Empowering Women MSMEs: How Automated Tao Machines Are Transforming Livelihood Programs in Banking

A group of determined mothers from the remote mining community of Surigao del Norte has found a way to bring banking services closer to their village.

By utilizing BDO Unibank's Cash Agad program, these women have created an opportunity for financial inclusion and business growth in a previously underserved area. Their journey shows that even in the most isolated parts of the Philippines, women can lead meaningful change and inspire others to do the same.

The Formation of the Siana Golden Mothers: The Siana Golden Mothers Association, based in Barangay Siana, Mainit, Surigao del Norte, consists of mothers who are recipients of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). While they were reliant on the 4Ps support, the association’s members were eager to explore ways to improve their livelihoods and establish themselves as independent entrepreneurs.

The Spark of Change: In 2018, a local mining company extended its help to community-based livelihood initiatives. Minda Ajoc, a dedicated mother with experience assisting barangay nurses, joined forces with fellow mothers to form the Siana Golden Mothers Association. They initially embarked on simple livelihood projects like pig farming. Their entrepreneurial spirit led them to explore becoming Cash Agad agents, a service offered by BDO Unibank to provide banking services in areas with limited access to traditional banks.

Cash Agad: Bringing Financial Services to the Grassroots: Cash Agad is designed to provide basic banking services to rural areas, where ATM machines and bank branches are often scarce. As Cash Agad agents, the Siana Golden Mothers have become the go-to point for their community, offering services like cash withdrawals, balance checks, deposits, and bill payments.

This collaboration not only provided the community with essential financial services but also gave the Siana Golden Mothers a sustainable income. Additionally, they began offering services such as photocopying and remittance, further enhancing their business and supporting local needs.

Women Empowerment in Surigao del Norte: The Siana Golden Mothers Association has become a leading force for positive change in Barangay Siana. By taking charge of their livelihood and becoming agents of financial inclusion, these women have improved the lives of many in their community. Their entrepreneurial journey has inspired others and demonstrated the impact women can have when given access to the right opportunities.

A Vital Resource for Barangay Siana: Minda Ajoc shared the benefits of Cash Agad, saying, “Malaking tulong sa amin ang Cash Agad, lalo na’t malayo kami sa city. Madami itong natulungan at nabigyan ng access sa kanilang pera. Nakakatulong ito na mai-angat namin ang aming komunidad.” (Cash Agad has been a huge help, especially since we are far from the city. It has provided many people with access to their money. It has helped us uplift our community).

For BDO, the Cash Agad initiative aligns with its mission to foster financial inclusion, particularly for women in remote regions of Mindanao. Jaime Nasol, Senior Vice President of BDO’s Consumer Banking Group, stated, “Our partnership with the Siana Golden Mothers Association embodies BDO’s commitment to supporting grassroots communities, especially women, who play a pivotal role in local development. Through Cash Agad, we aim to bring essential financial services to remote areas, empowering individuals and organizations to grow their businesses and drive community progress.”

The Future of Financial Inclusion: With the Siana Golden Mothers continuing to grow and expand their business, BDO’s partnership with Cash Agad — which now includes over 12,000 agents — is exploring further ways to support similar initiatives. The goal is to ensure more communities across the Philippines can access crucial financial services, building a foundation for long-term financial security and economic stability.

The success of the Siana Golden Mothers demonstrates the transformative power of women entrepreneurs and the critical role accessible financial services play in community development. Through Cash Agad, these women have turned small-scale ventures into thriving businesses, contributing to both their personal success and the betterment of their community. With initiatives like Cash Agad, BDO continues to show that financial inclusion is achievable, no matter how far removed a community may be from traditional banking services.