Category: Financial Literacy

Vince Rapisura Advocates for Financial Wellness Among Doctors and Democratization of Beauty at Dermatology Event

At the recent True North: Mapping the Future of Dermatology event organized by the Philippine Dermatological Society in Baguio City, financial literacy expert Vince Rapisura delivered a compelling talk addressing the unique financial challenges faced by doctors and proposing innovative solutions to democratize beauty in the Philippines.

Rapisura began by outlining the financial profile of medical professionals, using data to highlight that despite being high earners, many doctors fall into the category he humorously labels as HENRY — “High Earning, Not Rich Yet.” He explained, “…if you take a look at the range of doctors, nasa middle class to upper middle income class ang mga doctors sa Pilipinas. So kung titingnan natin, konting kembot na lang ay pupunta na sa rich. I therefore conclude na ang mga doctors po ay HENRY.”

The financial literacy advocate pointed out that doctors often focus intensely on their practice, leaving little time for business development or investment, which can lead to lower savings and investment rates. “I think malaki talaga ang clash ng ethics ng pagiging doktor and creating a business out of it,” Rapisura noted, adding that this might be why doctors have a lower financial literacy level compared to other professions.

Addressing the lifestyle challenges doctors face, including the “I deserve this” mentality due to overworking and long periods of education, Rapisura emphasized the need for a structured approach to personal finance. “It’s not how much you make, but how much you keep that matters,” he advised, promoting a budgeting rule of 5, 15, 20, 60 — a guideline that allocates percentage of income toward insurance, savings, investments, and expenses respectively.

One of the most intriguing parts of his presentation was the call for the democratization of beauty, which Rapisura described as a potential tool for lifting people out of poverty. Explaining the concept of a beauty premium, where a study showed that very attractive high school graduates can earn as much as 15% more compared to the average looking. This economic phenomenon, where more attractive individuals tend to earn more, led to his proposal: “What if cosmetic treatments were made affordable for the mass market? Low markup but high volume, less demanding on clients.”

Rapisura’s proposals extend beyond individual financial advice to a broader social impact, demonstrating a visionary approach to tackling issues of wellness and inequality. His talk not only highlighted the financial “unwellness” prevalent among doctors but also showcased innovative ideas that could transform the beauty industry and enhance economic opportunities for underprivileged groups in the Philippines.

Nanoenterprises Confront Inflation: A Mixed Recovery Landscape in Early 2023 Update 19 of SEDPI’s Rapid Community Assessment (RCA) January – March 2023

In the first few months of 2023, nanoenterprises continue their journey towards recovery, now facing the added challenge of rising prices. Our latest study at Social Enterprise Development Partnerships, Inc. (SEDPI) provides new insights into how nanoenterprises are doing. Although there are signs of improvement, the issue of inflation is making the recovery process harder for many.

Our findings show that almost half (47%) of the nanoenterprises surveyed feel their business has weakened a bit during the first quarter of 2023. This is actually a 10% improvement from the last quarter, showing that business conditions are getting slightly better. A consistent one-third of nanobusinesses have been able to keep going as usual over the past six months, showing a good amount of strength despite the difficulties.

However, external factors, mainly rising costs, are making things hard for many nanoenterprises. This period has seen a clear impact on nanoenterprises, with many (83%) saying that higher prices are the main reason they are finding it hard to grow. On a brighter note, fewer businesses are reporting no buyers, with the number dropping from 6% in the last quarter of 2022 to 3% now, which suggests that more people are buying again.

When we look at demand, the picture is a bit mixed. While 38% of businesses are seeing more demand for their products and services—a good increase from last year—the number has dipped a bit from December’s 42%. This shows that while demand is better than during the worst of the pandemic, it’s still changing a lot.

The ability to get supplies stayed stable, with 71% of businesses managing to get what they need, similar to last quarter. However, the overall picture of recovery is a bit worrying, as the number of businesses that feel they have recovered from the pandemic’s impact has dropped from a high of 77% to 51% now, again mainly due to the challenges brought by rising prices.

