Choose who to trust

For more than 31 years now, the 21-member institutions of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) continue to uphold its commitment to provide microfinance and community-based social development services to socioeconomically challenged women and their families.

CARD MRI, for the Geronimo family, is a well trusted organization. “It is an organization that is always there in times of uncertainties. CARD MRI’s commitment and promise to be responsive all the time is true,” said Delmar Geronimo, 42, a resident of Sitio 6 Brgy. San Gabriel, San Pablo City, Laguna.

Delmar is the eldest among the four children of the late Marieta Geronimo who was active member of CARD, Inc., the microfinance NGO institution of CARD MRI that offers financial and non-financial services.

Delmar lost his mother due to an accident. “My mother was sleeping inside her mini-store. In just a snap of time, the store was bumped by a car, which caused her death,” Delmar recalled.

It was a sudden death and the Geronimo family was not ready emotionally and financially. “As an eldest child, I have to make sure that everything should be in order. I know it’s hard and painful, but I have to be courageous to face the situation,” said Delmar.

As a client of CARD, Inc., his mother was entitled of a personal accident insurance through the microinsurance arm of CARD MRI, the CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA). All the microfinance clients of CARD MRI are entitled with life insurance. They only have to pay PhP20.00 weekly premium and could receive a maximum benefit of PhP100,000.00.

“I am thankful because after two days, CARD MRI through CARD MBA came into our house and handed the claims of my mother,” said Delmar adding that the assistance was a big help in sustaining the everyday needs of his mother’s wake.

Delmar is thankful to CARD MRI’s commitment to its clients and for always being responsive. “My mother kept on reminding me on the importance of saving and insuring your life. That is why I and my wife decided to join CARD Bank,” he said.

At first, Delmar had this connotation in mind that CARD Bank as a microfinance company, is a lending company that only offers loans. Beyond microfinance, however, Delmar realized that CARD MRI is an institution that provides answers to your financial and non-financial needs at a cheap cost.

“With all the pains we have experienced, I am happy that my mother met CARD. Her death will always remind us how unpredictable life is and we have to be prepared all the time. As my mother would always say, you just have to make sure that you are on the right path…and that is with CARD MRI,” Delmar conclude.