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Abstract:
This paper examines the socioeconomic impact of the largest microfinance institution, from the perspective of the borrower, in a rural community in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines. Thirty members from the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development were interviewed to better understand their motivation to join a microfinance institution, and the spending and savings habits after receiving micro-credit loans. This paper examines the most common reasons for participating: life insurance; a savings account; education; and, the cycle of perpetual debt. It also examines the most successful borrowers, the more common types of businesses members engage in, and why some women borrow money for their husbands. Although a few members have achieved financial success through micro-credit loans to grow their business, most members interpret these loans as another opportunity to borrow to makes ends meet and for consumption smoothing.
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