In 2020, WorldWise and VICTO expanded to Iloilo, the largest city on the island of Panay. There, we began working directly with two local cooperatives, focusing on supporting female entrepreneurs and small business owners.

In the Philippines, where millions live below the poverty line and many more hover just above it, access to basic financial services remains limited. Traditional banks often require collateral, formal employment, or urban residency—barriers that exclude many rural and low-income Filipinos from the financial system.

In 2014, a group of Peace Corps volunteers who returned from the Philippines, encouraged WorldWise Microfinance to launch a program in the country following a series of natural disasters. We partnered with VICTO, a regional credit union based in Cebu, to establish a microfinance initiative with two satellite credit unions on the island of Bohol. Aimed at supporting rural communities impacted by these disasters, the program quickly proved successful by helping local residents launch small businesses, while disbursing over $250,000 in loans, all of which were repaid.

WorldWise Microfinance helps bridge this gap. By offering small, affordable loans, we empower

individuals, especially women, to start or grow businesses and work toward greater financial security. These modest investments are transforming communities by sending children to school, putting food on the table, and building sustainable livelihoods.

Through our partnership with VICTO, borrowers receive more than just capital. They gain access to tools and training that support long-term financial independence. Whether it’s helping a mother open a corner store or supporting a farmer through a tough season, WorldWise is focused on lasting capacity-building, not just short-term relief.

In a country frequently affected by typhoons, inflation, and economic uncertainty, this kind of support is more important than ever. WorldWise helps families weather financial shocks and recover more quickly. We’re not just filling a gap—we’re creating lasting opportunity where few existed before.

With your support, WorldWise Microfinance is building a stronger, more financially inclusive Philippines—one family, one business, one community at a time.

In Celebration of Asian Heritage Month we are highlighting our work in the Philippines.