The Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) is an ongoing loan and grant program in the Philippines for agriculture and fisheries. From the start of its actual implementation in 2000 up to the present, it has been plagued by numerous problems which significantly derailed the...

Greater financial intermediation has a positive impact on economic development of a country and banks can play a stabilizing role in an era of rising income inequality. Despite numerous models such as priority sector lending, SHG model, Correspondent banking, RRBs, UCBs, etc. the agenda of...

Micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are among the main drivers of economic growth. When the economic crisis hit in 1997, only MSMEs could survive. In addition to being economic drivers, MSMEs are capable of employment and providing a significant contribution to the Gross Domestic...