The Second Simbag Salud of SIMBAG Microfinance and SEDP MBA for the year 2025 was held on February 21 in Libmanan, Camarines Sur. The mission, led by the Members Development Services of SIMBAG Microfinance, forms part of the institution’s goal to extend health-related assistance to its members and their families.

Medical officers from various organizations partnered in the activity, generously sharing their time and volunteer services to provide free medical check-ups to the members. Staff from the Sipocot Satellite Parish Office also actively participated in this mission.

Launched in 2004, the program aims to provide free consultations and medicines to members, especially those from Satellite Parish Offices with limited access to healthcare centers. It likewise seeks to improve not only the health of the members but also that of the wider community.

Through this initiative, SIMBAG Microfinance and SEDP MBA hopes to encourage members and their families to place greater importance on caring for their bodies and overall health.

Another beneficiary of SIMBAG Microfinance has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Study and Work Abroad Program on February 18, 2025. The signing was attended by Mr. Hermarex Ordan, Members Development Services Officer; Ms. Joanne Armero, Advocacy and Education Coordinator; Ms. Janice Ferrer, Daraga SPOM; and Mr. Cris Caponga, Daraga Branch Manager.

The beneficiary is Ms. Mary Jobie P. Rico from Daraga SPO. Joining the signing were her elder sister, Ms. Mary Claire P. Rico, and her mother, Ms. Jodema P. Rico, who has been a member of SIMBAG Microfinance for 13 years under the SKBP-Penafrancia Center, Daraga Branch.

Ms. Rico is the second beneficiary of SIMBAG Microfinance to study at Minghsin University of Science and Technology in Taiwan, where she will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, Major in Management. This opportunity is part of the Academe-Industry Collaboration Program for International Students under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy of MUST.

SIMBAG Microfinance extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo, especially Sister Marci, for bringing this program to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Legazpi and for their pastoral service to Filipino students studying at MUST.

This program provides a meaningful opportunity for the children of SIMBAG members, allowing them to pursue their dreams while helping support their families. Through initiatives like this, SIMBAG Microfinance continues to uplift the lives of its members and their families. It is hoped that more scholars will be sent to MUST in Hsinchu, Taiwan this year to help turn their dreams into reality. 

The perseverance and sacrifices of our scholars—and of their parents who have long been members of SEDP - Simbag sa Pag-Asenso, Inc. and SEDP MBA—have borne fruit. A total of 95 students graduated from college this year out of the 396 Simbag Scholars for School Year 2024–2025.

Since 2004, Simbag Microfinance has provided support to 1,453 scholars pursuing college and technical-vocational courses. Of these, 919 have successfully earned their college degrees, fulfilling their dreams of finishing their education.

SEDP - Simbag sa Pag-Asenso, Inc. and SEDP MBA firmly believes that in every graduate lies the transformation of a family’s story—toward a brighter and more hopeful future. 

On August 5, 2025, forty-two (42) new scholars of Simbag Microfinance and SEDP MBA from the Daraga and Legazpi Branch formally attended the Scholarship Contract Signing, marking the beginning of their educational journey under the Simbag Scholarship Program.

The contract signing symbolizes the commitment of both the scholars and their families to pursue education with dedication, discipline, and perseverance. It also reflects Simbag Microfinance’s continued mission of investing in the future of young individuals by providing opportunities for higher education and technical-vocational training.

Since 2004, Simbag Microfinance has supported a total of 1,453 scholars, helping them pursue college and technical-vocational courses. Of these, 919 scholars have successfully earned their diplomas, fulfilling their dreams and opening better opportunities for themselves and their families.

Through the Simbag Scholarship Program, Simbag Microfinance and SEDP MBA continues to uphold its commitment to education as a powerful tool for transforming lives, empowering families, and building stronger communities. 

A total of 104 members of Simbag Microfinance and SEDP MBA from the Satellite Parish Offices of Daraga, Legazpi Port, Albay District, and Anislag received free medical services during the Center Ko Padaba Ko (COPA) Medical Consultation held on September 17, 2025, at the SEDP Social Hall.

This program is an initiative of SIMBAG Microfinance aimed at recognizing high-performing centers and appreciating member participation and commitment. It was spearheaded by the Members Development and Services Unit (MDS) in collaboration with volunteer doctors and SIMBAG SPO staff, who provided free medical consultations and medicines to the members. 

On October 24–25, 2025, Hybrid Social Solutions Inc. (HSSI) and Simbag Microfinance joined forces in distributing 300 free solar products in Masbate Province to assist communities affected by Typhoon Opong.

This initiative is part of HSSI’s Solar Access Program, a social enterprise initiative focused on providing quality and affordable solar technologies to remote and underserved communities in the Philippines.

With the support and collaboration of staff from the Masbate City SPO and Aroroy SPO of Simbag Microfinance, the solar products were successfully distributed to members who lost their homes or whose houses were damaged due to the impact of Typhoon Opong.

Through this partnership, HSSI and Simbag Microfinance continue to bring immediate relief and sustainable energy solutions to affected families, helping them recover and rebuild in the aftermath of disaster. 

In a continued effort to support the health and well-being of its members, Simbag Microfinance Inc. (Simbag MFI) organized Medical Missions to provide essential health services to members and their families. 

The mission offered a variety of free services, including health checkups, optical exams, dental care, and the distribution of free medicines. Medical professionals and volunteers were on hand to provide consultations and checkups, ensuring that members received proper guidance for any health concerns.

The optical services offered free eye exams, with prescription eyeglasses provided to those in need, while dental services included free checkups and basic treatments, helping members maintain good oral health. Additionally, members were given free medicines to address common ailments, ensuring that essential treatments were accessible to everyone.

 The Medical Missions were conducted in the following areas:

• Del Gallego, Camarines Sur – February 20, 2025
• Rapu-Rapu, Albay – March 20, 2025
• San Roque, Northern Samar – March 28, 2025
• Bato, Camarines Sur – May 22, 2025
• Tigaon, Camarines Sur – June 20, 2025
• Baao, Camarines Sur – June 27, 2025
• Pilar, Sorsogon – August 1, 2025

 This initiative was made possible through the collective efforts of medical professionals, volunteers, and Simbag MFI and SEDP MBA’s commitment to supporting the health and well-being of their members. By offering these essential health services, the Medical Mission not only addressed immediate health needs but also reinforced the importance of preventive care and healthy living.

With the goal of fostering a healthier and more vibrant community, Simbag MFI and SEDP MBA continue to prioritize the holistic well-being of their members helping them lead healthier lives and improving their overall quality of life. 

In the Basic Bible Orientation and Facilitation, members are taught the “basics” of reading and using the Bible, as well as the proper way of sharing their reflections during the first part of their center meeting.

The BBO is one of the formation services provided by Simbag to members in order to strengthen and improve their spiritual life. This activity is focused on providing fundamental knowledge and essential teachings about the Bible, which serves as the foundation of a Christian life. It not only gives a clearer understanding of the teachings of the faith, but also teaches how these can be lived out in everyday life. The activity emphasizes the importance of loving God