In the middle of challenges and changing needs of clients of the microfinance sector, the 2014 MCPI Annual Conference: Moving Beyond Microfinance became the venue for discussions on how to adapt to these concerns.
On July 24 -25, 2014, stakeholders gathered at the Century Park Hotel in Manila to share and learn of interventions beyond microcredit that can strengthen efforts of microfinance practitioners to turn their clients’ quality of life for the better. In one of the sessions, value chain models were explored to increase growth and competitiveness of agricultural actors. Along this line, sustainable energy access for the rural population was also presented. Inadequate housing also prompted exchange of ideas on how to scale up these housing microfinance products and customize it according to clients’ needs. As natural calamities regularly visit the country, post-disaster rehabilitation plans have been put in place by MFIs to protect the homes and livelihood of clients. Two MFIs’ experience was showcased in a session for the said topic. MFIs that provide health protection to their clients also discussed partnerships they have established to provide opportunities for proper diagnosis and treatment of illnesses of poor households and their need for health services.
Digital platforms were also presented as more microfinance practitioners are studying the potential of digital technology to deliver financial and non-financial services to clients in a more efficient manner that would benefit the poor. The conference also highlighted the importance of business development services as MFIs extend various non-financial services to assist microenterprises with their business needs.
The three MFI clients who were invited to speak during the conference were faces of a successful microfinance and financial inclusion. In two separate sessions, the importance of client protection and social performance management was once again emphasized.
In their closing remarks, Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV gave updates on his legislative initiatives on microenterprise development among other things; while Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla, Jr. left a challenge for the microfinance champions in the hall on their next move to bring microfinance to a higher level.
The conference culminated in the induction of officers and members of the MCPI Board of Trustees for the year 2014 – 2015 as follows: Ms. Maria Anna Ignacio, Kasagana-ka Development Center, Inc. – Chairperson; Mr. Rolando Victoria, AlalaysaKaunlaran, Inc. – Vice-Chairperson; Fr. Jose Victor Lobrigo, SEDP-SimbagsaPag-asenso Inc. – Corporate Secretary; Mr. Eduardo Jimenez, Community Economic Ventures, Inc. – Treasurer; Mr. Angelo Solarte, TaytaysaKauswagan, Inc. – Internal Auditor; Mr. Antonio Sevillano, Jr., Aakayang MILAMDEC Microfinance Foundation – Member; Mr. Jose Misael Moraleda, Bicol Microfinance Council, Inc. – Member; Mr. Gadwin Handumon, Paglaum Multi-Purpose Cooperative – Member; Ms. Carmelita Bilaoen, Peoples Bank of Caraga, Inc. – Member. Sen. Aquino led the oathtaking.
DG Espenilla’s speech and the presentations during the conference can be downloaded here.
From left: Mr. Antonio Sevillano, Jr., Ms. Carmelita Bilaoen, Mr. Eduardo Jimenez, Mr. Rolando Victoria, Fr. Jose Victor Lobrigo,Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Ms. Maria Anna Ignacio, BSP Dep. Gov. Nestor Espenilla, Jr., Mr. Angelo Solarte, Mr. Jose Misael Moraleda and Mr. Gadwin Handumon.