Davao City, September 19, 2025 — A new milestone in the Philippine insurance industry was reached with the official launch of Stronghold Takaful, a financial protection program specifically designed for the Muslim community.

This latest service from Stronghold Insurance Company, Inc. highlights the company’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural respect.

“The Philippines is home to diverse cultures and religions. As a general insurance provider, we see it as our obligation to extend the same protection to our Muslim brothers and sisters,” said Romulo I. Delos Reyes Jr., President and General Manager of Stronghold Insurance.

While Takaful—an Islamic insurance system based on mutual cooperation—is widely practiced in Malaysia and Indonesia, it has been slow to develop in the Philippines. With the launch of Stronghold Takaful, the company aims to close this gap and bring Shari’ah-compliant protection to Filipino families and businesses.

What is Takaful?

Derived from the Arabic word meaning “joint guarantee”, Takaful is a model where participants contribute to a shared fund that provides support during times of misfortune.

Stronghold Takaful will initially offer three core products:

• Personal Accident Takaful – financial assistance for accidental injuries, disability, or loss of life, including family benefits.

• Motor Takaful – protection against vehicle damage, theft, and accidents.

• Fire Takaful – coverage for residential, commercial, and industrial properties, with rebuilding support after fire and related risks.

Shari’ah Compliance and Guidance

To ensure authenticity, Stronghold structured its Takaful operations to be fully Shari’ah-compliant, forming a Shari’ah Council composed of respected scholars from the Philippines and neighboring countries. The council provides technical ethical guidance and oversight, ensuring the program aligns with Islamic financial principles.

“By adhering to Shari’ah principles, we can now extend our services to families, businesses, and stakeholders who were previously underserved,” Delos Reyes added.

A Commitment to Inclusion

Clint Lloren, Head of the Takaful Division, said the launch marks a significant step forward in promoting inclusive and ethical financial services for the Muslim community.

“Launching this division mirrors that resilience, navigating regulatory hurdles, built in partnerships, and fostering our shared vision to serve our diverse Filipino communities,” he said. “In our country where diversity is our strength and our Muslim brothers and sisters have long sought financial products aligned to their faith, the introduction of Takaful is transformative,” he added.

Operating under the theme “Takaful for All,” Stronghold’s new program makes ethical, risk-sharing-based insurance accessible to a wider audience — not only to the Muslim community but also to anyone seeking an alternative to conventional insurance.

The launch reflects Stronghold’s guiding principle: “Our bond is with the people and the public.” By embracing the Takaful model — rooted in mutual cooperation, shared responsibility, and transparency — Stronghold is strengthening its promise to serve as a trusted partner for all Filipinos in securing their future.