To make ends meet, Editha De Torres used to run a small sari-sari store. She and her husband also supplied copra - the dried white meat of the coconut used to produce coconut oil - but only in small amounts since they were limited to renting space on trucks to transport their goods.

Eventually, Editha worked up the courage to take out a P300,000 loan from Bayanihan Bank to purchase their own forward truck. Before this, she did not have the confidence to do so.

“Dati talagang ayoko manghiram kasi takot ako na may utang, kasi laging may doubt sa sarili na baka hindi ko kayang bayaran.”
(I used to be scared about borrowing money because I would always doubt myself – that I might not be able to pay it back.)

With their own truck, Editha and her husband were able to transport goods in bulk, on their own schedule, without paying rent to forwarders. Aside from copra, they also began hauling charcoal and coconuts. Their business grew steadily and, within two years, they paid off their loan.

Seeing even greater potential, Editha took out another loan from Bayanihan Bank to purchase a ten-wheeler truck. With two vehicles in operation, the couple continued to make their payments, while consistently setting aside a portion for their savings. Soon, they were ready for their next milestone — building their own home through a five-year housing loan from Bayanihan Bank worth P2,100,000.

As Editha recounts her journey, she remembers a time when financial stability felt out of reach.

“Dati talagang yung aming pera ay talagang sapat lang, na minsan nga kinukulang pa. Noon, pag may emergency, hindi mo pa alam kung saan pa manghihiram.” (Back then, our money would be just enough and, sometimes, not enough at all. If there was an emergency, you wouldn’t know where or whom to borrow money from.)

Today, she and her husband have a thriving trucking business and a home of their own. Not only that, the couple is now able to save so that they have something to draw from in times of an emergency. Editha - who was once averse to borrowing money - now proudly recommends the bank’s services to friends who are serious about growing their business. She is happy to share how it can change their lives, as it has done for her family.

“Talagang napakalaking tulong ng Bayanihan Bank sa amin. I’m proud to say na, ‘manghiram kayo sa Bayanihan Bank. [Hindi ganun kalaki yung interes.] Talagang makakatulong sa negosyo niyo, sa hanapbuhay niyo’.” (Bayanihan Bank has been a huge help to us. I'm proud to say (to others), borrow from Bayanihan Bank. [The interest is not that big.] It will really help your business, your livelihood.)