Half of the businesses surveyed say their income has gone down, pointing to higher prices, more competition, and weakening business conditions as the main reasons. On the other hand, those who have seen their income go up say it’s because of more demand, a good season for farming, and having more people in the household earning money.

For this round of rapid community assessment, there were 571 respondents. The majority of respondents are nanoenterprises owned and operated by women (85%), with an average age of 42 and 73% being married. SEDPI is a microfinance institution dedicated to providing ethical financing to nanoenterprises in Agusan del Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur. Their efforts have led to significant improvements in various aspects of the beneficiaries’ lives, such as business growth, education, housing, nutrition, and income.

These findings highlight a key moment for nanoenterprises as they deal with both the positives of recovery and the negatives of inflation. The strength and flexibility these small businesses have shown are impressive, but there’s still a tough road ahead. As SEDPI keeps supporting the sector with fair loans and help in building skills, focusing on how to deal with inflation and keep businesses stable is more important than ever. The path to full recovery for nanoenterprises shows progress but also reminds us of the need for ongoing support and attention to the changing economy.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines Advocates for Comprehensive Housing Solutions at 2nd Socialized Housing Summit

In a compelling narrative at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, Ms. Marilyn Estrellado of Habitat for Humanity Philippines shared insights into the transformative work of her organization in addressing the critical housing needs across the nation. Held at Ateneo de Manila University on March 18-19, 2024, and organized by ACSent and SEDPI, the summit served as a crucial platform for stakeholders to convene and deliberate on strategies for socialized housing.

Habitat for Humanity Philippines, with its 35-year legacy in the country, has been instrumental in sheltering over 150,000 families, reflecting its commitment to fostering communities and hope. Estrellado emphasized the multifaceted benefits of housing, which span health, sanitation, social cohesion, and the breaking of poverty cycles. Her experience underlines the significance of strategic and sustainable investment in housing to achieve broad developmental impacts.

The organization adopts a PEOPLE-CENTERED approach, encapsulating Resilient, Inclusive, Sustainable, and Empowered (RISE) strategies, thus ensuring that housing initiatives are not merely about constructing buildings but about building resilient communities. Initiatives like the “Panday Buhay” Construction Skills Development Program underscore the importance of skill enhancement and economic resilience for construction workers, contributing to improved standards in the construction industry.

A pivotal aspect of Habitat for Humanity’s strategy involves People-Public-Private Partnerships (P4 Approach), which optimizes resources across financing models, cross-sector collaborations, and innovative solutions to make housing more affordable. Projects such as the Paknaan Housing Project and Humanity Ville Site 2 exemplify successful collaboration among government units, the private sector, and civil society, showcasing effective models of partnership.

Despite the strides made, challenges persist, including mismatches between housing priorities and the needs of low-income families, insufficient government funding, and environmental hazards. However, opportunities for enhancement are plentiful, with the potential to maximize partnerships, provide technical assistance to local government units, engage with the private sector, and collaborate with micro-financing institutions.

Estrellado also highlighted the organization’s shift towards a more integrated approach with the RISE program in 2018, addressing not just housing but also community development, disaster risk reduction, water, sanitation, and hygiene, and partnership development. This shift represents a holistic strategy to empower communities fully.

The presentation detailed various financing and partnership models that Habitat for Humanity employs, from balanced housing compliance and collaborations with the Social Housing Finance Corporation and Pag-IBIG, to community savings mobilization. These models are crucial for navigating the complex landscape of socialized housing and ensuring that projects are both sustainable and impactful.Estrellado concluded her presentation with a call to action, urging continued collaboration and innovation to address the housing sector’s challenges. She underscored the importance of not losing hope despite the difficulties, drawing on the history of housing advocacy in the Philippines as a source of inspiration.

Dean Roberto Galang Ushers in Collaborative Efforts at Socialized Housing Summit

Ateneo de Manila University warmly welcomed delegates to the pivotal 2nd Socialized Housing Summit with open arms and open minds, as Dean Roberto Galang set the stage for a collaborative discourse on tackling the Philippines’ housing crisis. 

Dean Galang acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting the distressing shortfall in socialized housing units—the demand being 500,000, while a mere 11,000 were constructed last year, exacerbating an already 7 million unit shortage. 

