microfinance

Microfinance ‘Nanays’ back Sen. Bam’s re-election bid, thank him for making free college a reality

TACLOBAN CITY — Hundreds of Microfinance ‘Nanays’ declared their support behind the re-election bid of Sen. Bam Aquino, saying he helped uplift their lives through his Free College Law and other laws in support of micro entrepreneurs.

The Microfinance ‘Nanays’, or microfinance beneficiaries, expressed their backing for Sen. Bam during a sectoral meeting here on Wednesday.

“At home na at home ako dito. Nakauwi ako sa sektor na malapit sa puso ko at pinaglingkuran ko noon, ang mga nanay sa komunidad na tinulungan namin sa Hapinoy na magnegosyo,” said Sen. Bam, referring to work with the microfinance sector during his time as social entrepreneur before becoming a senator.

In his speech, Sen. Bam said he drew inspiration from community-based mothers in pushing for the passage of the Free College Law, saying he wants to fulfill their dreams of seeing their children obtain a college degree.

“Ang pangarap ng mga magulang na makatapos ang kanilang anak sa kabila ng hirap sa buhay ang nagtulak sa akin na isulong ang Libreng Kolehiyo,” said Sen. Bam, who pushed for the passage of the landmark law as principal sponsor.

“Madalas kong nairirinig sa mga nakakausap kong magulang na simple lang ang pangarap nila, huwag maranasan ng mga anak nila ang hirap na dinanas nila,” he added.

If he wins a second term, Sen. Bam promised to push for the passage of his Trabaho Center Bill, which is aimed to solve the prevalent problem of jobs mismatch and high unemployment rate in the country.

“Kung makakabalik tayo sa Senado, isusulong ko ang Trabaho Center Bill kung saan pagtatagpuin ang mga naghahanap ng trabaho at ang mga kumpanyang naghahanap ng empleyado,” Sen. Bam said.

Sen. Bam emphasized that the Trabaho Center Bill is the next best crucial reform after the Free College Law to help uplift the lives of Filipinos, especially the poor.

Aside from the Free College Law, Sen. Bam also pushed other measures that support micro, small and medium enterprises and microfinance sector, such as the Go Negosyo Act, Microfinance NGOs Act, Credit Surety Fund Cooperative Act, and Personal Property Security Act.

MFI NGOs back Sen. Bam’s candidacy for his work in strengthening sector

An overwhelming number of microfinance non-government organizations (MFI NGOs) want re-electionist Sen. Bam Aquino back in the Senate for his solid track record in helping the sector develop and expand their capacity to extend assistance to more Filipinos.

SEDP-Simbag sa Pag-asenso, Inc., led by its president and CEO Fr. Jovic Lobrigo, was among the first to express support behind Sen. Bam, saying he was instrumental in passing Republic Act 10693 or the Microfinance NGOs Act benefiting millions of women and their families.

“Praying that he can continue his work in the Senate,” the group said in a statement posted on Facebook. 

Eduardo Jimenez, president of Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (KMBI), promised to definitely vote and campaign for Sen. Bam, who, he said, collaborated and supported microfinance players even before becoming a senator.

Jimenez added that Sen. Bam’s RA 10693 supported and strengthened the work of MFI NGOs that ultimately helped micro-entrepreneurs in the country.

Mercy Abad, president of Ahon sa Hirap, Inc (ASHI), said Sen. Bam has done a lot for the “common tao”, adding that the Microfinance NGOs Act has “helped our sector serve thousands of families.” 

“We in the microfinance industry cannot thank him enough for what he has done to assist us in our work,” said Abad, believing that the country needs leaders like Sen. Bam in the Senate.

“Intelligent, with integrity (naku sigurado kayong hindi kurakot), fearless, and hard working for our country, especially for the poor. Please include him in your vote,” added Abad.

Gomby Maramba, manager for Research and Development of the Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, also expressed gratitude to Sen. Bam for pushing for the passage of RA No. 10693 as principal sponsor and co-author. 

