Like her namesake in the Book of Acts, Nanay Priscilla Garcia of Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City, is also quite passionate with her trade and vocation as a servant of God.  On a given day she directly manages her close to two million pesos enterprise but when first love calls her, Nanay Priscilla quickly shifts and goes off to a destination where people eagerly wait, wanting to see and hear her talk about God’s salvific love.

A single parent of four, Nanay Priscilla made a leap of faith a decade ago and decided to follow God’s path by ending an illicit affair and giving up gambling.  From Bulacan, she transferred to Caloocan, rented a house and started a small ‘buy and sell’ rag business.  During those times she encountered problems meeting her client’s growing demands. Her limited capital restricted her to expand her business.

Nanay Priscilla Garcia in her production area with one of her workers.

A barangay councilor invited her to join TSPI Kabuhayan Program (TKP). She successfully made a loan of Php 5,000.00 to bankroll her promising business. She bought two sewing machines and hired one helper to assist her.  Steadfastly holding on to God’s promises, Nanay Priscilla never sacrificed nor neglected her church and (TSPI) center duties. She even organized a weekly Saturday Bible study for all her employees, “We need to rely on God’s wisdom,” Nanay Priscilla would repeatedly say, believing that faithfully serving God will complement the business side as well.

One of the biggest dilemmas that she faced during those years raising her four children and growing her young business, was when she had to forgo her dream of owning a house. She had to give up her dream despite having already paid a hefty sum as down payment for the house in lieu of her children’s educational needs. Recalling the incident now, she says, “Three of my children now are college graduates and have stable jobs.” By putting a premium on education, Nanay Priscilla considers this experience as one of the best life decisions she ever made.

Nanay Priscilla with her delivery van.

Her biggest break came when she bagged the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) account which paved the way for her to go big time. Her production output increased from hundreds to thousands of kilos and she had to hire more hands thus generating employment in her locality.  Nanay Priscilla’s generosity didn’t pass unnoticed by her town mates especially the local officials, seeking her support for their community projects such as Oplan Linis (community cleaning) and fund raising events like Ballroom Dancing organized to raise funds to assist indigent families with their burial needs.

At 61 years old, Nanay Priscilla doesn’t see herself slowing down. She believes God is preparing her for more Kingdom tasks ahead and her only prayer is that she’ll be diligent, faithful and consistent to the very end.

This article was originally written by Mr. Stanley Andrew C. Yu, TSPI Community Development Supervisor,  for the 2011 Citi Micro-entrepreneur of the Year Awards.