SANTO DOMINGO - The Popular Association of Savings and Loans (APAP) highlighted that at the close of 2024 the entity's mortgage portfolio amounted to RD$54,608 million pesos, generating a positive impact on more than 21,000 Dominican families, explained Gustavo Ariza, executive president.
According to the report, 93% of mortgage loans granted were for first-time homebuyers, 65% of whom were previously renters. This access to homeownership directly transforms the well-being of these families.
"With these values, we reaffirm our commitment to financial sustainability and social inclusion through a comprehensive strategy that promotes access to housing, continuing education, and business strengthening, particularly for SMEs," Ariza emphasized.
Among the main indicators shown, the financial entity detailed that 55% of APAP's total clients are women; this segment maintains a remarkable delinquency rate of only 1.19%, demonstrating a high level of financial commitment.
In this same vein, 54% of mortgage disbursements had a woman as the main debtor, demonstrating APAP's commitment to women's economic empowerment.
Likewise, 40% of the loans were allocated to low-cost housing, and 32% benefited young people aged 35 or younger.
Ariza highlighted that, as part of its initiatives, APAP, in partnership with the Barna Business School and the Center for Development and Strengthening of SMEs, developed a training scheme designed to offer advice and technical support to small and medium-sized enterprises, fundamental pillars of the Dominican economy.
In the educational sphere, the financial institution promotes the SOMOS Continuing Education Program, through which it has awarded 400 scholarships to clients to pursue studies at universities such as PUCMM, UNIBE, APEC, and INTEC. This program demonstrates the institution's commitment to its business relationships with its savings partners and clients. Of these beneficiaries, 70% have completed their academic programs, strengthening their skills and enhancing their professional opportunities.
The financial institution also reported that in 2024 it allocated 126 million pesos for social investment projects aimed at developing initiatives that generate value in the communities where APAP operates.
