June 3, 2025 l Manila Bulletin
The year 1990 marked the beginning of my banking career in Mindanao, where I was immediately immersed in the world of microfinance as an account officer for a local Thrift Bank. As a thrift institution, our mandate was to extend credit to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). However, my focus quickly gravitated towards the micro-enterprises, predominantly the market retailers. These businesses were often managed by resilient women, mothers who skillfully balanced their entrepreneurial endeavors with their husbands’ regular employment, their efforts serving as the crucial lifeline for their families’ finances.
Even in those early days, a subtle unease stirred within me. While our lending program, supported by government guarantees and partial subsidies, provided much-needed financial support, it seemed to overlook a critical element: the integration of values and spiritual formation. I believed then, as I do now, that the rigorous demands of loan repayment and the necessity of sound business governance required a deeper ethical and spiritual foundation. Such a grounding, I felt, was essential for fostering sustainable business relationships and ensuring the long-term viability of these micro-enterprises. Without it, the transactional nature of lending, however well-intentioned, risked falling short of truly empowering these individuals.
Years later, in 2004, a new professional chapter began, offering me the invaluable opportunity to collaborate with Angel “Nonoy” De Leon, the esteemed Chairman of Taytay Sa Kauswagan, Inc. (TSKI). This collaboration, which spanned several years, coincided with TSKI’s expansion into Boracay, Aklan. My visits to their centers and my careful study of their company policies and procedures left a lasting impression. I observed that TSKI was not merely a financial institution; it was an organization deeply committed to uplifting the poor, with a particular focus on empowering mothers. Their approach deeply resonated with my earlier conviction that for microfinance to be truly transformative, it must go beyond simple financial transactions and embrace a more holistic philosophy.
This past week, from May 30 to June 1, 2025, I had the privilege of attending the 32nd APPEND Leadership Conference (ALC) at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Ortigas, Pasig. APPEND Inc., the Alliance of Philippine Partners in Enterprise Development Inc., is a formidable coalition of microfinance institutions across the Philippines, and the conference served as a powerful demonstration of their collective commitment. The conference theme, “Let Your Light Shine,” was not just a catchy slogan but a profound guiding principle. It aimed to broaden the participants’ knowledge and leadership skills, urging them towards a more humane and Godly service. This emphasis on integrating faith and service within the microfinance sector was precisely the missing piece I had recognized years ago.
The opening ceremonies were a vibrant spectacle, a “Parade of Colors” led by the prominent figures in the Philippine microfinance landscape. Institutions like Alalay Sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI), The Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Inc.; Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), Taytay Sa Kauswagan, Inc. (TSKI), and Tulay sa Pag-unlad, Inc. (TSPI) were among the many represented, their collective presence highlighting the strength and unity of the microfinance community. Amidst this distinguished gathering, I once again had the opportunity to connect with Angel De Leon, who continues to serve as the President and CEO of TSKI and, notably, as the founding Chairman of APPEND. His tireless dedication to this organization was palpable, evident in his unwavering commitment to instilling proper attitudes and guiding people towards the values of the Kingdom of God. His vision, to transform lives not just financially but spiritually, was truly inspiring.
A notable innovation discussed during the conference was AppendPay, APPEND’s newly launched digital payment platform. Angel De Leon, in his address, highlighted its potential, and eager to explore its functionalities, I immediately downloaded the application. The registration process was remarkably quick and seamless, a testament to its user-friendly design. However, a minor glitch arose when my seatmate, despite having a phone with an identical operating system version, was unable to find the application in his store – a small issue for the system developers to address. Within 24 hours of my registration, I received notification that my KYC (Know Your Customer) application had been approved, verifying my user status and enabling my AppendPay e-Wallet. This efficiency was commendable. My next step, of course, will be to assess its competitiveness against established players like traditional banks, Gcash, and PayMaya in terms of transaction costs.
The conference’s overarching theme was thoughtfully divided into three equally significant sub-themes: REJOICE, REKINDLE, and RADIATE. Each sub-theme offered a unique perspective on the multifaceted nature of microfinance and its impact.
Day 1 began with Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino IV delivering the keynote address on REJOICE. Senator Aquino’s eloquence and clarity were truly inspiring, igniting a sense of hope for more progressive and people-centric senate legislation. His words resonated with the audience, reinforcing the belief that policy can be a powerful instrument for positive change within the microfinance sector.
Day 2 shifted focus to REKINDLE, with a profound morning session led by Rev. Father Dennis Antonio Y. Paez SDB. Father Paez guided the participants through a reflective exercise, prompting us to articulate our gratitude for being part of the microfinance organizations we currently serve. For me, as a Board Trustee of Tulay sa Pag-unlad Inc., my gratitude stemmed from the organization’s unwavering dedication to empowering mothers and nurturing them into responsible stewards of their businesses. Father Paez underscored a crucial truth: in serving the poor, the essence lies not in what one does or gives, but in how one makes them feel. This poignant reminder emphasized the importance of empathy and genuine connection in the pursuit of social good.
The conference culminated on Day 3 with His Excellency Most Reverend Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo, the Vicar Apostolic of Taytay, Palawan, delivering an inspiring address on RADIATE. Bishop Pabillo powerfully articulated the concept of evangelization through microfinance, moving beyond the mere provision of financial assistance to encompass the holistic care of an individual’s spiritual needs. His emphasis on the interconnectedness of worldly and spiritual well-being underscored the transformative potential of microfinance when approached with a comprehensive vision. He reiterated the profound principle that to save one is to save all, highlighting the ripple effect of individual empowerment on the broader community.
According to the Master of Ceremonies, the affair was by far the best and most well-organized leadership conference of APPEND in the last 32 years, and she thanked TSPI as the host organization, led by its chairman, Atty. Lamberto Meer, for a well-prepared program. The members of APPEND resolved to work more closely together and be united in achieving the conference’s theme.
For those interested in delving deeper into the vital work of APPEND and the broader microfinance movement, the recent APPEND conference actively shared its insights and discussions through the following hashtags: #32APPENDALC, #32ndALCTSPI, and #append. These platforms offer a valuable avenue for continued engagement and a deeper understanding of the ongoing efforts to illuminate lives and foster sustainable development through microfinance. The conference served as a powerful reminder that microfinance, at its heart, is about more than just numbers; it’s about empowering individuals, fostering community, and ultimately, letting their light shine.
***The views expressed herein are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of his office as well as FINEX. For comments, email carlos.cervantes@powersource.group. Photo is from Pinterest.