FROM THE MARGINS In the Philippines, where elections are often marred by reports of vote-buying, red-tagging, political dynasties, and digital disinformation, many citizens are understandably disheartened. The same names dominate the ballots. The same patterns repeat. And year after year, hope...
FROM THE MARGINS I had the honor of joining the ASEAN Forum on Inclusive Financial Well-being on April 8, upon the invitation of Governor Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). Held in Kuala Lumpur, the forum was a sideline event of the 2025 ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central...
FROM THE MARGINS As I edge closer to my 68th birthday, I find myself reflecting on the years gone by with gratitude and renewed hope. I am semi-retired — no longer engaged in the day-to-day operations of an office, yet, performing advisory roles in several financial organizations and social...
FROM THE MARGINS Small businesses are the lifeblood of the Philippine economy, employing the majority of our workforce. However, despite their crucial role in driving economic activity, many micro-small-and-medium-enterprises (MSMEs) still struggle to keep pace with digital advancements — an...
FROM THE MARGINS What happens when the world’s most vulnerable communities face the harshest impacts of climate change — without the financial tools to adapt?This is a pressing question because climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is already reshaping economies, livelihoods, and...
FROM THE MARGINSOn March 11, 2025, I had the privilege of speaking at the Mansmith Market Masters Conference, an annual strategy and marketing event that brings together top industry leaders, CEOs, and marketing experts. Held at the SMX Convention Center in Taguig City, the conference was led and...
FROM THE MARGINSThere is an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This wisdom holds true. Partnership and collaboration with other organizations have been the cornerstone of my decades-long work as a microfinance practitioner and...
FROM THE MARGINS Are we prepared to embrace the future that is arriving faster than we expected?I am, of course, talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is transforming industries across the world. I have been receiving a lot of invitations to attend seminars and conferences about how...
FROM THE MARGINS A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of organizing a Baguio trip for my batchmates from Ambray Elementary School in San Pablo City. Around 35 of us, led by Batch ’69 officers, Ruel Merin and Carol De Villa-Galomo, and some family members, joined the journey. It gave us an...
FROM THE MARGINS Last week, I wrote about how microentrepreneurship—fueled by microfinance — serves as an engine of job creation, economic progress and poverty eradication. We need to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as they are the cornerstone of the Philippine economy....
FROM THE MARGINSThe Philippine economy stands at a crossroads. In 2024, the gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.6 percent, falling short of the government’s target of 6-6.5 percent. According to National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon, this shortfall was...
FROM THE MARGINS February has always been the month of love. Amid many disheartening news that we see daily, I wanted to shift our focus to something uplifting. And what could be more uplifting than love? Love is hope. In all its forms, love inspires and moves people. Like a farmer sowing seeds...
