Nanays know best!

As the saying goes—our mothers know best.

- JAIME ARISTOTLE B. ALIP, PHD

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