Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, conducted a Muay Thai Summer Sports Clinic for children at South Signal Village in Taguig City, as part of its Alagang Home corporate citizenship program. This initiative, organized in collaboration with the Scientific Integrated Group of Martial Artists (SIGMA), demonstrates Home Credit’s commitment to community development, especially for the future of the next generation of athletes.
The event empowered 175 underprivileged children in Taguig City and was spearheaded by HCPH Chief Executive Officer David Minol; HCPH Chief Risk Officer Ihor Kruchynenko, and HCPH Head for Collections’ Training, Quality, Complaints, Customer Experience (TQCCE) and ESG, Portia La-ab, alongside SIGMA’s Kru Yai John Derick Ignes and Coach Alex De Jesus.
“Home Credit has always provided Filipinos with access to opportunities, and sports is no exception. With this event, we aimed to instill discipline, respect, sportsmanship, and essential skills in youth from a young age. As they grow older, these values will form a strong foundation for the paths they choose para sa life,” said Portia La-ab, HCPH Head of TQCCE and ESG.
Alagang Home is HCPH’s corporate social responsibility initiative, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through this platform, Home Credit is dedicated to giving back to communities by implementing a range of social good programs and initiatives that contribute to building a better future and empowering Filipinos para sa life.
The Summer Sports Clinic, which began last June 2024 in Taguig City, focused on Muay Thai, a martial art from Thailand that utilizes fists, elbows, knees, and shins to overpower opponents. Beyond physical fitness, Muay Thai teaches children discipline, respect, perseverance, sportsmanship, and many more, which are valuable skills they can use throughout their lives. Additionally, this provides a positive outlet for the youth to steer them clear of negative influences.
The program culminated with championship games and a graduation ceremony, which was attended by HCPH’s executives and Taguig local government representatives. The event showcased the children’s newly acquired Muay Thai skills on demo pads and sparring decks, facilitated by SIGMA instructors. The children were awarded certificates in recognition of their participation.
“With our collaboration with Home Credit, we have inspired more young individuals to pursue a disciplined program like Muay Thai. In my years as an instructor, I have witnessed how Muay Thai has shaped the character of young people and even opened doors to career opportunities. We are deeply grateful to Home Credit Philippines for helping us inspire more children to explore and embrace the art of Muay Thai,” remarked SIGMA’s Kru Yai John Derick Ignes.
SIGMA is the sole representative of the Muay Thai and Muay Boran Sports Association in the Philippines. Founded in 1990, SIGMA is an esteemed institution committed to promoting martial arts across the country, including Muay Thai, Karate, Aikido and Arnis.
“Championing sports fosters discipline and paves the way for success and a brighter future for our youth. At Home Credit, we are committed to supporting the sports communities in Taguig City and will continue to do so moving forward.
This sports clinic was a great experience for all of us, and we are thankful to the local government of Taguig for hosting it. This Muay Thai activity is just one of the initiatives that we’ll implement to contribute to the development of our community, especially to the young generation,” Ihor Kruchynenko, HCPH Chief Risk Officer concluded.
