1. June 2, 2010 Photo slideshow (on mouse click) RBAP-MABS Awards Night 2010 Microenterprise Access to Banking Services (MABS) Program

2. In celebration of its continued success over the past year, MABS awarded recognition to its outstanding participating rural banks and other partners during the annual Awards Night held on June 2 at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Manila.

3. The evening started with an exciting performance by Sindaw Philippines Performing Arts, which were sponsored by Globe Telecom’s G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI). It was hosted by our two excellent Masters of Ceremony, Mr. Lyndon Soresca and Ms. Fides Ganzon.

4. Secretary Jesus Dureza, Chairman of the RBAP-MABS Steering Committee provided a warm welcome to the audience and commended the rural banks for their success over the years in expanding microfinance services across the Philippines. Acting USAID/Philippines Deputy Mission Director Roger Carlson also congratulated the rural banks and private partners that continued to support the mission to drive greater access to commercial microfinance services across the Philippines.

5. During the awards ceremony, MABS recognized First Valley Bank for its outstanding performance in Agricultural Microfinance and PR Bank for Mobile Phone Banking.

6. Bangko Kabayan, Cantilan Bank, GM Bank and Green Bank were commended for their Housing Microfinance performance, while Bangko Kabayan, First Macro Bank, GM Bank, and Green Bank were acknowledged for their participation in rating assessments by recognized microfinance rating agencies (MIRAs).

7. Together with the ACCION Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI), RBAP-MABS also awarded special recognition to Cantilan Bank for being the first microfinance institution and the only bank in the Philippines to undergo an assessment for its consumer protection practices. Ms. Elizabeth Rhye, Managing Director of ACCION-CFI, sent a video message recognizing Cantilan Bank for this initiative.

8. Luzon-based rural banks participating in the MIX Market Similarly, RBAP-MABS and Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX), Inc. also recognized the 40 MABS partner banks participating in the MIX Market. MIX Executive Director Marten Leijon sent a video message congratulating these banks, particularly Valiant Rural Bank for jumping from rank 217 in 2008 to rank 61 in 2009.

9. Visayas & Mindanao-based rural banks participating in the MIX Market Similarly, RBAP-MABS and Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX), Inc. also recognized the 40 MABS partner banks participating in the MIX Market. MIX Executive Director Marten Leijon sent a video message congratulating these banks, particularly Valiant Rural Bank for jumping from rank 217 in 2008 to rank 61 in 2009.

10. RBAP-MABS also presented citations for its microinsurance partners, as well as its newly-accredited service provider, Microfinance Innovations Center for Resources and Alternatives (MICRA Philippines).

11. Finally, MABS, together with the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP), also awarded recognition to The Philippine Star reporter Ted P. Torres for his outstanding reporting on the rural banking industry and the microfinance sector.