Examining the Effects of Microfinance Services on Women's Economic Empowerment in Calauan, Laguna, 2025

Date

6-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Ruby Jane C. Estadilla

Committee Member

Geny F. Lapiña, Maria Angeles O. Catelo

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Abstract

Microfinance institutions recognize empowerment as part of their key goals when providing financial services to their members. This study aimed to assess the effects of microfinance services on the economic empowerment of women in Calauan, Laguna. Specifically, it intends to (1) characterize members and non-members of microfinance institutions in Calauan, Laguna; (2) describe the microfinance services and operations of ASHI, Inc. and CARD, Inc; (3) compare the level of economic empowerment of members and non-members of microfinance institutions in Calauan, Laguna; (4) determine the factors affecting economic empowerment; (5) examine the effects of microfinance services on women’s economic empowerment and; (6) provide recommendations on areas for improvement in supporting women’s economic empowerment based on the results of the study.

The results of the study were based on the data obtained from 105 MFI and non-MFI members which were systematically sampled in three barangays of Calauan namely Balayhangin, Lamot 2, and Sto. Tomas. Secondary data was also used from journals and articles to further explain the economic empowerment of women. The study also analyzed the economic empowerment of women through descriptive statistics, binary logit regression analysis, and spearman’s correlation.

The study found that out of all the financial services, microinsurance and microsavings were the most utilized, while training services were the least availed. Moreover, the perceived effects of microcredit and microinsurance are positively correlated with women’s economic empowerment as shown in Spearman’s correlation results. The economic empowerment scores of the MFI and non-MFI members also show that MFI members scored slightly higher than the non-MFI members in the financial independence and perception on women’s economic role category. However, non-MFI members scored higher in access to resources, and both groups were equal in the decision-making power. While slight variation exists, the statistical analysis indicates that the median differences are not significant. This suggests that access to microfinance services alone does not necessarily translates to higher level of economic empowerment as it needs to be combined with training and efforts to change social norms. However, MFI membership, marital status, and income were significant variables for economic empowerment based on the binary logit analysis. Additionally, chosen members who were interviewed has expressed positive perceptions of microfinance such as assisting them in sustaining their household activities, enabling them to pay for utilities and education, and having the opportunity to invest in small businesses.

Language

English

LC Subject

Microfinance—Philippines, Women—Finance, Personal

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2025 A14 P335

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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