PHL Embassy orients Laos students on microfinance

Philippine officials in Laos oriented 28 graduating students from the Social Development Department of the National University of Laos on microfinancing. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Xuyen Thi Dangers, a social worker and a graduate of the University of the Philippines, organized the visit on May 20. "In her welcome address, Ambassador Marilyn Alarilla highlighted the shared interests of the visiting students and the Filipinos on several social issues such as women's rights, children's rights, volunteerism and community service and sustainable development," the DFA said in a news release. The speaker on microfinance was Marilyn Manila, the Country Representative for Laos of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development-Mutually Reinforcing Institutions International (CARD-MRI International). Manila informed the Lao students that microfinance is considered as a social enterprise because micro credit and social support services are for people with low incomes. Meanwhile, Alarilla informed the Lao students of Philippine institutions fostering social development, particularly the Asian Social Institute (ASI). The ASI is a Manila-based graduate school which trains social development managers for Asia and the Pacific. Protocol Officer Sarah Erer and Cultural Officer Mario Mayo presented audio video materials including a slideshow presentation on the history, cultural heritage, and tourism sites of the Philippines. - VVP, GMA News