CLIMBS Takaful Journey: In Service of Inclusive Protection and Faith-Aligned Insurance

CLIMBS Advances Takaful Insurance with the Support of the Insurance Commission and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

In a historic move toward inclusive, values-based financial protection, CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative formally introduced the development of its Takaful Program, a cooperative-based Islamic insurance model rooted in the principles of mutual aid and Shariah compliance.

On June 23, CLIMBS proudly presented the official launch of the Takaful Program during a courtesy visit to the Insurance Commission—a significant step in aligning the initiative with regulatory standards and gaining the Commission’s support for its faith-aligned framework. This engagement highlighted CLIMBS’ commitment to innovation in cooperative insurance and its efforts to create more inclusive financial solutions for underserved sectors.

The momentum continued on June 24, when CLIMBS visited the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) to further engage key stakeholders in the development of the Takaful Program. The cooperative was warmly received by Director Saleha P. Sacar, JD of the Bureau of Muslim Economic Affairs, Mr. Almojin D. Pandapatan, Chief of the Cooperative Division, and Ms. Aleah Marabur, Chief of the Manpower Development and Skills Training Division.

The CLIMBS leadership was joined by respected experts and consultants who are shaping the foundation of the program:

• Prof. Ezamshah Ismail, Global Takaful expert and Chair of the CLIMBS Shariah Board
• Dr. Sarafuddin Abdul Syahid Sowell, from Ittizan Consulting, offering strategic and technical input
• Prof. Maharlika Alonto, a Filipino Muslim and CLIMBS consultant, who played a vital role in facilitating the dialogue with NCMF and in guiding the cultural and religious integration of the Takaful roadmap.

This two-day engagement with both regulatory and community partners reflects CLIMBS’ holistic approach—ensuring that the Takaful Program is both Shariah-compliant and community-driven, while aligned with national policies and cooperative principles.

By bridging regulatory support and grassroots consultation, CLIMBS is paving the way for an inclusive, culturally respectful, and empowering insurance model for Muslim Filipinos.

As the cooperative movement evolves, CLIMBS remains steadfast in its mission: to protect lives, uphold dignity, and provide financial security for all—regardless of faith—through mutual cooperation and innovation.