilla was able to restock her sari-sari store. 

Nakatulong po sa pandagdag puhunan sa tindahan  yung nakuha naming loan. Nalamanan naming muli ang mga shelves at napapaikot na naming ng maayos ang kita ng tindahan,” Evilla concluded.

 

Posted on June 3, 2021