BanKo celebrates entrepreneurial moms

this Mother’s Day

BPI Direct BanKo, Inc., A Savings Bank (BanKo), the microfinance arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), highlights the resilience and determination of Filipino mothers who are transforming their families’ futures through entrepreneurship, one business at a time.

For over two decades, Madelyn Nayre of Barangay Matam-is, Baybay City, Leyte has embodied what it means to be both a nurturing mother and a driven entrepreneur. Starting with a modest sari-sari store at home, Madelyn steadily grew her livelihood while raising three children with her husband, Ranilo.

Her journey with BanKo began with a Php 50,000 loan, which she used to expand her store’s inventory. As demand grew, she secured a second loan of Php 200,000, this time investing in a new opportunity: lumber trading. Recognizing the need for reliable delivery, Madelyn strategically acquired a mini dump truck, allowing her to fulfill orders efficiently and serve more customers.

Today, her businesses—LYNLYN Sari-Sari Store and MAUI Cocolumber and Furniture Trading—have flourished. She now operates from a permanent location in Barangay Imelda, employs 15 workers, and has become a trusted supplier of lumber in Baybay City and nearby municipalities. Recently, she has also expanded into selling hollow blocks, further strengthening her role in her community’s local economy.

More importantly, Madelyn’s entrepreneurial journey has uplifted her family’s quality of life. With her steady income, she continues to support her children’s education, currently in Grades 11, 9, and 6, while providing a stable and comfortable home.

“Hindi lang negosyo ang naitayo namin, kundi isang mas maayos na kinabukasan para sa aming pamilya,” Madelyn shared. “Bilang isang ina, ang pinakaimportante sa akin ay ang maitaguyod ang pangarap ng aking mga anak.”

BanKo’s NegosyoKo loan products—ranging from Php 5,000 to Php 500,000—are designed to empower microentrepreneurs like Madelyn by providing accessible financing tailored to their needs. Through these loans, clients are able to start, sustain, and scale their businesses, ultimately creating meaningful impact in their households and communities.

In 2025, BanKo disbursed over Php 23.7 billion in loans, helping fuel grassroots enterprises and drive local economic growth. Since 2016, it has supported more than 400,000 entrepreneurs nationwide. Notably, 68% of these are women, many of them mothers, who run their own businesses to provide for their families.

“Sa likod ng bawat umuunlad na negosyo ay isang kuwento ng sakripisyo, tiyaga, at pagmamahal—mga katangiang tunay na sumasalamin sa napakaraming nanays,” said Rod Mabiasen, Jr., President of BanKo. “At BanKo, we are proud to support these women by providing them with the financial tools they need to grow their businesses and uplift their families. We celebrate the strength, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of mothers who are paving the way for a better future for the next generation.”

As BanKo continues to advance financial inclusion, it remains committed to empowering more Filipinos to turn their aspirations into reality, demonstrating how the right support can transform lives and uplift communities.

To learn more, visit the BanKo website, or follow BanKo on Facebook.