“The impact of this bill is huge for the over seven million microfinance clients and their families in the Philippines,” said Maramba.

“It allowed us to continue with our non-financial services and at the same time, all microfinance NGOs are now regulated to better serve its clients,” he added.

The law sets performance standards and provides preferential tax treatment for MFI NGOs to enable them to continue to operate and serve poor Filipino communities through financing, financial literacy, livelihood, and entrepreneurship training.

Aside from the MFI NGOs Act, Sen. Bam pushed for the passage of other laws for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises, such as the Go Negosyo Act, Youth Entrepreneurship Act, Credit Surety Act and the Personal Property Security Act.

Sen. Bam joins MFIs in celebrating anniversary of significant law, MFI NGOs Act

CEBU CITY – Sen. Bam Aquino joined the microfinance community here to celebrate the third anniversary of the enactment of Republic Act 10693 or the Microfinance NGOs Act, which he spearheaded as principal sponsor in the Senate.

The reform was signed into law on Nov. 3, 2015 and has since saved the sector P479.5 million, allowing MFI NGOs to help more Filipinos in need of low-interest, no-collateral loans.

In his speech during the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Microfinance Entrepreneurs Summit, Sen. Bam thanked MFI NGOs for their role in crafting RA 10693 to help them become more effective in providing assistance to millions of Filipinos.

“Talagang maganda ang ating nakakamit kapag tayo’y nagtutulungan. Kaya po natin gumawa ng mga repormang nakakatulong sa ating mga kababayan,” Sen. Bam said.

“Thanks to our law, there are more micro-loans and more training programs from MFI NGOs for Filipino families and micro-entrepreneurs,” said Sen. Bam.

The senator also said that many micro-enterprises and local entrepreneurs inspired him to push for the passage of the law in the Senate, saying RA 10693 provides them the needed assistance and opportunity to succeed.

“Kaunting tulong, kaunting oportunidad at kaya nang iangat ng Pilipino ang kanilang pamilya. Kaunting tulong at matinding pagkayod at umaasenso ang pamilyang Pilipino,” said Sen. Bam.

Before he became a senator, Sen. Bam worked closely with MFI NGOs during his time as social entrepreneur and co-founder of Hapinoy program, which assists sari-sari store owners.

“Noong binigyan namin sila ng training sa negosyo, noong iniugnay natin sila sa MFIs para makakuha ng puhunan, nagawa nilang palaguin ang kanilang munting tindahan, mapaaral ang mga anak, at makalikha ng mas mabuting kinabukasan para sa kanilang pamilya,” said Sen. Bam. 

Republic Act 10693 gives incentives to MFI NGOs to continue helping Filipinos overcome poverty not just through financing but also through financial literacy, livelihood, and entrepreneurship training.

The law also provides MFI NGOs needed support and incentives that includes access to government programs and projects, technical assistance and exemption from taxes.

Sen. Bam’s advocacy for micro, small and medium enterprises inspired him to push for the enactment of several laws, such as the Go Negosyo Act, Youth Entrepreneurship Act, Credit Surety Act and the Personal Property Security Act.

Bam: Support Microfinance NGOs to end 5-6, loan sharks

Sen. Bam Aquino called on the government to strengthen microfinance institutions (MFIs) in the country to give millions of Filipinos a better alternative from loan sharks and other informal lenders that burden them with unreasonable and high interest rates.

“Dapat palakasin ng pamahalaan ang ating microfinance institutions upang tuluyan nang magwakas ang pagdepende ng mga Pilipino sa 5-6 na naniningil ng sobra at hindi makatwirang interes na lalo pang nagpapahirap sa kanila,” said Sen. Bam.

 “Sa tulong ng Microfinance NGOs, mayroon nang alternatibong malalapitan ang mahihirap at maliliit na negosyante para makakuha ng pautang sa mababang interes at walang collateral,” the senator said.

