CLFI–BFI partnership brings inclusive and sustainable development to Boracay and Malay in Aklan

By Rhea B. Peñaflor

What began as a purposeful outreach has now taken shape as a partnership grounded in shared values and community‑driven action.

Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI) formally sealed a partnership with Boracay Foundation, Inc. (BFI) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on January 14, 2026 marking a meaningful step toward expanding inclusive and sustainable livelihood opportunities for the people of Boracay Island and the Municipality of Malay.

The collaboration was initiated when BFI reached out to CLFI, recognizing a strong alignment between our organizations’ missions. At CLFI, we welcomed the partnership as it closely reflects our commitment to removing financial barriers and championing financial wellness—particularly in communities that play a vital role in local economies yet face persistent vulnerabilities.

The MoU was signed by Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI), represented by newly appointed Executive Director Jo‑Ann Y. Tacorda, Programs and Development Division Head Rhea B. Peñaflor, and Sunshine Kristia B. Cupo, together with Boracay Foundation, Inc. (BFI) led by Chairman Dindo Miguel Martin F. Salazar and members of the BFI Board of Directors—Nilda Diaz‑Serrano, Nenette Graf, Astrophel Tabanera, and Claribel Casimero.

In her message, CLFI Executive Director Jo‑Ann Y. Tacorda highlighted the broader institutional vision driving the partnership.

“This partnership is very much aligned with the vision of our CEO, Jean Henri Lhuillier, of giving back to the communities that Cebuana has long served. For many years, Cebuana Lhuillier has been part of the daily lives of the people of Aklan through our financial products and services. Through CLFI, we are deepening that relationship by investing in the long‑term development and resilience of communities in Malay and Boracay.”

Through this partnership, Boracay Island and the Municipality of Malay have been identified as priority communities for integrated, community‑centered programs. These include financial literacy and inclusion sessions for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), inclusive education initiatives, disaster preparedness and resilience training through CLFI’s Cebuana Alerto program, and access to digital and e‑learning modules. Together, these interventions aim to strengthen livelihoods, support workforce readiness, and equip residents—especially youth and vulnerable sectors—with practical skills to navigate economic and environmental challenges.

This collaboration reflects a shared understanding that sustainable tourism destinations must be supported by financially resilient households, capable local entrepreneurs, and a future‑ready workforce. By combining BFI’s deep roots in the Boracay and Malay communities with CLFI’s expertise in financial inclusion, education, and disaster resilience, the partnership aspires to deliver impact that is both inclusive and sustainable.

The event was further strengthened by the presence of partners from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office VI, represented by Ms. Glory Mae Panase and Ms. Jovy Nerviol, under the leadership of OIC Regional Director Joselito Estember, highlighting the importance of cross‑sector collaboration in advancing local development.

For CLFI, this Memorandum of Understanding represents more than a formal agreement—it signals a shared commitment to action. From financial inclusion sessions that help small enterprises grow more resilient, to learning initiatives that prepare individuals for meaningful participation in the local economy, the partnership with BFI lays the foundation for long‑term, community‑driven progress.

Ultimately, this collaboration is about our #LahatKasama communities. It is about enabling the residents of Boracay and Malay to build secure livelihoods, adapt to change, and thrive within communities that actively support their aspirations. CLFI looks forward to translating this shared vision into tangible and lasting outcomes for the communities we serve.

For more information about CLFI, please visit our website at https://cebuanafoundation.org. or follow our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cebuanafoundation.

The author is the Division Head of Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc.