Morning Devotion

Mr. Chan Mach, a visitor from Cambodia, also spoke at the Morning Devotion about his first experiences in ASKI in 2000 and the startling differences today. Mr. Chan also works at a microfinance institute in Cambodia. ASKI is seen as a leader in microfinance not only in the Philippines but also in Southeast Asia.

The band prepping (below) and playing (above) at Morning Devotion. The lyrics of the song are projected onto the wall, allowing everyone to sing along.

Upon arriving at ASKI, I was asked to attend Morning Devotion at the main office. Not knowing what to expect, I was surprised to see a band prepping up for their performance, sound-checking their instruments as employees began walking into the general meeting room. Approximately 50 employees congregated in the meeting area as the band began to play Christian rock music. While I was not accustomed to Christian rock, I began to feel the vibe of not only the band but also everyone around me. They sang to songs of Christ, clapping and dancing to the melodies. One could feel their appreciation and their devotion to Christianity.

I read that ASKI was a God-centered organization but attending Morning Devotion truly displayed the organization's commitment to being a religious institution as well as a microfinance one. Ms. Garlitos told me that Morning Devotion not only created the God-centered culture within the staff but also served as a "character and confidence builder." Immediately following the music, a lecture about "Leadership and Listening" was given by the Human Resources Department head, Ms. Divina "Joy" Santos. The lecture was insightful, contained Bible references and provided the staff with comprehensible lessons. I learned from the lecture as well, scribbling notes onto my little journal.

Morning Devotion is conducted in all the branches of ASKI and defines one of the unique characteristics of ASKI. My impressions from Morning Devotion were that ASKI strives to not only provide the needy with the opportunities to uplift their socioeconomic status but also to empower both its clients and staff to transform their lifestyle. As a result, both clients and staff members work together with the goal of servicing others. After the one hour Morning Devotion, all the employees and staff members returned to their respective offices with ASKI's mission and vision ingrained in their minds.

Week Two - Alalay sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI)

My grandmother (in yellow) and I smile with the Cabanatuan branch of ASKI.

Signs of ASKI and its five other business units.

Apart from the Cabanatuan branch, ASKI's main office is also located in the same building.

The sun slowly crept over the still sleeping city of Cabanatuan. It was early Monday morning and the main office of ASKI was still closed. My mind was half-asleep as I waited with my grandmother and my driver in the van.

While the weekend trip to Cebu was a nice break, it was time to return to work. Cabanatuan City was a three-hour car ride away from Manila and I had to arrive at the ASKI office before 8 o’clock in the morning. My grandmother, ever the drill sergeant of the family, vigorously woke me up at 3:30 am, turning on blinding lights and instructing me with her stern voice to “get up and dress up.” After waking up to the soft sounds of waves crashing onto the white sand beaches of Cebu, I was shell-shocked by the sudden wake-up call. Eventually, I was up and ready to go, not really worrying about the long commute.

We arrived at the ASKI office at 6:30. Without any local traffic in the usually busy streets of Manila and Cabanatuan, my driver was able to breeze through the national highway and cut the three-hour car ride into two hours. While I was upset that I could have woken up later in Manila, the van proved to be a comfortable place to nap in. As the clock hit 7:45, I got out of the van and climbed the stairs to the ASKI headquarters.

I immediately met Ms. May Garlitos, senior training specialist at ASKI and the hostess of my study visit in Cabanatuan. She wore a smile and expressed a congenial welcome to both my grandmother and me. Over the weeks of communication with ASKI before my arrival in the Philippines, I was able to secure a four-day study visit with ASKI that included studying at the Cabanatuan head office as well as the Roxas branch. With 25 branches spanning 10 provinces and 189 towns, the size and scale of ASKI’s microfinance operations would be comparatively different to the smaller Mallig Plains Rural Bank. Going beyond microfinance, ASKI is also composed of five different business units: ASKI Mutual Benefit Association (MBA), ASKI Foundation, ASKI Marketing Coop, ASKI Knowledge and Skills Institute, Inc. and ASKI Global Ltd. These business units expand the scope of ASKI's mission and vision to serve the needy of Luzon through a God-centered institution.

