BAYAN MICROFINANCE

The ABS CBN Foundation's experience with the abused and disadvantaged children of Bantay Bata highlighted the poverty of resources that gave rise to such abuse in most cases. Due to this, the Foundation initiated a pilot project granting small loans for micro enterprises to 25 women in 1993. With a mission to provide families with socio-economic opportunities to enable them to live dignified and decent lives and secure the future of children, Bayan (Community) Microfinance became a full development program in 1997.

It has extended its services to 19 centers nationwide, including Iloilo, Sta. Cruz, Lucen and Batangas in Southern Luzon, San Fernando, Bauang, Dagupan and Urdaneta in Northern Luzon, San Felipe, Iba, Angeles and Olangapo in Central Luzon. Manila, however, remains the major focus of the program with the beneficiaries in Quezon City, Morayta, Paco, Valenzuel, Marikina, Quezon City East and West.

An initial loan of $50 allows an enterprising man or woman to start or expand an existing micro-enterprise. These borrowers need to be part of a group with atleast 4 members from their barangay that becomes the borrower's support system, guarantor and business panel. A crucial aspect of the loan program is the intensive training to enhance value formation, leadership and business management capabilities.

Financial support is needed for the following:

Family Assistance...................................................$50
Center Assistance....................................................$5,000
Values Enhancement Training (at site).......................$500
Leadership Seminar (3 days).....................................$1,400
Business Management Training (3 days)....................$4,200

Bayan Microfinance statistical reports are accessible here.