IFC Partners with OnePuhunan to Expand Microfinance and Jobs in Rural Philippines

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has announced a new partnership with CreditAccess Philippines Financing Company, Inc. (OnePuhunan) aimed at expanding access to finance for microenterprises and supporting job creation across rural areas of the Philippines.

The initiative will channel funding into microloans for small businesses, with a strong focus on women-owned and women-led enterprises, helping underserved entrepreneurs grow their businesses and strengthen household incomes.

Expanding Financial Access for Rural Entrepreneurs

OnePuhunan, one of the Philippines' leading microfinance institutions, operates across 16 regions nationwide and maintains a strong presence in rural communities where access to formal banking services is often limited.

Through the partnership, the company plans to expand lending operations and reach at least one million Filipinos by 2030, according to CEO and President Daniele Rovere.

"We are happy to be working with IFC for the first time, as we expand to reach at least 1 million Filipinos by 2030," Rovere said.

"With this partnership, we aim to continuously improve our product offerings and services to better serve our clients, so they can focus on growing their businesses and supporting their families."

Focus on Women-Led Microenterprises

The funds provided through the project will be exclusively used for microloans, particularly targeting women entrepreneurs, who often face greater barriers to accessing formal credit.

Microfinance programs for women are widely seen as an effective tool for poverty reduction, financial inclusion and community development, particularly in rural economies.

OnePuhunan plans to use the partnership to enhance financing options for clients' working capital and business expansion needs, while also developing new products tailored to the evolving needs of women micro-entrepreneurs and their households.

Digitalisation and Branch Expansion

To strengthen its services, OnePuhunan will continue investing in branch expansion and digitalisation initiatives, aimed at improving the accessibility and convenience of microfinance services.

These investments are expected to help the company reach remote communities, streamline loan processing and deliver financial services more efficiently.

MSMEs Drive the Philippine Economy

IFC officials highlighted the crucial role that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play in the Philippine economy, particularly in supporting employment and local economic growth.

In the Philippines:

• MSMEs account for 99.6% of all registered businesses

• Microenterprises represent over 90% of MSMEs

• The sector generates about two-thirds of total employment

• MSMEs contribute around 36% of the country's GDP

These businesses are particularly important in rural areas, where they support household incomes and local economic resilience.

Supporting Inclusive Economic Growth

IFC Country Manager for the Philippines Amena Arief said the partnership reflects the organization's broader commitment to improving financial inclusion and supporting entrepreneurs in underserved communities.

"MSMEs play a major role in creating jobs and boosting prosperity especially in underserved communities," Arief said.

"By partnering with OnePuhunan, IFC is expanding access to finance for women entrepreneurs in rural Philippines—helping them grow businesses, create jobs, and build resilience where it is needed most."

The initiative forms part of IFC's wider efforts across emerging markets to strengthen financial systems, support entrepreneurship and promote inclusive economic development.