AOA ICMIF Members Visit Philippines; Experience Local Microinsurance Scene

Representatives from the Asia and Oceania Association (AOA) of the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF) participated in a three-day study visit in the Philippines through CARD MBA from August 1 to 3, 2016. The visit was segmented to varied activities and sessions centered on orienting the participants to mutual microinsurance practices.

 The participants were briefed by Ms. May Dawat, CARD MBA General Manager and Mi-MAP President, on CARD MBAs’ Business Model highlighting its flagship 1-3-5 day/s claims settlement. Meanwhile, Ms. Shayne Rose Bulos, Supervising Insurance Specialist from the Microinsurance Division of the Insurance Commission, discussed the legal frameworks of microinsurance in the country. Mr. Jun Jay Perez, Mi-MAP Executive Director, elaborated next on how mutuality surfaces in the microinsurance through Mutual Benefit Associations.

 Each representative from the participating institutions in turn prepared short presentations to showcase the history, products and services they offer, and experiences in serving their respective members. The presenters came from Japan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the Philippines. The presenter from the Philippines is Ms. Emeteria Quijano, ASKI MBA’s General Manager, who elaborated on the details of the history and operation of ASKI MBA.

 Actual field exposures capped the study visit. Participants witnessed center meetings of CARD where they were introduced to the standard operating procedures being followed by the institution in all their center meetings.

 The visitors were impressed by microinsurance’s role in community building in the country. They have also learned to give a higher regard to the role of their respective organizations in community building.

 The study visit conducted by the AOA is part of their regular activities to foster stronger connection among ICMIF members, and to enable the sharing of experiences of their respective institutions.