Micro entrepreneurs have proven their innate creativity in adapting to restrictions during the time of pandemic. Many resorted to modifying their business model while making use of current business resources and skills.

Ralfh Bryan Buncad owns a computer shop in Las Pinas. Most of his customers are students and children who usually come to play computer games. Since the implementation of the community quarantine, computer shops are still not allowed to operate and their frequent customers were also not allowed to go out of their homes. 

Even without resuming operations, the expenses piled up to a point when he can no longer afford to pay for his utilities and rent.

Ralfh then made the painful decision of selling some of his computer units. 

“Sinimulan ko nang ibenta yung ilang computer unit ko. At naisipan ko nga gamitin na lang yung pwesto  at i-convert sa computer repair shop.”

He started offering computer repair services and trading computer parts. This resourcefulness of Ralfh extended to his wife who started selling food items and fresh produce like fruits.

As he is in a lookout for possible sources of capital in his re-purposed businesses, Ralfh searched online for government programs that may be the answer to their needs as micro entrepreneurs. While scrolling through social media, his wife chanced upon a post of Bayanihan CARES. “Nakita po ng asawa ko sa Facebook ang post na loan na walang interes, at walang collateral kaya sinubukan po namin mag-apply,” Ralfh shared.

Ralfh used his loan proceeds on tools and equipment to aid him in building gaming computers which are currently in demand. 

 “Hindi ko pa rin binibitawan ang pagkakaroon ng computer shop. Pero sa kasalukuyan mas Importante po ang makaraos sa araw-araw at makapag-ipon. Naniniwala naman po ako na babalik pa ang lahat sa normal at magkakaroon kami ulit ng computer shop. Sa ngayon po, importante ay patuloy na magsumikap upang makaabot tayo araw na balik na sa dati ang lahat.” Ralfh concluded.