Stakeholders join the 2022 MCPI Annual Conference – Microfinance: Thriving through Uncertainties

Key microfinance stakeholders convened during the 2022 Annual Conference of the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) on August 24-25, 2022 at Century Park Hotel, Manila. The event was attended by close to 600 participants from microfinance institutions, government institutions, donors, investors, and other developmental organizations that actively participated in the discussions related to this year’s theme Microfinance: Thriving through Uncertainties. During the event, speakers and participants discussed how the microfinance sector have become more resilient and relevant during uncertainties such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic shocks, and natural disasters. During the conference, the newly-elected MCPI Board of Trustees for 2022 – 2023 took their oath of office: (from left) Mr. Rene Cristobal, Mr. Gilbert Stephan Maramba, Ms. Ma. Rosario Apostol, Ms. Jane Manucdoc, Mr. Jimmy Ramos (representing Ms. Mercedes Abad), Fr. Rex Paul Arjona, Mr. Dexter Flores, Mr. Ritzie Mar Apaitan, Mr. Arnold Parcutilo, and Mr. Allan Robert Sicat.

During the conference, the newly-elected MCPI Board of Trustees for 2022 – 2023 took their oath of office: (from left) Mr. Rene Cristobal, Mr. Gilbert Stephan Maramba, Ms. Ma. Rosario Apostol, Ms. Jane Manucdoc, Mr. Jimmy Ramos (representing Ms. Mercedes Abad), Fr. Rex Paul Arjona, Mr. Dexter Flores, Mr. Ritzie Mar Apaitan, Mr. Arnold Parcutilo, and Mr. Allan Robert Sicat.

The two-day conference had two session tracks – Managing Risks and Uncertainties and MFI Exchange. The Managing Risks and Uncertainties track focused on the how MFIs have managed risks through provision of financial and nonfinancial services while the MFI Exchange track enabled participants to learn from the experiences of other MFIs in areas such portfolio management, internal audit and fraud prevention, and human resource management.

Present during the opening session was Governor Felipe Medalla of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas who provided his live keynote message through Zoom. During the opening plenary, leading microfinance players highlighted how they have become more resilient and relevant to communities they serve during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the closing plenary, three microfinance clients shared their journey on how they have emerged from uncertainties and how microfinance and other support services have enabled them to become more resilient and sustainable. At the end of the conference, outgoing Chairperson Mr. Eduardo Jimenez was recognized for his 3-year leadership and guidance to the advocacies and programs of the network.

Preceding the conference, MCPI held its Annual General Meeting on August 23, 2022 at the Century Park Hotel and on Zoom. Members of the Board of Trustees who took their oath of office during the conference were: Mr. Gilbert Maramba of Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, Inc. (Chairperson); Ms. Ma. Rosario Apostol of Community Economic Ventures, Inc. (Vice-Chairperson); Ms. Mercedes Abad of Ahon Sa Hirap, Inc. (Corporate Secretary); Ms. Jane Manucdoc of ASKI Microfinance (Treasurer); Fr. Rex Paul Arjona of SEDPSimbag sa Pag-asenso, Inc. (Internal Auditor); and Mr. Dexter Flores of Kabuhayan sa Ganap na Kasarinlan Credit and Savings Cooperative, Mr. Arnold Parcutilo of Paglaum MultiPurpose Cooperative, Mr. Ritzie Mar Apaitan of Taytay Sa Kauswagan, Inc., and Mr. Rene Cristobal of Tulay Sa Pag-Unlad, Inc. as Members. The Trustees will serve until July 2023. Presentations during the 2022 Annual Conference can be downloaded here. Photos during the conference may be accessed through this .
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