CCMF-Bikol Microfinance opens branch in Tigaon, Camarines Sur

Aiming to alleviate poverty by empowering the Bikolanos through entrepreneurship, the Consuelo “Chito” Madrigal Foundation - Bikol Inc.(CCMF-Bikol) recently opened its Microfinance Office at Tigaon, Camarines Sur last June 30, 2011.

The Microfinance program started its Partido area operation in Ocampo last year with the assistance of Fr. Dan Viola, Parish Priest of St. Bernard Abott in Ocampo.

Encouraged by the favorable reception of its microfinance program in Ocampo and neighboring municipalities, the Foundation deemed it necessary to open an office in Tigaon to service more clients. Thus, the Blessing and Inauguration of CCMF Microfinance Tigaon Branch.

A simple ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony followed by a short program at the St. Clare Parish Hall marked the event.

The ribbon cutting was graced by Hon. Arnulf Bryan Fuentebella, the Mayor of Tigaon Camarines Sur and Fr. Rudy Sales, Parish Priest of St. Clare of Assisi Parish of Tigaon.

Fr. Sales officiated the blessing.

The event was attended by Fr. Rico Eclar of San Rafael Tigaon, Fr. Bernie Ramirez of Sagñay, Mr. Matt Lamit, Program Manager for Housing, and clients and beneficiaries of the Foundation’s programs in Ocampo and Tigaon.

In his message, Fr. Wilmer Tria, Chief Executive Director of the Consuelo “Chito” MadrigaL Foundation-Bikol, Inc., introduced the four programs of the Foundation - the Scholarship Program, Housing Program, Integrated farming and Training Program, and the Microfinance Program.

Identifying himself with the Foundations's poverty alleviation objective, Mayor Fuentebella said that the opening of the CCMF Microfinance office in Tigaon can very well be the start of a private and public relationship geared towards progress of the community.

Fr. Dan Viola stressed that the clergy has a role in the progress of the community because they are the most in contact with the people and can help change the people’s way of life. To attain this, an alternative must be offered and according to him, that is where the programs of the CCMF, specifically the Microfinance Program, come in with its economic, social and spiritual aspects.

Ms. Belinda Rellora and Ms. Purificacion Buena, both beneficiaries of the Foundation’s programs expressed their gratitude for the benefits and added services that the program has for them such as the life insurance enrollment and SSS payment facilitation.

For Ms. Daisy Loquinario, Program Manager for Microfinance, the new branch office in Tigaon is a dream come true because this will facilitate the Foundation’s service to the people. She hopes that through the support of the people like the Honorable Mayor Fuentebella, Fr. Dan Viola, beneficiaries and clients, more branches will be opened not only in Camarines Sur but in the entire Bikol Region as well. (JING S. CABRERA)