FROM THE MARGINS Working for the public good, whether as a private citizen or as a civil servant, is just two sides of the same coin. It is all about serving the people. I am often introduced as a microfinance expert and financial inclusion advocate, but years ago, I was just a humble public...
FROM THE MARGINS May is the month of Mothers – our caregivers, supporters, nurturers and providers. For all their sacrifices, it is proper for us to dedicate May to the no.1 woman in our life, our mothers. This is my pahabol Mothers’ Day tribute to all the nanays who keep the Philippine...
FROM THE MARGINS Last Sunday, I received a shocking text message, telling me that one of my best friends, Dr. Ramon Yedra, has passed away. From the US, I immediately called Mon’s wife, Reby, who confirmed the sad news. My heart broke when she told me that Mon – always considerate – asked her...
FROM THE MARGINS When the going gets tough, the tough get going. There is one microfinance institution (MFI) that always comes to mind whenever I hear this phrase. I have the utmost respect for the Kasanyangan Center for Community Development and Microfinance Foundation, Inc. (KCCDMFI), because it...
FROM THE MARGINS Today is Labor Day, a national holiday honoring Filipino workers. Philippine Labor Day was first celebrated on May 1, 1903, when more than 100,000 workers organized by the Union Obrera Democratica de Filipina – the country’s first labor organization – marched from Tondo to...
FROM THE MARGINS Opening a door often leads to new rooms and many other doors. The Tulay sa Pag-unlad, Inc. (TSPI), a pioneer of the Philippine microfinance industry, opened a door that led to many microfinance institutions (MFIs) also opening doors of opportunities to millions of poor Filipinos....
FROM THE MARGINS Coming from yesterday’s Easter celebrations, I find myself thinking of today’s youth. Easter signifies hope, renewal and new life – what we associate with youth, knowing how they are driving social change. I was so inspired after attending the launch of the 2023 Ramon V....
FROM THE MARGINS This is Holy Week, a time for us to celebrate the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection. Like many Filipinos, I am taking a step back from the usual grind to reflect on how to be a good Christian in today’s world. As I look back on my journey as a poverty eradication advocate,...
FROM THE MARGINS Religious organizations have been providing humanitarian services for a long time, aided by faith-based institutions that demonstrate the capacity-building dimension of faith to help the poor and the marginalized. In the Philippines, the SEDP-Simbag sa Pag-Asenso, Inc. is a prime...
FROM THE MARGINS March is Women’s Month. Since 1988, the Philippines has dedicated March to celebrating women’s achievements and raising awareness about domestic violence, discrimination, and other issues facing Filipino women. March 8 is also International Women’s Day. The Philippines holds...
FROM THE MARGINS The values of shared wealth and people participation distinguish the Kabuhayan sa Ganap na Kasarinlan Credit and Savings Cooperative (K-Coop) from other microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the country. K-Coop, which evolved into a cooperative from a microfinance NGO, turned seven...
FROM THE MARGINS Last Jan. 24, I attended the general assembly of the Kabalikat Para Sa Maunlad Na Buhay, Inc. (KMBI), a faith-based microfinance non-government organization. This was their first face-to-face annual membership meeting since the pandemic. Some 170 field-based and head office staff...
