Upon the invitation of Opportunity International (OI)- Australia, a TSPI contingent comprised of the Executive Director, Mr. Ruben de Lara, the Social and Business Development Services Director, Ms. Jesila Ledesma, and outstanding client leader, Ms. Milagros Aguila, visited Australia from 9-16 October 2005 to share experiences on TSPI’s work and its impact on poverty alleviation in the Philippines.

It was a first for a TSPI client to travel outside the Philippines and to speak about her experiences as a microfinance client among Australian philanthropists and advocates of OI. Milagros or Nanay Mila, a 6-year client from Antipolo Branch, provided a testimony of hope, courage and faith that when matched with hard work and access to resources (microfinance), can lead to a life of sufficiency, dignity and responsibility. The story shared by Nanay Mila proved to be so moving that tears were shed during the OI Partners’ Forum. Australian philanthropists hailed Nanay Mila as ‘a modern hero’ and worthy to be emulated by young Australians.

The story of Nanay Mila perfectly complemented the TSPI presentation which outlined TSPI’s accomplishments in 24 years. Beyond the impressive numbers, the TSPI story highlighted the transformative impact of TSPI’s work in the lives of the poor— an impact that touches on values spurring clients to live their lives in service of others.