She is an Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) from Barangay New Pangasinan in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, Maria Gina Balagot Nesperos worked for four years in Taiwan as a caregiver in 1994.
In spite of having a good employer, Gina's dream is to be with her family in their hometown. At that time, constant communication with her husband and children is one of her problems especially in their barangay in Isulan.
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Just like any other business, it was difficult at first because they have limited capital and getting the trust of farmers in their community is not that easy. But eventually, their business prosper through hard work, patience, and dedication. After 10 years, the business grows and they were able to acquire vehicles and various equipment for their business.
Read: OWWA and Landbank Offers Loan for OFWs from P200K to P2M
Read: OWWA and Landbank Offers Loan for OFWs from P200K to P2M
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But the greatest challenge of their lives had come in 2010 when his husband got involved in a vehicular accident and suffered a mysterious disease that even doctors cannot diagnose. For his medication, their investment went one by one.
Month after month, Gina's prayer for the well being of his husband got answered but by this time, all their investment are gone. Because cannot get a personal loan, Gina asked assistance from Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Land Bank of the Philippines in 2012 and applied to its 2B OFW Reintegration Program.
In 2013 her application was approved and she used the money to support their Buy & Sell Business that is still recovering. They used their loaned money from OWWA-LPB as working capital and to purchase another vehicle for delivery. The couple personally managed their business for the second time with prayer and hardship.
According to the couple, OWWA and Land Bank served as an answered prayer for them. Both agencies continue to support and guide them. According to Samuel, without the support of these two agencies, all their efforts surely faded away.
Today, their business is still growing and considered to be the most promising business in the town. They were able to acquire almost seven vehicles, farmlands, a personal vehicle, a house, provide employment to at least five families and donate a huge amount of money to churches and various charitable institutions.
They are also active members of OFW New Pangasinan Isulan Sector OFW Association, an award-winning OFC in region XII. They also sponsor various community outreach programs and provide scholarships to poor but deserving students in their community.