Inspired by her children’s welfare and future, Belen dreamed of having her own business because the income of her husband in farming was not enough for their daily needs. With a small amount of capital she started her mat weaving business and now has a major impact on their lives.

Belen Asmolo, 40, is a resident of Baybay Leyte. She is married to Angelito Asmolo, 41, a farmer. They were blessed with 9 children, the eldest is 21 years old while the youngest is still 3 years old.

The Asmolo family was living in poverty due to large family and scarce income. The income of her husband in farming could barely support the needs of their family. It was really hard for her to minimize their daily expenses especially that some of their children are already studying. Sometimes, Belen has to borrow money from other people just to buy foods for her children.

Belen wanted to support her husband in earning money by putting up a business but she had no capital to start with. She felt pity for her husband who is working whole day on the farm but still no matter what, his income is still not enough. Until such time that TSKI entered their barangay and she was able to borrow an initial capital. Belen thought of having a business in mat weaving. She learned this business from her parents a long time ago. She used the money she borrowed in buying materials needed for weaving mat. She started to weave mats and sell it to her neighborhoods. The people like her designs especially that her price is cheaper compared to other competitors.

Her mat business becomes popular and they have already regular clients in different towns. Her husband is still working in the farm as a support for her while her other children are helping her by selling the mats in the market during their free time. With her business, she was able to send her children in school and she has purchased some new clothes and shoes for her children. She has also renovated their house a little bit.

Belen is still needed additional income for her business. She wanted to buy a tricycle for the delivery of her products and she also wanted to invest in hog raising project to generate extra income.

An additional income will be a big help for Belen and her family. She really wanted to give her children a better future and a good education