UA&P welcomed Mr. Rafael Lopa, President & CEO of ASA Philippines Foundation, and his team to the University on October 20, 2025. The meeting with UA&P President Dr. Philip Yeung and other University officials centered on exploring potential areas of collaboration in executive and continuing education, research, and student internships.
ASA Philippines Foundation is a leading non-profit, non-stock organization specializing in microfinance. Since opening its first branch in Camarin, Caloocan in August 2004, ASA Philippines has expanded its operations nationwide and now serves more than 2 million women micro-entrepreneurs, whom the foundation calls Nanays. It currently manages a loan portfolio of ₱42.88 billion and supports over 2.37 million borrowers through its 1.842 thousand branches all over the country.
Guided by its mission to empower women in underserved communities, ASA Philippines goes beyond providing financial assistance. It offers its members—women who run small businesses—the tools, guidance, and encouragement to transform their aspirations into sustainable livelihoods. Through microfinance, capacity-building programs, as well as scholarships and child nutrition programs, the foundation helps these women build resilience, grow their enterprises, and secure a dignified future for their families.
The visit to UA&P underscored both institutions’ shared commitment to nation-building and inclusive development. By combining ASA Philippines’ on-the-ground expertise in community empowerment with UA&P’s strength in research and management training, the two organizations aim to bring microfinance to more communities and create a greater impact on our country’s economic development.
