poverty alleviation through a micro - finance program: the de la salle university – dasmarinas...
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Poverty Alleviation through a Micro - Finance Program:
The De La Salle University – Dasmarinas Experience
Rio Ramos – Mazo
De La Salle University - Dasmarinas, Cavite, Philippines
1M pesos - investment individualized model min. loan: Php 1,500.00 - 3,000.00 skills training called pulong-pulong; savings called Capital Build Up
Historical Background of the Program Context of the Livelihood Enterprise Development Center (LEDC)
Framework - Caucus on Poverty Reduction (CPR): Forging Partnerships, Building Capacities
Lasallian Guiding Principles on Social Development - self propelled actions for development
Partner Community - Brgy. Paliparan III -resettlement area of urban poor families; 75,000 households (2001)
partners: Local gov’t unit, non, gov’t orgs., local parish Php 31 M = total loan releases from
2004 to present Php 9 M = Capital build up of
partners Php 171,000 = Damayan Fund Net Assets and Liabilities = Php 7 M 5,000 individuals served 95% women 9 regular staff 2 branch offices serving 16 local communities
Challenges Faced
DLSU-D’s lack of experience in implementing a micro-finance program training and benchmarking adapting an established micro-
finance program
limitations in the capacity of the partner community
notion of a “free” service unsuccessful livelihood programs limited entrepreneurial skills
dissolution of Caucus on Poverty Reduction legality issues: DLSU-D as a non profit organization concerns on personnel
Sustainability and Impact to the community LEDC as a community engagement
program developed sense of service and mission and encouraged volunteerism among the students and faculty members
LEDC as a micro-finance Non governmental organization the funds are well managed through an
established monitoring system staff are committed, dedicated, and
imbibed a deep concern for the program; a good human resource policy is in placed
the program have contributed in providing alternative source of income for the displaced families established micro-businesses (sari-sari
store, general merchandise, backyard industries)
created local employment Increased income among the partner-
beneficiaries that helped them build their homes, send their children to school, and provided them with a “modest luxury”
Sustainability and Impact to the community
Ms. Helen Escala Before LEDC: housewife, very shy;
started with Php 3,000 as initial capital
After LEDC: certified business woman and very driven; owner of a sari-sari store, dealer of bottled drinks; able to send her children to school; built her own home and a 5 - door apartment; owns two tricycle, one motor bike; employs five personnel; her savings amounted to Php 90,000.00
Some success stories:
Sustainability and Impact to the community
Ms. Jesusa Dulce Before LEDC: housewife,
sells rice cake; started with Php 1,500 as initial capital
After LEDC: producer and supplier of rice cake to the locality, and nearby towns; built her home; sent her children to school; employs 15 personnel; regularly saves and uses the savings as additional capital; seasonally borrows capital from LEDC
Sustainability and Impact to the community
Ms. Gemma Labastida Before LEDC:
housewife; started with Php 3,000 as initial capital
After LEDC: professional photographer; has her own photography business; employs two personnel; built her home; sent her children to school; her son works abroad; recently started with a new business: sari-sari store
Sustainability and Impact to the community
After LEDC – full time sewer of curtains and school uniform; employs 3 sewers; built her 2 storey home, including her sewing area; sent her children to school
Ms. Rebecca EparaguereBefore LEDC: minimum wage earner/ factory worker
Sustainability and Impact to the community
Ms. Yolanda Lanorias (staff)Before LEDC – housewifeAfter LEDC – volunteer staff to branch manager; sent her three children to school; built her home; pro-active staff and compassionate community development worker
Ms. Monette Ambat (staff)Before LEDC – highschool graduateAfter LEDC – graduate of a degree program; regular staff; sends her siblings to school
Sustaining the mission the university can effect liberating action through its
university social responsibility initiatives: capacity to sustain a social development program (instead of dole out)
provide opportunities by building capacities of individuals context sensitive capacitating mutually empowering
LEDC should: continue expanding its coverage explore on other opportunities:
strengthen training and savings capacity provide additional services to partner-beneficiary
to sustain their involvement with the center