I knew it was going to be another busy week.

Our Tributes to Lapu Lapu

Weekend Trip to the South

In front of Santo Nino's Basilica. Santo Nino is the patron saint of Cebu.

Some whole shrimp in garlic sauce. The seafoods were delectable in Cebu and specifically in Mactan Island.

This is Magellan's Shrine located in Mactan Island.

My cousin and I ponder beside the sea.

Despite the tiresome traveling and early hours, the first week of my study visit in the Philippines was a success. I was thrilled to be able to participate in Mallig Plains’ operations as well as acquire a wealth of information from which I could learn more specific details about the bank’s microfinance services.

However, the trip did leave some room for relaxation. Knowing that week two would present another relentless schedule of traveling and studying with ASKI, I knew I would need some time to recharge. Over the weekend, my cousin’s uncle, who happens to be an executive at one of the Philippines’ mainstream banks, treated us with a trip to the southern island of Cebu, which is a tourist hot spot known for its white sand beaches, delicious seafood and historic landmarks.

For example, circumnavigator Ferdinand Magellan landed in Cebu during his historic journey around the world. Unfortunately, his journey would end in Cebu as well when an indigenous tribal chief named Lapu Lapu slain Magellan in the Battle of Mactan. Lapu Lapu is now recognized as the first Philippine hero and the fish Lapu Lapu, which is a local delicacy in Cebu, has been named after him.

The trip was a beautiful way to enjoy the Philippines’ rich culture beyond the main island of Luzon. When we returned to Manila that Sunday, I was refreshed and ready to resume my summer signature work.

Masigun, Roxas, Isabela -- Community Service

While the day care center lacked in size, the people within the building definitely did not lack in spirit. The community service activity was a nice break from the hectic schedule of my study stay in Roxas. However, little did I know that the trip to Masigun would be a preview to the mission and vision of another microfinance institution I would be visiting, Alalay sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI). A leader in the social performance aspect of microfinance, ASKI goes beyond microfinance, seeking to build and develop communities through service and education. There will be more to come about my visit to ASKI in future blog posts.

The children weren't the only ones receiving some presents. The teacher also received some supplies to help educate the children as well as organize the day care center's day to day activities. When I looked at the vivid posters covered with addition problems and the classroom's helpers for the week, I was reminded of my own kindergarten experience and the importance of establishing a sturdy foundation for learning.

Some of the more outgoing children show off their new books and supplies. These children appreciated everything they were given, even if the gifts were school supplies and bible coloring books. However, the parents also expressed their gratitude, returning wide smiles and hugs as I passed along the food and supplies.

In addition to observing the workings of microfinance, I set aside some time for community service. Working with the local Rotary Club, I distributed some school supplies and food to children at a local day care center in barangay Masigun, Roxas. Even though I was once again required to wake up at an early hour, arriving at the day care center and seeing the children definitely lifted up my spirits.

Mallig Plains Rural Bank 2

I was lucky to meet Dr. Leocadio Ignacio, the president of Mallig Plains Rural Bank and College. A doctor, soldier, delegate of the Philippine Constitutional Convention, governor of Isabela, educator and businessman, Dr. Ignacio has an impressive resume and continues to impress those around him at the age of 91.

After doing a barangay mapping, the students were required to select one of the house's residents in order to conduct a means test interview. A means test interview allows the students to find out about a potential client's socioeconomic background. The students can then discern whether or not the potential client is qualified to receive a micro loan.

The next day I studied with college students from Mallig Plains College (seen in the background). All the seniors at the college are required to study microfinance courses under the tutelage of the bank's own specialized trainers. After sitting in a class, I went on a field study with the students, walking around the neighboring barangay of Casili. We performed a barangay mapping, which is basically marking down houses on a map of the barangay to locate potential clients in the area.

