ASA Philippines commemorates 21 years, unveils new vision to grow hope for Filipino families

This July, ASA Philippines Foundation, the country’s leading non-profit microfinance organization, commemorates over two decades of dedicated partnership with its Nanay
clients. What began as a mission to provide accessible capital has evolved into a
nationwide movement of empowerment, now reaching over 2.2 million active
borrowers through a network of 1,814 branches across the country. By fostering
entrepreneurship at this massive scale, ASA Philippines serves as a vital private sector
partner in the government’s broader mission of poverty alleviation, driving inclusive
growth from the ground up.

ASA Philippines’ primary service, Microbusiness Financing, has fueled countless
small enterprises—from neighborhood convenience stores, bakeries, and eateries to
handicrafts, street and market vending. Recognizing the diverse needs of its clients,
ASA has expanded its services to include specialized Agriculture Financing and, in a
pioneering move, Islamic Microfinancing in the BARMM region, guided by its own
Shari’ah Advisory Council to ensure culturally-sensitive service.

This diverse portfolio, which allows members to borrow from Php 1,000 to as high as
Php 300,000, payable in equal weekly installments, has contributed to a total loan
portfolio of Php 41.2 billion. These programs’ success is built on a model of trust and
shared success, which includes providing rebates to clients based on their performance
and loan terms.

ASA Philippines views accessible financial services and holistic social development as
inseparable components of its mission of poverty alleviation. This philosophy is
demonstrated by its commitment to go beyond business capital and respond directly to
the life needs of its Nanay clients. The partnership deepens further for clients on their
second loan cycle and up, whose good standing and regular savings contributions make
them eligible for subsidiary loans like Home Financing, Educational Financing, and
Water and Sanitation Financing—all designed to help them build more secure and
dignified lives.

This commitment extends to the entire community through two landmark social
programs. Under its Sustansya at Pag-Asa child nutrition program, ASA Philippines
recently pledged ₱121.8 million for a community and in-school feeding initiative
targeting 41,000 children. Furthermore, its Aral, Angat, Pag-Asa tertiary education assistance program has committed ₱300 million to help send 20,000 children of its
Nanay clients to college, breaking intergenerational barriers to success.

Reflecting on this integrated approach, Rafael ‘Rapa’ C. Lopa, President and CEO of
ASA Philippines, shared his vision: “These 21 years are a testament to the incredible
resilience and unwavering spirit of our Nanay partners as well as the tireless and
courageous work of our staff. They are the true heroes of our story. Our role has always
been to be a steadfast partner on their journey towards a better tomorrow. As we look to
the future, we want our identity to reflect this ever-deepening commitment. This is why
we are introducing our new themeline, ‘Palaguin ang Pag-asa.’ It is not just a slogan; it
is our renewed promise to work hand-in-hand with every hardworking staff and
enterprising Nanay to grow hope, nurture their dreams, and shape more empowered
citizens in the communities we serve.”

In line with this renewed promise, the anniversary month will see the official launch of
ASA Philippines’ new logo and the “Palaguin ang Pag-asa” themeline. This brand
evolution does not signal a change in mission, but rather a strengthening of its core
purpose, powerfully representing the organization’s dynamic, hopeful, and integrated
approach to development.