BUENOS AIRES, 15 November 2024

The ICMIF Biennial Conference highlighted transformative partnerships during the session "Partnerships to create more resilient businesses". Featuring Dr. Aris Alip, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of CARD MRI (Philippines), and Lorenzo Chan Jr., President and CEO of Pioneer Group (Philippines), focusing on examples from ICMIF members that have built partnerships to balance financial performance with risk management and measurable sustainability impact. The session highlighted practical commitments and strategies that drive meaningful action across key strategic areas, showcasing how embedding resilience into a holistic approach can accelerate the transition to a net-zero future. 

Moderated by Shaun Tarbuck, Chief Executive of ICMIF (United Kingdom), the session celebrated the CARD Pioneer partnership, which has reached 30 million Filipinos—27% of the population—with accessible insurance solutions. The partnership emphasizes fast claims processing, trust, and grassroots-driven distribution, supported by an extensive network of offices and volunteers. 

Dr. Alip highlighted the crucial role of grassroots women in promoting and validating claims. Chan shared insights on adapting to crises, including doubling coverage during COVID-19 without raising premiums. Both Aris and Lorenzo stressed the importance of shared values, mutual trust, and decisive decision-making to serve underserved and disadvantaged communities. "We have proven that commercial insurance companies and mutuals can work together. This partnership works because we leverage our financial strength, and they leverage their expertise. This is the reason why it became very successful," said Dr. Alip. This trust laid the foundation for long-term collaboration and mutual benefit. 

The session also spotlighted the book "Covering Nanay: The Philippine Microinsurance Journey", a book that has become an invaluable resource in sharing key lessons, including the importance of ownership by communities, the central role of women in the process, and the need for continuous innovation.  

"Covering Nanay: The Philippine Microinsurance Journey" is available for order on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Covering-Nanay-Philippine-Microinsurance-Journey/dp/B0DJ3JYFBK.