Test Case: Project Dungganon (A)

Enabling the poor to fight poverty and build a future

This case study provides an overview of Project Dungganon (PD), which was launched by the Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation, Inc. (NWTF) in 1989.

PD aims to provide loans, savings and other products such as microinsurance for the poor to create opportunities for self-employment and self-development, encourage the poor to aspire for a better life and liberate them from dependence on moneylenders. PD started its program with site selection and formation of groups of members who formed a center. Center discipline was maintained through initial training, regular meetings and a sound monitoring mechanism. PD's mission is to enable the hard-core poor through:

Innovative credit and savings schemes;
Socio-cultural development programs and services;
Hard work and the commitment of human resources;
Organizational culture that promotes concern, trust, and teamwork, where competence and performance are greatly rewarded;
Development of the professional and personal welfare of every staff.

In the 18 years since its inception, NWTF has undergone changes, and become one of the biggest MFIs in the country. Project Dungganon started with four branches in 1989. It further expanded its branch network in 1991 and 1997.