As the saying goes—our mothers know best. They know how to stretch a peso, soothe a fevered brow, calm fears, and find strength even on the hardest days. In our work in microfinance, we meet these mothers every day — our Nanays, who lead their families and communities with quiet resilience and practical wisdom.

While Mother’s Day may have come and gone, I dedicate this piece to everyday heroes whose work often goes unseen — the Nanays of microfinance. They are embodied by the remarkable women of the Sikap 10 Main Center in Sitio Ilaya, Purok 1, Santisimo Rosario, San Pablo City, Laguna — whose stories inspire well beyond any holiday.

Last month, I had the privilege of joining one of their early morning center meetings. I was welcomed with warm smiles, laughter, and an unwavering sense of purpose. What stood out to me right away? The meeting started at exactly 7:00 a.m., that small detail spoke volumes about their discipline, respect for time, and shared commitment—not just to their microfinance responsibilities, but to each other.

The Sikap 10 Main Center was formally established on Nov. 27, 2007. But its roots trace back to a group of pioneering women who first organized on Feb. 19, 1996. What began as a handful of members has since grown into a network of 45 centers in the barangay, now known collectively as Sipag ng Kababaihan para sa Pangkabuhayan—or SIKAP.

Together, these centers serve 1,745 members, majority of whom are women—each one a testament to the transformative power of financial access and community support.

The Sikap 10 Main Center has blossomed into a strong, active group of 36 members. Their success has inspired the formation of two sister centers: Sikap 10A CWL with 30 members and Sikap 10 Savers with 58 members. Together, they are known as the Sikap 10 Centers.

At the heart of these centers are their dedicated officers: Myrna Moreno (center chief), Thelma dela Cruz (secretary), and Rosenda Tumang (treasurer). These women are more than leaders—they are mentors, motivators, and anchors in their communities. Center Chief Myrna, in particular, has earned several certificates of recognition for her outstanding leadership.

What these Nanays have accomplished together is truly inspiring, as shown by the collective impact of Sikap 10 Centers:

 Sikap 10 Main: ₱111,460 in total loan principal, ₱48,772 in outstanding loans, and ₱302,171 in savings.

 Sikap 10A CWL: ₱136,870 in total loan principal, ₱84,727 in outstanding loans, and ₱67,870 in savings.

 Sikap 10 Savers: ₱11,750 in total loan principal, ₱8,361 in outstanding loans, and an impressive ₱1,474,653 in savings.

Together, they have 124 active members with a total loan principal of ₱260,080, outstanding loans of ₱139,860, and total savings of ₱1,844,694—all with a 100 percent repayment rate. These figures do not just reflect financial performance; they represent trust, integrity, and shared responsibility.

Most members use their loans to run small businesses like sari-sari stores or farming ventures. Through their MFI’s wholesale and retail enterprise, members gain access to affordable inventory for their stores — further strengthening their ability to grow income and improve their families’ lives.

The power of these centers goes beyond pesos and centavos. Every weekly meeting is a space for connection, encouragement, and collective growth. Despite their busy lives, members show up — knowing that these gatherings are not just about finances, but about support systems and shared learning.

Their sense of community shines brightest in times of hardship. In 2010, the Sikap 10 Centers started a simple but meaningful tradition called Death Aid. When a member passes away, everyone contributes ₱20. With over 1,700 members in the barangay, the pooled support can reach up to ₱34,000—offered as a gesture of solidarity to the bereaved family. This deeply Filipino act of damayan reflects their compassion and unwavering care for one another.

Mother’s Day may be marked on a calendar, but the love and labor of mothers are lived out every single day. We see firsthand how microfinance empowers Nanays to take charge of their economic future while nurturing their families and communities.

The women of the Sikap 10 Centers are living proof that when women are given the tools and trust to lead, they create ripples of change. They do not just repay loans—they uplift households, invest in education, and strengthen community ties.

To the incredible Nanays of Sikap 10 — and to all women clients of microfinance who balance business with motherhood, leadership with love — we offer our deepest gratitude and admiration. Your impact lives on in every child you raise, every peso you save, and every life you touch.

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“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” – Michelle Obama