Juliana ‘Lang’ Bongalos of Tabaco City, Albay is a public utility jeepney (PUJ) operator. Lang and her husband, Cesar, manage a fleet of four PUJs that ply the route from Tabaco City proper to neighboring towns. “I was a market vendor. Cesar worked as a security guard. It was a struggle to make both ends meet back in the 80’s. Borrowing provided us with the means to leave poverty behind. Though I still borrow up to now, its purpose is no longer for survival but for sustained growth,” says Lang beaming with pride.

In 1987, Lang sold ice candy and rice cakes to passengers in the public utility van terminal. She used her daily earnings to provide for the needs of the family. Cesar’s salary was used to pay for the monthly amortization of the first motor vehicle they acquired – a motorcycle. They turned the motorcycle into a tricycle and rented it out for public transportation. They stayed with this strategy until they acquired five tricycle units generating additional income for the family.

When Cesar lost his job from the closure of the company that employed him, the couple did not feel threatened as they have prepared for many years for a situation like this.

Cesar immersed himself full-time in the transport business. He acquired a second-hand PUJ with proceeds from the sale of a tricycle and a loan. With a PUJ and four tricycle units, Cesar earned as a driver-operator. By this time, Lang too has a market stall where she sells a variety of goods. With both adults productively engaged, there was enough income for the family.

Tragedy struck in 2003. Fire gutted the Tabaco Public Market along with the stocks in Lang’s stall. With a heavy heart, she restarted her business with dried fish stocks borrowed from a friend. She then borrowed money from an informal money lender to buy a coconut meat grinder and extended coconut grinding service in the market. Her business gradually took off.

“My lively sales talk and energetic service motivate customers to always buy from me. I also extend goods on credit which many of my customers appreciate. I do get my share of headache from non-payment of some customers. So long as I maintain my honest and fair dealings, I feel rewarded with increasing number of customers who honor their financial obligations on time,” shares Lang.

In 2006, another tragedy struck affecting Lang’s business. Typhoon Reming brought rain and flood that damaged all of Lang’s stocks in the market. This time, Lang decided not to re-open her market stall.

Instead, she joined Cesar to manage their transport business. She brought in vital additional capital in 2007. She borrowed money from SEDP and used it as down payment for a new jeepney. Her subsequent loans were used to buy another jeepney and engage in two additional income generating activities – rice farming and hog raising. On an average day, the couple takes home Three Thousand Pesos (PhP 3,000) as daily gross earnings from driving and renting out the PUJs. Seasonal income is obtained from the sale of hogs and farm produce.

Having multiple income sources with steady income flow enables the couple to save and invest. They invested in the future of their two children through good college education. They invested in land and livestock for food security. They bought a house and lot to have a safe and comfortable place to rest after a hard day’s work. All these happened because they dared to dream, planned and worked for it.

Lang remarks, “A loan, when used wisely, can help make dreams come true. It provides the seed capital but it is up to us nurture it and bring it to its full potentials. Together with Cesar, we have been responsible stewards which led to the fulfillment of our dream. Now, with one of our children ready to go into business, we are set to pursue the next dream.”