Cebuana Lhuillier, the country’s leading microfinancial company, unveiled its plans to widen their reach in the microfinancial market during its year-starter luncheon today at P.F. Chang’s in Taguig City.
Speaking to members of the media, Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier explained his company’s direction for 2014.
“A lot of great and new things are happening in Cebuana Lhuillier this year. The thrust of Cebuana Lhuillier’s direction this year stems from the knowledge that a lot of Filipinos are in need of proper financial literacy, and we are taking the initiative to bring our services closer to the people.
Through our initiatives, we are giving the financially vulnerable sector avenues for inclusive growth, as well as increasing our accessibility to the market. It’s not just about going outside the brick-and-mortar branches—it’s about empowering the poor to live better lives by giving them greater ease of access to micro lending facilities and other microfinancial products,” said Lhuillier.
Spearheading Cebuana Lhuillier’s programs for the year is its ground-breaking fleet of mobile branches, tagged Cebuana Lhuillier on Wheels (CoW). The CoW goes to far-flung areas all over the country, bringing the company’s products and services outside its branches. “This is the first of its kind in the industry,” Lhuillier adds.
Cebuana Lhuillier’s is also expanding its international remittance service, reaching out to more Filipinos abroad by forging more partnerships.
He also highlighted the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs through the Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc (CLFI). Focusing on education, the CLFI has partnered with the Department of Education for the implementation of the agency’s Alternative Learning System program for out-of-school youth and adults.
The event also showcased another advocacy that is close to Lhuillier’s heart—the Cebuana Lhuillier Sports Program. A long-time patron of Philippine sports, and a sportsman himself, Lhuillier mentioned that Cebuana Lhuillier also promotes youth development and learning through sports.
Currently, Lhuillier at the helm of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) as its President, and Chairman of the Board of the Philippine Tennis Association (PhilTA). He also manages the Cebuana Lhuillier Gems, which plays at the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League.
“Cebuana Lhuillier has been supporting tennis and softball in the Philippines for a long time. We have seen how the Philippine softball teams, as well as the national tennis squads, have reaped glory for the country in various international competitions. There is a rich pool of talent in these sports that remains untapped, and we wish to give the chance to this young people to excel in their sports,” said Lhuillier.
He also introduced the Cebuana Lhuillier Sports Ambassadors—Treat Conrad Huey, Ruben Gonzales, and Katharina Lehnert. They are playing in the professional leagues, but Lhuillier supported them when they were starting out are in the middle of their campaigns to rise up the world ranks in the professional tennis leagues, and place the Philippines on the tennis map. “I hope that they serve as an inspiration to young people to play and excel not just in tennis but in other sports, as well,” Lhuillier said.
Lastly, they gave a glimpse of the upcoming Search for the Happiest Pinoy. The search is a nationwide campaign that aims to rekindle the values of optimism, resilience, and hope in Filipinos amidst crisis. Cebuana Lhuillier also highlights the positive things that come with obtaining quality and affordable insurance: security, peace of mind and ultimately, happiness.