Saklaw Foundation, Inc., which originated from Catholic Relief Services (CRS) of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan came into existence on July 17, 2000 as a nonstock, non-profit organization with the commitment of enhancing the poor in their livelihood endeavors. In 2012, SFI amended its Article of Incorporation and By-Laws to operate both as a Microfinance-NGO and foundation as mandated by R.A. 8425 otherwise known as a Social Reform and Poverty Alleviation Act and R. A. 10693 known as Microfinance NGO’s Act. Saklaw Foundation, Inc. was established to continue the social mission of Catholic Relief Service (CRS) and VACI. The mission to address the problem of chronic economic poverty in the pastoral environment of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan. From the moral standpoint of SFI, poverty dehumanizes human beings. The dignity of families is being trampled because of poverty. But for SFI the poor cannot and never expect dole outs. The anti-poverty commitment for the poor must be transcended from charity to sustainability (systematic helping relationships). The solution to poverty must go to its roots. The poor must be allowed to exercise their freedom to lift themselves out of poverty provided they are given opportunities, like land, housing, capacity building, valueformation and capitalization. The existence of informal economy proves that the poor has the capacity and spirit of entrepreneurship to cross the border of poverty. Poor can be productive. That is why, after the Catholic Relief Services terminated its anti-poverty program for VACI in 1999 Bishop Warlito Cajandig allowed Fr. Jim Ruga upon his return from masteral studies at AIM to continue the mission. Through the dynamic guidance and vibrant support from Peoples Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC), SFI became stable, sustainable and self-supporting institution that serves the entrepreneurial poor. And the rest is history.