Amid the recent devastation brought by Typhoons Tino and Uwan, which left millions of families grappling with loss and uncertainty, the Microinsurance Mutual Benefit Association of the Philippines (MiMAP) – also known as RIMANSI — renewed its call for stronger collaboration to protect vulnerable Filipinos through microinsurance.

In a productive dialogue held with Insurance Commissioner Reynaldo Regalado and his Microinsurance Team last Oct. 29, RIMANSI presented the sector’s latest performance, its disaster response efforts, and strategic plans to expand microinsurance access nationwide. The meeting underscored a shared goal: ensuring that even the poorest Filipino families have a financial safety net when disasters strike.

I joined RIMANSI President Silvida “Salve” Antiquera and Programs Officer June-An Villojan, as well as CARD MBA CEO Jocelyn Dequito and Compliance Director Jennifer Redublo. The discussion reflected a strong partnership between the private sector, mutual benefit associations (MBAs), and the Insurance Commission in building a more resilient and inclusive insurance ecosystem.

Ms. Antiquera shared that as of June 2025, the RIMANSI network comprises 20 MBAs, collectively insuring 9.21 million families —equivalent to more than 29 million lives nationwide. The MBAs have generated ₱3.99 billion in premium collections and released ₱1.63 billion in claims, demonstrating the sector’s capacity to sustain operations while delivering timely support to members.

“Every day, our MBAs process an average of 263 death claims, equivalent to more than P9 million in benefits paid out daily,” Ms. Antiquera said. “These figures show how microinsurance provides security and peace of mind to low-income families who are the most vulnerable to life’s uncertainties.”

RIMANSI also reported its member-MBAs’ response to recent disasters in Cebu and Mindanao, including typhoons and earthquakes that affected 218,278 families. Extending both financial and humanitarian aid, the MBAs released a total of ₱705,000 in claims to the families of 19 deceased members and dependents, while mobilizing ₱45 million worth of relief assistance.

“These efforts show that MBAs are not only providers of financial protection,” Ms. Antiquera noted, “but also partners in community resilience.”

The MBAs’ efforts align with the government’s renewed focus on strengthening disaster preparedness and social protection systems, especially following the recent typhoon that ravaged many rural communities.

CARD Pioneer Microinsurance (CPMI) also reported progress in non-life coverage, particularly for housing and property protection — an urgent need as climate-related risks continue to intensify.

For the two recent earthquakes, 60,179 families were reported affected, 9,021 validated, and ₱4.07 million in claims paid to 2,694 families. For the four typhoons, 35,245 families were affected, 29,767 validated, and total claims reached ₱72.3 million, benefiting 23,491 families.

These figures reflect how microinsurance can quickly restore normalcy for poor families whose homes or livelihoods were disrupted by calamities.

A central point of discussion during the dialogue was the proposed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Insurance Commission and RIMANSI, which aims to institutionalize closer coordination and policy support for the microinsurance industry.

This partnership outlines five priority areas:

1. Mapping uninsured populations such as 4Ps beneficiaries, public transport drivers, vendors, and domestic workers.

2. Developing innovative products and strategies to deepen coverage.

3. Identifying enabling policies to sustain growth through a multi-stakeholder approach.

4. Implementing joint programs, including a National Microinsurance Forum, ASEAN regulatory exchanges, and financial literacy initiatives.

5. Promoting education and professional development for practitioners in the microinsurance sector.

Commissioner Regalado welcomed the proposal, noting that microinsurance plays a vital role in advancing the government’s financial inclusion agenda and in building resilience among the poor.

Another highlight of the meeting was the Microtakaful Financing Insurance Program that CARD MBA is implementing in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), particularly in Cotabato City.

According to Ms. Dequito, the program has been well-received among Muslim communities seeking faith-based financial solutions. It currently operates through two provincial offices, with nine staff and 20 MBA coordinators, serving 86,883 Takaful participants — including 21,770 with financing coverage amounting to ₱376.98 million.

The Commission is also currently reviewing their application for additional Microtakaful products: Basic Takaful Extension, Golden Takaful, and Family Takaful. Ms. Dequito looks forward to the Commission’s favorable action, as these microinsurance products are designed to offer more comprehensive protection for Muslim families.

The dialogue concluded on a hopeful note, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.

For RIMANSI representatives, microinsurance is not just about numbers, but about ensuring that every Filipino family, regardless of income or faith, has a safety net when they need it most. For the Insurance Commission, the meeting was an affirmation that inclusive insurance is a cornerstone of national resilience, one that becomes especially meaningful when disasters highlight the vulnerabilities of millions of poor Filipinos.

* * *

“Preparedness is the calm before, during, and after the storm.” – Anonymous