CLFI strengthens partnerships nationwide to advance financial inclusion and community resilience

By Rhea Peñaflor

As part of its commitment to empowering underserved communities and creating more inclusive opportunities for Filipinos, Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation, Inc. (CLFI) continues to strengthen partnerships with relevant government agencies, international and national development organizations across the country. Through a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) signed in 2026, CLFI expanded its collaborative efforts in sustainable livelihoods, financial inclusion, disaster resilience, community development, and inclusive education.

These partnerships reflect CLFI’s belief that lasting social impact is achieved through collaboration, bringing together government institutions, development organizations, local communities, and the private sector to address complex social and economic challenges.

Strengthening Livelihood Opportunities for ALS Learners with DSWD-CAR

On July 7, 2026, CLFI and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR) formalized their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding for the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) for Alternative Learning System (ALS) learners and CLFI’s Community Development Beneficiaries. The ceremonial signing was held at the Regional Haven for Women and Girls.

The partnership aims to expand livelihood opportunities for ALS learners and community beneficiaries by providing access to skills development, resources, and support systems that will enhance their economic participation and promote long-term self-sufficiency. It also underscores both organizations’ shared commitment to empower vulnerable sectors through sustainable economic opportunities and inclusive development interventions.

Representing CLFI during the signing were Programs and Development Division Head Rhea B. Peñaflor and Institutional Programs Department Head Michael Joseph Torne. DSWD-CAR was represented by its Regional Director Enrique Gascon, Jr., OIC Assistant Regional Director for Operations and Promotive Services Division Chief Mary Ann G. Buclaco, SLP Regional Program Coordinator Victoria Llanes, and Regional Partnership Officer Jennifer G. Diego.

Building Resilient and Financially Empowered Communities with CARE Philippines

On July 20, 2026, CLFI and CARE Philippines formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at CARE Philippines office.

The collaboration marks the beginning of a shared commitment to strengthening community development and resilience-building initiatives among underserved communities. By combining CLFI’s expertise in financial literacy and community development with CARE Philippines’ experience in disaster response, recovery, and women’s empowerment, both organizations seek to create more sustainable and inclusive development outcomes.

During the signing ceremony, CARE Philippines presented its disaster response and recovery initiatives, as well as the HERS Project, which focuses on empowering women and girls through capacity-building and learning opportunities. As an initial area of collaboration, both organizations agreed to explore the conduct of financial literacy sessions for identified participants.

CARE Philippines also expressed interest in exploring future engagements within CLFI’s program areas in Sagada and Itogon, further expanding opportunities for community-based development initiatives.

The signing ceremony was attended by CLFI Executive Director Jo-Ann Tacorda and Programs and Development Division Head Rhea B. Peñaflor, alongside CARE Philippines Country Director Reiza S. Dejito and PQL Coordinator Maria Teresa Bayombong.

Advancing Financial Inclusion through Sustainable Livelihoods in Caraga

On August 10, 2026, CLFI and DSWD Field Office Caraga formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the DSWD Conference Hall in Butuan City.

The partnership seeks to strengthen the implementation of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) through strategic financial inclusion initiatives that will enhance the financial capability and economic resilience of eligible program participants and Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs), particularly in the Municipality of Tubajon, Dinagat Islands.

Through the collaboration, SLP participants and associations will gain increased access to financial literacy education, savings programs, microinsurance, and other responsible financial services that can support and sustain their livelihood ventures.

Under the agreement, CLFI will provide financial capability-building activities, facilitate partnership forums, and support identified phases of SLP implementation. DSWD-SLP will oversee participant validation, provide appropriate livelihood interventions, and monitor the implementation of partnership activities.

The signing was led by DSWD Field Office Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga and CLFI Executive Director Jo-Ann Tacorda, with Assistant Regional Director for Operations  Jean Paul Parajes and CLFI Programs and Development Division Head Rhea B. Peñaflor serving as witnesses.

Alongside the MOU signing, CLFI also formalized a partnership with the Local Government Unit of Tubajon, Dinagat Islands, for the pilot implementation of development initiatives within the municipality, reinforcing the importance of partnerships among national government agencies, local governments, and development organizations. LGU Tubajon was represented by Hon. Mayor Simplicia P. Pedrablanca and Hon. Vice Mayor Zacarias C. Suplaag, representing CLFI, was Section Head Paula Nicole A. Zaldivar.

Promoting Inclusion and Social Protection in CALABARZON

On August 13, 2026, CLFI and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region IV-A (CALABARZON) formalized their strategic partnership through a ceremonial Memorandum of Agreement signing held at the DSWD Field Office IV-A South Park Extension Office in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The partnership seeks to advance inclusion and social protection across the region through collaborative initiatives aligned with CLFI’s core program pillars.

Under the partnership, CLFI will conduct Financial Literacy Sessions for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, equipping families with the tools and knowledge needed to strengthen their financial well-being and achieve long-term financial security.

In the area of disaster resilience, CLFI will share its disaster preparedness modules and Cebuana ALERTO educational videos to support DSWD’s efforts in cascading disaster preparedness information to beneficiaries.

The agreement also promotes community development through volunteer engagement opportunities and capacity-building activities, while strengthening inclusive education through support for CLFI’s Nationwide Scholarship Program and its promotion among qualified 4Ps beneficiaries in the region.

The partnership reflects the shared commitment of CLFI and DSWD CALABARZON to empower communities by breaking barriers, expanding opportunities, and promoting social protection for vulnerable sectors.

Expanding Impact Through Partnerships

The partnerships CLFI forged in 2026 demonstrate its continued commitment to creating meaningful, sustainable change in communities across the Philippines. By working alongside government agencies and development partners, CLFI is expanding access to financial literacy, strengthening livelihood opportunities, promoting educational access, enhancing disaster preparedness, and advancing inclusive community development.

As the social development arm of the PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies (PJLI), CLFI complements the organization’s broader financial inclusion ecosystem by supporting government programs and community-based initiatives that strengthen social protection and economic empowerment. Through its extensive network, financial inclusion platforms, and community development programs, PJLI provides the infrastructure that helps government and development partners expand their reach and deliver lasting impact to vulnerable sectors.

“At Cebuana Lhuillier, we believe that meaningful and lasting change is best achieved through strong partnerships. As the social development arm of the PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies, Cebuana Lhuillier Foundation complements our broader financial inclusion ecosystem by supporting government programs and community-based initiatives that strengthen social protection and economic empowerment. Through our extensive network, financial inclusion platforms, and community development programs, we help provide the infrastructure that enables government and development partners to expand their reach, create sustainable opportunities, and deliver lasting impact to vulnerable sectors and communities,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO

As CLFI continues to build strategic alliances nationwide, these collaborations serve as catalysts for empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and creating more inclusive pathways to prosperity for Filipino families. Together with government agencies, local government units, and development organizations, CLFI remains committed to breaking barriers, expanding opportunities, and helping build a future where more Filipinos can participate in and benefit from inclusive growth.

Cebuana Lhuillier remains steadfast in its commitment to breaking financial barriers and improving the quality of life of Filipinos through meaningful partnerships and inclusive development initiatives.