 Sen. Bam made the pronouncement after it was reported that around three million Filipinos, mostly small entrepreneurs, are indebted to loan sharks and informal lenders.

 Despite the high interest, many Filipinos are enticed to obtain financing from loan sharks because they are not required to submit documentary requirements and collateral, unlike in banks.

 “Hindi na tayo kailangang kumapit sa patalim at kumagat sa 5-6 dahil mayroon tayong microfinance NGOs na handang magbigay ng pautang sa mababang interes at walang collateral,” Sen. Bam said.

 Microfinance NGOs provide Filipinos access to low-interest, no collateral loans to pay for housing, medical, and educational needs as well as loans for small businesses.

 Sen. Bam was the principal sponsor and co-author of Republic Act 10693 or the Microfinance NGOs Act during his term as chairman of Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship in the 16th Congress.

 “Layunin ng batas na ito na mailayo ang mahihirap sa malaking interest na sinisingil ng loan sharks at masusuportahan ang pagnanais ng gobyerno na mabura ang talamak na 5-6,” he said.

The law gives incentives to microfinance NGOs to continue helping Filipinos overcome poverty not just through financing but also through financial literacy, livelihood, and entrepreneurship training.

The law also provides microfinance NGOs needed support and incentives that includes access to government programs and projects, technical assistance and exemption from taxes.

Bam: Boost MFI NGOs to beef up campaign vs loan sharks

While it aggressively pursues abusive loan sharks, the government must also strengthen the country’s microfinance institutions (MFI) to help address the financing needs of the poor, according to Sen. Bam Aquino.

“As author of the Microfinance NGOs Act, we are supportive of eradicating 5-6 in the Philippines,” said Sen. Bam, referring to Republic Act 10693, which he pushed as co-author and principal sponsor during his term as chairman of Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship in the 16th Congress.

 The senator pointed out there are better alternatives to 5-6, like MFIs NGOs that provide alternative low-interest, no-collateral financing to the poor and would-be entrepreneurs who need loan to start their own business.

 “There are better alternatives to 5-6, whether these are government programs, or led by the private sector. Mas magandang masuportahan ang mga grupo at programang ito na regulated ng goberyno na makapagbibigay rin ng pautang na hindi kasintaas ng mga 5-6 ang interes,” he added.

 Sen. Bam called on the BIR to finalize tax regulation for MFI-NGOs for the law to be fully implemented and fulfill its mandate to give the poor low-interest financing.

 Microfinance NGOs provide Filipinos access to low-interest, no collateral loans to pay for housing, medical, and educational needs as well as loans for small businesses.

 Republic Act 10693 gives incentives to microfinance NGOs to continue helping Filipinos overcome poverty not just through financing but also through financial literacy, livelihood, and entrepreneurship training.

The law also provides microfinance NGOs needed support and incentives that includes access to government programs and projects, technical assistance and exemption from taxes.

 “MFI NGOs aid our poor countrymen in times of inflation and price increases. They also provide financing and training for livelihood and small businesses so families can overcome poverty,” he said.

 In 2013, MFI NGO members of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) had a gross loan portfolio of over 15.26 billion pesos catering to more than 2.7 million micro-entrepreneurs.

 At the same time, Sen. Bam called on concerned government agencies to expedite the release of the implementing rules and regulations for Republic Act 10744 or the Credit Surety Fund Act.

 Aquino, author and sponsor of the measure’s Senate version, said it will institutionalize the CSF program of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which addresses loan requirements ranging from P200,000 to P5 million.

 

Bam: Microfinance NGOs Act to help eradicate “5-6”

The Microfinance NGOs Act will help the government’s plan to eliminate loan sharks or “5-6” as it will provide the poor with alternative low-interest, no-collateral financing, according to Sen. Bam Aquino.

 

“Sa Microfinance NGOs Act, may alternatibong malalapitan ang mahihirap at maliliit na negosyante para makakuha ng pautang sa mababang interes,” said Sen. Bam.

