
What to know about this Lending Partner
Kiva conducts regular, ongoing monitoring of all Lending Partners, but only posts status updates here in response to relevant, major changes at the partner.
Status Update - March 17, 2022
Kiva and ASKI have agreed to end their partnership after 13 years and more than $18m in loans raised. This partner has repaid its outstanding balance to Kiva in full, and these funds have been distributed to lenders. We thank ASKI for the years of collaboration and wish them success in their future endeavors.
August 6, 2020 - COVID-19 Update:
Kiva has been in contact with ASKI to understand how we can best support their business and borrowers during the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all staff, borrowers and their families as this global pandemic continues.
While country-specific responses to the crisis vary, most governments have imposed curfews, travel restrictions, and nation-wide shutdowns. The Philippines has imposed temporary moratoriums on loan payments, affecting not only microfinance, but the economy as a whole.
As a result, borrowers and ASKI may experience difficulty making and collecting loan repayments due to the aforementioned restrictions or fallout effects of the virus. Over the coming months, it’s possible that lenders will see a delay in repayments and new loans posted by ASKI. As an impact-first funder, Kiva is committed to serving our Lending Partners, as in past crises. We are sympathetic to temporary increases in repayment delays and delinquency in order to help Lending Partners and borrower communities recover.
Kiva is working closely with ASKI to support them and their borrowers through the COVID-19 crisis. ASKI is sending regular updates to Kiva, and we'll update Partner Pages as we learn more.
On behalf of Kiva and ASKI, we’re grateful for your continued support through this difficult time.
Status update - January 23, 2018
Kiva recently re-assessed the level of risk associated with loans from this Lending Partner. During this process, our analysts gathered updated operational and financial information about the institution, spoke with key members of the staff and analyzed the Lending Partner’s loan products. As a result, ASKI's risk rating is now listed as 2.5 stars instead of 4 stars. The primary reason for this change in rating is due to a deterioration in ASKI's financial health. We will continue to monitor the situation to support this Lending Partner and will update our assessment accordingly.
Partner description:
Alalay sa Kaunlaran, Inc. (ASKI) is a non-profit organization based in the Philippines that aims to relieve poverty and unemployment by promoting micro-enterprise development.The organization started by reaching out to small business owners who had no access to credit. Over time, it expanded its reach to provide non-financial services to clients, and eventually grow into what it is today: a byword of eco-social development in Central Luzon and nearby regions.
ASKI opened its doors in 1987 to promote the development of micro- and small-to-medium enterprises and the delivery of social services. Beginning on a small playing field in Cabanatuan City, it has since branched out into other provinces in Central Luzon and adjacent regions.
From a handful of loans services, ASKI’s offerings have diversified into capacity building, other cooperative arrangements and health and insurance programs, money transfers and more.
ASKI fulfills its social mission by doing community development work and providing outreach programs. Some of these programs include scholarships for students, sponsorship of day care centers, a food program for children, health services for senior citizens, relief for typhoon victims, and donations to other charitable organizations in the area.