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TSKI Staff on Spotlight
– Ma. Ria Suriaga
Ms. Ma. Ria Suriaga, Project and Proposal Development Officer at Taytay sa Kauswagan, (A Microfinance NGO), Inc., perfectly captures the passion, perseverance, and sense of purpose that has shaped her journey in the organization.
Looking back 24 years ago, her story is one of faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to serving others. For her, TSKI was not just a job, it was an answered prayer. After graduating, she sought an opportunity to serve God while helping others. When she joined TSKI, she realized that her prayers had been granted in ways she never imagined.
Ma’am Ria recalls her early days at TSKI as a Project Officer in Southern Iloilo. Assigned to Miag-ao and later expanding to Guimbal, she faced a daunting challenge—handling clients with past-due and overdue accounts. As a newcomer with no prior experience in microfinance, it was overwhelming. “Dealing with people older than you and making them submit to you isn’t easy. You need to earn their trust and confidence, show them you can do your job excellently, and help and serve them well. In return, they will cooperate, help, and support you,” she shares.
With the guidance of her mentor, Ms. Teresita “Mommy Tits” Siosan, and the unwavering support of her colleagues, she learned to navigate the complexities of her role. Over time, her perseverance paid off, and she grew to love development work with a passion that carried her through even the most challenging moments.
“My over three years of assignment in the field became the strong foundation of my unwavering commitment. I understand very well that everything has a purpose,” she reflects. “Each time I feel like giving up, I look back on what I’ve been through and hold on to this old promise of mine— that I can endure challenges because He is there and He has plans for me.”
One of the most unforgettable moments in Ma’am Ria’s journey was her involvement in preparing TSKI’s entry for the Microfinance Organization of the Year (MOTY) Awards. Tasked with documenting a client’s success story, she and her team traveled to an island barangay in Concepcion, Iloilo. Their client, a successful dried fish entrepreneur, was hesitant to share financial details, making data gathering an uphill battle.
Stretching her patience and determination, Ma’am Ria employed creative strategies to gain the client’s trust and extract the necessary information. When the results came in, the client not only became a semi-finalist but also won the highest national award making it a victory for the organization also.
“When she thanked me for my patience, it was priceless,” Ma’am Ria recalls with a smile. “In that moment, I knew we had truly served our purpose.”
Through the ups and downs, her faith remained thus allowing her to keep her motivated to press on, knowing that her work had a greater purpose beyond herself.
Development work is more than just a profession; it is a calling. Ma’am Ria believes that to thrive in this field, one must embrace the heart of a true servant leader.
“We are agents of transformation. We help, we serve, and we transform the lives of our clients towards economic stability and spiritual maturity. And indeed, it is truly rewarding,” she affirms.
Surrounded by colleagues and clients who inspire her daily, Ma’am Ria finds that her passion for helping others has become second nature.
“A development worker’s journey is never easy—it’s not a bed of roses. But if you love your work, serving passionately becomes your delight. We may have different challenges and experiences, but if we love what we do, we know we are one in this journey.” She uttered with pride.
Ma’am Ria proves that when the heart beats in harmony with a mission greater than oneself, challenges become stepping stones, and service becomes a life well-lived.
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Taytay sa Kauswagan (A Microfinance NGO), Inc.
