CARD MRI scholars graduate with honors

One hundred thirty one scholars of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) nationwide graduated this 2015 under its CARD Scholarship Program (CSP). According to field-based staff who constantly monitored these scholars, all the scholars performed well while some even graduated with honors.

Among the CARD MRI scholars who graduated with honors are Rodalyn S. Lagunday of University of Antique (Magna Cum Laude), Sharmaine Gay Dionela of Polytechnic State College of Antique (Cum Laude), Lee Saimel Antang of Aklan State University (Cum Laude) and Chynne M. Cedenio of Central Mindanao University (Cum Laude).

“CARD MRI always believe that education is one of the ways to move the rural poor women and their families out of poverty,” said Director Marilyn Manila of CARD MRI Community Development Group.

According to field interviews recently conducted by CARD MRI Research Unit, 30% of the children of CARD MRI members were not able to continue their high school education while more than 50% were not able to enter or continue their college education.

“In most cases, the eldest child after graduating from elementary or high school gives way to the other siblings and thus, quit school and work instead. Over the years, CARD MRI saw the need for education. With all these, complemented by CARD MRI’s commitment to serve the communities, we launched the CARD Scholarship Program (CSP) in 2000,” added Manila.

CSP is CARD MRI’s way of ensuring that the communities will have easier access to education. The program gives financial support to deserving students in the secondary and tertiary level.

“With the help of CARD, my parents were able to turn my dreams into reality,” shared Lee Saimel Antang, a BS Education graduate of ASU.

Antang is looking forward to pass the licensure examination for teachers this September 2015 and to be able to apply for work to support his family. Currently, Antang is teaching remedial classes in one of the schools in Aklan and is reviewing sessions for the boards every weekend.

Aside from the regular scholarship program, Manila also said that CARD MRI also implemented special scholarships intended for the poorest of the poor, the CSP 2.

CARD MRI also has an ongoing partnership with Brokenshire College of Davao City for the BSBA Major in Microfinance course and Forbes College, Inc. (formerly Global Trainers Inc.) in Legazpi City for the BS Microfinance course. These schools cater to the children of CARD members, and a special scholarship for the relatives of CARD staff who passed away while performing their duty with CARD.

Brokenshire College also cater to the different Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Mindanao. Furthermore, the IP scholarship referred to as CSP-IP is also available for both children of members and members of CARD in different areas in the country.

Recently, the CARD-MRI Development Institute (CMDI), the training institution of CARD MRI, was approved by CHED to offer Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship program this academic year. This will be the first college established in Bay, Laguna.

“This is another milestone for CARD MRI. We look forward to reach more students especially those who are in the disadvantaged communities and who has a great will in finishing a formal education. We will be sending more scholars in the institute and eventually produce excellent graduates who will be future nation builders,” shared CARD MRI Founder and Managing Director Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip.

As of March 2015, CSP has supported 5,109 scholars, of which 2,129 scholars has already graduated. It is currently supporting 1,823 scholars. “This time, CARD MRI has secured that the scholarship slots will be distributed to all qualified areas nationwide,” Manila concluded.