The women seen in this photo are in a group that participates in the micro-pinay lending program. Interestingly, the program is exclusive only to women with the intentions that these women will help their husbands raise additional income for their families.

This is a pig coral that was funded by a micro loan provided by Mallig Plains. Project officers often check with the bank's clients to see whether or not the loans are being used in an effective manner towards a client's micro enterprise. I was particularly interested with this picture because it helps capture the scope of how these loans are utilized.

Mallig Plains Rural Bank 1

Three clients that are joining an existing group loan sit at a compulsory group training (CGT) session. The CGT is a three day program during which the clients are required to attend 3 hour seminars about microfinance. Through this program, Mallig Plains' microfinance clients understand their loans as well as methods of promoting growth within their micro enterprises.

During compulsory group training, the bank teaches its clients about the nature of their loans and the background of the bank. As the poster board shows, the bank does not fail to mention the influence of Grameen Bank on its own microfinance sector. Grameen Bank, which was founded by Dr. Muhammad Yunus in 1983, has been providing microfinance services not only in Bangladesh but around the world, serving as a model of microfinance as well as expanding its own bank.

After a quick visit to the Mallig branch, I traveled with the director of the Human Resources Department to the Cauayan City branch, which is the Bank's largest and most successful microfinance branch. With around 660 clients and an impressive repayment rate of 100%, the Cauayan City branch clearly understands how to run a productive microfinance institution. The lady sitting behind the desk is the local manager of the Cauayan branch while the other lady to the right is the director of HRD.

Here is a sign of the bank located in Mallig, Isabela, the main office of Mallig Plains Rural Bank.

Mallig Plains Rural Bank started its microfinance sector back in 1995. Since then, microfinance has become one of the flagship services provided by Mallig Plains.

From left to right, my cousin Mikee, my aunt Arnie and my younger cousin Kyle. My cousin Mikee and I had dinner at our aunt's house before the busy week ahead.

This is a picture of Roxas, Isabela during a rainy day. My father grew up here in this street, but he notes that the atmosphere in Roxas has changed over the years. Once characterized by palm trees and the tranquility of agrarian life, the street is now a scene of bustling commercial activity with tricycles (motorcycles with side cars attached to them) whizzing by street vendors who are selling their products.

We arrived at Roxas around 6:30 P.M. on Sunday, August 8th. Our stomachs were aching, our legs were sore from their lack of use and the most pertinent things on our minds were soft feather pillows and a comfortable mattress ready to receive us with open arms.

I was relieved to learn that Sunday would truly be the "Day of Rest." After an early morning church service, I sauntered around Roxas and spent some downtime with my cousin from the U.S. as well as my younger cousin who lived in Roxas. Being able to sit down and read a book or watch some classic cartoons were nice breaks from the hustle and bustle of travel. Sunday was capped with a restive feast at my younger cousin's house, which included some lively recollections of family stories and discussions about my older cousin's and my own plans for the future.

However, Monday morning marked the beginning of my hectic study stay in the Philippines. I traveled to Mallig, Isabela, which is the home of Mallig Plains Rural Bank. Mallig Plains consisted of 16 branches located throughout Isabela and while micro-finance was only a segment of the services they offered, it has become one of the biggest sectors of the bank. A family relative worked as the Human Resources Department head manager and was able to give me an in-depth look at the operations of the bank as well as observe first-hand the processes that are involved in micro-finance.

