Microfinance frontliners: Unsung heroes of hope

(Part I)

- JAIME ARISTOTLE B. ALIP, PHD

This is the second installment in my tribute series to the unsung heroes of financial inclusion—the microfinance workers who serve with courage, compassion, and commitment in the field.

Last week, I had the honor of sharing stories from our remarkable Area and Branch Managers in Cebu. This week, I continue the journey by highlighting the lives of equally dedicated frontliners from other regions and institutions.

Their stories go far beyond job descriptions. These are tales of resilience forged through hardship, of ordinary people doing extraordinary work under the radar — helping families build livelihoods, empowering communities, and keeping hope alive in places often overlooked.

Faith and courage

Alexander de Celis, Jr. has been working with ASKI Microfinance for 15 years. Starting as a project/loan officer in 2010, he is now the branch manager of ASKI’s Santiago City Branch. But beyond his title lies a story of deep faith, resilience, and unwavering service.

His journey with ASKI was sparked by his mother—an ASKI member— who requested that her son be considered for employment since the MFI prioritizes the hiring of clients’ children. At the time, Alex had just resigned from a job that conflicted with his Sunday church commitments. He was glad to accept the job offer after the interview. What sealed the deal for him? ASKI had no work on Sundays and prioritized values aligned with his faith.