When I first heard about WAIS by Asialink, I couldn’t help but think of my mom back when we were still in school. She would line up at lending offices with sky-high interest rates — sometimes 10%, 15%, even 20%. It was stressful, but like most moms, she did what she had to do so we could finish our studies. Thankfully, she’s graduated from that chapter now that we’re all done with school, but I know so many hardworking people — especially women with small businesses and blue-collar jobs — who still go through the same struggles.
That’s where WAIS comes in. Unlike traditional loans that are often out of reach, WAIS was created specifically for women entrepreneurs who are usually shut out of formal financing because of rigid requirements or lack of collateral. The best part? Rates start at just 0.99% — not even one percent — with terms of up to 36 months and no post-dated checks required. For women running anything from sari-sari stores to growing companies, this is a game-changer.
In Filipino, the word wais means “smart” — and that’s exactly what this program is about: helping smart, resilient women access fair financing so they can grow their businesses and uplift their communities. With loans of up to ₱20 million, flexible structures, and support tailored for women in all kinds of business setups, WAIS makes funding more inclusive than ever.
Asialink, which already has 250 branches nationwide, has been making waves in MSME financing. In 2024 alone, they disbursed over ₱15.5 billion in loans, with more than three-fourths going to small and medium businesses. This year, they’re aiming for ₱24 billion, backed by partnerships with the International Finance Corp., Asian Development Bank, and even a ₱4-billion investment from Malaysia’s Creador. Big plans are ahead, including a public offering by 2028 — but for now, WAIS feels like one of their most meaningful steps, especially for women who deserve fair chances to succeed.
At the end of the day, WAIS isn’t just about offering loans — it’s about giving women entrepreneurs in the Philippines a fair shot at growth without drowning in impossible interest rates. From sari-sari store owners to corporate leaders, this program opens doors that were once shut because of high lending costs or rigid requirements. With low rates starting at 0.99%, flexible terms, and support that actually understands the realities of running a business, WAIS feels less like another loan product and more like a partner in building brighter futures.
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