Naprey Almario (right), one of Cebuana Lhuillier’s top-performing Authorized Agents in Mindanao, turned a pandemic setback into a thriving business, bringing financial services closer to his community.
Across the Philippines, more than 30,000 Cebuana Lhuillier Authorized Agents are strengthening local communities by transforming neighborhood businesses into trusted financial hubs that provide convenient access to essential financial services. Through remittances, bills payment, bank transfers, insurance, e-load, and other financial services, these community-based businesses are meeting everyday financial needs while unlocking new revenue streams.
"Our Authorized Agents show how entrepreneurship can make a real difference in people's lives," said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. "When local businesses grow, they create opportunities for their communities and help bring essential financial services closer to more Filipinos."
One of the many Filipinos whose livelihood was transformed is Naprey Almario, a teacher, business owner, and advocate for persons with disabilities (PWDs) from Davao City. When the pandemic forced his travel agency to suspend operations, he suddenly lost his primary source of livelihood and began searching for a new way to support his family.
"During the pandemic, travel was restricted, so my main source of income completely stopped," Naprey recalled. "I had to pivot and find ways to survive. That's when I decided to become a Cebuana Lhuillier Authorized Agent."
Instead of simply recovering financially, Naprey built his business around what his community needed most.
"I noticed there was only one bill payment center in our area," he said. "When you start a business, you should first look at what your community needs. That's the service you should provide."
Starting with bills payment, Naprey steadily expanded his offerings as Cebuana Lhuillier entrusted him with more products and services. Today, his outlet provides domestic and international remittances, insurance, e-load, and other everyday financial solutions, making it a trusted one-stop financial hub for the community.
As his business continued to grow, he was recognized as one of the top PeraLink Retail Agents in Mindanao in terms of sales and transactions. His inspiring journey also made him a finalist in Cebuana Lhuillier's Happiest Pinoy 2025, the company's flagship search that honors Filipinos whose stories exemplify resilience, purpose, and compassion.
For Naprey, the partnership meant more than business growth. "When I applied for Happiest Pinoy, I shared how becoming a Cebuana Lhuillier Authorized Agent saved me during the pandemic," he said. "While travel was on hold, it became my source of income. It literally saved me. It wasn't just about the financial aspect. Even my mental health improved. From being stuck at home with nothing to do, I had something to focus on again. It helped me move forward."
For Philippe Andre Lhuillier, Senior Executive Vice President of Cebuana Lhuillier, Naprey's story highlights the strength of the company's Authorized Agent network. "We are committed to helping our partners grow by continuously expanding our ecosystem of financial services and providing reliable support. Their success reflects the strength of a partnership built for long-term growth."
Today, Naprey continues to grow Almario Ticketing Office and Laundry Shop while also balancing his roles as a teacher, entrepreneur, and an advocate. Through his journey, he hopes to inspire fellow entrepreneurs to build businesses around the needs of their communities, showing that even a modest investment can create sustainable opportunities while making essential financial services more accessible to all.
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