16 global microinsurance executives, regulators to learn from Pioneer Insurance
Sixteen insurance executives, regulators, and market practitioners representing 10 countries came to the Philippines to learn about microinsurance practices from Pioneer Insurance as the company hosts the Microinsurance Master 2026, a global accelerator program focused on improving financial inclusion.
The Microinsurance Master program begins with a two-week immersion at Pioneer and is followed by three months of follow-up with industry leaders to help participants leverage their priorities and accelerate their careers. It includes classroom learning, immersion, and professional mentoring designed to deepen their understanding of inclusive insurance models and increase coverage for the underserved and underserved.
The Philippines has become a regular destination for international programming. Since Pioneer is recognized as the global standard for microinsurance, it was the chosen manager of the Microinsurance Master program in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2024, before accepting another batch this year. This year’s team includes participants from Belgium, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, France, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, United Kingdom and Zambia.
Over the years, Pioneer has already inspired more than 150 decision makers in 48 countries.
Microinsurance Master founder Bert Opdebeeck says, “We are excited to return to Pioneer Insurance. What makes their microinsurance journey so impressive is how they always put their customers at the center of every decision while building strong partnerships.”
Pioneer Insurance Group Head and Founder of CARD Pioneer Microinsurance, Inc. (CPMI) Lorenzo Chan welcomed the delegates and emphasized the importance of social immersion and customer focus in designing products that truly meet the needs of the underserved.
“People will say you don’t know what it’s like to be in someone’s shoes unless you walk in their shoes. To better serve our market, we encourage our Small Claims Insurance Team to go live with our customers,” said Mr. Chan.
Following this approach, the participants of the Microinsurance Master are scheduled to participate in a community immersion in Pampanga to meet the families of farmers who have benefited from CPMI products. Field visits will also be held in microinsurance areas, including CARD MRI centers, Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop, SM Business Center, and Motortrade stores, giving them a closer look at how inclusive insurance solutions reach low-income communities.
Mr. Chan added that Pioneer continues to pursue both sustainability and social impact through its work in microinsurance.
“We want to combine profit and purpose without losing the vision of whait’s important,” he said.
Meanwhile, Melinda Grace Labao, President and CEO of CARD Pioneer Microinsurance, Inc. (CPMI), expressed gratitude to other financial integration promoters who visited the Philippines to participate in the program, challenging them to approach the program with an open mind and spirit of cooperation.
“Together, with cooperation and a shared purpose, we can continue to extend protection to those who need it most,” said Ms. Labao. “Together, we can strengthen relationships, scale responsibly, and push the boundaries of what is possible in financial inclusion.”
With Microinsurance Master 2026, Pioneer continues to inspire action by sharing firsthand insights into how microinsurance programs are designed, deployed, and delivered to communities. By opening its doors to a global workforce, Pioneer aims to strengthen collaboration and encourage replication of its success for underserved populations around the world.
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