WHO WE ARE
Empowering Women.
Transforming Families.
For more than two decades, ASA Philippines has helped create opportunities for Filipino women to build stronger livelihoods, more secure families, and more hopeful futures.
Since 2004, ASA Philippines Foundation has worked alongside Filipino women—our Nanays—to help families move toward greater economic stability and a life of dignity. Through accessible financial services and community-based programs, women are given opportunities to strengthen their livelihoods, support their families, and shape a better future.
From a single branch in Camarin, Caloocan, ASA’s reach has grown nationwide. But behind that growth are individual stories of determination: Nanays building businesses, children gaining new opportunities, and families becoming more resilient.
Every Nanay empowered creates a ripple of change—within her home, her community, and ultimately, across the country.
Our Vision & Mission.
Guided by Purpose.
Our Vision, Mission, and Values serve as our North Star. They point us towards our destination, remind us why we exist as a microfinance institution and guide how we should act every single day. As one ASA Family, let's See it, Live it and Champion It!
A country we are proud of: where every Filipino family has the opportunity and the power to break free from poverty — building a life of dignity and integrity.
To empower Nanays (entrepreneurial women) and enable them to uplift their families through inclusive services and safety nets, while fostering an environment where our team can pursue meaningful careers and experience the fulfillment of transforming lives.
Our Core Values.
What Guides Us.
The principles that guide how we serve, collaborate, and create lasting impact for our Nanays, their families, and their communities.
Excellence
We deliver our best, own the result and embrace change.
Empathy
We listen with our hearts and understand with genuine care.
Integrity
We do what is right—even when one is watching—and honor every promise.
Respect
We treat everyone as an equal—regardless of role or status.
Sustainability
We create shared value, driving inclusive and lasting prosperity for all while protecting our environment.
Humility
We stay open to learning and collaborating with one another and our partners to uplift our Nanays (entrepreneurial women).
Our Story.
From Hope to Impact.
ASA Philippines Foundation traces its beginnings to efforts to strengthen microfinance practice in the Philippines. Beginning in 1998, a microfinance methodology focused on efficient, accessible, and sustainable financial services was introduced to more than 20 microfinance institutions across the country through a five-year capacity-building initiative supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In August 2003, discussions with Ambassador Howard Q. Dee helped advance the vision of establishing an institution that could expand the social and economic benefits of microfinance to underserved Filipino communities. This vision became a reality in 2004 with the establishment of ASA Philippines Foundation, supported by the Assisi Development Foundation and the Ninoy & Cory Aquino Foundation. In November 2007, the PLDT-Smart Foundation joined as the Foundation’s third benefactor.
Since then, ASA Philippines Foundation has pursued a model of operational sustainability and financial self-reliance, without relying on additional grants. Over the years, it has expanded its reach and strengthened its services, growing into one of the country’s leading microfinance institutions while continuing to provide inclusive financial services and opportunities that help Filipino families build sustainable livelihoods and better futures.
Our Journey.
Milestones Through the Years.
From a single branch to a nationwide presence, each milestone reflects ASA Philippines’ continuing journey of empowering Nanays, strengthening families, and creating opportunities across communities.
ASA Philippines Foundation began its journey in 2004, opening its first branch in Camarin, Caloocan in August. From this beginning, ASA set out to expand access to opportunities that could help Filipino women strengthen their livelihoods and build more secure futures for their families.
In 2007, ASA reached its first ₱100 million loan portfolio milestone, opened its first four branches in Mindanao, and achieved break-even. PLDT Smart Foundation also joined as the third benefactor, while a scholarship program for clients’ children expanded ASA’s commitment beyond microfinance.
ASA crossed its first ₱1 billion loan portfolio milestone in February 2011. What began with a handful of branches and clients had grown into an expanding network, reflecting the increasing trust of Filipino women entrepreneurs and the Foundation’s growing capacity to serve more communities.
ASA began working with schools and local government units to provide clients with training in business, financial management, and specialized skills. The Foundation also expanded into the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, strengthening its commitment to reach communities that had traditionally faced barriers to financial services.
In 2014, ASA moved its head office to Ortigas Center in Pasig City and expanded support beyond livelihood financing through hospitalization benefits for clients. In July, the Foundation also pilot-tested Islamic microfinance, beginning another effort to make its services more inclusive and responsive to diverse communities.
ASA became the first microfinance institution in the Philippines to reach one million active borrowers. The opening of its branch in Basco, Batanes also completed ASA’s presence in all 82 provinces, making it the first MFI to achieve nationwide provincial coverage.
ASA received all three inaugural LAND BANK GAWAD MFI Awards: Outstanding Microfinance Institution – 1st Place, Best MFI Intermediary, and Best MFI Availer. The recognition marked an important stage in ASA’s growth as its nationwide operations continued serving more than 1.27 million borrowers.
By 2017, ASA had reached a ₱10 billion loan portfolio, expanded to 1,000 branches, and was serving more than 1.5 million active borrowers. Its growing financial strength and self-sustainability also enabled the Foundation to reduce client service charges to the lowest level in the Philippine microfinance industry.
ASA served more than 1.75 million clients in 2018 while expanding the benefits of its growth beyond financing. More than ₱377 million was devoted to Client Community Services and ₱1.30 billion was returned to clients through rebates, reinforcing ASA’s commitment to share its progress with the communities it served.
As ASA marked its 15th anniversary, it had grown to 1.86 million clients and 1,654 branches across all 82 provinces. The Foundation also entered into a US$30 million term-loan facility with the Asian Development Bank to expand financing for women entrepreneurs, including those in economically lagging and conflict-affected communities.
When COVID-19 disrupted livelihoods across the country, ASA intensified its support through MalASAkit interest-free loans, cash assistance, and relief goods. The Foundation devoted an unprecedented 13% of gross revenues to Client Community Services and provided assistance to more than 2.25 million people, putting client recovery at the center of its pandemic response.
ASA demonstrated its resilience in 2021 as operations recovered from the effects of the pandemic. Active borrowers increased to more than 1.94 million, while total comprehensive income reached approximately ₱4.2 billion, restoring financial strength while the Foundation continued supporting clients and their livelihoods.
ASA became the first microfinance institution in the Philippines to reach two million active borrowers. By year-end, the Foundation was serving 2,148,565 clients through 1,683 branches nationwide and recorded ₱5.9 billion in comprehensive income, marking a record year following its recovery from the pandemic.
ASA launched Isang Hulog Libre on April 11, giving qualified clients one free amortization payment and reducing service charges from 15% to 10%. On July 5, ASA also raised ₱5 billion through the Philippines’ first Gender Bond, expanding financial resources dedicated to women borrowers and their enterprises.
ASA celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of empowering women microentrepreneurs, supporting their families, and building communities. The year also brought major recognition: ASA’s Gender Bond received the Best Gender Equality Bond award, while the LAND BANK MERIT Awards recognized ASA for excellence across three microfinance categories.
ASA entered a new chapter with the move to its new head office in Bonifacio Global City, the introduction of a refreshed corporate identity, and the new themeline “Palaguin ang Pag-asa.” The Foundation also expanded its safety net for Nanays through Microinsurance and Tawid Negosyo while reaching nearly 2.4 million active borrowers nationwide.
Our Primary Products.
Designed Around Every Nanay.
Accessible financial products designed to support the evolving needs, livelihoods, and aspirations of our Nanays.
Board of
Trustees.
Our Board of Trustees provides the guidance and stewardship that help shape ASA Philippines Foundation’s direction. Through responsible governance and a shared commitment to our mission, they help ensure that every step forward creates meaningful and lasting impact for the Nanays, families, and communities we serve.
