PGIN’s loan program beneficiary acquires own sewing machine, motor vehicle

Grace Castillo and her new sewing machine. (Alaric Yanos)

By Jennifer T. Pambid

PGIN-CMO

A few years ago, Grace Castillo and his husband used to roam around their neighborhood and nearby barangays in Bangui, Ilocos Norte to offer sewing and repair services.

According to them, they have to exert double effort in earning money because their main livelihood which comes from farming is barely enough to support their daily needs.

Mrs. Castillo, 43 years old and a resident of Brgy. Nalasin in the said town, supports five children.

After availing a loan from the Self-Employment Assistance Kaunlaran Program through the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), she is glad they don’t have to walk afar and use old sewing tools anymore.

She used the loan amounting to Php5,000.00 to purchase sewing materials and equipment. They were also able to acquire their own motor vehicle which they use to deliver sewn products.

“It became easier for us to earn money because we already have our own sewing machine and vehicle,” she said in Ilocano.

At present, they are also renting a space during open market in Bangui.

Having now a permanent source of income, they are able to send two of their children to college.

Recalling their struggles to earn money before, Castillo shared that they were forced to borrow money from ‘bombay 5-6’ or Indian moneylenders offering instant money with large interest rate.

“The loan program was a great help to us. We thank the provincial government and Governor Imee Marcos for giving opportunity to people like us who do not have any source of capital to start or expand a business,” she added.

Through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, PGIN’s Self-Employment Assistance Kaunlaran Program offers loan assistance to small business entrepreneurs with zero interest and collateral. The amount is payable in one year.

ILOCOS Norte Governor Imee Marcos leads the distribution of loan assistance to women entrepreneurs from the different towns and cities in Ilocos Norte. (Alaric Yanos)

It is part of the provincial government’s goal to improve the local economy and uplift Ilocano lives by providing livelihood and other income-generating opportunities to disadvantaged families.

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