In his remarks, he brought to light the glaring presence of informal settlements, a visible sign of the dire housing shortage that is far from the norm in other developing nations. The historical perspective provided a sobering reminder of past efforts, including post-independence housing projects in Quezon City, which now call for a renewed commitment to innovation and action. He urged the assembly of thought leaders and stakeholders to engage in a concerted effort, combining legislative and executive solutions, to advance housing solutions with urgency, especially in the face of increasing climate change risks. The summit, co-organized by ACSent and SEDPI on March 18-19, 2024, at the Ateneo de Manila University, aims to harness social entrepreneurship and forge partnerships across sectors to create lasting and meaningful change in providing adequate housing for Filipinos.

Xavier University’s Pioneering Approach to Disaster-Resilient Communities: The Xavier Ecoville Story

Cagayan de Oro, Philippines – In the aftermath of the devastating Tropical Storm Sendong in 2011, which took hundreds of lives and left thousands homeless in Cagayan de Oro, a beacon of hope and innovation emerged through the efforts of Xavier University and its community. Engr. Dexter S. Lo, during the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, shared the compelling journey of Xavier Ecoville, a project that not only provided shelter to the survivors but also laid the foundation for a sustainable and disaster-resilient community.

Engr. Lo, who played a pivotal role in this initiative, explained the grave reality that led to the creation of Xavier Ecoville. The project was born out of the urgent need to respond to the catastrophic impact of Sendong, which highlighted the city’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Through detailed maps and simulations created by Xavier University’s Engineering Resource Center, the critical areas affected by the flood were identified, underscoring the importance of disaster risk reduction and the need for resilient housing solutions.

Despite early warnings and the clear danger presented by residing near the Cagayan de Oro river, many were caught unprepared when Sendong struck, leading to significant loss of life and property. This tragedy spurred Xavier University, under the leadership of then-President Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, and the board of trustees, to take decisive action. They launched the Xavier Ecoville Resettlement Project, utilizing 5 hectares of land donated for temporary shelters and another 5 for permanent homes for the flood survivors.

With an overwhelming outpour of support from various donors, the university managed to raise approximately 85 million pesos for the project. This fund not only facilitated the construction of homes but also ensured transparency and accountability, with regular updates provided to the public via the university’s website.

The construction of Xavier Ecoville was a collaborative effort, involving faculty and students from the university’s Engineering Resource Center, architects, international organizations, and even the Philippine Army. This partnership resulted in the creation of temporary bunkhouses and, eventually, permanent homes that housed over 500 families, transforming their lives and providing a new beginning away from the flood-prone areas.

However, Xavier Ecoville’s vision extended beyond merely providing shelter. It aimed to build a community that was not just safe but also sustainable and self-sufficient. This comprehensive approach included the development of social infrastructure such as the St. Francis Xavier Chapel, a community center, and a study center, among others. The project emphasized the importance of integrating technology, resources, and people – focusing on appropriate technology that meets the community’s needs, mobilizing resources through partnerships, and investing in people to foster a strong, resilient community spirit.

As Engr. Lo eloquently put it, Xavier Ecoville is not just about building houses but building a community. The project served as a model for disaster response and community development, showcasing how academic institutions, government, and the private sector can come together to address urgent social issues effectively. It highlighted the role of education, community engagement, and innovative thinking in creating solutions that not only address immediate needs but also ensure long-term sustainability and resilience against future disasters.The success of Xavier Ecoville stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and compassion in the face of adversity. It serves as a beacon of hope for other communities facing similar challenges, demonstrating that, with the right approach and commitment, it is possible to turn disaster into an opportunity for growth, development, and a better future for all.

Is Housing the Next Frontier in Microfinance? SEDPI’s Vision for Accessible and Sustainable Housing Solutions

In a recent address at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, Vince Rapisura, a pivotal figure in microfinance and social entrepreneurship, presented a compelling case for integrating affordable housing solutions into microfinance. His presentation, rooted in a deep understanding of the challenges faced by low-income Filipinos, offered a fresh perspective on addressing poverty through sustainable housing.

