Through the WAIS Loan product, Asialink Finance Corporation aims to narrow the financing gap for women entrepreneurs in the Philippines. The company has appointed Jolina Magdangal as the ambassador for its Women’s Access to Inclusive Support (WAIS) loan, highlighting its commitment to empowering women in the medium, small, and micro enterprises (MSME) sector. This announcement follows a significant increase in WAIS Loan disbursements, which rose from ₱10 million at launch to ₱525 million, indicating strong demand for financing solutions tailored for women-led MSMEs. President and CEO Samuel Cariño emphasized the importance of this financial aid in promoting inclusive economic development, stating that the partnership with Jolina is crucial for enhancing the impact and visibility of the WAIS Loan, enabling more Filipina entrepreneurs to access necessary capital, expand their businesses, create jobs, and contribute to national progress.
Launched in July with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), WAIS enables women entrepreneurs to borrow up to ₱20 million, contingent upon collateral and repayment terms. Rates start at 0.99%, with flexible repayment options of up to 60 months without the need for post-dated checks.
Since its pilot, the program has reached 1,025 women entrepreneurs nationwide, with an average loan size of ₱500,000 per borrower, providing capital to expand businesses in various industries, including retail, services, and agribusiness. The surge in demand affirms the capacity of women-led MSMEs to drive progress and the need for financial tools that enable them to thrive.
Jolina Magdangal, a multi-talented actress and singer who has also ventured into business, is widely recognized as a relatable voice for Filipina women. Her partnership with WAIS aims to inspire more women to pursue entrepreneurship with confidence.
Seeing what the WAIS Loan has accomplished in such a short time is truly inspiring. It proves that when women are given access to the right financial tools, they can turn ideas into businesses and businesses into livelihoods,” said Jolina Magdangal.
“I’m honored to be part of this movement to encourage more Filipinas to take that step with confidence, dream bigger, and create a lasting impact for their families, communities, and the economy.”
The success of WAIS is part of Asialink Finance Corporation’s strong performance this year. By July and August 2025, the company had already disbursed approximately ₱1 billion in total loans across its portfolio, reflecting the growing confidence of Filipino entrepreneurs in its flexible and accessible financial solutions. Women-owned MSMEs now comprise 57% of Asialink’s portfolio, spanning industries ranging from retail and services to agribusiness, underscoring their significant role in driving local enterprises.
Through WAIS, Asialink is further expanding women’s access to capital nationwide. With tailored loan products and advocates like Jolina, the company continues to help women unlock growth, scale their businesses, and contribute to inclusive economic development.
“The success of WAIS and the trust of our MSME clients nationwide inspire us to keep creating financial solutions that help Filipinos grow their businesses and uplift their communities,” emphasized Cariño. “Moving forward, we aim to reach more women entrepreneurs, equipping them with the right financial tools as they shape a better future.”
To know more about the WAIS loan and other Asialink products, visit https://asialinkfinance.com.ph now!
