Member for 22 yearsSince January 27, 2004Pag-Asa I, Brgy. Morente, BongabongSewing business
It is with great joy that Merly Gabayno Ramos, an SFI member for 22 years from Pag-Asa I, Barangay Morente, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, shares her testimony of faith, perseverance, and hope. For her, success is felt more deeply when one has experienced hardship. While she does not consider herself as wealthy as others, she proudly shares that her family’s life has steadily improved. She firmly believes that everything she has today is made possible through the grace of God, and that SFI has played a significant role in her journey toward progress.
Mrs. Ramos became a member of SFI on January 27, 2004, at a time when she was just beginning a small sewing business. It was also a difficult period for her family, as she already had children attending school and financial responsibilities were piling up. Amid these struggles, joining SFI became a meaningful opportunity for her. At first, having capital and funds for daily needs brought relief. However, meeting loan repayments was not always easy. Despite this, the responsibility of paying her loans became her motivation to work harder and strive more in life. Her family was often talked about because of the number of children she had, making it seem almost impossible for them to rise above their situation. Yet, through perseverance and determination, she was able to slowly grow her small business.
Although her capital came from loans, she managed to overcome each challenge. Beyond business capital, SFI also became her support during times of need, especially through educational loans, which helped sustain her children’s schooling when income fell short. As a mother of ten children, Mrs. Ramos was often asked how she managed to support their education. She never doubted the ability that God had given her. Together with her husband, they worked tirelessly to fulfill their responsibilities as parents. In time, her children began to succeed — one after another, from the first until the sixth — each achievement becoming a shared victory for their family. She firmly believes that none of these would have been possible without God, and she acknowledges that SFI was one of the greatest contributors to her success.
Her message to fellow membersDo not see weekly loan payments as a burden, but as a blessing — proof that help is available whenever it is needed.
Her journey was not without deep sorrow. She once lost her sixth child, a painful experience that made her feel as though life had come to a halt. Yet, through this loss, she learned that even after falling, one must rise again — for the sake of the children who remain.
What she values most about being part of SFI is the sense of community and solidarity. In times of trials, members are never alone. SFI extended not only financial assistance but also compassion, sympathy, and genuine care. Because of this, she encourages her fellow clients and members to continue believing in themselves and to persevere in their daily struggles. She reminds them not to see weekly loan payments as a burden, but as a blessing — proof that help is available whenever it is needed.
With deep gratitude, Mrs. Ramos expresses her lifelong appreciation to the leadership of SFI, its officers, Account Officers, and fellow members. She considers her membership in SFI a true blessing.
