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 

Financial literacy sessions are an essential part of member development as they equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their finances wisely and responsibly. Through these sessions, members are guided in understanding basic financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, borrowing, and goal setting, which are important in achieving financial stability.

These sessions help members develop proper money management habits by teaching them how to prioritize needs over wants, monitor their expenses, and allocate their income effectively. As a result, members become more disciplined in handling their household finances and are better prepared to meet their daily and future needs.

In addition, financial literacy strengthens the culture of saving among members. It encourages them to consistently set aside a portion of their income, no matter how small, to build financial security and prepare for emergencies or unexpected expenses. Members are also educated on responsible loan management, ensuring that they understand their repayment obligations and avoid over-indebtedness.

To reinforce these objectives, financial literacy sessions were conducted in various service areas throughout the year. Sessions were held at the Daraga SPO on March 7, 2025, the Polangui SPO on October 17, 2025, and the Pilar SPO on October 23, 2025. 

Furthermore, these sessions enhance members’ decision-making skills by helping them make informed choices regarding financial products, investments, and insurance protection. They also promote long-term planning by guiding members in setting realistic financial goals such as education, business, or family needs.  

The Brigada Parokya is a member-initiated activity where participants conduct general cleaning and maintenance of their barangay chapel or church.

This activity reflects their commitment as servant leaders and demonstrates the principle of unity being promoted and taught by SEDP. 

 As part of its participation in the Season of Creation 2025, SEDP joined the Coastal Clean-up and Mangrove Planting activity organized by St. Roche Parish on September 13, 2025, at Sitio Anonang, Brgy. Homapon, Legazpi City.

The activity was actively participated in by staff from the Main Office, Albay SPO, and Legazpi Port, who wholeheartedly joined parishioners and members of Barangay Homapon. Together, they cleaned the coastal area and planted mangroves as a symbol of environmental protection and care for creation.

This initiative aims not only to preserve and protect the environment but also to strengthen community unity toward a safer and greener future.

The Season of Creation serves as an important reminder that faith comes with the responsibility of caring for Mother Earth—an advocacy that Simbag Microfinance continues to uphold through active participation in environmental initiatives. 

A Feeding Program Activity was conducted by members of Simbag Microfinance at Sitio Bagong Sirang, Tinapian, Manito, Albay on November 4, 2025.

Children in the community received free meals provided by members of the TWO 2 Tinapian center.

The feeding program was a self-initiated activity of the members, with the support of their Satellite Parish Outreach (SPO), as a way of giving back and sharing the blessings they have received through simple community activities such as feeding programs and other outreach initiatives. 

 On November 7, 2025, PhilHealth Region V successfully conducted an orientation and onsite enrollment for the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) at El Palacio. The activity was attended by 212 members and staff of Simbag Microfinance and SEDP MBA.

With the assistance of representatives from Albay District SPO, Legazpi Port SPO, and Daraga SPO, participants were given the opportunity to enroll in the program, which provides free outpatient check-ups and medicines worth up to Php 20,000 per year.

The activity was actively supervised by Branch Manager Cris Caponga, together with Community Development Workers (CDW 2) and SPO Managers. Meanwhile, representatives from PhilHealth and Albay Doctors Hospital led the orientation and onsite enrollment.

YAKAP is a PhilHealth outpatient benefit program aimed at encouraging members to undergo regular health check-ups, take proper medication, and undergo cancer screening to prevent illness and maintain good health. 

35 SPO successfully conducted its Simbang Gabi Feeding Program 2025, marking the second consecutive year of this meaningful SEDP MBA Christmas outreach activity. The program was organized to share blessings, spread joy, and strengthen community spirit during the nine-day Simbang Gabi celebration.

Through the collective efforts of staff, and members, warm meals and refreshments were served to churchgoers, children, senior citizens, and community members after Simbang Gabi mass. The activity aimed not only to provide food but also to promote the true essence of Christmas — love, generosity, unity, and compassion for others.

The continued success of the feeding program reflects the commitment of SEDP MBA and the 35 Simbag SPO in serving the community and extending assistance to those in need. This second year of implementation demonstrates the organization’s dedication to making the Simbang Gabi celebration more meaningful and memorable for everyone. 

A simple Christmas gift-giving activity was conducted by the Masoli Savers Group (MSG) Center in Masoli, Bato, Camarines Sur under the Nabua SPO on December 10, 2025.

Members received simple grocery items as an early Christmas gift sourced from their collective savings. The activity was made more organized and orderly through the guidance of their Community Development Worker, Andrew Adamos.