Behind every digital success story is someone who once hesitated to try. What starts with uncertainty can eventually grow into confidence, opening doors to new opportunities, and empowering others to do the same.  

For Ate Jonalyn Mercolita, a 36-year-old entrepreneur from Carcar City, embracing digital tools was a journey she never expected to take. What began with doubts about technology eventually led her to become a RAFI Microfinance Digital Ambassador, helping fellow clients build confidence to navigate an increasingly digital world.  

Ate Jonalyn has been a loyal client for 13 years since she started her direct-selling business in 2015 within her community, steadily building a livelihood for her family. Like many entrepreneurs, her focus was primarily on face-to-face interactions and traditional ways of doing business. While she regularly used Facebook, Messenger, TikTok, and GCash, her familiarity with technology was limited to personal communication and basic transactions.

When RAFI Microfinance began encouraging clients to adopt digital platforms and tools, Ate Jonalyn initially had reservations. She questioned whether the shift was truly necessary and worried that many clients, especially older members, would struggle to adapt to unfamiliar technology. For her, shifting to digital transactions felt difficult because of the unreliable internet connections in their community. Using digital tools like GCash already seemed like a hassle, and learning another platform for transactions made the change even harder. 

However, through center meetings, orientations, and continuous guidance from RAFI Microfinance, her perspective slowly began to change. She learned how digital tools simplify transactions, improve communication, and make everyday tasks more convenient for clients. As she became more exposed to different platforms and services, Ate Jonalyn gradually grew more comfortable navigating technology, building her confidence and discovering that digital tools were more accessible than she initially thought. 

Little by little, her uncertainty was replaced by curiosity.  

Recognizing her willingness to learn and her ability to encourage others, Ate Jonalyn was selected to become one of the Digital Ambassadors. This role allowed her to deepen her understanding of K-App and become more confident in using them herself while helping fellow clients become more comfortable using them. The program helped transform her initial hesitation into familiarity, which grew into confidence.

For Ate Jonalyn, becoming a Digital Ambassador was about more than learning technology. It was about sharing her experience with others who were facing the same fears and uncertainties she once had. Understanding their hesitations allowed her to relate to fellow clients and guide them in exploring digital tools to support their daily lives. 

After her training, she conducted Pay-It-Forward session for 59 center members, where she shared her knowledge on how to use K-App and other digital tools. She also looked for ways to make it easier for her fellow clients. Knowing that some members might struggle with finding or remembering their membership IDs, she prepared a list of the membership IDs of the clients in their center. This allowed them to access information easily instead of having to go through the hassle of asking others. 

As a Digital Ambassador, this change was meaningful. She used to be a client asking about the necessity of shifting online. Now, she found herself in a position where she understands and can explain to others why and how digital tools could simplify their transactions and make their lives easier and more convenient. 

The skills she gained through the program have also benefited her business. Today, she uses GCash to receive customer payments, making transactions faster, safer, and more convenient. Instead of relying solely on cash payments, she can now offer customers greater flexibility while improving the efficiency of her daily operations. 

Beyond digital payments, Ate Jonalyn sees even greater opportunities in the future. She hopes to continue learning about online selling, digital marketing, and other digital platforms that can help her reach customers beyond her immediate community. She believes that technology can help her expand her market, grow her business, and create more opportunities for her family. 

Her journey reflects the power of continuous learning and adaptability. From a client who once questioned the need for digital platforms to confidently use the K-App, she has become a Digital Ambassador who encourages others to embrace technology with confidence and an open mind.

Through RAFI Microfinance’s Digital Ambassador Program, Ate Jonalyn discovered that technology is not a barrier but a bridge to new opportunities. By embracing digital tools and sharing her knowledge with others, she not only strengthened her own capabilities but also helped fellow clients realize that digitalization can be simple, practical, and empowering. 

Her story reminds us that digital transformation does not always begin with expertise. More often, it begins with a willingness to learn, the courage to try something new, and the desire to help others grow along the way. In doing so, Ate Jonalyn continues to demonstrate how one client’s journey can inspire a community to move forward together in an increasingly digital world.