Driven to Rebuild: Rosalinda Gadil’s Journey from Setback to Success

Rosalinda Gadil

Barangay Valle Cruz, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija

Business: Rent a Car and Sari-Sari Store 

MFI Partner: ASKI

When Rosalinda Gadil returned to the Philippines in 2018, it was not part of a grand plan. A family tragedy had brought her home from working overseas, marking the end of one chapter and the uncertain beginning of another. Yet out of grief, Rosalinda forged a new path not just for herself, but for her entire family.

Inspired by the resilience and self-determination she observed in other entrepreneurs, especially the business-minded strategies of Chinese traders, Rosalinda was determined to start again. In 2019, she launched a car rental business, which she followed a year later with a sari-sari store. By 2024, she owned six vehicles, building a loyal base of customers who relied on her services for everything from errands to travel needs. What might have begun out of necessity had become a thriving, multi-branch livelihood.

Weathering the Pandemic 

But like many small business owners, Rosalinda’s momentum was shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic. Government lockdowns and travel restrictions put her car rental operations in jeopardy. With no movement, there was no business. Her sari-sari store kept the family afloat, but it wasn’t enough to cover all needs, especially those of her extended family, including nieces, nephews, and her own child, whose education she supports.

Through this uncertainty, ASKI became a critical partner. The institution not only provided working capital to sustain her operations but also helped her navigate travel restrictions, assisting her in securing a temporary travel pass so she could continue renting out her vehicles during lockdowns. In 2023, she became a beneficiary of the ASKI RestartME program, receiving a Php 100,000 loan that allowed her to recover from the economic downturn and continue building her businesses.

Impact Beyond Profit

Rosalinda's story is not just about business. It's about building a safety net for a family in transition. The income from her ventures has allowed her to provide educational support for younger relatives and keep her household financially stable. Her sari-sari store has become a community fixture, while her car rental business continues to attract loyal customers even in the face of undercutting competitors and the challenges of dealing with unscrupulous renters.

While her trusting nature has sometimes put her at risk, Rosalinda is learning to adapt. She’s now exploring vehicle GPS tracking systems to secure her assets and reduce the risks of rental fraud.

Roadmap for the Future

Rosalinda’s entrepreneurial spirit isn’t slowing down. With eyes set on further expansion, she plans to open a vehicle service center, alongside air conditioning and electrical repair shops. She’s also exploring land and property investment which signals her shift from survival to long-term stability and growth.

At the heart of these ambitions lies a deep appreciation for ASKI and the RestartME program. Beyond financial support, Rosalinda has received financial literacy training, equipping her with the tools to plan, scale, and dream bigger.