Davao City entrepreneur among top Mindanao agents in Cebuana Lhuillier network

A Davao City teacher and entrepreneur whose travel agency stopped operating during the Covid-19 pandemic has become one of the top retail agents in Mindanao for micro-financial institution Cebuana Lhuillier, according to the Daily Tribune.

Naprey Almario, who is also an advocate for persons with disabilities, joined the company's authorized agent program to find another source of income while travel was on hold. He first opened a bills payment outlet, saying his area lacked payment centers, then expanded into domestic and international remittances, micro-insurance and other retail services.

His business, the Almario Ticketing Office and Laundry Shop, became one of the top agents in Mindanao by sales and transactions. The achievement also made him a finalist in the company's Happiest Pinoy search.

"While travel was on hold, it became my source of income," Almario said. He added that running the business gave him financial stability and a structured daily routine during the economic downturn.

Cebuana Lhuillier reported that it now has more than 30,000 authorized agents nationwide. Under the program, small business owners offer remittances, utility bill payments, bank transfers, micro-insurance and mobile loading alongside their main business. The company says this gives owners extra income and brings basic financial services to underserved areas.

Cebuana Lhuillier president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier said the agents show "how entrepreneurship can make a real difference in people's lives." Senior executive vice president Philippe Andre Lhuillier said the company remains committed to supporting partner businesses by expanding its digital and retail ecosystem.

Company executives said the agent model supports financial inclusion by using existing neighbourhood businesses to deliver basic financial services to residents.