#BrigadangAyalaKaakay: Prepaid load business keeps Madaluyong's trusted sari-sari store afloat

For almost two decades now, 60-year-old Mary Magaling of Mandaluyong has relied on her sari-sari store to provide for her family. But just like other small business owners, she found herself on the brink of bankruptcy when the pandemic struck.

"Konting-konti nalang po, talagang magsasara na dapat ako," Magaling said. "Sobrang hirap po ng sitwasyon ngayon dahil walang panggastos ang mga tao."

Magaling said she often finds herself longing for the days when things were normal--most people were employed, and businesses were flourishing. Back then, her store was able to support the schooling of her three nieces who were living with her. And, for many years, she has been the constant go-to person of her suki when budget runs short, and they could only afford tingi-tingi (small quantities of goods).