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Philstar.com
February 24, 2026 | 2:00pm
MANILA, Philippines — For many microentrepreneurs, business growth is brought about by digital tools that seem almost ordinary: a social media post, a website or other digital forms.
Used at the right moment, these spell the difference between being unseen and being found by the right audience
In a similar way, microfinance institutions have developed banking systems that operate in the background and have enabled them to track their clients’ progress and to ensure that growth is always inclusive.
The 4th Digital Financial Inclusion Awards (DFIA) celebrates the role of technology and innovation in shaping sustainable economic growth and recognizes microentrepreneurs and microfinance institutions (MFIs) that have used digital solutions to grow their businesses and uplift their communities.
Let’s get to know some of their stories.
Bridging tradition and progress
The power of digital solutions is evident not only in the success of microenterprises but also in how they ensure that our culture remains relevant in this day and age.
Lorlie Noblezada of Miagao, Iloilo, helped revive a traditional salt-making craft by sharing photos and stories of the production process online. Doing this allowed her to preserve a part of Miagao culture, highlight environment-friendly business practices, and reach audiences worldwide.
Cecilia’s Tinapay Crisp, a maker of a local heritage delicacy, has also used Facebook to bring back attention to familiar flavors. Its owner, Cecilia Oroc of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, may be the only maker left, but with digital payment solutions like GCash and online bank transfer, many of her buyers are able to bring the product abroad.
Leveling the table for food businesses
For food businesses, digital tools are as essential as cooking ingredients. Rosalie Orijola’s restaurant, Elad’s Resto in Nagcarlan, Laguna, first posted its menu on social media in 2016. This small shift made it easier for customers to order and pay via GCash, especially during the pandemic.
Niel Danica Polong of Silang, Cavite, followed a similar path, launching a Facebook page for This is EAT Pancit. With photos of appetizing offerings plus the convenience of cashless transactions, the business has continued to grow simply by being present online.
A bridge to more opportunities
Digitalization is also opening new pathways for a garments business as well as service-based microenterprises. Take the case of Maricar Pagao of Pakil, Laguna, a customized box maker, who posts products on social media and joins Facebook business groups. These spaces have opened doors to new customers.
Alan Romero’s ready-to-wear garments business moved to TikTok and Shopee after the pandemic forced him to close down his bazaar stall. With this shift, customers now find it easier to order and pay through GCash and online bank transfer.
Through Passfast, Baler, a website with digital payment capabilities, Danise Palmero of Baler, Aurora, is able to offer food delivery, parcel pickup, grocery service, bus ticket reservations, and medicine delivery services. As these are services that people already need, the platform offers incomparable convenience.
By using digital tools, Maricar Pagao, Alan Romero and Danise Palmero are able to showcase their products and reach customers beyond their local markets.
Measuring impact
At the institutional level, MFIs are also taking the lead in using the latest technology to advance digital financial inclusion.
GRF Hublag Microfinance Foundation Inc. uses KoBoTool, a free online/offline data-gathering platform to streamline field monitoring, from client recruitment to delinquent borrower tracking.
It also allows real-time data upload, faster consolidation and easier decision making at the management level. The platform has improved efficiency in operations and cut documentation costs, enhancing the accuracy and timeliness of reports.
Taytay sa Kauswagan Inc., uses an internally developed platform called the Xavier System, which covers loan application, recording, and accounting.
It also tracks clients’ social, economic, spiritual and personal progress through the Client Transformational Impact Monitoring Report (CTIMR). This move has since resulted in substantial savings in operational expenses.
MASS-SPECC Cooperative Development Center utilizes MASS-SPECC Standard Runtime Edition (MSRTE), its first core banking system that has improved accuracy and trust.
It also has a mobile banking and wallet facility that enables fund transfers nationwide. Through Pinoy Coop Care 3.0, MASS-SPECC is empowering its member cooperatives to transact within their communities.
Recognizing digital champions
As part of the DFIA program, these microentrepreneurs, along with ten others, received P100,000 each in cash grants and brand-new laptops to help accelerate their digital journey.
The other microentrepreneur awardees are Josephia Azores, Roby Grace Bernabe, Mylene Bersabal, Carmelita Dapanas, RJ De Chavez, Ailyn Flormata, Raquel Lanaban, Gladys Maipid, Edna Maloon and Analisa Monil.
Jointly organized by the Microfinance Council of the Philippines, Inc. (MCPI) and the Citi Foundation, with the support of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the DFIA champions inclusive progress through digital transformation.
The awardees were selected by the National Selection Committee, co-chaired by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Eli Remolona Jr. and Citi Philippines CEO Paul Favila.
Other committee members include Jose Ma. Concepcion III, founder, Go Negosyo; Sandy Prieto-Romualdez, CEO, Inquirer Group of Companies; Ramon Lopez, independent director, SM Investments Corporation and former secretary of Department of Trade and Industry; Salve Ibañez, president, Empower and Transform and anchor at ABS-CBN News Channel; Lisette Cipriano, senior digital technology specialist, Asian Development Bank; Kenneth Francisco, deputy treasurer, Department of Finance, Bureau of Treasury; Atty. Rachel Remalante, director, Corporate Governance and Finance Department, Securities and Exchange Commission; and Joseph Francisco Ortega, chairperson, National Youth Commission.
Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by Digital Financial Inclusion Awards. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.