 

“Sa batas na ito, mailalayo ang mahihirap sa malaking interest na sinisingil ng loan sharks at masusuportahan ang pagnanais ng gobyerno na mabura ang 5-6,” the senator added.

 

During the 30th anniversary of 30th Anniversary of Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions or CARD-MFI, one of the biggest MFI-NGO in the Philippines, Sen. Bam hailed the MFIs’ role in helping Filipino women entrepreneurs.

 

“When you look at the stories na lumalabas, apat na milyong kababaihan ang natutulungan na magnegosyo at makakuha ng tulong para sa kanilang, mas malaking income para sa kanilang mga anak,” said Sen. Bam.

 

“Maganda mapag-usapan ang kuwentong ito na nagdadala ng pag-asa sa kabila ng kuwentong patayan at tungkol sa drugs,” added Sen. Bam, who worked closely with MFIs as a social entrepreneur prior to being a senator.

 

Sen. Bam pushed for the passage of the Microfinance NGOs Act or Republic Act 10693 as co-author and principal sponsor in the Senate during his term as chairman of Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship in the 16th Congress.

 

In turn, MFI NGOs give Filipinos access to low-interest, no collateral loans to pay for housing, medical, and educational needs as well as loans for small businesses.

 

The law gives incentives to microfinance NGOs to continue helping Filipinos overcome poverty not just through financing but also through financial literacy, livelihood, and entrepreneurship training.

 

The law also provides microfinance NGOs needed support and incentives that includes access to government programs and projects, technical assistance and exemption from taxes.

 

“MFI NGOs aid our poor countrymen in times of inflation and price increases. They also provide financing and training for livelihood and small businesses so families can overcome poverty,” he said.

 

“Now that the MFI NGOs Act has been passed and the IRR signed, let’s push for its quick and effective implementation,” he added.

 

In 2013, MFI NGO members of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) had a gross loan portfolio of over 15.26 billion pesos catering to more than 2.7 million micro-entrepreneurs.

 

Bam: More support for poor Filipino families ​through Microfinance NGOs

Low-income households will be supported by more m​icrofinance non-government organizations (​MFI ​NGOs) with the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for Republic Act 10693 or the Microfinance NGOs Act.
 
​“This law will encourage more MFI​ NGO​s to ​help the poor through ​loans and​ ​training,” said Sen. Bam Aquino, who pushed for the law’s passage in the Senate as co-author and principal sponsor.
 
​​MFI NGOs give Filipinos access to low-interest, no collateral loans to pay for housing, medical, and educational needs​ as well as loans for small businesses.
 
“MFI NGOs​ aid​ our poor countrymen in times of inflation and price increases. They also provide financing and training for livelihood and small businesses so families can overcome poverty,” he added.
 
In 2013, MFI NGO members of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) had a gross loan portfolio of over 15.26 billion pesos catering to more than 2.7 million micro-entrepreneurs.
 
​According to Sen. Bam, the law ​incentivizes microfinance NGOs to continue helping Filipinos overcome poverty not just through financing but also through financial literacy, livelihood, and entrepreneurship training.
 
​​The ​law provides microfinance NGOs needed support and incentives that includes access to government programs and projects, technical assistance and exemption from taxes.
 
​​Republic Act 10693 was one of Sen. Bam’s 16 laws in the 16th Congress. It was passed under his watch as chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.
 
​The ​law’s IRR is set to be signed today, August 16, 2016.

Negosyo, Now Na!: Kaagapay sa tagumpay

Mga Kanegosyo, sini­mulan natin ang kolum na ito kasama ng Abante upang hikayatin natin ang mga kapwa Pilipinong pumasok sa pagnenegosyo bilang isang paraan para makaahon sa kahirapan.

Sa mga taon natin bilang isang social entrepreneur, marami na tayong nakilalang mga pamilyang lumago ang buhay dahil sa kanilang pagtataya sa pagtatayo ng sariling pangkabuhayan.

