The ICMIF Foundation’s inaugural Mutual Microinsurance Network Seminar took place in Manila (Philippines), on 17–19 May, bringing together microinsurance leaders committed to expanding protection for low-income communities worldwide. The theme of the event was Replicating success globally: scaling the mutual microinsurance model for the poorest.
Hosted by ICMIF member CARD Mutual Benefit Association (MBA), Inc., part of CARD MRI, the Seminar showcased how mutual microinsurance can scale to protect low-income and underserved communities, with speakers sharing challenges and practical examples from the Philippines, Kenya, Malawi, Myanmar, Mozambique, Indonesia, Paraguay and India.
Across the sessions, the main themes emerging were the role of mutual microinsurers in providing financial inclusion, driving climate resilience, and empowering women and vulnerable communities through mutual ownership. Speakers also emphasised the importance of partnership and regulatory support, as well as the need to design trusted, community-led insurance solutions that can be replicated across countries.
“Trusted institutions that understand the needs of underserved communities are essential to building financial resilience,” said Diana Almoro, Regional Specialist, Asia Pacific, UNDP Insurance & Risk Finance Facility (IRFF), noting that mutuals have a long history of reaching underserved communities.
The Philippines’ expertise in climate resilience was also praised throughout the Seminar, with Edwine Carrie, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Philippines, noting that solutions designed by CARD MBA could be replicated in other systems.
“There are serious challenges to be tackled but also opportunities to do so,” he said. “This is why as UNDP we find it very important to associate ourselves with this type of learning. We encourage ideas that can be replicated in other systems.”
Dr Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of CARD MRI, reflected on the role microinsurance plays in helping families recover from hardship. He gave the example of the recent earthquake (8 June) that affected more than 39,000 CARD MBA member families in the Philippines and shared how CARD MBA paid claims within a day while also providing wider support to those affected.
“This is what true empowerment is all about,” he said. “Today’s theme, Replicating success globally: scaling the mutual microinsurance model for the poorest, is not just a slogan; it is a global imperative.”
That message was echoed by Reynaldo Regalado, Insurance Commissioner of the Philippines, who noted: “Despite its name, microinsurance’s impact is anything but small.”
ICMIF Foundation Awards
During the Seminar, the ICMIF Foundation granted three Global Pioneers of Mutual Microinsurance Awards for visionary leadership and long-standing commitment to microinsurance: Dr Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, CARD MBA (Philippines); Dr Nelson Kuria, Chair, CIC Insurance Group (Kenya); and MP Vasimalai, Executive Director, DHAN Foundation (India)
The Foundation also awarded Julio Jose Banzon (Senior Advisor, ICMIF Foundation, Philippines) an Outstanding Service to the Global Mutual Microinsurance Movement Award
Field visits
Over the first two days, delegates heard from pioneers of the mutual microinsurance model, government officials and UNDP representatives. On the third day, they embarked on a study visit to San Pablo City to see the CARD model in action. They attended community group meetings in Barangay San Gregorio and visited Mga Likha ni Inay, a women-led handicrafts social enterprise. The trip also included visits to heritage sites in San Pablo City.
During the visit, delegates heard first-hand grassroots testimonies from members such as Renato, who shared his deep commitment to the organisation: “Every time I was hospitalised, CARD MBA paid my daily hospital bill.” He said he would remain a member for the rest of his life, adding that the loans secured through CARD MRI, which include life insurance, offer much better interest rates than those available from competitors.
