FROM THE MARGINS In another historic win for financial inclusion, the first conventional bank granted an Islamic banking license had opened a branch in Cotabato City last Jan. 22. This is CARD Bank, which is one of two domestic players that have applied for a license to operate an Islamic...
FROM THE MARGINS I have fond memories of Guimaras, although I have not had an opportunity to visit this beautiful island province for many years. Renowned for its pristine beaches and the world‘s sweetest mangoes, Guimaras is a thriving community with an interesting history, incredible landmarks...
FROM THE MARGINS It is sad that poor people, who need insurance the most, are also the least likely to have it. Insurance is important to poverty reduction because the poor are vulnerable to many risks and economic shocks. Unexpected losses, such as death in the family, joblessness, loss of...
FROM THE MARGINS I am a proud citizen of San Pablo City, Laguna, one of the oldest cities in the Philippines. San Pablo’s historical records date back to pre-Spanish times, from the village of “Sampaloc” which later became the town of “San Pablo de los Montes” – named after its...
FROM THE MARGINS Over the holidays, I came across a fable that teaches valuable lessons about work, perseverance and overcoming adversity. Aesop’s “The Crow and the Pitcher” tells the story of a thirsty crow that flew far and wide in search of water during a spell of dry weather....
FROM THE MARGINS Last night, as I watched the usual New Year revelry, I remember Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Match Girl” — the story of a poor girl selling matches in the street on New Year’s Eve. She was hungry and cold, but nobody paid her attention and no one bought her...
FROM THE MARGINS Every Christmas, J.R.R. Tolkien’s children would receive a letter from “Father Christmas.” Each letter came in an envelope with North Pole stamps and postage marks designed by Tolkien. He sent these letters for over 20 years, starting in 1920, when his oldest son was only...
FROM THE MARGINS Christmas is just around the corner, and as always, I love the parols that currently adorn the windows in my neighborhood. The blessed holiday has many symbols, but the parol really is the quintessential Filipino Christmas statement. It is humble and bright, reminiscent of...
FROM THE MARGINS People often say that knowledge is power. This is true, but I believe that real power lies in the sharing of knowledge for the benefit of many. This is important, especially for the microfinance sector which targets vulnerable groups that usually do not have sufficient...
FROM THE MARGINS There is a line from the Broadway musical Hamilton that I really like. In his final soliloquy, Alexander Hamilton says, “Legacy. What is legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.” This profound statement reminds me of Bro. James Dunne, SJ, beloved...
FROM THE MARGINS Digitalization accelerates financial inclusion for both microentrepreneurs and microfinance institutions (MFIs). Digital tools enable micro-small-and-medium-enterprises (MSMEs) to broaden their market base and operate more efficiently. MFIs embark on digitalization to improve their...
FROM THE MARGINS Last Nov. 11, I attended the Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation (RMAF) awarding ceremonies with my wife, Annie and our young granddaughter, Margarett. Dubbed as the Nobel Prize of Asia, the Ramon Magsaysay Award is bestowed on individuals who embody “greatness of spirit and...
