FROM THE MARGINSThe past weeks have been challenging for millions of Filipinos, especially the vulnerable clients of microfinance institutions (MFIs). At least five strong typhoons affected more than 500,000 families in areas where we operate, and as was our wont, we conducted relief operations to...
FROM THE MARGINS An average of 20 typhoons hit the Philippines every year. But climate change is making them stronger, more frequent, and harder to predict. Just last week, Tropical Storms “Marce” and “Nika” battered Northern Luzon, even as we were bracing for Typhoons “Ofel”...
FROM THE MARGINSI visited Vietnam recently, reconnecting with old friends and partners in development. I met the leaders and clients of the Tinh Thuong Microfinance Institution (TYM or Affectionate Fund), Vietnam’s first licensed microfinance institution, and I remember what Kofi Annan,...
FROM THE MARGINSEven as we were preparing for Severe Tropical Storm Leon, my family and I spent the weekend repacking goods for distribution to communities that were devastated by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. It was the most destructive storm we have had this year — killing more than a hundred...
FROM THE MARGINSLast week, Henry Tan, a partner at SGV & Co., published an article entitled, “Why Entrepreneurs are Critical to the Philippine Economy.” Citing worldwide and local statistics, he made a very convincing point on why we should celebrate the success of entrepreneurs and why we...
FROM THE MARGINSIt is difficult to speak truth to power, but if we want social reforms, we need to do it. Through the years, the concerted efforts of advocates of social and financial inclusion to engage with policymakers and government regulators have yielded positive results. We had...
FROM THE MARGINSLast month, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed into law Republic Act (RA) No. 12022, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, one of the priority bills of his administration.The passage of the law is a welcome development in the government’s fight against agricultural...
FROM THE MARGINS As I am writing this article, Typhoon Julian is unleashing violent winds and heavy rains over Northern Luzon, prompting officials to evacuate villagers, close schools and halt inter-island ferries. News reports showed the slow-moving super typhoon wreaking havoc in Cagayan and...
FROM THE MARGINSI had the honor of being invited by the Peak Reinsurance Company Ltd. (Peak Re) to be one of the panelists in its inaugural Forum 2024, “Sustainability in a Changing World.” This was held at the Hong Kong Palace Museum Auditorium last Sept. 23, 2024. More than 150 participants...
FROM THE MARGINSIn one of our meetings, I conducted a quick survey of our management teams using Mentimeter. This is a very convenient app used in learning sessions, which allows people to participate in real-time polling activities using a mobile device, tablet, or laptops. Here is what I...
FROM THE MARGINSThere is no truer statement: food is everyone’s business. This was the theme of the “Agriculture and Food Security Summit” that the Makati Business Club (MBC) held last Sept. 16 at the BGC Arts Center. This is part of its ongoing efforts to engage stakeholders and find ways for...
FROM THE MARGINSNamaskar! My wife and I were in India recently, for a week of activities arranged by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) to commemorate the 66th anniversary of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards and the 75th year of Philippine-India Friendship. Many Filipino and Indian...
