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Five new RAFI Micro-finance (RMF) branches were opened in March, bringing to 92 its total number of branches.
The new branches are found in Balamban, Cebu; Dimi-ao Bohol; MacArthur, and Dulag in Leyte. RMF’s 92nd branch is located in Capoocan, also in Leyte.
All these recently opened branches are a split-up, or branches opened because an existing branch in one location is already accommodating a maximum of 2,000 clients, but there is still potential for a new branch to be opened in a nearby area to reach another 2,000 or more client saturation.
In the branches opened in March, Balamban became a split-up of Asturias branch, Dimiao branch of Jagna branch, Dulag 2 branch of Dulag 1 branch, Capoocan of Carigara branch, and MacArthur of Abuyog branch.
Dominic Sencio, RMF Expansion head, said clients’ welfare is the main consideration in deciding to open split-up branches.
“Some of our clients from remote areas travel far just to get to the branch and claim their loan releases. We see it more convenient if there is a branch near their area. A split-up branch is also necessary because of the potential for the areas to grow and improve in reaching more clients with our products and services,” he added.
Sencio also said opening split-up branches is in line with RMF’s mission to elevate lives by delivering its services closer to clients and responding to the kind of help they need in improving their businesses.
A client of MacArthur branch, nanay Ma. Theresa Hernandez expressed her joy during the branch opening ceremony in MacArthur.
“We are very happy because we don’t have to spend more on fuel, unlike when we had to go to the Abuyog branch,” she said.
The MacArthur split-up branch is 25 minutes from the Abuyog branch; fare for transportation is P50.
Aside from opening split-up branches, RMF also plans to bring its new products and services to regions of Samar and Iloilo, with new new branch openings slated this month and throughout the year.
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.
