CARD MRI conducts media lakbay-aral

The CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) conducted a Lakbay Aral for its Luzon media partners in Tagkayawan, Quezon Province on September 20-22, 2018 to give them firsthand experience on the actual implementation of the microfinance programs and services of CARD MRI.

“For these media practitioners to have a deeper understanding and wider perspective about microfinance, CARD MRI has been holding series of lakbay aral for media in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao areas,” said Marilyn Manila, president of CARD MRI Publishing House.

The study tour started with a center meeting where the media practitioners were exposed on the implementation of microfinance program of CARD MRI on the field. They visited two organized centers located in the areas of Del Gallego, Camarines Sur. These two centers were established and managed by the clients of CARD Bank, Inc., one of the microfinance-oriented rural banks of CARD MRI.

Center meeting is one of the unique strategies of CARD to gather its clients weekly and discuss relevant matters that would help their respective families, businesses, and communities through Credit with Education (CwE). According to Manila, “CARD is not just lending and collecting money to its clients but it also teaches them tips about health, enterprise development, financial literacy, and disaster preparedness.”

“It’s my first time to attend this Lakbay Aral and I am very glad to be part of it. To what I have observed, I found how CARD respond and help to improve the livelihood of the marginalized groups,” said Mark Narciso, program host of DZAT.

After the field visit, participants went straight to Tagkawayan Municipal Covered Court to witness the implementation of the community development programs of the CARD MRI.

Through the Kaunlaran Caravan, participants were able to gather newsworthy articles especially on how community development programs contribute in the goal of microfinance to eradicate poverty in the country.

The Kaunlaran Caravan showcases Community Health Day (CHD) that includes Dental Care Seminar, medical, dental and optical services. Orientation on Family Planning and SSS, and financial literacy for kids were also highlighted.

During lunch time, a media briefing was also hosted by CARD MRI. Media participants were able to ask questions and clarifications to the managing director of CARD MRI, Flordeliza L. Sarmiento.

Participants also grabbed the chance to meet few of the successful clients of CARD Bank in Tagkawayan. They were inspired by the stories of Maria Hilda Sherry Teopy who started selling assorted goods and cosmetic products in a small stall. Now, she owns and runs a merchandising business and van rental.

The stories of Melinda Rivero and Melecha Mercado also motivated the media practitioners to always aspire for greatness. Both started renting a place to start their business but now, they’re both owners of various assets.

To complete the whole day activity, participants attended the “Kapihan Session with Ate MD”, a socials night conducted regularly by CARD MRI for its staff. The experience allowed the participants to mingle with the operations staff of CARD MRI.

“We really enjoyed the study tour and the time we spent here is worth it. We learned new things and of course, have eaten fresh seafood that Tagkawayan is best known for,” shared Webster Ace Paginag, publisher of Press ‘n Picks.

This is the 9th Lakbay Aral CARD MRI has organized since 2013. “We hope to invite more media groups in our future study tour so we can introduce to them microfinance and how it is significant to poverty eradication,” Manila concluded.