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....
FROM THE MARGINS Even as El Niño continues to affect many parts of the country, last week, the Department of Agriculture (DA) projected a 1.1 percent increase in rice production this first quarter. This is reassuring, especially in the face of rising inflation that, according to the...
FROM THE MARGINS This week, we will celebrate a double holiday in the Philippines. Tomorrow is Araw ng Kagitingan, which commemorates the valor and heroism of Filipino veterans. On Wednesday, our Muslim brothers and sisters will celebrate Eid-al Fitr to mark the end of Ramadan. I was on...
FROM THE MARGINS I am grateful for every day, but especially this day after Easter, which is all about hope and renewal. Today is not just the start of a new week; it is also the first day of a new month, April. Meditating on the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection leads us on a journey...
FROM THE MARGINS The Philippine model of microinsurance mutual benefit association (Mi-MBA) is quite unique, providing the poor not only access to risk protection, but opportunities to own and manage their microinsurance organizations. Apart from the social and economic benefits,...
FROM THE MARGINS March is a time to celebrate women. March 8 is International Women's Day, a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It is a call to action, encouraging individuals and communities to actively contribute to the ongoing pursuit to...
FROM THE MARGINS Movies are not just for entertainment. They reflect the world we live in, portraying the struggles and triumphs faced by individuals and communities. A powerful medium, movies could shape public opinion, educate, and even drive social change. This is why I am very excited...
FROM THE MARGINS Last month, I visited Vietnam with my wife and her high school friends. My purpose was not just to enjoy their delightful company, but to see how much Vietnam has changed since I lived there many years ago. I was an expat in Vietnam in the 1990s, at the height of the...
FROM THE MARGINS My wife and I, unbeknownst to many, love the arts. We both hail from San Pablo, the City of Seven Lakes, known for its rich culture and scenic beauty. Many renowned artists hail from San Pablo: Patis Tesoro, fashion designer, lifestyle icon, and social activist; Lito...
FROM THE MARGINS I recently had a chance to touch base with Emeteria Quijano, the general manager of the ASKI Mutual Benefit Association. ASKI MBA is a founding member of the microinsurance resource center Risk Management Solutions, Inc. (RIMANSI), which later became the Microinsurance...
FROM THE MARGINS The Philippine microinsurance industry is experiencing a surge. According to the report released by the Insurance Commission (IC) last Jan. 22, microinsurance premium production grew to ₱10.16 billion in the third quarter of 2023, a 19.6 percent jump from P8.49 billion in 2022....
