Rey BelenPopular financial institutions are seen as good partners for big businesses as they grow their enterprise. But often times, not as much helpful to smaller entrepreneurs and countryside micro enterprise. My perception of that changed when I encountered an insurance group giving access to larger micro enterprising Filipinos. Surprisingly, they have been in the industry for more than five decades.
Not only this is good news to many of striving Filipinos in the countryside, but also, another option for them to secure financial aid, when the need arises. With the Country Bankers Insurance Group, there are many options for the micro, small and medium enterprise to insuring their lives and business assets the best way possible, the most affordable way possible. Down to even just P1 (one peso) per day insurance for a person.
Accessible insurances, both for affordability and ease to collect, empowers more Filipinos to trust financial institutions to be part of their way to progress – even for the smallest players in the Philippine economy.
“There have always been challenges that need to be overcome but we remain solid and committed to serving the needs of the common Filipino. Through the years we have proven to be reliable insurers by reaching out to our target market and giving them the insurance that answer their needs,” says Atty. Romeo G. Velasquez, president of Country Bankers Insurance Group (CBIG).
LEGACY OF EMPOWERMENT
Upon Country Bankers Life Insurance Corporation’s (CBLIC) establishment on March 28, 1965, founding president Jose E. Desiderio, Sr., started to address the insurance needs in rural areas, catering to small and medium business entrepreneurs, farmers, fishermen, and public school teachers – a market that had been untapped in the ‘60s.
Country Bankers found its niche as the choice insurance provider in the countryside and allowed rural folks to avail of an affordable, reliable insurance plan that had previously been unavailable to them.
This legacy of accessible insurance to low-income Filipinos has been passed on to the Desiderio family’s third-generation members who are now running the company. At its helm is Geraldine Desiderio-Garcia, senior vice president and general manager of CBIG.
SIMPLE, STRAIGHTFORWARD SERVICE
CBIG has two subsidiaries: Country Bankers Life Insurance Corporation (CBLIC), a life insurance provider, and Country Bankers Insurance Corporation (CBIC), for non-life insurance products. Both have stayed on track in giving Filipinos straightforward and non-intimidating insurance options.
“We have made insurance very simple. While we offer basic insurance products, we try to be as relevant as possible to the market we serve,” says Garcia.
For example, CBIG’s micro-insurance products help educate Filipinos on the benefits of insurance by promoting its value to a broader market. A larger consciousness on the advantages of insurance is instrumental in protecting disadvantaged Filipinos, who face heavier burdens during times of catastrophe and financial distress.
“Insurance helps families cope with life’s challenges by ensuring dreams are fulfilled,” says Garcia, who attributes Country Bankers’ success to the Filipinos’ love for their families and the value they put in education.
For several years now, CBIG continues to develop a wide array of insurance plans that are not only practical and relevant, but also provide the necessary support for plan holders in times of need.
Among these is the Classic Benefit Plan that offers insurance protection up to age 96 and is payable in a three-, five-, seven-, or ten-year period. Alalay sa Buhay (ASB), on the other hand, provides renewable one-year insurance to individuals 13-70 years old for only Php 365, with natural and accidental death benefits. ASB is also available for families and seniors, with ASB family being renewable up to age 70 for principal insured and covers up to 3 to 5 family members for only Php 750 for one unit. ASB for Seniors covers individuals ages 71-80 and offers insurance for one year for only Php 1,000 for one unit.
AN ALLY TO FILIPINOS
CBIG ceaselessly works on ways to innovate its products, to better serve the market it now has, and further expand its reach.
“I want our company to be known as a “company with a heart” and a company that can be relied upon to deliver its commitment. We will continue to deliver what we promise to give,” concludes Garcia.
As CBLIC continues to evolve as a company, it remains true to its core values – sincere, dependable service to farmers, fishermen, small and medium business owners, employees, and teachers, mostly from rural areas. CBIG remains an able ally to Filipinos seeking security for themselves and their families, though its life and nonlife products.
For inquiries please visit us at Country Bankers Centre, 648 T.M. Kalaw, Manila or call us at tel. nos. 523-8611 for life insurance and 524-0621 for nonlife insurance.
Rey Belen
