PHILGUARANTEE, RBAP Reaffirm Stronger Partnership
Furthering efforts to strengthen relationships with valued Partner Lending Institutions (PLI), PHILGUARANTEE met with the members of the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP) in a meeting held on September 7, 2026.
PHILGUARANTEE President and CEO Alberto E. Pascual expressed gratitude to RBAP’s steadfast support towards the agriculture, and the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sectors, which serve as engines of economic growth.
“We extend our sincerest thanks to RBAP for being our longstanding partner in expanding financial inclusion to farmers and entrepreneurs from the farthest corners of the archipelago,” Pascual said.
Currently, 29 member banks utilize the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Facility to reduce lending risks for smaller businesses, while 45 member banks participate in the Agriculture Credit Guarantee Program to secure financing for local agriculture and fisheries operations.
Similarly, RBAP is strengthened in its mission to extend affordable housing for low- income families through the Housing Retail Guarantee Program, with 24 member banks enjoying the same risk mitigation strategies that boost their lending activities.
“Through their support, we are able to help ensure food security, provide safe housing, encourage innovation, and create more jobs for Filipinos,” Pascual emphasized.
Other PHILGUARANTEE officers who attended the event were SVP Emmanuel R. Torres, Head of the Agriculture Guarantee Group and concurrent Acting Head of the Priority Sectors Guarantee Group; SVP Teresito Cayo A. Butardo, Head of the Housing Guarantee Group; and VP Raymund V. Togonon, Head of the Priority Sectors Guarantee Department II.
RBAP President Patrick Bryan Absin, Executive Director Concepcion Garcia, and consultant Nina Rivera praised the Corporation’s contributions to sustainable finance. They also highlighted the ongoing obstacles confronting rural banks that serve farmers, fisherfolk, and MSMEs, noting how the Corporation’s programs could help resolve these issues.
The meeting underscored PHILGUARANTEE’s commitment to forging stronger partnerships with RBAP-member banks and demonstrating institutional credibility on which the Corporation’s mandate is built upon.
