Nanays know best!
Manila Bulletin
|May 19, 2025
As the saying goes—our mothers know best.
They know how to stretch a peso, soothe a fevered brow, calm fears, and find strength even on the hardest days. In our work in microfinance, we meet these mothers every day — our Nanays, who lead their families and communities with quiet resilience and practical wisdom.
While Mother’s Day may have come and gone, I dedicate this piece to everyday heroes whose work often goes unseen — the Nanays of microfinance. They are embodied by the remarkable women of the Sikap 10 Main Center in Sitio Ilaya, Purok 1, Santisimo Rosario, San Pablo City, Laguna — whose stories inspire well beyond any holiday.
A morning with nanays
Last month, I had the privilege of joining one of their early morning center meetings. I was welcomed with warm smiles, laughter, and an unwavering sense of purpose. What stood out to me right away? The meeting started at exactly 7:00 a.m., that small detail spoke volumes about their discipline, respect for time, and shared commitment—not just to their microfinance responsibilities, but to each other.
The Sikap 10 Main Center was formally established on Nov. 27, 2007. But its roots trace back to a group of pioneering women who first organized on Feb. 19, 1996. What began as a handful of members has since grown into a network of 45 centers in the barangay, now known collectively as Sipag ng Kababaihan para sa Pangkabuhayan—or SIKAP.
Together, these centers serve 1,745 members, majority of whom are women—each one a testament to the transformative power of financial access and community support.
Women leading women
This story is from the May 19, 2025 edition of Manila Bulletin.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Manila Bulletin
Manila Bulletin
Strengthening RCBC's foundation for next-generation banking
The Philippine financial sector is entering a new phase defined by AI adoption, hybrid cloud expansion, rising digital transaction volumes, and heightened cybersecurity and compliance requirements.
2 mins
January 5, 2026
Manila Bulletin
Positioning the Philippines in a volatile ASEAN region
As 2026 begins, the Philippines finds itself at a critical juncture in its engagement with Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.
2 mins
January 5, 2026
Manila Bulletin
When celebration turns to tragedy: Lessons from Switzerland – and a painful echo from Ozone
The New Year fire in Crans Montana, Switzerland — a blaze that killed dozens of young people in a basement bar — shocked a nation known for order, discipline, and safety.
2 mins
January 5, 2026
Manila Bulletin
Marcos to sign P6.7-T budget today - Palace
\"Yes, signing is tomorrow,\" Gomez said in a text message.
1 min
January 5, 2026
Manila Bulletin
Bizman shoots self in private part
ALATAGAN, Batangas - A 54-year-old businessman was wounded after a gun tucked in his waist suddenly went off and hit his genitals during a drinking spree on Saturday night, Jan. 3, in Sitio Lipatan, Barangay Lucsuhin, here.
1 min
January 5, 2026
Manila Bulletin
Myanmar's military government releases more than 6,100 prisoners on independence anniversary
Myanmar's military government granted amnesty to more than 6,100 prisoners and reduced other inmates' sentences Sunday to mark the 78th anniversary of the country's independence from Britain.
1 mins
January 5, 2026
Manila Bulletin
Police forces in Bicol put on alert amid Mayon's rumbling
Police forces in Albay and nearby areas were put on alert for possible disaster response amid the increasing unrest of the Mayon Volcano.
1 min
January 5, 2026
Manila Bulletin
Acute stroke leading cause of death during the holidays
The Department of Health (DOH) reported a nine-percent increase in noncommunicable disease (NCD) cases during the recent holiday surveillance period, with acute stroke emerging as the leading cause of deaths.
1 mins
January 5, 2026
Manila Bulletin
The best movies of 2025, ranked by AP film writers
The bean counters might say otherwise, but 2025 was a good year for movies.
4 mins
January 5, 2026
Manila Bulletin
Betty Boop enters the public domain
How people can now use these old works as they please
2 mins
January 5, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