Mula sa mga magsasaka sa Nueva Ecija, mga nanay na nagbukas ng bintanang sari-sari store at nagtatahi ng mamahaling bag na gawa sa retaso sa Payatas, hanggang sa mga nagtatanim ng cacao sa Davao, ilan sila sa ating bansa na gumanda ang buhay sa pagnenegosyo.

Isa sa mga umaaalay sa mga nais magsimula o ‘di kaya’y magpalaki ng kasalukuyang negosyo ay ang mga micro finance institutions (MFIs) tulad ng Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD-MRI) ni Dr. Aris Alip, na naging panauhin natin sa programang “Status Update” kamakailan.

Sa ngayon, ang CARD-MRI ay itinutu­ring na pinakamalaking micro finance institution sa bansa na nagbibigay ng puhunan sa napakababang interes at walang kolateral.

Bukod pa roon, nagbibigay sila ng iba pang pautang tulad ng educational loan upang makatapos ang mga anak sa pag-aaral ng mga pamilyang nagnenegosyo.

Mayroon din silang ibinibigay na training sa mga nais magsimula ng sariling negosyo, para magabayan at mabigyan ng tamang payo sa mga gagawin, at hindi masayang ang inutang na puhunan.

Hindi nagtatapos ang kabilang gabay sa pagtatayo ng negosyo. Nagbibigay rin sila ng business counseling at tuluy-tuloy ang kanilang pag-aabiso sa kanilang mga miyembrong negosyante, mula sa marketing, financing, packaging at iba pa hanggang lumago sila.

***

Marami sa mga kli­yente ng CARD-MRI ay mga nanay sa kanayunan.

Ang kuwento ni Dr. Alip, nangungutang ng limandaang piso ang mga nanay nang nagsisimula silang magnegosyo. Sa kanilang sipag at dedikasyon, ngayon ay kaya na nilang mangutang ng libu-libo hanggang mil­yong piso, na siyang sen­yales ng kanilang pag­lago.

Ngayon, hindi na umaasa sa bigay ng mayor o ‘di kaya’y barangay chairman ang mga nanay dahil mayroon na silang panggastos para sa araw-araw nilang pangangailangan. Muling naibalik ang kanilang dignidad at tiwala sa sarili dahil sa pagnenegosyo.

Ang ilan pa nga raw sa kanila, nagbabayad na ng buwis dahil nakapagpatayo ng sariling kumpanya habang ang ilan ay nag-e-empleyo pa ng daan-daang manggagawa sa kanilang komunidad.

Kung dati, hindi sila pinapansin sa kanilang lugar, ngayon, isa na sila sa pinagkukunan ng ikinabubuhay ng kanilang mga kababayan.

***

Sinasagip din ng CARD-MRI ang maliliit na negosyante mula sa utang na may mataas na interes, na naihambing sa isang kumunoy na mahirap nang makawala kapag nalubog na.

Sa ngayon, mayroon na silang 1,780 sangay at tatlong milyong pamilya na ang kanilang naabot, katumbas ng labinlimang porsiyento ng populasyon ng bansa.

Sa halos 30 taon ng CARD-MRI, hindi pa rin nagbago ang kanilang pananaw at disiplina sa pagtulong. Hanggang ngayon, nakatutok pa rin sila sa kapakanan at paglago ng mga pamil­yang nangangailangan ng tulong. 

***

Mga Kanegosyo, mahalagang mayroon ta­yong tagapagpayo, mentor o guro sa larangan ng pagnenegosyo lalo na malaki ang itinataya natin dito.

Maaaring ito ay maging ang magulang natin, kaibigan o asawa na magiging sandalan sa oras na may pinagdadaanan tayong mga problema o isyu.

Ngunit mahalaga rin na ang ating tatakbuhan ay mahusay at may karanasan sa pagnenegosyo upang mabigyan tayo ng tamang payo sa ating mga hinaharap.

