News and Features Stories

Posted on February 3, 2025 Written by Josephine Ramos Nestor Barraca is a junk shop owner from  Batangas who has been collecting scraps like cardboard for more than half of his life. “It was worthwhile,” said 64-year-old Nestor Barraca Sr. from San Jose, Batangas, recalling his journey before he attained a thriving junkshop business. With nothing but a bicycle and sheer determination, Nestor began collecting scraps in 1982. Nestor, originally from Quezon, was encouraged by his cousin to work at a sari-sari store in Batangas at 17. When he turnedRead More »Starting Small, Reaching Big

Posted on: January 17, 2025 Written by: Josephine M. Ramos   Huganda Cister showcases her dried fish business, reaching customers in Manila and overseas. As an elementary graduate, Huganda Cister, 50, holds a deep passion for ensuring that her long-held dream of completing education becomes a reality; even if she could not achieve it for herself, she is focused on ensuring that her children can accomplish what she could not. Huganda was born in Santiago Island, a small island in Bolinao, Pangasinan. As the second of the 13 siblings, sheRead More »A Mother’s Mission

Posted on January 2, 2025 Written by Loigie Onda   GO INCLUSIVITY! Maria Elizabeth Sillano, director of “Teoryang Ako” by KCOOP explains the importance of inclusion in moving the marginalized sector out of poverty in her acceptance speech as SineMaya 2024’s Best Film. The SineMaya 2024 Community Short Film Festival held its awarding ceremony on December 15, 2024, at SM City Sto. Tomas in Batangas. The event celebrated the creative talents of budding Southeast Asian filmmakers, showcasing the power of storytelling to drive social change. This year’s festival featured 16Read More »Southeast Asian Social Development Films Shine at SineMaya Awards 2024

Posted on January 2, 2025 Written by Edrian Banania   Honoring the excellent performance of outstanding entrepreneurs – CARD MRI’s Executive and Management Committee, Senior Advisers, and other Board Members celebrated the success and positive contribution of all the PsMLNI 2024 awardees during the CARD MRI’s Year End Planning in Maharlika Square, San Pablo City, Laguna on December 12, 2024. CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institution (CARD MRI) recognized the achievements of outstanding entrepreneurs during the “Pagkilala sa Mga Likha ni Inay Awards 2024” held in San Pablo City, Laguna on December 11, 2024.Read More »CARD MRI honors outstanding entrepreneurs at PsMLNI 2024

Posted on December 17, 2024 Written by: Loigie S. Onda   The Taloretes turned their small loan into a thriving business. From a small operation to a grown business – allowing them to employ several workers and contribute to their families’ financial stability and educational opportunities. The story of Ronelito and Jovelyn Talorete from Negros Oriental is of perseverance and hard work. From humble beginnings as friends introduced through a mutual connection, the couple has transformed their lives, building a thriving sand and gravel business together. The Taloretes worked tirelesslyRead More »Friends to Lovers: A formula for a harmonious business partnership

Posted on: December 17, 2024 Written by: Edrian B. Banania Highlighting the 16 inspiring Sinemaya Film Fest finalists: Over 1,500 attendees from General Santos City (Top), Manila (bottom, right), and Cebu City (bottom, left) actively participated and watched the 2024 SineMaya Film Fest final entries during its simultaneous screenings on November 23, 2024.   Sinemaya, the first Philippine microfinance industry community film festival initiated by CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) through its multimedia production company, BENTE Productions, has launched its 2024 edition with nationwide simultaneous screenings on November 23,Read More »Sinemaya 2024: Showcasing the Power of Film in Social Development

Posted on: December 17, 2024 Written by: Edrian B. Banania Maria Teresa Layron, an entrepreneur and proud CARD client from Malolos, Bulacan proved that no matter how hard life’s challenges may be, success is attainable through dedication and optimism.   Maria Teresa Layron of Malolos, Bulacan, has built a successful beauty salon from the ground up, embodying the power of hardwork, resilience, and a positive mindset. Her journey inspires aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone chasing their dreams, no matter the obstacles life throws their way. A Humble Start Driven by passion,Read More »Driven by Dedication, Powered by Positivity

Posted on: December 17, 2024 Written by: Josephine M. Ramos   Based in Laguna, Buena Bariring and Rowena Jordas decided to restart their lives and focus on their weaving business, which specializes in crafting slippers and bags. Good health is often considered one of life’s greatest gifts, which made Buena Bariring’s diagnosis at 18 all the more devastating. The 42-year-old from Cabuyao, Laguna,  learned she had Hepatitis B while undergoing a medical exam for a job. The news shattered her hopes—not only did it prevent her from securing the job,Read More »A journey to health and hope

Josephine Ramos October 28, 2024 Teodora Calingacion found a sweet venture in her Ube Halaya business. Desserts are deeply ingrained in Filipino culture, and no matter where you travel in the Philippines, you will always find something sweet to try. In San Pablo City, Laguna, one local delicacy stands out: Ube Halaya – a Filipino dessert made from boiled and mashed purple yam. Among the skilled artisans making this popular treat is Teodora Calingacion, a 57-year-old entrepreneur with a story of resilience and determination. She is the fourth of sixRead More »Rooted in Sweetness

Posted on October 28, 2024 Written by: Edrian Banania During the PANAGHIUSA: CARD MRI Exposure Tour Program for media in San Pablo City, Laguna, 15 media practitioners from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao actively participated in the tour program and explored the history of San Pablo—the home court of CARD MRI, where most of its pioneering branches and communities are located. The CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) gathered media practitioners from various organizations for a three-day Lakbay-Aral in San Pablo City, Laguna, from October 23 to 25, 2024. The eventRead More »CARD MRI holds Media Lakbay Aral in Laguna