Nanay Meriam Penetrante’s journey from a Grade 4 dropout to a successful entrepreneur represents the power of diversification and hard work. With her husband farming leased land and her initial income from sharecropping barely sustaining them, she turned to Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) for capital.

After trying various MFIs, she settled with SEDP, which she found to be the most supportive. Starting with loan for a steel window, she ventured into profitable videoke machine business, later expanding to fresh produce trading, retail, transportation services, and various other ventures.

Nanay Meriam’s dedication and integrity, associated with the support of SEDP, transformed her life and empowered her to support her family, educate her children, and became a leader of her community.

Through her journey, she learned valuable lessons in business, emphasizing the importance integrity, hard work, and resilience on faith, while remaining grateful to SEDP for its unending support and guidance.