FROM THE MARGINS I am very happy that people nowadays, especially the youth, are supporting social businesses that pursue social development objectives and not just profits. Social business is aligned with my life’s work, which is social and financial inclusion via microfinance. It is...
FROM THE MARGINS There is nothing more inspiring than stories of microfinance women-clients transforming their lives for the better. Narratives of “nanays” starting small businesses from microfinance loans, improving their families’ well-being and contributing to their communities’ economic...
FROM THE MARGINS In another win for Philippine financial inclusion, the latest data from the Insurance Commission (IC) showed that insurance contributions from low-income people hit ₱13.53 billion in 2023, up by 17.35 percent from ₱11.53 billion in 2022. The increase was driven by higher...
FROM THE MARGINS Yesterday, we celebrated Fathers’ Day to honor our fathers or father figures, grandfathers, uncles, mentors or community leaders who have provided or are providing paternal guidance and making a positive impact in our lives. I thank my wife, children, grandchildren,...
FROM THE MARGINS It has been weeks since I met with the Filipino community in Bahrain, but until now, their warm welcome and inspiring stories fill me with hope. Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are real heroes – sacrificing for their families and sending remittances that for many years had...
FROM THE MARGINS The Philippines’ financial inclusion efforts received a much-needed boost with the recent visit of H.M. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. As the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate (UNSGSA) for Inclusive Finance for Development, she met with President Ferdinand...
FROM THE MARGINS Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), often called “Bagong Bayani,” are modern-day heroes who sacrifice for their families and boost the Philippine economy through the remittances they send back home. Their contributions to our economic growth were never clearer to me than when I...
FROM THE MARGINS The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported last week that El Niño’s damage to agriculture has reached P6.35 billion. The prolonged dry spell is also drying up reservoirs, making communities struggle to meet basic water needs. El Niño has also disrupted schools and...
FROM THE MARGINS Kudos to the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) for commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards through knowledge exchanges in key cities of Asia. This is a very effective way to popularize the Magsaysay awardees’ good works and promote...
FROM THE MARGINS And just like that, May is here. When I was young, I remember that old folks called the first rainfall of May “Agua de Mayo” (waters of May), which is supposed to have healing properties. Amidst the sweltering heat that we are all experiencing, I really wish for that...
FROM THE MARGINS My wife and I celebrated our birthdays recently. At our advanced age, there is no greater gift than a loving family, so the special time spent with our children and grandchildren is one we will always cherish. I am grateful. I am living a full life, blessed with family, good...
FROM THE MARGINS Palawan, a favorite travel destination, consistently ranks as one of the best islands in the world. Just recently, TripAdvisor described Palawan as “a slice of heaven,” naming it one of the world’s most trending destinations in its Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024....
