Fifteen (15) participants from seven (7) Luzon rural banks shared their best practices in developing, marketing, and selling housing microfinance product to their clients at the Training Workshop conducted by the United States Agency for International Development-supported Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines-Microenterprise Access to Banking Services Program, in partnership with the Research and Development Department of GM Bank in Nueva Ecija from March 7-9.
The three-day workshop is part of the technical assistance provided by RBAP-MABS to its participating banks. A Focused Group Discussion (FGD) with GM Bank’s group loan clients was conducted to demonstrate FGD facilitation and validation of data gathered from the market research. Also discussed during the workshop were: Product Promotions, Financial Projections, MIS Enhancement and Reports and Cash Flow Analysis. The participants also showcased their creativity and artistic skills during the session requiring them to develop their respective bank’s HMF promotional materials.
What bankers who attended the course said about the course:
“Small loans with shorter terms and frequent amortization for progressive housing.” Mr. Crizaldo Medrano, the Microfinance Manager of GM Bank shared: “ With the results of the market research we conducted, we were able to come up with a housing loan package based on clients’ demand that is, at the same time, favorable for us since the loan terms mitigate the risk that may be faced by the bank.
“A business without a sign is a sign of no business“ was cited by Mr. Ruel Andaya of Bangko Mabuhay. He shared that the bank’s HMF Loan Product named KABALAY (KAayusan ng BAhay aLAY ng Mabuhay), will be easily differentiated from other institution’s loan products.
“Competition is a motivation to serve the clients better” Mr. Marvin Lacsina of RB Angeles shared that the presence of other providers in their area of operations reminds them to constantly enhance and improve their products and services. They consider their housing microfinance loan product, the KAAGAPE, a major enhancement in their operations that would not only benefit their clients but also differentiate the bank from its competitors.