Rapisura, known for his innovative approaches in the field of microfinance, emphasized the necessity of moving beyond traditional loan models to meet the multifaceted needs of impoverished communities. Drawing from his extensive experience, he highlighted the pitfalls of a debt-centric culture, where loans are often seen as the primary solution to financial growth and stability. Instead, Rapisura advocates for a model that encourages savings and responsible financial management as keys to achieving long-term prosperity.

One of the critical insights shared by Rapisura was the debt trap many low-income individuals find themselves in, exacerbated by the lack of access to architectural and engineering services and quality building materials. He shared poignant stories of individuals like Jade, a puto vendor overwhelmed by debt, and Cherry, whose family’s health suffered due to their inadequate living conditions. These stories underscore the urgent need for more holistic and accessible housing solutions that consider the realities of those they aim to serve.

Rapisura’s proposal involves a shift in perspective from viewing low-income individuals as debtors to seeing them as business partners in joint venture projects. This approach not only fosters a more equitable relationship between financial institutions and their clients but also emphasizes the importance of saving over borrowing. By encouraging clients to save for future needs, including housing, SEDPI aims to break the cycle of debt and promote financial stability and growth.

A significant part of Rapisura’s presentation focused on the SEDPI Lay-away Program, a novel approach to helping low-income individuals achieve their goals without resorting to high-interest loans. By saving for items like smartphones, clients can avoid the debt trap associated with installment plans, which often lead to paying significantly more than an item’s retail price. This model is extended to housing, where saving for a down payment becomes a viable path to homeownership, contrasting sharply with the high costs and risks associated with traditional housing loans.

SEDPI’s research into the housing needs of its community revealed a stark reality: the demand for affordable housing far outstrips supply, with a significant portion of the population living in hazard-prone areas without proper documentation or access to quality building materials. This situation calls for innovative solutions that go beyond financial assistance, requiring partnerships between microfinance institutions, government agencies, and the private sector to address the complex challenges of providing safe, affordable housing.

Rapisura’s vision for SEDPI KaBalai, a pilot housing project in Bislig City, embodies this comprehensive approach. By combining ethical financing principles with a focus on community building and disaster resilience, SEDPI aims to provide not just houses but homes that offer security, stability, and a foundation for future prosperity. This initiative highlights the potential for microfinance to play a crucial role in addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing low-income Filipinos today: the need for accessible and sustainable housing.As the presentation concluded, it was clear that Rapisura’s approach to integrating housing solutions into microfinance offers a hopeful blueprint for addressing poverty. By focusing on savings, ethical financing, and community partnership, SEDPI is paving the way for a future where affordable housing is within reach for all, proving that, indeed, wealth can be built slowly and collaboratively.

ASA Philippines Foundation Showcases Impactful Home Financing Solutions at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit

ASA Philippines Foundation, one of the giant microfinance institutions in the Philippines, presented its innovative Home Financing program at the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit, showcasing its contributions to addressing the housing needs of low-income communities. The summit, organized by the Ateneo Center for Social Entrepreneurship (ACSent) and Social Enterprise Development Partnerships Inc. (SEDPI) on March 18-19, 2024, at the Ateneo de Manila University, provided a platform for critical discussions on social housing initiatives in the Philippines.

Kamrul Tarafder, ASA Philippines’ Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the foundation’s significant reach, operating in 100% of the provinces and with extensive penetration in municipalities and cities throughout the Philippines. With over 1700 branches nationwide, the organization has a profound impact on providing access to financial services to marginalized communities.

Tarafder presented the Foundation’s Home Financing (HomFin) program, designed to address the dire need for affordable housing solutions. The HomFin program has disbursed over 12 billion PHP, significantly affecting the lives of numerous Filipinos. By offering non-interest-bearing loans and other subsidiary loans, ASA Philippines has displayed its commitment to financial inclusion and its innovative approach to socialized housing.

ASA Philippines has also demonstrated impressive financial performance, showcasing the Foundation’s sustainable growth. The financial position of the organization reflects a robust balance sheet with strong capital assets and an operational self-sufficiency that exceeds industry standards. Such financial health allows the Foundation to continue its crucial work in community services, providing extensive support from burial assistance to scholarships and business development programs.

