In many communities across the country — where sari-sari stores line dusty roads and tricycles buzz between barangay centers — an often-unheralded force pushes the boundaries of economic opportunity: Microfinance workers. These foot soldiers of change travel miles each day, meeting with microentrepreneurs in humble surroundings, offering not just loans but hope, guidance, and a bridge to the formal financial world.

Their efforts come at a pivotal moment: just last month, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a major lending boost for MSMEs, directing the Department of Information and Communications Technology and digital banks to expand mobile and online loan services to micro, small, and medium enterprises nationwide. This bold push dovetails with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ ongoing agenda to deepen digital payment systems like QR Ph—underscoring the human element that makes technology work on the ground.

Jayrald Mangay-ayam worked various jobs before joining ASKI Microfinance in 2018. “Mula sa pagiging delivery man ng fast food, naging karpintero, at ngayon ay isa na akong microfinance loan officer,” he shares with pride. Through a family friend’s referral, he landed a probationary role at ASKI. The work was demanding—traveling to far-flung sitios to collect payments, process loans, and educate clients.

In 2020, a motorcycle accident during the early months of the pandemic nearly cost him his leg. “Nasa ospital ako nang sabihin ng doktor na baka kailangang putulin ang aking paa,” he recalls. Overcome with fear, he prayed not only for healing but for his family’s future. Thankfully, the leg was saved—and ASKI stood by him, extending support during his recovery.

Today, Jayrald continues to serve clients in mountainous areas, sometimes hiking in the rain just to reach a center meeting. Despite the risks, he remains unwavering. “Ramdam ko na ako ay instrumento ng pagbabago,” he says. His faith and ASKI’s mission fuel his passion for service.

For Rosemarie “Rose” Dizon, microfinance is more than a job—it’s a calling. Inspired by her aunt, a former ASHI client whose life was transformed, Rose joined Ahon sa Hirap, Inc. (ASHI) in 2006. She started as a development officer, conducting community meetings and guiding women through ASHI’s lending methodology.

Eventually, she was entrusted to open new branches in Quezon Province. It was tough, requiring long days and constant travel. “Nagka-bonding time na lang kami kapag tapos na ang trabaho,” she laughs, recalling the camaraderie built with colleagues over fieldwork.

Now based in Rizal as Area Manager, she supervises five branches and over 10,000 clients. What keeps her going? “Ramdam ng mga kliyente ‘yong samahan at kultura ng pagtutulungan,” she says. Seeing clients stay loyal even after their lives improve reminds her of the deeper impact of her work.

Charito Montero, branch head of the Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF) in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, leads a team of 22 loan officers and staff. A graduate of a large university, Charito initially struggled to accept an assignment in remote mountainous areas. Her first post involved 4 a.m. wake-ups, horseback rides, and river crossings just to reach clients.

She rose through the ranks—starting as a loan officer, then serving 13 years as a cashier—before taking on her leadership role. Along the way, she faced many challenges, but each one taught her valuable lessons in humility, integrity, and resilience.

The hardest part, she says, is being away from family. After maternity leave, she had to return to the field, leaving behind her young children. What keeps her grounded are the clients themselves — women fighting poverty with courage and dignity. “Everyday is a blessing. Pahinga lang to recharge, then go back to the mission,” she smiles.

For Charito, real success is not counted in salaries, but in lives changed. When members thank her for helping achieve their dreams, she knows her work has meaning. “Di ito mababayaran ng sweldo,” she says.

Across these stories, one thing is clear: microfinance is more than lending. It is about listening, mentoring, and walking with the poor as they rise. It is about the quiet bravery of people like Jayrald, Rose, and Charito — who make sacrifices to pursue a mission greater than themselves.

According to BSP, around 56 percent of Filipino adults (around 42.9 million) now have formal financial accounts. Yet millions remain unbanked. Microfinance institutions like ASKI, ASHI, and NWTF play a crucial role in reaching them—not only through credit, but by fostering confidence, literacy, and community.

Behind this transformative work are the foot soldiers of change—those who wake up early, travel far, and carry with them not just cash but compassion. As Rose puts it beautifully, “Hindi man sa’yo nanggagaling ang tulong, ikaw ang daluyan.”

* * *

“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” – Booker T. Washington