ASHI Hosted First-Ever Inter-MFI Basketball League

April 10–11, 2026

The spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship came alive as Ahon sa Hirap Inc. (ASHI) proudly hosted the first-ever Inter-MFI Basketball League on April 10–11, 2026. This landmark two-day event brought together eight Microfinance Institutions (MFIs): K-Coop, ASA Philippines Foundation, Inc., Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF), Tulay sa Pag-unlad, Inc. (TSPI), CARD MRI Rizal Bank, Inc. (CMRBI), Taytay sa Kauswagan, Inc. (TSKI), Kabalikat para sa Maunlad na Buhay, Inc. (KMBI), and ASHI, along with a guest partner, Hybrid Social Solutions, Inc. (HSSI). The event marked a historic milestone in strengthening collaboration within the microfinance community.

The event opened with an atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation. Participants and guests were warmly welcomed by the MFI Executive Director, Allan Rober Sikat, and officially greeted by the ASHI President, Mercedes Abad, setting a positive and energetic tone for the competition.

One of the highlights of Day 1 was the much-awaited Best Muse and Escort segment. Showcasing creativity, confidence, and team pride, each MFI presented their representatives with flair. Emerging as the crowd favorite, Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF) proudly took home the title of Best Muse and Escort.

The games officially kicked off with a thrilling knockout round, where teams battled it out with determination and teamwork. Advancing to the semi-finals were K-Coop, HSSI, TSPI, and NWTF. The intensity of the matches kept the audience on edge, as only the top four teams secured their spots for Day 2.

The second day continued the high-energy competition, culminating in an exciting championship match. After a series of hard-fought games, KCoop emerged victorious, narrowly defeating HSSI with a final score of 105–103, and was crowned as the champion of the first Inter-MFI Basketball League.

Other Awards:

• Best in Uniform: K-Coop

• Most Valuable Player (MVP): Gerrie Mae Gregorio (K-Coop Staff)

Mythical Five:

• Aries Iglesias – K-Coop

• Renzo Ezekiel – K-Coop

• Gerrie Mae Gregorio – K-Coop

• King Ignacio – HSSI

• Monroe Trapalgar – HSSI

  
  

More than just a sporting event, the league fostered unity, teamwork, and mutual respect among participating institutions. It served as a reminder that beyond financial empowerment, MFIs can also build strong relationships through shared experiences and healthy competition.

ASHI extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participating MFIs, partners, organizers, and supporters who made this pioneering event a resounding success. With the overwhelming enthusiasm and positive response, this initiative sets the stage for even bigger and better inter-MFI engagements in the future.