CARD MRI hosts Lakbay-Aral for media

CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) organized a one-day Lakbay-Aral for its media friends and partners nationwide on June 22, 2018 at Bunawan and San Francisco, Agusan del Sur to advance their understanding on the impact of microfinance in poverty eradication.

The study tour started by letting the participants have firsthand experience on the actual implementation of CARD MRI programs through an organized weekly center meeting. Aside from paying loan dues, clients at the meeting, mostly women, discuss various agenda that would advance their community.

Moreover, the study tour coincides with the Kaunlaran Caravan of CARD MRI in San Franscisco, Agusan del Sur where participants witnessed the implementation of CARD MRI’s community development programs such community health day, Kalinga kay Inay (Maternal Health Program), livelihood training, SSS orientation, and mobile photography workshop for CARD drivers.

“This is a great opportunity to witness some of the development efforts of CARD MRI. Because of this study tour, I will now be able to share to Palawenyos what CARD MRI is through my daily radio program.

I hope that there are still more socioeconomically challenged individuals who can benefit from this,” said Raymond Almodal, program director of RMN-Palawan.

The study tour in Agusan del Sur would not be complete without experiencing the rich and preserved culture of the Manobo Tribe. At the fellowship dinner, participants were welcomed by tribal chieftains. Cultural songs and dances were also showcased, which would take you back to their roots.

“This is an amazing experience. I was really interested to know more about them [Manobos]. I am impressed on how they really preserved their culture,” said Maria Theresa Gerasmio, Lifestyle section editor of Mindanao Goldstar Daily- CdeO.

“The food were very delicious and very unique. The people are very friendly and family-oriented,” she added.

Lakbay-Aral for Media is a regular activity of CARD MRI. “We have been doing this in recognition to the unwavering support of media organizations nationwide in spreading factual and inspiring stories about microfinance,” said Marilyn M. Manila, president of CARD MRI Publishing House.

Microfinance has become a buzzword especially among the development practitioners. “And we are thankful enough because through the various news and success stories being circulated by media organizations in all platforms, people are now recognizing the significant contribution of microfinance in the development of our country,” said Manila adding that microfinance is no longer tagged as merely lending but as social development initiative that eradicates poverty.

The event was attended by Aira Genesa Magdayao, news reporter of Palawan News; Raymond Almodal, program director of RMN-Palawan; Maria Theresa Gerasmio, lifestyle editor of Mindanao Goldstar Daily- Cagayan de Oro; Chris Panganiban, correspondent of Daily Inquirer and Editor of Mindanao Daily News; Max Tutor, Station Manager of DXSF-FM; Arjun Ramones and Vince Adrian Lalisan of Flash FM-San Franz; Ivy Claire Ruiz, station manager of Flash FM-San Franz; Gem Tepan, Rodgen Apor, and Rul Lyron Patayan from Radyo Natin-San Franz; Dan Lowaton, reporter of San Franz Radio; Jonathan Parido of Sky Radio; and Angeneth Bajarias and Edwin Saguyong of Choice Radio- Bayugan.