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The Microfinance Program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI Micro-finance) has opened its doors to another Eastern Visayas province by opening its first branch in Catarman, Samar last April 3.
The Catarman branch, RMF’s 93rd, serves over 300 clients spread in more than 10 centers located in nearby barangays. Chairwomen from the different centers attended the opening ceremony of the branch.
“Our goal here in Catarman is to help these micro-entrepreneurs with their businesses through RMF’s financial and non-financial assistance with no collateral and low interest. We are expanding our operations here because Samar has a lot of potential to grow and the people here are accommodating to micro-finance organizations,” said Leyte 2 and Samar area manager Ranilo Gallego.
RMF Regional Manager for Leyte and Samar Junrey Bugsocan graced the branch opening. In his message, he promoted RMF’s products and services so the audience become informed and get more engaged with RMF.
RMF’s Set-up team has been in Catarman since February to start the establishment of the branch and to gather potential clients. The very first center was built in Barangay Dalaguit, which has more than 30 members.
Nanay Fe Rebadomia, 55, chairwoman of the first center group, admitted that they merely took part in the orientation to listen.
“When we learned of the benefits of being an RMF nanay, we decided to join right away without any hesitation,” she added.
Rebadomia sells vegetables and ready-to-eat food along the highways of Poblacion Catarman. One of her two children was diagnosed with autism; this motivated her to strive harder to provide the daily needs of her daughter.
The opening of branches in Samar is part of RMF’s three-year plan of expanding its operations around Visayas region to elevate more lives. Four more branches will be opened this April.
The Microfinance Program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI Micro-finance) provides financial and non-financial services to micro-entrepreneurs with a mission of elevating lives of the vulnerable and disadvantaged communities through stable and rewarding livelihood.
