RAFI micro-finance awards clients at general assembly

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Micro-finance program held its 10th general assembly last Jan. 25 at the University of San Jose-Recoletos gymnasium in barangay Basak Pardo, Cebu City.

Dubbed as “Fiesta sa RAFI Micro-finance: A Thanksgiving Celebration,” the event gathered more than 1,800 clients  from Cebu and Bohol.

Clients who performed well in business were given recognition. Successful business personalities and invited speakers Charmaine Ong, owner of Tropical Souvenirs

International, and Arden Siarot, owner of Arden Classics, also shared how to overcome obstacles in business.

Recognized were the Lambo Group from Cebu City (best group); Rosas Pandan Group, Minglanilla Branch (best meeting place); Gennalyn Clarion of Akkap Group, Argao branch (most outstanding chairwoman); Emma Cabingatan of Lambo group, Cebu City (most outstanding group secretary and most conscientious saver); Cirila Panerio of Argao (most improved client); Erlinda Lanterna of Balamban (most outstanding client, first runner up);  Ma. Lydia Jamora of Cebu City (most outstanding client, 2nd runner up); Claudia Celis from Tubigon (most outstanding client for 2013).

The Solid Rock group of Argao was elevated to the Hall of Fame for bagging the best group, best chairwoman and best meeting place award for three consecutive years.

As part of the program, the nanays showcased their talents in balitaw, cultural dances and skills in cooking native dishes.

There was also a medical mission where 400 client-beneficiaries received free medical consultations, cervical screening, and eye check up and free eye glasses.

RAFI micro-finance program provides financial resources and know-how to hardworking women micro-entrepreneurs. It also creates opportunities for self-employment for women by providing them access to financial services as well as engaging them in viable and environmentally sound economic enterprises.