As a pre-conference event, MCPI, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, organized the Housing Microfinance Forum: Expanding Affordable Housing and Sustainable Settlements in the Philippines on August 11, 2026, at the Century Park Hotel Manila.
The forum brought together more than 80 participants from financial institutions, government agencies, development organizations, and other key stakeholders to exchange insights, share innovative practices, and explore collaborative approaches to expand access to affordable housing for poor and low-income households.
The forum featured sessions covering key challenges, policy frameworks, emerging trends, practical solutions, and future opportunities in affordable and sustainable housing. Sabha Khawaja, Regional Director of Habitat’s Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, provided an overview of the housing landscape and opportunities for scaling housing initiatives in the Philippines. Mynard Bryan Mojica, Director of the Financial Inclusion Office of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, discussed the regulatory framework and current uptake of housing microfinance among banks.
Representatives from ASA Philippines Foundation, Inc., Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, Inc., and RAFI Microfinance Inc., shared their approaches and experiences in providing affordable and sustainable housing microfinance to the clients and communities they serve.
The forum further explored the role of inclusive and technology-enabled housing finance in improving human settlements. Representatives from the Social Housing Finance Corporation, Pag-IBIG Fund, Lhoopa, and the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation shared their respective housing programs and initiatives.
Habitat for Humanity International also presented their regional work and services, providing participants with insights into initiatives that support financial inclusion and access to housing finance across the region.
The forum highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration among key stakeholders to expand access to affordable housing and support the development of inclusive and sustainable settlements in the Philippines.
