Two heads are better than one. Several heads with passionate hearts for service are not only way better but life changing as well. This is what happened when Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip together with 10 other microinsurance organizations came together in November 2004 in a forum. The group saw the need for a resource center that will cater to the needs of microfinance institutions (MFIs) to create and manage their own mutual benefit associations (MBAs). And so, RIMANSI was born as a promise of new beginnings for the microinsurance industry in the Philippines.

It was in March 17, 2005 when RIMANSI Organization of the Philippines, Inc. was registered at the SEC. it was considered a non-stock, nonprofit resource center that endeavors to assist poor households in improving their access to microinsurance services. The eight incorporators and founding members were: AIalay sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI), Center for Agriculture and Rural Development, Inc. (CARD NGO), CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA), CARD Bank, Kasanyangan Center for Community Development Foundation, Inc. (KFI), People’s Alternative livelihood Foundation of Sorsogon, Inc. (PALFSI), Rural Bank of Talisayan, Inc. (RBT), and USWAG Development Foundation, Inc. After which, two more MFIs, became members of RIMANSI: Agricultural and Rural Development for Catanduanes, Inc. (ARDCI) and Kasagana-Ka Development Center.

With the key players in the early stage of RIMANSI’s growth – Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip; Mr. Alexander Dimaculangan; from CCA, Ms. Lydia Philips, Mr. John Wipf; and Mr. Camilo Casals – RIMANSI developed competitive and sustainable business models and offered services such as R&D and policy advocacies to its partners and the communities they serve.  Two years after, to strengthen its presence in the country and in the Southeast Asian Region, the organization was transformed to RIMANSI Organization for Asia and the Pacific, Inc.

Ten years after its inception, RIMANSI remains true to its vision of becoming a catalyst for development. It aims to strengthen its engagement with communities to uplift more lives out of poverty and vulnerability. The organization continues to give efficient services to its microinsurance partners through strengthening of capacities of its members in providing access to risk protection services to poor communities. The association will continue to advocate for a stronger microinsurance industry in the Philippines by monitoring performance of its partners and building on gains and maintaining the trust that it has earned in the Industry both local and International.