By Alithea De Jesus
As many Filipinos affected by the pandemic that resulted in either downsizing or closure of business, millions of jobs are lost and others still face the uncertainty of their job security. But despite this situation, Pinoys have proven their resilience as many pivoted to be their own boss by starting up a home-based business.
Even before the outbreak, the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have been contributing significantly to the economy and they comprise more than 99% of the total businesses in the country and generate more than 70% of the country’s workforce and more than 30% of the GDP.
With the current financial challenges encountered by our Pinoy entrepreneurs, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and its microfinance arm, BPI Direct BankO, Inc. foresee more lending to micro-entrepreneurs and SMEs to provide the financial muscle they need now to save jobs and prevent the economy from collapsing.
Hence, a partnership is inked with Philippine Guarantee Corp. (PHILGUARANTEE) last August 5, 2020, and this made the Bank of the Philippine Islands the first bank to sign with PHILGUARANTEE.
Under the agreement, government-owned PHILGUARANTEE, who offers credit guarantee programs, will grant BPI a combined guarantee of P6.5 billion for new and additional loans to micro-entrepreneurs and SMEs who need assistance amid the pandemic.
PHILGUARANTEE will cover 50 percent of the new loans under this program to be used as working capital by eligible micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and SMEs.
“We are very confident that this will spur our lending to the SME sector which we’ve identified as a very vital component in the growth of the Philippine economy,” said BPI Business Banking Head Eric Luchangco. “It is a very interlinked economy, and therefore, in order for the Philippine economy as a whole to grow, the SME sector must be part of the growth as well.”
“We aim to help the microentrepreneurs get back on their feet and restart their businesses by providing easy and affordable credit, as well as provide financial advice to the microentrepreneurs as part of our mandate for financial inclusion. With BanKo as an accredited partner of the PHILGUARANTEE, the mission to help the micro-entrepreneurs, and the country overcome this pandemic, can be achieved,” said Rod Mabiasen, Head of BanKo Financial Inclusion and Microfinance Loans.
Of the P6.5 billion guarantee given by PHILGUARANTEE, BPI Business Banking, which caters to SMEs, will have an allocation of P5 billion. The rest will be allocated to BanKo.
Rosalia V. De Leon, National Treasurer & Alternate Chairperson PHILGUARANTEE Board, said in her remarks during the virtual signing of the memorandum of agreement that it is important to remember not to turn a blind eye to the opportunities that a crisis presents.
“For this reason, we thank the BPI Group for this occasion to join the government in our ardent call to provide meaningful financial intermediation to affected businesses, especially the small and medium enterprises, to provide much-needed jobs and income during this difficult period. With a strong banking presence, particularly in the microfinance segment, I am confident that with the support of BPI and BanKo, no small business will be left behind,” she said.