PinoyME Foundation

What We Do

Microfinance practitioners speak on PinoyME’s contributions to the sector:

“I believe PinoyME’s effective networking was made possible because of the image of Mrs. Cory Aquino and the tenacious efforts of PinoyME’s management, in particular, Mr. Dan Songco. Because of Mrs. Aquino, almost all big and medium-sized microfinance institutions and networks put aside their differences and groupings. I hope PinoyME can set up a mutual exchange program where microfinance institutions can visit each other’s projects and [share ideas] and feedback.”

Kamrul Tarafder
President, ASA Philippines

“When the global financial crisis was just brewing, PinoyMe conducted several runs of a forum with top economists across the country. They explained how financial bubbles occur and how the microfinance sector might be affected. In the Bicol Region, [there were] more than two hundred participants from the academe, local government, finance, business, and development sectors. PinoyME’s activities are all relevant and have [helped increase our understanding] of the industry and [ability to] respond to a changing landscape.”

Father Jovic Lobrigo
Chair, Bicol Microfinance Council

“For those of us who have worked more than twenty years in microfinance and poverty alleviation, the commitment and personal time shared by Former President Corazon Aquino is an inspiration. The efforts of PinoyME to convince TESDA , CHED, and some universities to offer courses on microfinance are a first in the Philippines. [MFIs are now able] to offer scholarships to the children of their clients, who now have the opportunity to be enrolled in university and work at an MFI at the same time.”

Rolando Victoria
Executive Director, Alalay Sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI)

“[One of the efforts of PinoyME that have been most helpful to us is] the formation of the Business Development Services (BDS) working group. The exchange of information is helpful in keeping up with trends in BDS models, and [meetings have made] the efforts of complementing institutions more aligned. [PinoyME's] curriculum for frontline microfinance staff has been a good reference for the development of our own competency-based program.”

Edgardo Mercedes
Executive Director, Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (KMBI)

End-beneficiaries of PinoyME loan clients:

34 year old mother of three availed of a P5,000 loan from HSPFI (funded by PinoyME). Part of the loan was used to purchase goods to be sold in her sari-sari store. The remaining amount was used to purchase two heads of piglets for her swine fattening business. Because of the financial assistance, sales and income from the sari-sari store increased. Moreover, she is now on the second cycle of her swine fattening business. Earnings are re-invested into the business. She now has 4 heads of piglets.

HSPFI Client
Lantapan, Bukidnon

49 year old widow availed of a P15,000 loan from ASKI (funded by PinoyME). The loan was used to purchase more feeds for her retailing outlet at the Central Market and for maintenance of her piggery. As a result, there was an overall increase in household income to support her 7 children.

ASKI Client
Capas, Tarlac