Isa na rito ay mga organisasyong mapagkakatiwalaan at naglalayong tumulong sa atin tulad ng mga grupong micro finance. 

Mahalagang pag-aralang mabuti ang mga lalapitan natin at hihingan ng tulong upang ‘di tayo maloko at ituturo sa atin ang landas ng tagumpay!

 

First Published on Abante Online

 

 

MFI NGOs Act Approved on Third and Final Reading

 

 

SBA Photo MFI NGO 1 081015

 

SBA Photo MFI NGO 2 081015

Senator Bam Aquino poses with microfinance non-government organization (NGOs) beneficiaries who witnessed the Senate’s approval of SB No. 2752 or the Microfinance NGOs Act on third and final reading last Monday (August 10, 2015).

The measure aims to strengthen non-government organizations (NGOs) that provide micro financing to the poor who want to start their own business. Aside from loans, microfinance NGOs also provide training programs and seminars to enhance the entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy of their borrowers.

Senate OKs Microfinancing Non Profits that Help the Poor

A measure strengthening non-government organizations (NGOs) that provide micro financing to the poor who want to start their own business has been passed by the Senate on third and final reading Monday.

 Principally sponsored by Senator Bam Aquino, Senate Bill No. 2752 or the Microfinance NGOs Act was approved by the Senate with around 100 beneficiaries from different parts of the country in attendance.

 “The approval was a victory for all microfinance NGOs, which, for decades now, have been helping the government’s poverty alleviation program without getting anything in return” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

 “The passage of this measure is recognition of their crucial role in lifting our fellow Filipinos from poverty and enabling the poor to build their own businesses and create their own sustainable livelihood,” he added.

 Sen. Bam hopes that the Microfinance NGOs Act will also encourage more institutions to help in the promotion of the development of micro businesses all over the country.

 Sen. Bam said microfinance NGOs provide low-interest, no collateral financing to those who want to start their own small business, luring them away from loan sharks or more commonly known as “5-6”.

 Microfinance NGOs offer a variety of loans – from business, housing, educational and medical – to low-income households with an average nominal interest rate of 2 to 2.5% and a usual loan cycle of 6 months.

 “Mabigat po talaga ang mangutang sa 5-6 dahil halos lahat ng kinikita mo sa araw-araw, doon napupunta. Sa MFI NGOs, magaan na hulog, mahaba pa ang palugit,” said Resureccion Aquino, owner of “Angels” figurines and ceramic display and a beneficiary of a P75,000 from Kasagana-ka Development Center, Inc. (KDCI).

 Aside from loans, microfinance NGOs also provide training programs and seminars to enhance the entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy of their borrowers.

 “Nakakuha na kami ng pautang, nabibigyan pa kami ng libreng insurance at mayroon pang training para sa dagdag na kaalaman,” said Rosana Santos, owner of J-Anmos Homemade Products and a recipient of a P50,000 loan from KDCI.

 The bill also provides microfinance NGOs needed support and incentives that includes access to government programs and projects, technical assistance and exemption from taxes.

 “With this Act, we will be able to reach more Filipinos in poor communities, enabling us to fulfill our mission as an institution – lifting the poor out of poverty and bringing our nation towards development,” said Dr. Aris Alip, founder and managing director of Center for Agriculture and Rural Development – Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD-MRI).

 CARD-MRI is the biggest MFI NGO in the country, with around 1,780 branches in different parts of the Philippines.

 “The support that the bill accords to microfinance NGOs would ultimately benefit the enterprising poor in terms of greater affordability, accessibility, and variety of micro finance programs and services geared towards the expansion of their livelihoods and furthering their transformative contributions to community development,” the Microfinance Council of the Philippines said in a statement.

 With the House version of the measure already approved, a bicameral conference committee meeting will be held in the coming days to consolidate and finalize the provisions before it will be transmitted to Malacanang for President Aquino’s approval.

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