A book co-authored by Dr Jaime Aristotle Alip – Founder and Chairman Emeritus of CARD MRI and a long-standing leader within the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation – has received national recognition in the Philippines.
Covering Nanay: The Philippine Microinsurance Journey was named Best Book on Business at the National Book Awards, highlighting both the strength of the publication and the growing relevance of financial inclusion in the country.
Dr Alip currently serves as Vice Chair of the ICMIF Board of Directors and is the Founding Chair of The ICMIF Foundation, reflecting his longstanding contribution to the global mutual and cooperative insurance sector.
Telling the story of inclusive insurance
Co-authored with Lorenzo Chan Jr, Group Head of the Pioneer Group and co-founder CARD Pioneer Microinsurance Inc. (CPMI) and Pia Yupangco, business author, the book documents the development of CARD Pioneer Microinsurance Inc. and its mission to extend insurance protection to low-income Filipinos.
The publication explores how a shared vision between CARD MRI and Pioneer Group led to the creation of a pioneering microinsurance model. It highlights the challenges faced in the early years, alongside the innovation and persistence required to build a programme capable of reaching millions.
At its core, the book reflects Dr Alip’s long-standing commitment to financial inclusion and his belief in delivering services that respond directly to the needs of underserved communities.
Recognition of a wider movement
The National Book Development Board and the Filipino Critics Circle present the National Book Awards annually to recognise works that make a meaningful contribution to business, literature and public discourse.
In awarding Covering Nanay, the judges have recognised not only a compelling institutional story, but also the broader impact of microinsurance as a tool for resilience and economic security.
The book’s success reflects increasing awareness of the importance of inclusive insurance solutions, particularly in markets exposed to social and climate-related risks.
Shared with the global ICMIF community
The publication was also introduced to members of ICMIF during its 2024 Biennial Conference in Buenos Aires (Argentina), where Dr Alip joined Lorenzo Chan Jr. to share insights on partnerships and resilience.
Presented within a session focused on collaboration, the case study illustrated how mutual and cooperative insurers can work together to balance financial performance with social impact, while strengthening long-term sustainability.
Ongoing leadership and impact
Dr Alip’s role within ICMIF, alongside his work with CARD MRI, continues to demonstrate the value of leadership grounded in cooperative principles and community impact.
The recognition of Covering Nanay reinforces the importance of sharing practical experiences from across the mutual and cooperative sector, helping to inform and inspire efforts to expand access to insurance worldwide.
As the global community continues to address protection gaps, the lessons captured in the book offer a timely reminder of what can be achieved through purpose-driven collaboration.
