FROM THE MARGINS Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona, Jr. has announced that 65 percent of Filipino households now have bank accounts. Account ownership is a basic indicator of financial inclusion and this jump in account penetration, from 29 percent in 2019, is a big...
FROM THE MARGINS Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta Platforms once said: “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” This brings to mind one of the best woman-leaders I have met, Silvida “Salve” Reyes-Antiquera,...
FROM THE MARGINS With three non-working holidays, this will be a relatively quiet week for many Filipinos. All Saints’ Day – celebrated to remember all saints and martyrs throughout Christian history – and All Souls’ Day – to commemorate those who have passed away – are just around the...
FROM THE MARGINS The Filipino saying goes, “Matibay ang walis palibhasa’y nakabigkis.” Literally, “a broom is sturdy because its strands are tightly bound,” the proverb extols the virtue of unity. These days, when people tend to focus more on individual strengths rather than...
FROM THE MARGINS Civil rights leader Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Abundia Manabes, former president of the first microinsurance mutual benefit association (mi-MBA) in the country, agrees. Her experiences with the...
FROM THE MARGINS I would like to begin this last article on the best practices of microinsurance mutual benefit association (MBA) by sharing the words of Aristeo Dequito, the managing director of the country’s biggest microfinance network. Highlighting the importance of client empowerment, he...
FROM THE MARGINS I had the privilege of joining the Microinsurance MBAs Association of the Philippines (MiMAP) in meeting Insurance Commissioner Reynaldo Regalado last Sept. 21. We were very encouraged to hear the good Commissioner’s support of microinsurance and financial inclusion. We had a...
FROM THE MARGINS Last August, the Insurance Commission (IC) reported that in the first quarter of this year, 51.70 million lives were insured by microinsurance. Microinsurance promotes financial inclusion since it allows the poor to hedge against risks such as death, injury and damage to...
FROM THE MARGINS Two weeks ago, I had an opportunity to visit Bandhan Bank, a banking and financial services company headquartered in Kolkata, India. I thank my good friend, Mr. Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, for his gracious invitation to their 8th year-anniversary celebration. My friendship with...
FROM THE MARGINS How can we promote financial inclusion alongside financial stability and integrity? How do we capitalize on the transformational impact of technology while ensuring that disadvantaged and vulnerable groups are not left behind? These critical questions will be discussed in the 2023...
FROM THE MARGINS I had the opportunity to experience the famous Kadayawan Festival, Davao City’s annual cultural celebration that features street dancing, floral float parades, concerts and other activities. Held every third week of August, the Kadayawan highlights the rich and diverse cultures...
FROM THE MARGINS More Filipinos are becoming part of the formal financial system. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Gov. Eli Remolona, Jr. has announced that their goal to raise to 70 percent the number of adult Filipinos with bank accounts will be achieved this year. This is great news! Only...
