PHILGUARANTEE Hosts 33rd Asian Credit Supplementation Institution Confederation (ACSIC) Training Program
The Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PHILGUARANTEE) successfully hosted the 33rd Asian Credit Supplementation Institution Confederation (ACSIC) Training Program from September 22 to 25, 2025, at SEDA Manila Bay, Parañaque City.
Under the theme “Enabling Credit Guarantees to Mobilize Funds for Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development,” the program brought together 85 participants from 13 member institutions across 11 Asian countries, along with local representatives. International participation was marked by delegates from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, and Thailand. The event served as a platform to showcase best practices, foster collaboration, and explore innovative approaches to strengthening financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Gracing the event, National Treasurer Sharon Almanza emphasized the importance of the program in strengthening regional cooperation and resilience.
“The knowledge you will gain, the connections and friendships you will forge, and the challenges you will overcome are not just for your personal and career growth, but will also contribute to the economic resilience of our countries. All of you are leaders who will navigate complex financial landscapes and build a more secure and prosperous future for all of us,” she said.
PHILGUARANTEE President and CEO Alberto Pascual formally opened the training proper with his remarks, while SVP Ian Briones welcomed delegates and guests during the ceremonies. Their messages underscored the vital role of ACSIC members in advancing cross-border cooperation and promoting inclusive access to finance.
“Through this training, ACSIC continues its mission of advancing inclusive and sustainable growth, proving once again the power of collaboration across Asia,” said SVP Briones, who also served as Chairperson of the 33rd ACSIC Training Program Organizing Committee.
“May this gathering inspire deeper collaboration among ACSIC members, strengthen our shared commitment to inclusive finance, and pave the way for meaningful partnerships that extend beyond these five days,” PCEO Pascual added.
Over the course of the training program, participants engaged in robust discussions with international experts, government representatives, and ACSIC member institutions. The sessions centered on improving access to finance for SMEs, with a special focus on the pivotal role of credit guarantees in driving sustainable development. Attendees also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage through a guided tour.
The event underscored how development finance institutions can spearhead greener and more inclusive economic growth. Speakers emphasized the strategic importance of leveraging digital tools, loan guarantees, and partnerships to bolster small businesses, advance climate initiatives, and improve access to basic services such as water and sanitation. A key focus was placed on fostering enhanced coordination among institutions to mitigate risks and incentivize greater private sector investment.
As the Principal Agency for State Guarantee Finance of the Philippines, PHILGUARANTEE provides accessible, reliable, efficient and gender-responsive guarantee systems, to enable access to credit for stakeholders, in trade and investments, infrastructure, housing, agriculture, MSMEs and other priority sectors of the Government. By championing resilience as a dynamic and transformative organization, PHILGUARANTEE contributes to building a more sustainable and equitable future for the Philippines.
The Asian Credit Supplementation Institution Confederation, known as ACSIC, is the cooperation of Asia’s credit guarantee organizations. Established in 1987, ACSIC is Asia’s largest organization designed for credit guarantee, participated by 18 credit guarantee institutions from 13 Asian countries.
The objective of ACSIC is to promote the sound development of the credit supplementation system for small businesses in the countries including regions of Asia, excluding areas to the west and north of Pakistan but including Central Asia (hereinafter referred to as “Asia”) through exchange of information, discussions and interchange of personnel among small business credit supplementation institutions in Asia.
From: Strategy Management and Communications Department
