Through micro-loans, Ahon sa Hirap, Inc. (ASHI) empowers nanays to become financially independent. “Seventy percent of our 85,000 members own sari-sari stores and other informal businesses,” said ASHI President Mercedes Abad. With their livelihood wiped out by the pandemic, members have had to depend on ASHI to keep their households afloat.​

From delivering Jollibee Group FoodAID food packs to expanding support services, ASHI has become their members’ safety net. Collection of dues is suspended. Members have access to savings, emergency loan, microinsurance benefits, and support for getting government assistance. ​

“It’s our social commitment. Now that our members need us the most, we won’t leave them behind,” Mercedes said.​

Photo courtesy of: ASHI