PASIG CITY — Financial inclusion took center stage at the inaugural Pasig City Micro Finance Summit, where Global Dominion Financing, Inc. (Global Dominion) showcased its flagship programs designed to uplift grassroots entrepreneurs and transit workers.
Organized by the Pasig City Local Economic Development and Investment Office (LEDIO), the summit served as a bridge connecting local micro-entrepreneurs, transport workers, banks, cooperatives, and financing institutions. Representing Global Dominion, Business Development Head Mark Billante underscored the critical need for robust structural support for small businesses.
Billante highlighted the massive economic footprint of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Citing 2023 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), he pointed out that MSMEs account for a staggering 99.63 percent of all business establishments in the Philippines. Furthermore, these enterprises generate over 6.35 million jobs, employing nearly 67 percent of the national workforce.
Despite their economic weight, many small business owners and transport workers remain locked out of formal credit systems. Lacking traditional collateral or established credit histories, entrepreneurs frequently turn to high-interest informal lenders. Similarly, transport workers face strict barriers due to their irregular, day-to-day income.
To bridge this financing gap, Global Dominion presented two specialized initiatives:
• GLOW (Giving Limitless Opportunities to Women): A dedicated financing program that empowers female entrepreneurs with both capital and strategic business mentorship.
• Ka-Partner Academy: An educational platform offering practical business and financial literacy training.
In line with Global Dominion’s commitment to community growth, the educational modules for both the Ka-Partner Academy and GLOW are accessible to the public completely free of charge, with no borrowing requirement.
For business owners poised for expansion, Billante highlighted the company’s collateral-based loan options. Through the “Sangla OR/CR” program, vehicle owners can secure working capital using only their vehicle’s Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration. This structure allows drivers and operators to keep using their vehicles for daily operations while accessing needed funds. Additionally, Global Dominion offers collateral-backed business loans tailored to fund equipment upgrades and new inventory.
“When we help a small business grow, we also protect the jobs and incomes of the families who depend on it,” Billante said. “With GLOW and Ka-Partner Academy, we want to light the way forward for them, whether that means a loan to expand or the know-how to manage and sustain what they have built.”
During the open forum, Felicidario offered actionable insights on identifying the right time for business expansion. She explained that consistent positive financial growth is a clear indicator that a business is ready to scale. To maintain financial health, she urged entrepreneurs to maintain a strict separation between personal and business funds, while emphasizing the importance of regular record-keeping to detect and mitigate potential issues early on.
Samuel Cariño, President and CEO of Global Dominion, thanked the Pasig City government and LEDIO for the opportunity. “Global Dominion has always seen itself as a partner in the growth of Filipino entrepreneurs, and we look forward to working with more of Pasig’s business owners and transport workers,” he said.
For Global Dominion, participating in the summit alongside traditional banks and cooperatives is central to its strategy of reaching underserved business owners. Because many micro-entrepreneurs and transport workers do not meet the strict requirements of conventional lending institutions, events like this allow the company to connect with them directly and explain its financial solutions in clear, accessible terms.
“Being in the same room as banks, cooperatives, and the city government shows entrepreneurs that they have more than one partner they can turn to,” Cariño said. “Our commitment is to be Ka-Partner Mo sa Pag-Angat (Your Partner in Growth), and that starts with showing up where our clients are.”
Individuals and community groups interested in GLOW or Ka-Partner Academy may visit gdfi.com.ph or the nearest Global Dominion branch to learn more.
