Opportunity is grateful for the support the Australian Government provides to help mothers break the poverty cycle in the Philippines and last month we were delighted when Michael Bergmann, a/g Assistant Secretary in the NGO and Volunteers Branch of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), visited some of the mothers we serve in Manila, Philippines to see firsthand the impact small loans can make.

Mr Bergmann, accompanied by Mark Daniels, Opportunity’s Philippines Country Director, visited a group meeting where women were making their weekly loan repayments. These women have been meeting together for 14 years to support each other in their endeavour to give their children a brighter future. Building community is an integral part of Opportunity’s mission; groups not only give women a forum to learn and exchange knowledge, they also create a network of support in unexpected crises, making microfinance sustainable and transformational.

Mr Bergmann also visited Milagros, a small business owner, to see the difference an individual loan can make to someone with strong entrepreneurial spirit. Milagros runs a small variety store and internet café with five computers. She used her most recent loan to restock her store before the Christmas peak period – an investment which paid off during such a busy time. She plans to use future loans to expand her internet café which does very well in a community where owning your own computer is beyond the reach of most residents.

Australian Government funding enables Opportunity to enhance the types of loan products offered to microentrepreneurs in the Philippines. Opportunity’s local partners in the Philippines have been able to make improvements to their service, including more flexible loan terms and more convenient loan disbursements using debit cards and ATMs.

For example, instead of travelling to our local partner’s branch office to cash her loan cheque, Milagros can make a much shorter trip to her nearest ATM whenever she needs cash for her business, or she can pay her suppliers directly using the debit card. She now has much more time to run her internet café and variety store.

Plus, because of improved processes at our partners, subsequent loans are released within 48 hours of the last repayment being made on an outstanding loan, ensuring a smooth transition between the loans so that businesses have the cash flow they need to keep operating.

While ATMs and debit cards are commonplace in Australia, the Philippines ranks 120 on the financial inclusion scale from the Asia Development Bank. For many people, particularly women living in poverty and those in rural areas, access to financial services is limited or non-existent. By delivering innovative solutions, Opportunity can better serve mothers living in poverty with financial services tailored to their needs.

Want to deliver innovation to mothers living in poverty in the Philippines? Help them access the financial services they need to give their children brighter futures by donating today.

At Opportunity International Australia, Meredith Downey is the Project Manager – Programs. She is responsible for designing and delivering quality development outcomes as part of DFAT’s Australian NGO Cooperation Program.