Canadian volunteer-consultants shared their best practices relevant to Mutual Benefit Associations (MBAs) in the country in the learning session organized by the Microinsurance MBA Association of the Philippines, Inc. (MiMAP) held last July 24, 2015.
MBAs and partner MFIs participated in the one-day event that is focused on evaluating potential partner agents for Mi-MBAs. Marvin Pawlisky, Business Development Manager- Western Canada of the Co-operators Group Auto and Home Program and Celine Lachance, Product Specialist of the Co-operators Insurance introduced their organization and showed their practices that are applicable to the Philippine setting.
Pawlisky and Lachance presented their observation regarding the landscape of the industry in the country. According to them, the MBAs in the country are continuously growing, and are ready for change and improvement.
After showing the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis of the Association, Pawlisky and Lachance presented their recommendations, which include creating a marketing plan, risk assessment, training and working together.
According to them, it is important to attract new and evaluate existing agents to ensure stability of the MBAs. These agents may be MFIs, Cooperatives, NGOs, local organizations, people’s association, government and banks. They provided criteria and available tools for evaluating agents and discussed monitoring its performance. They stressed that ranking the agents is the best practice in monitoring.
They provided deep discussion about risk assessment, training and cooperation vis-à-vis agents. After the discussion, participants were invited to ask questions and throw in reaction.
Pawlisky and Lachance both work for Co-operators, a member-owned cooperative that represent various sectors and regions in Canada. It has been in the industry for 66 years making difference in communities through financial contributions, sustainability initiatives and staff and agent volunteers.
Aside from the speakers` insights, Kelvin Junos, in-house actuary of CARD MBA, presented highlights of their Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOAT) Program.