A notable component of ASA Philippines’ presentation was its successful track record in debt repayment, including a groundbreaking ₱5 billion Gender Bond in 2023 and strategic partnerships with institutions like ADB and Citi. These achievements underscore the organization’s reputation as a reliable and innovative financial institution dedicated to sustainable development and economic inclusion.

Tarafder shared inspiring before-and-after photos of beneficiaries who have received HomFin funding, transforming not only their living conditions but also their lives. One striking story was that of Lourdes Otilano from Guinobatan, Albay, who, with the help of a HomFin loan, improved her family’s living conditions, demonstrating the program’s tangible impact.

Another impactful story was of Agustina Completo from Tabaco City, Albay, whose new home construction was funded through the HomFin program, illustrating the program’s reach and effectiveness. Stories of individuals like Lucita Boytiquel and Marissa Pisay, who received HomFin funding and ASA grants, show the organization’s dedication to uplifting lives and building resilient communities.The presentation concluded with a call to action for other organizations and individuals to engage in similar transformative work. Tarafder’s insights and the success stories shared provided a beacon of hope and a model for addressing the housing crisis.

Empowering Urban Poor: The Imperative Integration of People’s Plans in 4PH Housing Program

In a compelling presentation at the 2nd socialized housing summit, Buboy Magahis highlighted the pressing need for incorporating people’s plans into the Philippines’ Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, advocating for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to address the nation’s housing crisis. Hosted by ACSent and SEDPI at Ateneo de Manila University, the summit brought together voices from various sectors to forge actionable paths toward resolving housing challenges.

Magahis, representing the grassroots organization Kilos Maralita, shared poignant narratives of families living in peril along riverbanks, emphasizing the transformative potential of people’s plans in crafting viable housing solutions. Through a video presentation, attendees witnessed firsthand the community’s journey from the brink of eviction to the realization of their right to dignified housing, underscoring the importance of their active participation in the planning process.

Central to Magahis’s message were the following recommendations to enhance the 4PH program:

  1. Integrate People’s Plan: Advocating for the inclusion of comprehensive people’s plans in 4PH, Magahis stressed the necessity of community involvement in housing projects, ensuring that the solutions are tailored to the actual needs and capabilities of the urban poor.
  2. Provide Capital Subsidy: Recognizing the financial limitations of the target beneficiaries, he suggested that the government should offer a capital subsidy to reduce the loan amount, making it more accessible for low-income families to secure housing under the socialized housing bracket.
  3. Develop Multi-Use Spaces: Magahis proposed the inclusion of commercial spaces within housing developments to generate additional income. This innovative approach would enable homeowners to fund the maintenance of their buildings, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the housing projects.
  4. Site Development as Counterpart of Local Government Units To further reduce the cost of construction, local government units should shoulder site development so that this is not passed on to the homeowners making the houses more affordable.
  5. Facilitate a One-Stop-Shop for Requirements Processing: To streamline the often cumbersome process of acquiring housing, a unified platform for processing all necessary requirements was recommended, simplifying access for potential beneficiaries.
  6. Explore Rental Housing Concepts: Acknowledging the diversity of the urban poor’s financial capacities, he called for the development of rental housing models to accommodate those unable to afford home ownership.
  7. Institutionalize Property Management in Socialized Housing: To ensure the effective management of housing estates and the generation of income for maintenance needs, Magahis emphasized the importance of community involvement and management through institutionalizing property management in housing plans.

Magahis’s presentation at the summit served as a powerful call to action, urging policymakers, developers, and community leaders to recognize the vital role of the urban poor in shaping their housing futures. As the Philippines grapples with a significant housing backlog, the integration of people’s plans in the 4PH program emerges as a crucial step toward building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban communities.

The Imperative Integration of People’s Plans in 4PH Housing Program

Summit Concludes with Strategic Blueprint for Housing Crisis Resolution

As the 2nd socialized housing summit hosted by ACSent and SEDPI at Ateneo de Manila University drew to a close, Vince Rapisura provided key takeaways and actionable steps toward addressing the Philippines’ housing backlog. Emphasizing the commitment of Senator Risa Hontiveros to champion housing issues in her legislative agenda, Rapisura outlined a strategic approach to enhance the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program. Key proposals include diversifying housing modalities, securing funding for SHFC, streamlining licensing and permitting for developers, and incorporating people’s plans and horizontal development strategies.

