“Spend the money from your loan program as your capital for your business.” This is an advice from Mr. Leonardo G. Patingga, one of the successful clients of KASAPI Microfinance Rural and Development, Inc. (KMRDI). He is a 56 year old resident of Pinopoc, Alcala, Cagayan; a good father for his family and a good member of the community who is just not working hard but also working smart. His story will set an inspiration for the Filipinos on how to start and manage a business. 

His knowledge in business enhanced when his family lived in Manila. He started a small business in Divisoria with the help of his Chinese wife. His business operated for three years; unfortunately, there were many competitors in the said place and experienced many crises that led them to go back in Cagayan. For Mr. Leonardo, this decision wasn’t intended to give up; but the decision to stand-up, continue and start again. 

Mr. Leonardo met KASAPI Microfinance when they went back to Cagayan. KMRDI introduced loan programs to him and made him convinced to undergo loan program and decided to form his group going back to 2014. From his first loan program cycle, he continued his program until his business became stable. He reached nine loan cycle of his program with his group. Being on a loan program, he also managed to help and to share his knowledge to other clients in handling capital for business. There were times that his group mates stopped the loan cycle but he stayed in the program and continued to help other clients. 

“Your income will be based on how you used your capital.” Mr. Leonardo added. He is a farmer in vegetable crops such as eggplant and corn. His harvests are being sold in their community. But he did not just stick in farming; instead he also spends his time in livestock. He used the money from his loan program for his piggery and for his crops in his farm.  

Mr. Leonardo enumerated some reasons why he stayed in KASAPI Microfinance loan program. He said that KASAPI employees have a good approach to their clients that also help his business to become long term. Sometimes we can’t get away with problems in business such as calamities like typhoon, also there were times we lack in capital. Based on him, KASAPI has fast loan process that helped him in this kind of situations. He experienced another obstacle in life when his wife died last December, 2017. But KASAPI is currently doing its action to help him for the loss of his wife. He added that these benefits from KASAPI will be a big assistance for him.  

“Love your family because you get strength from them.” This is one of the principles that Mr. Leonardo believes. Through his business with the help of KASAPI, he provides education for his child which is currently studying as Senior High School. He also believes that working hard and smart are the attitude you need to possess to become successful despite of obstacles in life. He added that when you abandon your plans in life, you will also be left behind. 

The story of Mr. Leonardo G. Patingga proves that managing business and handling capital is not easy. But because of the principles he has, attitude that he keeps and with KASAPI’s help and guidance, success is not distant to reach.