BanKo and Hapinoy forge partnership to empower Sari-Sari Store Owners

BPI Direct BanKo, Inc. (BanKo), the microfinance arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), has entered into a significant partnership with At1ndahan, Inc. (Hapinoy), a renowned social enterprise committed to empowering sari-sari store owners across the country.

The collaboration, set to launch as the BanKommunity Program, aims not only to enhance the business capabilities of self-employed micro-entrepreneurs (SEMEs) through financial products and business opportunities, but also to foster emotional empowerment, helping entrepreneurs build confidence, security, and hope for their future.

Hapinoy’s mission is to create learning and growth opportunities for sari-sari store owners, enabling them to better serve their communities through access to capital, business development support, and technology. The organization has a strong network of over 100,000 sari-sari store owners nationwide, making it an ideal partner for BanKo’s vision of providing financial inclusion to micro-entrepreneurs and helping owners to dream bigger and achieve lasting success.

Under the BanKommunity Program, BanKo will join Hapinoy’s sari-sari store caravans, where store owners gather for business training and support. BanKo will offer essential services such as account openings for PondoKo and Todo Savings and NegosyoKo loan applications.

“The partnership with Hapinoy aligns perfectly with BanKo’s mission of empowering the ‘Negosyanteng Pinoy’. By providing them with easy access to financial services and opportunities to grow their businesses, we aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of sari-sari store owners across the country. Dahil dito sa BanKo, may ngiti ang bukas mo,” said Rod Mabiasen, Jr., BanKo President.

Many Hapinoy members have traditionally relied on face-to-face transactions. Through the BanKo mobile app and personalized guidance, the BanKommunity Program will introduce them to digital banking, helping their businesses thrive in a competitive market. The program will also provide capacity-building opportunities that will strengthen the knowledge and skills of store owners so they can manage their finances more effectively and create a more secure future for themselves and their families.

“Hapinoy has long championed sari-sari store owners, and this partnership with BanKo signifies the renewal of our collaboration,” said Mark Joaquin Ruiz, Hapinoy Co-Founder and President. “The BanKommunity Program will enable BanKo to expand their reach within the microfinance sector, further strengthening our shared mission of empowering micro-entrepreneurs.”

Since 2016, BanKo has been a reliable financial partner to over 400,000 SEMEs, providing easy, convenient, and affordable loan products that help businesses grow and succeed. To date, it has 362 branches in 77 provinces nationwide.