Furthermore, Rapisura announced plans for a collaborative workshop aimed at bridging microfinance institutions and developers, reflecting the summit’s consensus on the need for multi-sectoral cooperation. He also called for partnerships with Pag-IBIG Fund to expand financing options for prospective homeowners. Highlighting the importance of fair labor practices, Rapisura advocated for improved pay and benefits for construction workers, essential to the sector’s sustainability.

Committed to maintaining the momentum, Rapisura announced the decision to host annual summits to tackle the 6.5 million housing unit backlog, inviting all stakeholders to contribute to the collective effort of building sustainable, inclusive communities across the Philippines.

Pag-IBIG’s Response to the Deep Socialized Housing Shortage: GLAD Program and Countryside Housing Initiatives

At the 2nd Socialized Housing Summit held at the Ateneo de Manila University, Pag-IBIG’s Chief Executive Officer, Marilene Acosta, highlighted the drastic drop in socialized housing production for 2023 and outlined the institution’s strategic initiatives to address this pressing concern.

Acosta reported a distressing figure, revealing that in 2023, the production of socialized housing units plummeted to a critical low, with only 11,257 units built out of the half a million needed. This gap exacerbates the cumulative housing deficit of approximately 7 million units, underlining a national crisis that demands urgent and innovative solutions. The chief executive reflected on the stark reality of informal settlements scattered across the nation’s cities, often situated in hazardous locations, and pondered on the failure to provide adequate housing solutions to the urban populace.

As a response to this shortfall and the clamor for horizontal development, especially in rural areas, Pag-IBIG is championing the GLAD (Group Land Acquisition and Development) program. Acosta reminisced about her tenure as manager of Pag-IBIG’s Baguio Regional Office, where she spearheaded several GLAD projects, facilitating groups like public school teachers to acquire and develop land for their housing needs. This program represents a beacon of hope for rural communities where title properties are scarce and high-priced.

In contrast to the 4PH program’s inclination towards vertical development, Pag-IBIG’s countryside housing program offers an alternative that resonates with Filipinos’ preference for ground-level dwellings. The program engages in public-private partnerships to stimulate housing development across various regions, aligning with the traditional Filipino aspiration for homes nestled in community-centric environments.

Despite the challenges, Pag-IBIG’s commitment to increase the inventory of socialized housing is unwavering. In 2024, Pag-IBIG pledged an allocation of ₱250 billion to fund the 4PH program, catalyzing the development and construction of housing units. Acosta proudly showcased the successful completion of pilot projects in Bacolod and Palayan City, setting the stage for forthcoming projects that are anticipated to provide around 18,000 families with new homes.

Furthermore, Acosta shed light on Pag-IBIG’s Community Housing Initiative program, inviting cooperation from various social enterprises, civil societies, microfinance institutions, and cooperatives to facilitate homeownership. This initiative is designed as a public-private partnership aimed at extending Pag-IBIG’s housing loan program to the underserved, thus embracing a more inclusive approach to housing development.

Emphasizing the importance of affordable housing finance, Acosta also discussed Pag-IBIG’s Acquired Asset Disposal Program, offering up to a 40% discount on bulk purchases to organizations helping their members acquire homes. This program is not only about providing a roof but also about instilling pride and a sense of community among the beneficiaries.

Acosta’s presentation concluded with an invitation to further strengthen collaborations to develop more inclusive housing programs, ensuring that every Filipino can access affordable and dignified shelter. She affirmed Pag-IBIG’s readiness and willingness to support the dream of homeownership, urging the summit’s attendees to consider Pag-IBIG as a partner in building sustainable communities for future generations.

The summit, orchestrated by ACSent and SEDPI on March 18-19, 2024, underscored the pivotal role of strategic partnerships and innovative financing solutions in bridging the significant housing gap, highlighting Pag-IBIG’s crucial role in this nationwide effort.