2002 News Archive

INDONESIAN DELEGATION VISITS RBAP. An Indonesian Delegation recently visited the Rural Bankers Association of the Philipines to learn about their successful experiences with microfinance lending and savings mobilization as promoted under RBAP's Microenterprise Access to Banking Services (MABS). Since January 1999, rural banks participating under RBAP's MABS program have disbursed more than 90,000 loans amounting to more than P755 million to microenterprises. Pictured from left are: Christopher Prior, consultant to ADB; Horace Crowe, Consultant to RBAP-MABS; Ramon Rogel, Deputy Operating Officer, RBAP; Ernesto Gementera, consultant RBAP-MABS; Slamet Soedarsono, Head of Sub-Directorate for Cooperative and Entrepreneurship, National Agency for Planning and Development in Indonesia; Dr. Mangara Tambunan, Professor of Economics, University of indonesia; John Owens, Chief of Party and Program Manager, RBAP-MABS; Effendi Sirait, Secretary Directorate General, Directorate General of Small-Medium Industry and Trade; Sri Ernawati, Deputy Minister, State Ministry of Cooperatives and SME, Berua Maruhom Ibrahim, consultant RBAP-MABS, Meliza Agabin, National Technical Manager, RBAP-MABS

The Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Filipino Web Services, a local computer software maker, to develop and maintain the association's website in line with its communication enhancement program. Signing the agreement are (l-r) V.P. dela Dingco, RBAP Director and Overall Chairman, 50th Anniversary; Atty. Nicolas J. Lim, RBAP President; and Engr. Edwin Casimero, Chief Executive Officer, Filipino Web Services