The main product of micro-finance offered by Mallig Plains was known as micro-pinay, or a group lending product. Interestingly, all the customers of micro-pinay are women. The micro-pinay program was specifically modeled by the methods practiced by Grameen Bank, the bank where micro-finance originated. I was able to observe some of the procedures of micro-pinay, which included compulsory group training and center group meetings. Compulsory group trainings were basically meticulous lessons held by bank employees to educate groups of loaners about the nature of their loan, what are the terms of the loan as well as the background of the bank as a whole. This was particularly interest to observe because it demonstrated the bank's willingness to making the micro-finance process as simple as possible for its customers. However, it can be duly noted that these trainings are held out of necessity because the bank wants to make sure that its clients can adhere to the rules and regulations of micro-pinay. Center group meetings were meetings held by the leader of a group in which each member of the group had to pay their weekly repayment amount that was outlined in their loan. I traveled to another branch in Cauayan City to observe these activities and what really struck me was that these events were not just a procedure but also a time for community-bonding. During the center group meeting, the women of the group were able to discuss about the recent ongoings in their lives and they even shared some fresh buku (or coconut) with me as a welcome treat.

Some of the other micro-finance activities I was able to participate in were barangay (or a local section of a town) mapping to survey the homes of potential clients and means test form which is an interview with potential clients to ask about their socioeconomic background. These two activities were done together with students from Mallig Plains College. You might be asking, "Why are you with college students?" but it so happens that the president of the bank, Dr. Leocadio Ignacio, is also the founder of the College. I was lucky enough to interview this remarkable man and at age 91, his passion to help the poor and needy was evident through his devotion to micro-finance and to the College. Therefore, after a busy three days at Mallig Plains, it was fitting to drive by a quote stated by Dr. Ignacio that was painted on a sign on the College's campus: "The best use for an education is to share it with the poor and needy."

Despite the long plane ride to the Philippines, my cousin and I immediately left Manila for Roxas, Isabela. The approximate length of the car ride to Roxas was 12 hours due to some unexpected traffic. There was a lot of road construction occurring throughout the national highway, which consists of only two lanes. As soon as we arrived in Roxas, one could imagine we were very tired. In the 24 hours we were travelling, we probably slept around 4 or 5 hours... Even recounting the trip to Roxas makes me weary.

(From bottom to top) 1) Here I am taking in the views of the mountains while stopping at a gas station.
2) Children play outside by the wonderful landscape of the mountainside.

3) Just when I thought we would be leaving traffic in Manila, we struck traffic that delayed us for at least an hour and a half.

Trip to the Province

After a long and tiresome trip to the Philippines which involved two stop-overs at Detroit, Michigan and Nagoya, Japan, my cousin and I arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the Philippines late into Friday night. But that wasn't the end of our travels. A quick power nap, a cold shower and some much needed food slightly revitalized us for another 10 hour car ride from Manila to Roxas, a small city in the northeast province of Isabela and the hometown of my father and my aunt.

Because of the scope of micro-finance, my signature experience would not be concerned with the financial markets and banks stationed in Makati, the financial district of Manila, but with the small businesses owned by local people in the province. As we drove through mountainous terrain and wide stretches of farmland, I began to wonder how many of the countless small sari sari (or "convenience") stores, farms and family-owned restaurants that we drove by received some funding from micro-finance. To many of these people, their businesses were the only thing they had. They worked in order to survive and if they lost their businesses, they lost everything. Realizing how important these businesses were to these small entrepreneurs, I saw micro-finance transform from an economic theory I was reading about into reality because it offered these people with the hopes of sustaining their businesses. And to me, hope is the greatest asset any business owner could have.

Preparing for the Journey

I'm getting ready to leave for the Philippines to study a little more in depth about micro-lending. The plan is to travel to the northern part of the Philippines (Roxas, Isabela and Cabanatuan City)to observe and learn about two different micro-finance institutions. One institution is a rural bank that deals with local clients while the other institution is Alalay sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI), an NGO non-profit national organization that is dedicated to micro-finance. It will be interesting to compare and contrast between the two institutions and to see what they do similarly but also what makes them different.

I learned about ASKI through a non-profit international organization known as kiva.org, which connects lenders with entrepreneurs throughout the globe to help alleviate the struggles of poverty. Being a member of kiva.org, I was struck by its relative simplicity and accessibility for others to become involved in micro-lending. If you wish to learn more, visit http://www.kiva.org/.